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 for me............. - 2009 Land Rover LR3
  By 2 Timer Land Rover - August 19 - 4:16 am

  After evaluating many mid-sized suvs, I decided on the 09 LR3 HSE. White/Blk. I just like the solid feel of these suvs. I drove the new LR4, I kinda like the utilitarian interior of the LR3.....plus about $14,000 less. My wife has an 07 LRRR, 50,000 miles and not one problem. Because of our experience with the RR, I felt good about the LR3 purchase. Gas mileage on the larger RR is 16 city & 21 hwy, I assume the LR3 will be the same. I hunt/fish so I will use the off-road ability this suv. Dealer came off $10,000 off sticker. Full maint. on the 09 not on the LR4. Look forward to happy miles like we have had with the Range Rover.

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  Wonderful Truck - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Scott Griebel - August 16 - 5:06 pm

  Despite its love it or hate it looks, the truck is very solid and luxurious. It has a more comfortable ride than any car I have driven. Very quiet on the highway.

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  Purpose built - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By bgsntth - August 4 - 8:50 am

  Have 10K on our LR3, and in that time it has seen duty on/off-road, snow, soccer mom stuff, and as a surf vehicle. The third-row seat is amazing for its room and comfort. The rear cargo area is like an enclosed pick-up. The ride is smooth and rarely bottoms- out, though the handling is somewhat ponderous and could benefit from the Dynamic Response System in the RRS. Off- road it is, of course, amazing. I took 6 people on an off-road tour, which included a 30 degree slope ascent over loose dirt. We use the air suspension daily for loading, extra suspension travel over speed bumps, and warding off door dings in combination with the side-steps. It is ungainly in appearance, but ungodly practical.

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  Its a real Land Rover - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Fatbob - July 15 - 1:43 pm

  This vehicle remains true to the Land Rover tradition of being capable off road. In addition the new model has increased the on road drivablilty by a large margin over the old model.

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  LR3 Fan - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Anto - July 1 - 11:23 am

  cant ever remember feeling so emotional about a SUV before, and Ive had my fair share of machines.Both inside & outside, the LR3 reflects me in every way. I just dont see myself in any other vehicle. At 61"-220lbs, I feel extremely comfortable inside. Being married with 2 kids, having a 7 seater is wonderful. Also being a business man needing trunk space comes in handy. I dont necessarily need the attention the LR3 gets, but it does make me feel nice. It rates in my books as one of the best looking machines on the road.

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  I want to love it, but it wont let me.. - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Combee1 - May 28 - 9:50 pm

  I was so excited to get the new LR3 that I refused to wait for an HSE and bought a fully loaded V8 SE model, w/ navi, off-road, and 7 passenger seating. We have had problems with this vehicle from the start. Among them has been several suspension faults (requiring new air compressors), a bad seal in the exhaust system, leaking sunroof, recalled gas tank, bad sensor for cooling system, rattling speakers, broken lathces on seats and on glove compartment, and excessivlely quick and dangerously uneven tire wear. It often takes several trips to Matheny LR in Jacksonville, FL to fix each problem. Their behavior borders on rude at times, and they certainly do not stand behind their products.

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  Lousy Tires - Good Year - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Bill - May 20 - 3:40 pm

  The car is great , but it wears out tires like very fast. Be prepared to change out your tires at 12,000 miles because thats all they last per the dealer. The LR3 is too heavy and the tires are too hard. Be prepared to sheel out $1,000 for the four and thats only if you get a 50% rebate back form Goodyear. The tires started to wear out at 8,000 miles . i could not take the noise from highway driving it was cruel. The roared on a quick trip up the I 95 to savananah Georgia from WEst plam Fl. Upon return to dealer I got the bad news. Your tire are cupped, tire speak they are worn out and noisy. Be prepared to sheel out $1,000 and another $250 to balance and align, not covered by warranty.

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  Love it - 2007 Land Rover LR3
  By ZCS - April 29 - 1:06 pm

  Had a 04 Lincoln Navigator before. Time for something a little smaller. Owned a 1999 Discovery II for 4 years before the Lincoln. The Landrover is just built better. Better quality material. People complain about quality. Never had any problems with my Disco and nothing so far with the LR3. Funny thing my Acura RL was in the shop more than either of these two trucks. This truck is great. Outstanding looks and the dealers rock. Best Ive ever had. Better than my Mercedes, Acura, Lincoln, BMW.

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  Check Vehicle Carefully - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Off Roader - March 18 - 12:00 am

  On the plus side, the LR3 provides the off road features of the Range Rover for a lot less. Do not pay premium for HSE, SE with added options a much better bargain. Do a thorough check of the vehicle for manufacturer defects and quality. My car had a tear in the rear seat leather and numerous internal scratches consistent with dropped tools during manufacturing. Rear parking assist didnt work upon delivery. Remember, you are buying a British made vehicle, not German or Japanese, so dont expect the same quality of workmanship. Having said that, as a true off road type SUV it is the best on the market for the cost. I also like the third row seating - much better than comparable SUVs.

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  Love it so far... - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Amy Peterson - March 11 - 3:36 am

  This is such a new vehical, the jury is still out, but so far its terrific. It drives like a luxury car, but its so nice to sit higher in traffic. Its so high-tech that there are features I know I wont use. The third row seats are roomy and easy to fold. When folded, there is a ton of cargo space. When people are sitting in the 3rd row, there is little cargo space. My kids think the best feature is the 3 sunroofs. Great sound system too and very quiet ride too.