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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  2005 LR3 SE - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Craig Snyder - March 20 - 9:26 am

  Just purchased new LR3 this weekend. I think it is an incredible vehicle, very heavy and sure footed. Got a good deal from the dealer, theyre starting to move off of the sticker a little now. Traded from a leased 2004 S60 which they bought out for me too!

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  Great Ride Great Value - 2007 Land Rover LR3
  By Canuck - December 14 - 10:20 am

  Despite some initial hesitation, I am glad I went for the LR3 HSE. Overall it is a great vehicle in any driving situations. The comfort and ride is superb even during long trips with kids and luggage. The flexibility of seating arrangements is second to none. The sense of security and off- road capability of the LR 3 place it in a class of its own. My wife and I went to the Land Rover off-road driving school in Montebello Quebec and loved it. LR3 is virtually unstoppable. It is not a SAV, Crossover/sedan on steriods it is a true SUV. If you are looking for sedan like performance..buy a sedan. V8 offers plenty of power under all normal driving conditions including passing and goign up hill.

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  4th Discovery in the family, big change - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By MB - October 20 - 1:23 pm

  This is our 4th Disco since 95, and this is a big upgrade, they have finally introduced the upgrades required to make this a better car to drive. Being a BMW fanatic, you can see the influence, unfortunately the ownership didnt last too long. Lets hope Ford doesnt "screw it up".... Love this vehicle, not as much as my Defender 90, but thats ok.....

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  Awesome Potential.... - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Roverdawg - October 17 - 5:53 pm

  Great vehicle......when its working. I love this car but Ive had repetitive problems with the air suspension and some other issues. Unfortunately, despite mult. visits the suspension faults remain. Poor reliability on my particular vehicle (related to early build?. Also had the fuel tank recalled/replaced, susp. compressor replaced, front speakers replaced (rattling), hood release cable replaced (failed), rear distance parking module replaced (failed). And yet, I still would recommend this vehicle IF you buy a 2006/2007 and get the extended warranty. Glad I bought the extended warranty!

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  2005 Land Rover LR3 SE V8 - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By MotorStreet - September 20 - 3:50 am

  The LR3 is hugely impressive. It tows our 4000 lbs boat with ease. The LR3 has a huge cargo area and seats that fold flat quickly and easily. You can fit a six foot tall adult easily and comfortably in every seat. Its easy to see out of and park the LR3 because of its relatively small proportions and huge windows. Another impressive part of the LR3 is its extensive warranty and the dealers service programs. The air suspension is a nice feature, because it means that the car can be low for access or higher for snow, towing, or off roading. This SUV feels solid, but suprisingly nimble on the road and in snow or ice sticks to the road like no other vehicle.

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  standing out - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By dragos - August 15 - 10:03 am

  nice suv overall... not your common look... could use some extra hp and some more mpg... a diesel version for usa would be desired for repeat customers... premium fuel is $3/gal... but... at 57K should not be a concern?!!!

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  Get in the mud! - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Ryan Knapp - July 21 - 11:43 am

  The truck is more than fun to drive and the comfort is exceptional. I was aware of the reliability issues and got a 100k bumper to bumper warrenty with the sale up front. Dealership has been great about the minor issues we have had, but then again it has been used as it was intended. I have been in mud holes, trails, cow pastures, and rocks with it and it has never stopped! Handles as well as some other sports cars I have been in and everyone loves it.

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  It is a LR afterall... - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Rover - April 11 - 6:13 pm

  The car is absolutely awesome. It is like having McGyver with you at all times. If you want perefection, I would look elsewhere (generic, blend with all, and is that my car?). Think of it as a thoroughbred, the care and feeding are most crucial.

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  Better than the Discovery by a mile - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By aesko - April 1 - 4:46 pm

  Purchased as a demo model, so it had a few miles on the odometer. We have previously owned a 95 Discovery, and a 02 Freelander. Land Rover seems to have done its homework this time. The overall fit and finish is far superior to LRs previous offerings,and the 300 hp on tap is just about right. For a SUV this size it handles great. However Im not so sure about the durability of the electronics. Overall we are quite happy with the purchase of this vehicle, however LR could have done a few things better, the third row should have come as a no cost option, and the lack of a SIRIUS radio system is well just dumb. I mean GM offers XM on even its base cars. I hope it holds up better then its previous offering

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  Love this vehicle - 2007 Land Rover LR3
  By Brian - March 7 - 5:26 am

  I truly agree that this is not the best vehicle on the market for getting kids to and from school and day in day out errands, but when you baalnce that out with weeknd trips to the beach, hiking, mountain biking, and towing a boat there is no better vehicle. I got rid of my first LR3 and bought a smaller fule effecient SUV and after 2 months went back to and LR3. I cant see myself in any other vehicle. During fishing and camping trips I have found myself in a few off road/water situations and have never had an issue even when the passengers doubted it could get to the place we wanted to go. It polishes up well for days in the office, but also loves to get dirty and looks good doing it.