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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1st World Problems - 2006 Land Rover LR3
By Heath Sellers - November 28 - 11:15 pmWe have this LR3 and an E350 (W212) Benz and fight over who gets to drive the Rover (hint - my wife always wins this one). It is as smooth as silk, has power to spare, lots of room with a useable 3rd row that still leaves cargo space when it is up and a lot of cargo space when the rear seats are down. Maintenance has been minimum with the exception of a replacement transfer case. It gets awful gas mileage and it eats tires but I would expect nothing less from a 6000 pound car. We always feel safe in this and have a firefighter neighbor who said he bought solely for the safety factor. Plus, it looks amazing (it is a love it or hate it style) but there is no way that it can be confused with anything else on the road.
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Excellent SUV - 2006 Land Rover LR3
By Jamie - December 28 - 1:10 amI just purchased the LR3 HSE and it is the best SUV I have ever had. We just had a blizzard in the Northeast and this car did not even flinch. It feels extremely safe and it so much fun to drive. It has so many great features that other SUVs dont have. I would recommend it to anyone.
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LR3 - good, but.... - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By mpn1 - November 17 - 7:00 amHad several stops to dealership after 2 stalls, rear sensor fail, and 2 engine faults ( one caused by gas cap!) I like the ride, and am trying to really feel comfortable about the purchase, but the reliability issues keep me from getting too attached...
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No Worries! - 2007 Land Rover LR3
By Vance - August 25 - 10:26 pmWe needed a family utilitarian replacement SUV after all the negative safety issues with our Pathfinder. We stumbled across an 07 HSSE with less than 17K on it while looking at an 09. This was our first experience with Land Rover. We tried the Pilot and the Highlander, but then they are everywhere and very dull. This was love at first drive! Quite different than some of the negative comments read before hand. It was smooth on the road and very comfortable, while having tons of room in 3 rows. Better yet its not a "manly man" truck like a Tahoe or similar. And the plastics are fine. Much better than what we were expecting. Yes, gadgets are plenty, but read the manual. It works!
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I love my LR3 - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By texas retired - August 25 - 6:26 pmI bought my LR3 new and absolutely love it. I have had almost no issues with my SUV. There were a few warranty items in the beginning but smooth sailing now. It is about to go out of warranty and I am investigating extended warranty just in case. This is my second Land Rover, the last was a 2000 Disc II and I had no issues with it either. I keep hearing about reliability issues with these cars but I have not ever had an issue with the 2 I have owned.
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Love the LR3 - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By LR3 Lover - August 11 - 1:26 pmJust to be honest, I am happy with my Fully Loaded LR3 HSE w/ brush bar. Here are some experiences I had with my LR3 right from the start to less than 3,500 miles that I would like to share with you (Listed below): 1) The drivers side door mirror wouldnt tilt up or down. 2) In Reverse, both side door mirrors will tilt but will not tilt back to normal positions as like before. 3) Loud noises from upper tailgate when going over any size bumps, and when making turns. 4) Sometimes, itll take over a minute for the radio to come on, or after I turned off the radio then on again. 5) Suspension Fault. Ive never driven the LR3 off-road, or even off- curve (peoples most off-road exp)
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Best Ride Ever - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By BinacoInc - May 4 - 8:16 amI love this car. The only thing we do not like is that it has no protection from dents, no side molding. This is the best riding vechicle I have ever driven and I have owened some very nice cars.
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Very Nice - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By chazfresh - April 11 - 6:56 amThe truck is great so far. Many more amenities than the competitor. The statement that it only comes with a V- 8, is incorrect. We just bought the 6 cylinder SE model. Very comfortable. Quiet, and a smooth ride. I found that the sales people are all but useless. Read the owners manual. This truck has way more than the dealers know about.
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Dealer support - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By Anaheim Rover - December 20 - 8:46 amI bought a LR3 HSE about two weeks ago. So far, my experience has not been too good. I purchased the car on a Monday night, and the dealer said they needed two days to prep the car. I picked it up on Wednesday, and within minutes of driving off, noticed the Navigation System didnt work. So much for thoroughly prepping the car. This couldnt have been missed. It has now been two weeks, the car has been in the shop twice, and I am still waiting for, hopefully, the right part. Well see. The dealer seems very interested in selling cars, but their customer care / support is terrible
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Great vehicle - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By mike - December 8 - 4:23 pmLove the looks, great ride, outstanding in the snow. Cant beat the 3rd row seats, almost bought the Lexus 470, glad I didnt. Must have better fuel mileage.
