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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Make sure you love your dealer - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By Tom - December 11 - 10:40 amThe electronic parking brake system locked up and burnt up the rear brakes. Dealer fixed it all and I had a loaner but it took two trips to get it right. Then developed a interior water leak, again took two trips to fix. Land Rover US customer service has high school girls with an attitude answering the phones, no help. The car is actually tremendous which makes this very sad. Great ride, quite, great stereo, good gas mileage, super style, excellent off road. Everyone that rides in has nothing but compliments for it. Just make sure you love your dealer because it is built in England and they like to drink before they come to work.
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Not your average SUV - 2008 Land Rover LR3
By maddog72 - November 23 - 6:44 pmThis is my second LR3 have over 150,000 miles of driving in both. Present 2008 has 63,000 miles. I have extensive driving experiance in all types of vehicles from H1 Hummers to Toyota Prius. Land Rover LR3 is not for everyone, if trips to the mall or shopping is all you do get a mini van. My LR3 is used 60/40 60 % on road 40% off road. It is the only vehicle that you can drive down the interstate at 70 mph and then go off-road and back on the interstate and do so with the easiest driver input. This is a truck, it is big, heavy to get good gas mileage you have to drive it like you want good gas mileage. I average 18 mpg with highs of 21 mpg on trips in flat country. Off road this is a tool
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Glad we bought it - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By LRSC - October 28 - 11:30 pmWe are very happy with the LR3. It hauls our sail boat, take us off road to remote camp sites and gets us to the snow in comfort and style. The interior is very comfortable and suits our taste. We find the third row seats to be useful and comfortable for adults. It has been in the shop twice. The first involved a failed rear locker. The dealers response was excellent. They swapped a rear end from an LR3 on their lot and got us back on the road within a couple of days. The second failure was a compressor. It was on back order but was fixed as soon as it arrived. No other problems. If it continues to run well we will be happy. We plan to keep it for a long time.
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What a Difference! - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By SCEMARINO - October 20 - 7:46 pmI just traded in my 2003 Discovery for the new LR3 HSE. Everything about this car is an improvement. It is so much easier and quieter to drive. More room and tons of extras - it will take me weeks to figure it all out! Glass roof lets in tons of light. Seats are way more comfortable and the back seats are much improved too.
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Happy With LR3 - 2006 Land Rover LR3
By Patrick - October 8 - 6:30 amI have over 30,000 miles on my LR3 and have been very happy with the vehicle. Have gone off road and on road, and its been near perfect
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Best Thing We Have Ever Done - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By Jo Jo C - September 30 - 1:26 amThis must be the most advanced Land Rover ever. We use to own a Mk1 Discovery so it was a big step up to the Discovery 3/LR3. Everything is just perfect, so well put together, so fast, and no normal person is buying this car to get good economy
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Zero Defects - 2008 Land Rover LR3
By Underated in reviews - September 6 - 5:00 pmThis is my 2nd LR3 and the best vehicle Ive had. Ive had absolutely zero defects on this vehicle. I leased it, but am about to buy off the lease, its that good. One thing I cannot understand is how the reviews always comment on quality. The quality of these vehicles is awesome.
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Why drive Bland when you can drive EXCITING!!? - 2007 Land Rover LR3
By pouladi1 - July 27 - 4:42 amI just purchased a pre-owned, mint condition 2007 LR 3 V6 , This is my 3rd Land Rover and to be frank the only thing I hate is why I waited so long to buy this SUV!?! I was lucky to find my deep green exterior, beige leather interior beauty! The drive is smooth commanding and fun! Fit and finish is perfect, The vehicle looks so gorgeous and the interior looks expensive. Dont look elsewhere, just drive a Land Rover and see what all this fuss is about, I guarantee you , once you drive one, you will not drive another vehicle! coincidentally the day I bought it snowed and all i did was to activate the terrain response! it drive through ice and snow like knife through butter!
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Better than Expected - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By Bannerzap - July 13 - 4:13 amThis is a great vehicle. The offroad capabilities are superior, comfort is great, GPS is really nice, and the air suspension is just plain cool to use. I find a new feature every day on this LR3. Im glad I spent (leased) the extra money to get the HSE because the memory seats, 500+ watt stereo and rear stereo controls are really sweet. Makes a Grand Cherokee look like a toy compared to this monster.
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Love it - 2006 Land Rover LR3
By Andrew - July 12 - 5:50 pmWe purchased this vehicle and almost immediately drove across North America and it was absolutely flawless. My wife loves this vehicle and my children appreciate the stadium seats. I like the fact that my family ride in safety and style.
