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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  Love this vehicle - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By theroux - February 20 - 2:20 am

  I purchased this LR3 after I traded in my Volvo wagon. I love the LR3. Its unique and fun to drive. I previously owned a Discovery and this is even better. If youre worried about gas mileage you should probably be looking elsewhere, otherwise youll love it.

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  So far, Im in love with this truck! - 2007 Land Rover LR3
  By SF Owner - February 10 - 7:30 pm

  The design couldnt be better, and they realyl thought of all of the little details in this thing. I bought it with 45K miles on it, so Im hoping that anything that would have gone wrong by now has already done so. The company offers extended warranties as well. Great for road trips- very roomy.

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  lr3hse7 - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By doctorp - February 8 - 2:26 am

  Ive only had a suspension fault issue. Everything else has been great. Except the mileage, but whadaya want for 3 tons.

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  Diamond in the Rough - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By kwon303 - November 21 - 9:43 pm

  When I decided to buy this car I knew what I was getting into. Land Rover is known for off road greatness as well as luxury, but also very poor reliability. With that being said I still bought one and dont regret it. I love this car. I bought mine used because they depreciate so much that it just was not worth it for me. Not to mention you can find this car in L.A. at a dime for a dozen at a good price. I definitely got the extended 100,000 mile warranty to hedge my bet. Also you have to test drive it and check how it get out, transmission is key. No slips and your good to go also clean interior tells you everything you need to know. Gas is not great but what do you expect. Overall Great car.

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  2005 LR3 - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By bkalhor - October 8 - 9:53 pm

  This is my third Land Rover and so far my best Land Rover! I highly recommend it...however the gas mileage does put a nice dent in my wallet - it is still better than the mileage on my Series II!

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  Be very careful!!! - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By pat - September 16 - 8:26 am

  I purchased this great looking vehicle only to have the entire computer system fail in less the a month after purchase. After keeping the car for almost a month and mysteriously running up 250 miles on my car, I got my car back. The car then would change height by itself. They are still trying to it figure out. Lastly, the ride has this strange vibration which the dealer claims is due to the tires sitting overnight and should get better over time. Go figure!!!

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  So Far So Very Good - 2007 Land Rover LR3
  By VincentET - June 28 - 4:30 am

  People and magazines have said LRs arent reliable, but so far not a single problem. I like this SUV better than any of my past vehicles- Jeep Grand Cherokee, MB ML320, Cadillac SRX, Infiniti QX4. All those trucks had numerous service issues(except Infiniti).

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  Great vehicle ? tires - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By wood - June 13 - 5:06 pm

  Land Rover did a great job on the design. Still a little square . Good performance. Road noise from the tires not good. Goodyear has replaced one and still noisey.

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  top 4X4 - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By cbloomers - April 27 - 3:16 pm

  I had a range rover a couple years back and loved it, then brought a new Escalade 2008 it was fun for a while but then bad build quality showed through. Sold it for the LR3 and realized what I had been missing. Next car will be a range rover or LR4. Sorry to hear some people have had problems but these are the best off roaders you can get.

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  Problems with my LR3. 1,500 miles - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By LR3 - April 16 - 4:23 pm

  Great SUV to drive. Turns Head. But lately, theres been some little troubles with mine. 1) Loud rattle sound from rear upper tailgate over any type of bumps from big to very small bumps. 2) Drivers left side mirror wont work at times. 3) Drivers right side mirror - when in reverse the mirror automatically tilts down but when in Drive the mirror does not tilt back to the same position as it was before. 4) Cover for cigarette lighter would not close once opened. I have to push lid around 13 times until the lid would stay closed. 5) Radio: When I turn on the radio, no sound will come on for about 1 minute.