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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  Purchased 05 in 10 (LR3SE) - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By landroverjack - December 8 - 2:25 pm

  I absolutely love this vehicle. Ive owned two 4-Runners, a Land Cruiser, an Audi and two BMWs. This LR3 is far and away my favorite vehicle. I will never own any other type of transportation. Ease of use and its generous driving proportions are a delight to the hands and feet. I purposely sought one that did not have the navigation as they just a pain overall. Especially when my iPhone can take me anywhere.... anyhow. This vehicle has the cold weather package which I recommend if you live in the north. Ive been out in the boonies with this man-car a few times and have driven it cross country twice. Did its duty and worked like a manly man car should. I dig it.

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  LR3 First In Its Class - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Sontob - November 30 - 2:40 am

  Great overall vehicle. Offers everything one would need in an SUV; practical design, great modern looks, utilitarian interior, and incredible off road ability. Driving experience is very smooth and quiet. Everything that the vehicle offers from the tailgate and navigation to stadium seating and terrian response provides an easy and useful experience. I have driven it in snow, mud, and over rocks with no problems. My wife enjoys locally driving to the market or to work from time to time and I enjoy using it for off roading, snow trips and camping.

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  Love my HSE - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By CapnCurry - November 20 - 4:23 pm

  Love this vehicle. My criteria was 1) had to have navigation, 2) good in snow 3) has good towing capacity 4) was a luxury SUV. It met all of this in one nice package. Believe it or not its rated towing capacity is 7,700 lbs, thats more than a Hummer H2! And the Jaguar engine is smooth and sweet. This one is a keeper.

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  Excellence - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By George - November 4 - 8:13 am

  This is a great SUV. The interior of this car is amazing. Its almost as if you were driving the more expensive range rover but for a lot less. If you want a great SUV that will serve your every need, this is it.

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  My first Land Rover changed my life ! - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By DAISY GAMBLE - October 30 - 4:50 pm

  A Pleasure to DRIVE...6 Flags for FUN My first Land Rover...I am now into the Land Rover Lifestyle. Joined a Land rover club in California and Now I can go ANYWHERE in My Lr3 HSE! Other Drivers in Other Cars Take Notice of a Land Rover. Other luxury SUVs are boring! I still need to read the entire owners manual. So many fab features. Yep, I miss my Xterra involved in a crash once in a while... But my Land Rover makes me get over it fast ! Recommend this SUV ! Carries two great danes in style !

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  My one owner LR3 before me. - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By rhazen541 - October 11 - 11:26 pm

  Honestly when I considered purchasing this I was looking at a 06 MB C230, and my LR3 I usually have SUV but ins. good on MB. I only drove the LR3 for about maybe a mile on test drive, and liked it but was strange feeling. Later after purchasing it that day the more I drove the more I loved the LR3! Then when did my first road trip to visit family, there is a lot of passing power on highway and for hills, the top was not heavy so it didnt lean bad at all, w/ 50/50% (close to) weight ratio there is not any under or over steer! I love the ride comfort and steady feel on road even higher speeds. Seen one hit at 55mph head on and doors still open, it drove fine only radiator leaked so took in!

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  Worlds finest SUV - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By MARK HOWARD - September 24 - 1:06 am

  I read all the hype but I had my doubts so I went for a test drive. The salesman drove no more than 50 feet to the dealership test track which is rocky and narrow with tight, steep off-camber turns. I was amazed my wife was like a kid on a theme park ride. "Lets do it again! Come on, lets do it again!" One we headed out the drive way the controls were in my hands. My first impression was the comfort and drive feel of a large luxury sedan. I had to have it and bought it that day. I could wait to get it off-road so I racked up the "break-in" miles in a couple of days and headed for the dirt. Nothing compares or even comes close to the off- road performance of an LR3. Buy it!

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  Head to Head, better than X5 - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Kat-LA - August 31 - 11:10 pm

  Loved my X5 over past 5 yrs but too many trips to service so went with fully loaded LR3. LUV this vehicle! Incredibly fun to drive, great features. Only had it 6 days and cant wait to learn all the gadgets. Terrain system far superior to the new Range Rover, and thus LR3 a better vehicle IMO.

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  A million miles away from the Discovery - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By stephen murphy - August 20 - 11:53 pm

  To start with, I cannot express enough what a thrilling vehicle the fantastic new LR3 is. The old Discovery, of which Ive had three, is positively prehistoric, by comparison. Without going into technical detail I can say that the ride, handling, dynamic looks and attention to detail are all first rate. In fact, I also test drove the Range Rover and preferred the LR3 hands down. The designers and engineers deserve the highest accolades for bringing the LR3 to market.

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  First 5000 miles - 2007 Land Rover LR3
  By Gillz - July 21 - 12:40 am

  Have gone offroad (snow/rock) as well as 1500mi mountain / freeway drive so put the new LR3 through the paces. Result is a very comfortable, pleased customer. No problems to speak of, just a rattle behind 2 speakers which the dealer fixed.