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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  Overall a great vehicle! - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By bill4516 - October 29 - 2:40 pm

  Bought a used 2005 LR3 V8 with 75,000 miles. Now just about to turn 100,000. Overall I love this vehicle and (knock wood) have not had any mechanical issues. Besides its amazing appearance, it was cheaper than a used Tahoe 4X4. It rides very smoothly and has just the right amount of power. The a/c ( I live in Phoenix) works great. Im hoping that it stays reliable. It hasnt however been problem free. The glove box door broke, the little door that covers the cigarette light wont stay up ( I dont smoke), the handle for the back storage area floor board came off and my side molding has come off twice. Once while four wheeling and once in a car wash (poor design). Still love the car!

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  Land Rover for me - 2008 Land Rover LR3
  By upstate ny lr3 - September 10 - 12:43 pm

  Have 2008 Lr3 HSE, only problems are a seatbelt in the back seat and the refrig, replaced and working fine. Live where the snow flies 5-6 months of the year, Lr3 is a beast in the snow. Love to embarrass my two buds with hummers, not even in the same class. This SUV is not to drive to the mall or g-store. Love to drive this car, went on trip to florida with two kids.....great. The gas mileage was expected averaged 21mpg on highway. The car makes me walk funny, built like a tank.

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  LR3 Not Reliable and in the Shop - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Rob - August 8 - 8:10 am

  I must say the truck is fun to drive. Im not sure how it won SUV of the year. As much fun as it is, its in the shop. You may want your own personal mechanic when you buy this truck. Good luck and maybe the 2006 model will be better, oh yeah, lose the Jaguar engine. Lots of power, no where to go but the shop.

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  LR3...Yipee! - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Funk Master - July 5 - 5:16 pm

  Bought my LR3 in Oct. of 2004 and have been happy with the ride comfort (because of air suspension). Also happy with the Programmable entry feature on key fob. I am not so happy with the frequent trips to the pump. In KC Missouri gas is $2.98/gal. CRAZY for a car like this that gets 14 mpg. (my average)

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  The good, the bad, and not so ugly. - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By kwon303 - June 16 - 10:23 pm

  I bought this 05 model in 07 with about 19000 miles. It now has about 65,000 and I have to say overall I have been very fortunate. Ive heard lots of things about reliability and to be honest and here my experience, tranny is starting to jerk a little when I slow down and speed up so Im a little concerned but I bought the 6 year 75,000 mile warranty so well see whats up. I had to get the rear tailgate fixed...NOT CHEAP..latch broke and would not open. Also sunroof leaks out of overhead dome light... not covered under warranty. BUT this thing rides like its on a cloud, and handles anything off road and looks are timeless. Overall I think I got one of the decent rovers and keeping it.

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  Heartbreaker - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By kcslc - April 26 - 8:03 am

  I just ended an almost 18 month relationship with my LR3. At the end, I still loved the style and comfort of the vehicle. However, its dreadful reliability finally won out. In the time I owned it I fixed a suspension air compressor ($1,200), broken glovebox door ($250), broken keyless entry ($250), and rocker panel trim that fell off bi-annually. When I traded it in it had faulty HDC control, broken pass door lock, and worst of all a bad bearing in the front axle. This was all between 47,000-62,000 miles. On the plus side: good power, decent mileage for a V8 SUV (17+/-), real off-road ability, uniqueness, just right sized for my family. Id own one again, but ONLY under warranty!

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  Still holding on to my LR3 - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By gr8song - April 7 - 12:21 pm

  In 2007, bought my 2005 LR3 used at about 45,000 miles and also bought very expensive extended warranty from Fidelity due to its bad reputation of reliability. Ending up never needed the extended warranty. Never have had any major problems except a few minors like the rear window wiper and brake cable corrosion. The "Check Engine" light occasionally came on and was told by my dealership that I needed new battery more than a year ago. My local Interstate Battery store checked the battery out just fine, and I am still running with it. I did changed 4 brakes with brake rotors twice for the 4 years and 50,000 miles that I have owned it so far for almost $3,000 each time. Thats expensive!!!

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  My LR3 makes me happy! - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Katie - April 3 - 6:33 pm

  I test drove other SUVs and none come close to the elegant feel of the LR3. It is hip, cool and exudes confidence. I also like the fact that no one else in my neighborhood has one, but that will probably change since I keep getting so many compliments. The turning radius is so cool and I love the look of the front end and overall styling. Land Rover does a beautiful job of designing something truly unique among all the cookie cutter SUVs out there. I feel good when Im driving my LR3 and feel safe too. Great combination! I love this truck!!

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  Terrible Fuel Economy - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Ejags - September 11 - 5:30 pm

  I owned a 2002 Bmw 530i prior to this vehicle. Great performance and 25 mpg on highway. Wanted to go back to sport utility for a change. I learned a painful lesson at the fuel pump with this vehicle. The LR3 rides great and is dependable. Just dont get one unless you absolutely neeed a SUV. The fuel mileage is so bad you will fill up $50 to $60 every 3 to 4 days. Otherwise great vehicle.

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  I do not recomend this car - 2007 Land Rover LR3
  By kimabob - August 8 - 11:46 am

  My last 3 cars have been Land Rovers. I like them because they are so big and roomy. I dont get claustrophobic in them. So as usual I got a land rover when it was time for a new car. I dont recomend this car one of the worst things with high gas prices is the 15 mpg and premium gas. The first few weeks the engine was smooth and fast but now it is pretty loud and a little bumpy. All the features are a little hard to remember how to use. Folding the second row seats flat is a little bit of a struggle and there is not as much leg room as expected in the back seat. The third row is pretty comfortable but with the third row up there is only a couple inches to put bags. And only 1 of the three sunroofs open