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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  JENSEN Bring the LR3 around!!! - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By LR3 for three! - June 20 - 1:16 pm

  Ownership of our LR3 HSE has covered the last 5 months, and have been relatively uneventful. The hood latch required a minor adjustment, and a small rattle from the right rear of the vehicle disappeared when we adjusted and unrolled the cargo cover. Some minor tightening of screws was about all that was involved for the actual warranty work. The Java Black with black leather interior truly has an upmarket look and feel. Terrific to drive on dry pavement or snow and ice. No complaints. Finally an SUV with British manners, unique styling, and go anywhere capability. With the exception of a Range Rover, nothing else to date seems to quite pack the panache of the new LR3 HSE!

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  Love our LR3 - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By SJB - May 17 - 3:10 pm

  We looked at and drove every 7+ passenger SUV before buying the LR3. Our final choice was between the Lexus GX470 and the LR3. Adults can actually sit in the rear seats of the LR3 and the seats fold completely flat and you wouldnt even know that they are there. When they are upright they have a footwell. I have more room in the back seats of my LR3 than my brother does in his Yukon and Im pretty sure I could park my LR3 inside of his truck. And thats really where the LR3 stood out for us. I never feel like Im in a truck. The over the hood visibility is tremendous, the ride, while tight, is smooth and quiet. We often get 20 mpg on the highway... on and on and on, we love the LR3

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  Better than my range rover and ML500 - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Guess402 - May 16 - 1:10 pm

  This is far and away the best all around SUV on the market today

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  best land rover yet - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By mrocho - May 14 - 4:00 am

  i have driven a lot of suvs and particularly land rovers. this thing is head and shoulders above. it is the quitest vehicle i have been in and has plenty of power. the 6 speed transmission is very smooth. the 3rd row seat is fantastic and folds flat in the floor. so far so good on reliablility. no problems at all.

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  Gotta Like It - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By rs1 - March 23 - 5:06 pm

  Since I bought this vehicle I have gotten a lot of comments about it. It is awesome to quote my kids. It is a pleasure to drive. The mileage is not great, but is what I expected. Have slowed down a little on the highway in order to maximize mileage. Not a real problem as the seats are comfortable and I enjoy the ride. Average mileage has been 17.5 mpg plus with about 2/3 of miles on highway. Everyone who gets in it likes how airy it feels with the rear moon roofs.

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  This is what a proper suv should be - 2008 Land Rover LR3
  By discovery3 - March 14 - 11:38 pm

  Where to start??? I have 2008 discovery3/lr3 with the luxury, cold weather, and heavy duty package with front parking sensors And rear entertainment center. Best car I have ever owned!!! And I have owned alot, 15+ since I was 18. This one is staying around for a while. There is nothing it cant do.. well everything except gas mileage. It is quite thirsty guzzling down premium petrol.

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  LR3 - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Michael B - March 11 - 5:30 pm

  I bought my LR3 through the Internet the process was painless. I got the car at a great price. Since I bought the vehicle I have not been let down. I just got beck from the beach where I used the sand feature and it was incredible. I was actually able to drive the car right through the surf. The car is comfortable with more than enough room and the features seem endless. From my reasearch of SUVs out there, the capabilities of the vehicle exceed most any on the market and the gas mileage is not that bad either. We owned a Discovery prior to the LR3 and the two vehicles are like night and day as far as the comfort and features. They really have done a great job on this car!

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  LR V8 SE - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By retfalvi - February 10 - 12:53 am

  As expected the "Queen of SUV"s. Love the solid feel and the quietness of the V8. Straightforward design, cannot go wrong with a Jaguar engine. Features are tailored to my needs. This will be a keeper.

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  Best SUV around - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Best SUV around - January 10 - 5:46 pm

  Ive had the fully loaded HSE since November, 2005 and have 6000 miles on it. No problems whatsoever! I love this car...the smoothest SUV Ive ever been in. I thought about the X5, MDX, Toureg, RX, Cayenne and ML.....I have absolutely no regrets for picking the Land Rover. The best part of the car is the ride....by far.

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  Im in love all over again. - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By C.L.B. - January 8 - 2:16 pm

  Yep, just when I had given up on SUVs, along came LR3. I traded in my Mitsu Montero Ltd.(the full size one), for a Toyota Solara in 07. I wanted something sporty, fun to drive & good on gas. I got all of the above & had given up on owning SUVs. Then one day I decided to drive into a Jag dealership to take a look at the new Jag, when I saw a silver LR3. It was love at first sight. I absolutely love it. It has plenty of room for 7, handles & ride is A+, so many features, off-road A+, city & highway A+, luxury A+, my friends love it, complements all the time(could be because of the 22" chrome rims), gas mileage, well, its a SUV, but its worth it. Heck, I have my Toyota when I need to save money.