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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LR3 does not work-stay away-it is unsafe - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By hassler1 - February 8 - 10:03 pmIf you purchase a $54,000 car, you would think it would run. In 10 months, it has stalled at least a dozen times, died and been towed to the dealer twice, locked out of the car with keys in hand in a snow storm, because electronic keys are faulty (twice) try to find the place to insert key - it is covered with plastic and you must rip off molding. I have owned numerous cars and have had more problems with the 2005 LR3 then all combined. When we bought it, we loved it for 1 month, then reality struck and the car is unsafe to drive by anyone and after all these headaches the dealer offered me $25,000 as a trade in on My $50,000, 10 month old LR3 Stay Away at all cost!
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Very Disappointing - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By tv200 - November 17 - 6:13 pmEleven years of Land Rover ownership and looking to jump ship. Very poor reliability and questionable design. Multiple electrical problems, warning lights and messages galore. Lurches from slow start, brakes squeak, radio sometimes decides to take a break from working, tires wear early and unevenly. Alarm goes off randomly, doors lock and unlock selves as radio goes off and on (keys not even in car.) Sunroof leaks. Poor winter traction, especially when braking. Windshield heating element distorts vision at night. Brights activated accidentally with turn signal use, rear wiper, when working, activated accidentally when using windshield wipers.
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wouldnt buy one - 2006 Land Rover LR3
By powershopper - February 6 - 8:00 amThe test drive was impressive so much so that you could visualize yourself driving on the off-roads on the weekends but discover there is no compass! The windshield sensors dont work right and so you have to manually operate them which can be hazardous on long drives. (There is no intermittent control) Ive had the car for three months and it has been in the shop for at least 3 weeks. Lots of trouble with the compressor and rattles we cant get rid of. There are a lot of blind spots. Should be more luxurious for the price. Hard to find climate control buttons. Doesnt have a lot of pick up for a V 8. Car has a nice exterior appearance. Im a little worried about taking it on a long trip.
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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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I got a lemon...and they dont care! - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By landroversorrow - April 21 - 8:56 amMy new rover has been back @ the dealership 3xs in 4 months and STILL runs like a 15 year old clunker. sounds like a lawnmower. AND...the mirror casing and 3rd row seat latches have popped off and when searching for a coin I dropped the hardware under my seat was so sharp it cut a 3" slit across my wrist.
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Completely disappointed, cheaply made - 2007 Land Rover LR3
By e - February 27 - 5:00 amWe sold our 2 year old GMC Denali to get the LR3, and have regretted it every since the first week. We have had nothing but problems, one thing after another and live 3 hours from the dealership. The Land Rover is built like a car 1/4 of the cost. To pay 50+K for our land rover, you should expect more things standard like a navigation system or at least something that tells you which direction you are headed. It seems the LR3 is poorly made and we will not be upgrading to the Range Rover sport as initially intended. I would NEVER recommend one. I am a mother of three and drive very conservative, still after less than 20K miles we are having to replace the brakes and tires. WHY? Cheaply made.
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Eats tires - Beware - 2006 Land Rover LR3
By faganravens - October 6 - 1:40 amI leased this vehicle in April 06 and will turn it in early. It is a capable and comfortable SUV, but it eats rear tires. LR does not tell you about the TSB on its tires until after you chew through your first set at about 15K. I am on the second set of $1000 tires and they are going bald in the back at 34K. The vehicle is too expense to replace tires every year. Not isolated, see class action lawsuit against LR.
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Leaking Sunroof - 2006 Land Rover LR3
By Jake - February 25 - 6:13 amI have always loved the LR3 and have owned a Range Rover several years ago. I decided to trade my Mercedes for this 2006 LR3SE V8. I only wish I had my Mercedes back. This vehicle has been nothing but a headache. It has been in the shop multiple times for a leaking sunroof and STILL the problem persists. The last time they replace the entire sunroof but it still leaks inside the dome light, right and left posts beside the windshield. Water comes out of the "airbag" plug on the sides! It has been a nightmare and Land Rover will do nothing to make this right. I intend to pursue Lemon Law and hopefully get rid of this poor quality vehicle. I will never buy another.
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Considering a Land Rover? - 2006 Land Rover LR3
By beavers52 - July 23 - 5:40 amI would encourage anyone considering the purchase of a new Land Rover to do your research - review customer comments, check JD Powers ratings, etc. I wish I had done so. Unfortunately, I purchased a new LR3. Nothing but problems with the vehicle - cheap interior parts - electrical problems - frequent mechanical issues. I would encourage anyone considering a purchase of a LR to think twice before doing so - there has got to me more to a car than "good looks".
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New LR3s - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By r - March 10 - 1:03 amLand Rover (Ford ) has made a big mistake making this car in place of the beloved Discovery. It looks cheap and feels cheap especially the interior. A nice try for a new look, but the interior basically looks like a rental car. We have had 2 Discoveries however those will be our last 2 Land Rovers. Also, our last Discovery began having numerous problems a few miles outside of the 50,000mi warranty....
