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 HSE rating - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Jane Schlossberg - July 22 - 4:36 pm

  This car lives up to the Motor Trend SUV of the Year review. It handles beautifully, and is fun to drive. It maneuvers well on all types of surfaces, from gravel to snow to icy conditions. It drives very much like the Range Rover, but for $23,000+ less. I gave up my fully loaded Mercedes ML430 for this, and have no regrets at all. Reliability is not yet known, as it is too new.

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  It is a great city and country car - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By L Lettice Carroll - June 13 - 6:36 am

  I 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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  An honest real review - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By joea01 - May 27 - 6:37 pm

  Here 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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  New Gas Hog - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Eric - May 11 - 11:33 am

  I 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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  Transmission Fault - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Eric - February 13 - 8:06 am

  With less than 500 miles on my LR3 a hose to the transmission cooler came loose and left the car stranded on the side of the road.

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  Grate SUV - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Emad - February 11 - 2:13 pm

  This SUV is the best I ever had, its fun to drive, comfartable and looks nice.

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  Second LR3-Loved the First Also - 2008 Land Rover LR3
  By Finman - February 9 - 5:00 pm

  Traded 2005 LR3 as it was running out of warranty. 2008: prem lthr much nicer although I didnt mind getting the other lthr messy. Piano-black wood...so nice but hard to really see it...so black. Ride is smoother, rock solid, no clunks, flatter in curves, less body roll (likely all due to newer). Much less wind noise, virtually eliminated!!! 550W H-K sounds much better but likely due to less wind and road noise. 1st gear lurch is gone, likely transmission programming improvement. Plenty of power...doesnt need any more...its no race car. Love this truck. Suggest leasing...resale value stinks...surprise

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  STYLE, FUNCTION AND FUNK.... - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By yogidoc - January 1 - 12:10 am

  Traded in 03 Aviator which was functional but boring yet very comfortable like driving on air with big wide full seats Owned 2 previous discos which i always loved despite freq repairs; was totally psyched about LR3, funky, beastly, cutting edge technology picked up SE blk/blk yesterday which looks great..dealership was great!

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  Great Vehicle when it works - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By AT - October 12 - 2:10 pm

  We love the car when it works, great to drive, excellent interior room and function. However, weve had 4 major problems in the last 9 months along with a few minor ones.

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  Missed some details....but a great truck - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Bammer - September 16 - 12:36 pm

  Ive had my LR3 for four months, having traded in a Range Rover. Overall Im happy with the car, but there are some ponderous details they overlooked, like you have to hold the wipers away from the window while washing. You need three hands to wash the windows. The lack of front tilt on the seats is ridiculous as has been mentioned before. Ive added mud flaps because the wheel wells dont catch anything the tires run through. The black door panels "chalk" in less than a week, turning a whitish hue which no amount of cleaning seems to stop. The radio accessory plug in the rear of the center console???? I carry my iPod in front not in back, so I had to snake a cable to the front.