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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  Saved My life - 2008 Land Rover LR3
  By Peterkin - February 25 - 6:56 pm

  I was driving my brand new Land Rover Discovery last week when the car next to was hit by another car and hit me. I was pushed off the road and hit a group of large trees at about 40 MPH. I did not even have time to hit the brakes. The car did everything right- all airbags deployed engine shut off etc. I walked away -the car totalled. You know all the other features are great but safety is number one. I am picking up my new Discovery soon!

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  Just bought - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By K and G - February 21 - 12:33 pm

  Picked it up Wednesday. QC issues apparent still. Moonroof wouldnt open (solenoid, relay, switch, fuse?) Ding over gas tank. Orange Peel. For $50K should be better esp. upon initial delivery. I realize its a LR which will be taken into the wilds but dings are acceptable new only on a Defender. Drives comfortably but not sure if im confident enough to take it up to Bimmer speeds on A3 autobahn. Still too new to review accurately. Cross shopped with X5, XC90. Nav system is intuitive but ive found systems such as the Portable Hertz "neverlost", easier. Location of CD Nav player is ridiculous. Not too concerned over the Logic 7; which carmaker really knows audio? Best in Class room.

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  Almost perfect... - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By D-man - December 29 - 8:03 am

  Had the Disco Ser II before this, wow what an improvement! They really got it right. The tight turning radius alone is worth the price, especially in tiny Los Angeles parking lots. Everything that was wrong with the Discovery was made right with the LR3. Fast, comfortable, fewer blind spots, fold- flat seats, impressive handling, spacious cup holders, really great stuff. The one-touch ride-height adjustment is great for those lower- clearance parking garages, and the stereo can deliver the goods when youre ready to rock out. Too many nice touches to mention in this review. We leased the car and will probably buy it when the lease is up. Just an outstanding SUV if you can afford the gas...

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  Best yet! - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By DJ - November 13 - 11:10 pm

  This is my 3rd Rover: IIA, Discovery and LR3. The LR3 Outperforms all the rest. My MPG is 13 city and 21 highway(I drive low key.) When I pull a 5500 lb. trailer, I get around 12 mpg - not bad! Bad news - Dealer "forgot" to replace the fuel tank, caused a transport to have it replaced. Cost a week, and cost Land Rover over $2500 in tow bills. Minor sensor problems with coolant tank.

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  2005 LR3 - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Michael - November 6 - 3:00 pm

  Solid and strong new engine with 300hp. Smooth power transition. Well appointed inside, with significant increase in rear seat room from predecessor.

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  42,000 Miles Later - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Steve Schneider - October 31 - 10:53 am

  I bought two LR3 HSEs in 12/06. I cant remember owning a car that Ive enjoyed as much. Never spent a nickel on service. Theres been 2 or 3 items to deal with during the 42K miles, but the dealers have taken excellent care the entire time. I have clients that all drive high end cars and just cant stop raving about the LR3s. 5 stars!

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  Things to Look For in a Used LR3 - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By OoltewahLR3 - August 24 - 5:46 pm

  I bought this LR3 in 2008 when gas prices skyrocketed, and everyone was dumping their SUVs for better fuel economy. I bought a 2005 LR3 V8 with 30k miles for $20k with a full bumper to bumper warranty. Once I took it off- road with the dealership mechanics, I fell in love with it. I dont care that the sunroof leaks - at least not that much. If you buy one, make sure to buy it during a rain storm and drive it aggressively. Thats when youll notice a leak problem if there is one. Also - look for signs of leakage below the VIN number plate. There is a piece of paper below it (likely from the factory). If it is discolored, it is probably from one of those crummy sunroof drains.

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  LR3 the Best of All Worlds... - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By JKC - August 17 - 11:53 pm

  Overall I am very satisfied with my new LR3. It is rides smooth (like a Lexus), quiet (again like a Lexus), and handling is firm (like a BMW) both on and off-road - something most SUVs can claim. There were very minor problems when I picked mine up, but service corrected quickly. However, they shouldve done it beforehand. Not something you want to deal with when getting a new car. MPG is horrible, but already knew that beforehand. LRs has always been a favorite of mine, but always fell short of me getting one until now. The main reason is reliability. Hopefully, they corrected that or at least working on it. Ill see...

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  Enjoyable - 2007 Land Rover LR3
  By Prawdz - May 8 - 3:23 am

  We really enjoy our Land Rover. We are first time owners and feel the realibility and service is teriffic. Because of the large engine and performance, the gas mileage is disappointing. As well all the offroad gadgets can get in the way. Really, do any of us actually use half of what the Land Rover offers in off- road performance.

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  Not Dependable - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Monster - May 6 - 4:13 am

  The Land Rover LR3 is a beautiful car. But is not very reliable. In two years we had our car towed three times due to failures with the transmission. But the car is a blast to drive. I have spoken to others and it has run fine--but I think we got a bad seed.