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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The standard in 7 seater luxury SUVs - 2006 Land Rover LR3
By hidlebac - June 25 - 2:03 amIt is solid, heavy, and safe. I feel comfortable when wife is driving it with our daughter. It is a solid car, with a slick, ergonomic cockpit. Lots of buttons but they are very thoughtfully placed. The Nav is great. I would recommend a nav update DVD from Navteq for people who still have the original software. It makes things alot better.
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Outstanding Car - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By Bruce Brown - June 10 - 2:33 pmThe LR3 has the versatility I need in a family car with the smooth and solid ride of a luxury sedan. The Jaguar 4.4 liter engine is quiet and strong enough for this heavy car and the transmission is flawless. The interior is perfectly designed, with the distinctively high Land Rover seating position and elegant controls. Both the second and third row have more usable space than any other car or SUV in this class -- I can fit three car seats in the second row and two adults in the third. Zero service problems after 6K miles. You should not expect this heavy and solid car to get good mileage and, alas, it does not. But other than that understandable shortcoming, this is a terrific car.
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Range Rover Luxury for lower price - 2006 Land Rover LR3
By Dominican LR3 Owner - June 4 - 4:13 pmThis Baby has nothing to envy the Range Rover, comfortable, fun to drive, driving in Semi Automatic Tranny is amazing, i love this vehicle, Bad: Fuel consumption for a V6 is kind of high but, the person who buys a vehicle oof this caliber knows they must spend money on fuel, if you are looking for a "Fuel Efficient" vehicle buy a Toyota Rav4 and take it offroad, Quality people, British Quality, the best offroading vehicle out right now, BUY IT NOW!!!!
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WOW - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By papillonpup - May 24 - 9:06 pmWhat a difference from my old Disco. Waited for this one since the Auto Show and it was worth it. GREAT on-road drive but havent had the heart to take it up to the quarry yet. Went over the test track at the dealership like a bump in the road.
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Hot fun in the summertime - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By ADM HALSEY - May 21 - 4:46 amSo far, this vehicle is all it can be. The steering and brakes are excellent, ditto for overall handling & response at all speeds. The sweet spot for maximum MPG on the highway is around 66-67 mph - I have cruised to the tune of 22.7+ MPG. Just dont drive like a fool around town and you may inch to 16 MPG. Nothing major to take issue with, aside from petty annoyances that were more than answered on the web site - excellent training videos for all aspects of the car. I came to aquire this car through a series of fortunate events, had I paid the full $62,000 I might be singing a different tune. I have driven many vehicles since 1970, now I get it about LR. Nice car if you can afford.
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Landrover LR3 HSE - 2006 Land Rover LR3
By Michael Duquette - April 1 - 5:00 amIve been driving full size FORD loaded vans and SUVS for 35 years, specifically SUVs since 1997. As nice and dependable the Fords were, My new fully loaded 2006 Landrover LR3 HSE is a dream come true. So far it is an amazing piece of technology. Unique things like the multi user entertainment system which allows up to7 different users to each listen to or watch their own thing. The refrigerated console is literally cool. The voice activated navigation, phone system and audio system all work like a charm, once you get through the high learning curve. It is an extremely solid, well handling vehicle, very well appointed. The 3rd row seats work perfect for adults.
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LR3 beats my 2003 X5 - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By Carnut - March 19 - 7:16 amI turned in my X5 for a new LR3 SE w/ NAvigation in December. This vehicle, in comparison, has a lot more to offer than my BMW did. The ride quality as well as the build quality have been exceptional - Land Rover, as a company, has definitely turned itself around. I have taken the vehicle to mountains in blistering snow and was surprised how well it rode, without ever being worried that I am going to get stuck. I have gotten stuck with my BMW X5 various times up in Mammoth
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land rover - 2006 Land Rover LR3
By doug sinjem - February 6 - 1:10 ami really like this car. its fun to drive and is very comfortable. i also really like the look of it.
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Positive news - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By Erwin - January 22 - 12:53 pmThis is my 13th Land Rover since 1987 and I can only say that the experience is getting more rewarding now the engine is "loose" and it really works like a gem. Interior feels great and works well and the profile of the car is a great design. The car feels solid and it navigates the Southern California freeways with ease. It is a perfect size for the busy roads. We have a 2003 Discover II (no problems whatsoever) and a 2003 Range Rover HSE in the garage. Other then the first Range Rover I never had any problems with the other Land Rover products. They are incredable vehicles, on road and off. Look forward to the new 2007 Range Rover as well.
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LR3 owner review - 2006 Land Rover LR3
By SF Dude - December 12 - 8:00 pmThis is a great SE V6 LR3. My wife and I got rid of two cars and are sharing this truck. She wanted to be high up, I like camping, we both wanted safety. This is our pleasure cruiser and grocery getter. What a wonderful truck. We are so happy every time we step out in it. Yes, its a pig at the pump but I have been offroading twice in it and its better than I could have imagined. I love the Jag v6 engine, the Volvo safety items and am glad Ford owns it. This car comes with a 4 yr 50k warranty and free scheduled maint. This beat out the Cayenne, Touareg, A3 Wagon, Jeep Unlimited, Subaru WRX wagon & more.
