Overview & Reviews
For decades, Land Rover SUVs were known primarily for their utility and off-road prowess. During the 1980s, they became more luxurious, but their ability in the dirt has never been in question.
A prime example of this change was the Land Rover LR3, which replaced the aging Discovery. The old "Disco" was long on utility but a little shy on amenities. The LR3 offered a lot more style. Unfortunately, it still suffered from an underwhelming engine, quirky ergonomics and a poor reputation for reliability.
If all-terrain adventures are a frequent family activity and the thought of owning a pedigreed SUV appeals to you, it's hard to think of a better-suited vehicle for the task than a used Land Rover LR3. But if you'll be sticking primarily to pavement, other luxury SUVs like the Acura MDX or Lexus RX 350 will be better choices.
Most Recent Land Rover LR3 Models
The Land Rover LR3 was produced from 2005-'09. Originally, there were SE and HSE trim levels. The SE came standard with a 216-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 (we would avoid this), while the HSE got a 300-hp 4.4-liter V8. The V8 became standard on all LR3s for 2008. The HSE trim essentially became an option package in the final production year. Aside from the third-row seat becoming standard on the HSE for '06 and in the SE for '08, other changes were limited to additional standard features.
Though smaller than the Range Rover, Land Rover's midsize LR3 was still capable. V8 versions could tow up to 7,700 pounds and the LR3 was hard to beat off-road. All variants came standard with fully independent adjustable air suspension and a host of electronic off-road aids. Combined with a locking center differential, an optional electronic rear locker and the LR3's new Terrain Response system, this truck had the ability to climb boulders in a single bound.
At the same time, the LR3 also provided a useful interior as well. There was seating for seven adult passengers and both the second- and third-row seats folded flat to make cargo-hauling easier. The cabin design was a tad utilitarian and lacked the luxurious ambience of its competitors or its successor, the LR4. Another downside was the chaotic mess of little buttons spread upon the dash that could be confusing to use at a glance.
Other than being underpowered given its hefty curb weight, there were few complaints about the way the LR3 drove. It delivered the kind of tight, refined ride we expected from a luxury SUV and the steering provided excellent road feel and more feedback than many of its competitors. A tight turning circle and an effective power assist kept it nimble in parking lots.
In reviews, we were endlessly impressed with the Land Rover LR3's capabilities off-road and continuously surprised at how well it performed on road. However, besides the above concerns, there's also the matter of its thirst for fuel and poor record for reliability. As such, buying an out-of-warranty LR3 without being close friends with a Land Rover mechanic is not the wisest idea.
User Reviews:
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Do not buy this unreliable piece of junk - 2006 Land Rover LR3
By House - June 21 - 4:13 amIve had this vehicle for 1 1/2 years and Im counting down the days to turn it in. Thank god I only got a 2 year lease. I had to put all new tires at 16,000 miles. Every time it rains my wife gets soaked with water pouring in from the overhead lamps. Its been in the shop about 6 times in the last 18 months for various flaws. One day we were on a family trip in the winter and the LR3 simply shut down in the middle of the road.
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It is a great city and country car - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By L Lettice Carroll - June 13 - 6:36 amI purchased this car after driving a Toyota Highlander for 5 years this car was a bit of a change for me that took awhile to get used to. We drive from LA north for 200 miles and back again frequently. We have found that this car is a delight to drive both in the city and the country where we need the 4 wheel drive. It zips around the city and really does climb the slippery muddy roads on our property. I feel very safe in all sorts of driving situations.
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Outstanding Car - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By Bruce Brown - June 10 - 2:33 pmThe LR3 has the versatility I need in a family car with the smooth and solid ride of a luxury sedan. The Jaguar 4.4 liter engine is quiet and strong enough for this heavy car and the transmission is flawless. The interior is perfectly designed, with the distinctively high Land Rover seating position and elegant controls. Both the second and third row have more usable space than any other car or SUV in this class -- I can fit three car seats in the second row and two adults in the third. Zero service problems after 6K miles. You should not expect this heavy and solid car to get good mileage and, alas, it does not. But other than that understandable shortcoming, this is a terrific car.
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Range Rover Luxury for lower price - 2006 Land Rover LR3
By Dominican LR3 Owner - June 4 - 4:13 pmThis Baby has nothing to envy the Range Rover, comfortable, fun to drive, driving in Semi Automatic Tranny is amazing, i love this vehicle, Bad: Fuel consumption for a V6 is kind of high but, the person who buys a vehicle oof this caliber knows they must spend money on fuel, if you are looking for a "Fuel Efficient" vehicle buy a Toyota Rav4 and take it offroad, Quality people, British Quality, the best offroading vehicle out right now, BUY IT NOW!!!!
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An honest real review - 2006 Land Rover LR3
By joea01 - May 27 - 6:37 pmHere is a 3 month review -- First off I cant express how Important it is to HAVE THE CAR LOOKED AT BY A THIRD PARTY. If you buy one and its priced at or above the blue book value (which is fairly spot on) you give yourself no wiggle room if something goes wrong...and typically people dont keep great records and things WILL go wrong about every 4-5 yrs (amk pump). I knew this going in and this is typical car breakdown -- I spent $2700.00 the first week-> belts, out/in tire rod (100 each), control bushings (300) , alignment (80),amk suspension (800), bolts and clamps, air filter, computer reprogramming (6 comps), tpms sensors, ball joints, oil/lube/filter. Gas mileage 10 city/15 highway.
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WOW - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By papillonpup - May 24 - 9:06 pmWhat a difference from my old Disco. Waited for this one since the Auto Show and it was worth it. GREAT on-road drive but havent had the heart to take it up to the quarry yet. Went over the test track at the dealership like a bump in the road.
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Hot fun in the summertime - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By ADM HALSEY - May 21 - 4:46 amSo far, this vehicle is all it can be. The steering and brakes are excellent, ditto for overall handling & response at all speeds. The sweet spot for maximum MPG on the highway is around 66-67 mph - I have cruised to the tune of 22.7+ MPG. Just dont drive like a fool around town and you may inch to 16 MPG. Nothing major to take issue with, aside from petty annoyances that were more than answered on the web site - excellent training videos for all aspects of the car. I came to aquire this car through a series of fortunate events, had I paid the full $62,000 I might be singing a different tune. I have driven many vehicles since 1970, now I get it about LR. Nice car if you can afford.
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New Gas Hog - 2006 Land Rover LR3
By Eric - May 11 - 11:33 amI recently move from the world of Infiniti Sports Coupe to a Land Rover LR3. While they are two very differnt car they both provide a great driving experience. I have really enjoyed my LR3 for the 2 weeks that I have had it. I look forward to taking it into the Cascades and testing it out a bit more. I do think that where it is great for style and offroad it is lacking in luxury assets. My Infiniti ($10K) less was much nicer inside and had a lot of standard features that the LR3 does not have. Come on Land Rover, step it up in the standards. Finally, GAS, are you kidding 12-13 mpg if I am lucky.
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Looks great in the shop! - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By Ted - May 1 - 2:36 amTransmission failure, suspension failure, rear differential replaced, water in front head lamp, water leaking into cabin from sunroof, water collecting in floor boards, e-brake failure, right rear break shattered, leaking oil from oil filter connection, recalled gas tank, faulty coolant indicator. Thats 12 issues in a little over a year of ownership, and there are other smaller issues as well. If my LR3 qualified for the Lemon Law (under 15k in mileage) Id return it. Given previous issues with the Discovery I would not spend money on a Land Rover again. The quality is just not there. At this moment its being fixed again, then it will be traded in, not for another LR.
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Landrover LR3 HSE - 2006 Land Rover LR3
By Michael Duquette - April 1 - 5:00 amIve been driving full size FORD loaded vans and SUVS for 35 years, specifically SUVs since 1997. As nice and dependable the Fords were, My new fully loaded 2006 Landrover LR3 HSE is a dream come true. So far it is an amazing piece of technology. Unique things like the multi user entertainment system which allows up to7 different users to each listen to or watch their own thing. The refrigerated console is literally cool. The voice activated navigation, phone system and audio system all work like a charm, once you get through the high learning curve. It is an extremely solid, well handling vehicle, very well appointed. The 3rd row seats work perfect for adults.
