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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  very poor quality & reliability - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Frustrated LR3 Owner - September 30 - 8:40 am

  I really want to like my LR3. It just wont let me. Ive had the transmission replaced (after it shut down my ABS, stability control, dropped the suspension to where it looked like a low rider), the alternator & battery (after it shut down my vehicle while it was still driving), and had a water leak fixed early on. Now I have water coming in from just about everywhere possible.....great quality

• 

  Has not met expectations - 2007 Land Rover LR3
  By Charles from Canada - March 28 - 3:13 am

  Replace our Honda Pilot with this and not sure it was the best move. At times the LR3 is great and a cool car with great features and technology, but the reliability and service has been poor. Also the handling is not good and the fuel mileage is a disaster. We generally enjoy it with the family, but glad we leased because this vehicle unfortunately has caused too many problems. Our Cadillac SRX blows this vehicle away in every regard and every day the short stick gets to drive the LR3.

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  21 months of experience - LR3 for sale - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By LR3Dude - November 18 - 4:13 pm

  I knew I was taking a risk. My previous Disco II engine was replaced at 22K miles. I have 14K on the LR3 HSE and no problems the first 6 mo. Then everything broke loose. First was electrical – every warning light went off when the LR3 was wet or below freezing, numerous sensors replaced, suspension faults, automatic door locks would open and close setting off the alarm (removed horn fuse), wood dashboard replaced, fuel tank replaced (recall), replaced fuel tank return hose disconnected and gallons of gas poured out on my driveway when I attempted to start the LR3 (my wife and kid had to step in the gas to evacuate), ash tray broke and awaiting parts, etc.

• 

  Good but quirky - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By RJD - February 3 - 4:36 am

  As the other reviewers said, it is solid, heavy, and safe. I feel comfortable when wife is driving it with our daughter. But for the money, there are so many quirky things that go wrong, the tire pressure guage is faulty, had an issue with brakes, the issue with water coming in the car from the sunroof, etc. It is a solid car, but Costco is the only jungle Im headed to. Too many off road features and not enough attention directed to designing a slick, ergonomic cockpit. Way too many buttons, and the nav totally stinks. A paper map is more useful. My Acura TL has a nav that blows this away. Ill be turning my lease in in 2 months and not getting another.

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  I should have listened to my husband - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Kelly Weaver - September 17 - 6:46 am

  After owning about six reliable Toyotas, We purchased a 2006 LR3. While the car is fun and rugged, it has not proved to be a reliable, quality vehicle at all. Many of the problems have been minor (broken seat belt, gas cap fell apart, bright lights come on with blinker, etc.)but there are a couple of larger issues we are still trying to solve regarding suspension and the radio(which sounds incredible when it is working). The suspension fault indicator sometimes comes on daily for no reason. I had a problem with something else that was causing the check engine light to come on, which required two trips to the dealership to have a part changed out. Too many aggravations.

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  Do not buy this unreliable piece of junk - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By House - June 21 - 4:13 am

  Ive 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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  I bought a lemon - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By JABEL - November 17 - 3:56 pm

  Although I thouroughly enjoy my LR3 when its not in the shop, I almost to the point where Ill have to take a hit and sell it. Many times the onboard computer has affected the ability to drive, to raise and lower the vehicle, to operate the radio, and most importantly to shift. I should have known that the electronics would live up (or down) to their reputation.

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  headrests - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By shawn moore - October 20 - 7:30 pm

  This is my second Land Rover, they are just not the same anymore. The headrests are so poorly positioned that I am spending a fortune on neck pain!!! Land Rover North America is not doing anything for me!! Tires, had to be replaced at 13,000 miles. LR3 broke down for no reason and they still dont know why. It is not a safe or comfortable vehicle. Buy a toyota, at least they hold some value!

• 

  unreliable - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By rob - July 31 - 12:03 am

  I have owned my LR3 for 9 months and have been back to the dealership on numerous occassions. I have had to replace broken components on the gas tank door. I have had 3 recalls- they replaced the entire fule tank and internal components-they repalced the air compressors-they had to update software for a faulty ignition switch and I now have a water leak from the internal dome light. I can say I agree with ALL the auto reviews that the LR3 is one of the least reliable autos on the market. I had been a Nissan consumer for 10 years and I must say I cant remember a single problem with any of my past Nissian vehicles.

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  My LR3 maybe a Lemon - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Lemon - March 11 - 5:13 pm

  Love at first sight (2005 LR3 HSE Fully Loaded). Its fun driving the LR3, but I didnt have too many chances driving the LR3, because I end up driving the Freelander (the loaner car) more often. I paid $60,000.00+ to drive a freelander. The LR3 was in the shop alot. With about 8,000 miles on it. I ran into too many problems with the car. I dont even feel like driving the LR3 long distances because Im afraid it might break down on me again. Like the Air suspension, which broke twice already, maybe going 3. It rain today 4/28/05, and there was a leak from the glass roof at the 3rd row seats. Im just letting you know my problems so you wont have to go through what I went through.