Overview & Reviews

Land Rover SUVs are the first choice of England's royals when the need arises for a vehicle gutsy enough to tackle rocks and mud. It's no wonder; in addition to their go-anywhere bravado, Land Rovers offer a uniquely British brand of elegance that feels supremely upper-crust. The Land Rover Discovery, offered in Europe a few years before coming to North America, was created to serve as a bridge between the manufacturer's utilitarian Defender and prestigious Range Rover models.

Unlike today's family-friendly crossovers, the Land Rover Discovery was an old-school luxury SUV that was at its best when pitted against treacherous ravines and vertiginous mountain paths. On-road performance clearly wasn't the primary focus, though on later models, Land Rover made more of an effort to strike a balance between trail-busting capacity and boulevard comfort.

In certain aspects concerning versatility, interior ergonomics and safety, the Land Rover lagged behind its peers. Cargo space was limited, and side airbags and stability control weren't available. Then there was the issue of reliability. Land Rovers of years gone by had a notoriously intimate relationship with repair shops, and the Discovery was no exception. More recent models, though, showed some improvement in this area.

Legendary off-road capabilities and a high level of luxury are the Discovery Series II's best points. But in our opinion, both are overshadowed by the vehicle's faults. Most buyers will probably be better served by competing Japanese or domestic luxury SUVs.

Most recent Land Rover Discovery

The Land Rover Discovery was a two-generation vehicle, and its most recent generation was built from 1999 until the SUV's demise in 2004. (The Land Rover LR3 took its place in the lineup.) Between model years 2000 and 2002, the Discovery was known as the Discovery Series II.

This generation saw a dizzying flurry of trim changes. In 1999, the Discovery was available in two versions: the outgoing generation called the SD and the new Series II. In 2000, the old one was dropped. Model-year 2001 saw another revision; the Discovery Series II could be had in SD, LE and SE models. The LE trim level was dropped in 2002. In 2003, the SUV once again became known simply as the Discovery, and from that point on it was available in base S, SE and top-of-the-line HSE trim levels.

Base-model Discovery models from this generation weren't light on luxury features, offering standard amenities like a CD player, power-adjustable front seats and dual-zone climate control. The nimble Land Rover was also ready to roam the great outdoors, thanks to permanent four-wheel drive, plenty of ground clearance and Hill Descent Control. Active Cornering Enhancement, a hydraulic suspension system that reduces vehicle body lean during cornering, was available, as were a self-leveling rear suspension and third-row seats.

Initially, two 4.0-liter V8s were available, one good for 182 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque, and the other for 188 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. In 2000, the less-muscular V8 was dropped from the lineup. Model-year 2003 saw the introduction of a more potent 4.6-liter V8 good for 217 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. This engine was used to power all Discoverys until the model's retirement. This Land Rover wasn't known for stellar fuel economy. Discoverys powered by the 4.6-liter got a paltry 12 mpg in the city and 16 in highway travel.

Engine changes weren't the only ones experienced by the Land Rover Discovery during these five years. In 2000, the SUV benefited from minor interior upgrades. In 2002, new alloys were added, along with a standard Harman Kardon sound system. The Discovery got revised styling and interior treatments for 2003, and improvements were also made to its steering, brakes and suspension. By 2004, the options list had grown to include a navigation system, rear-seat DVD entertainment system and rear parking sensors.

Top-notch interior materials were the order of the day in the Discovery's cabin. There was ample head- and legroom, but the SUV's narrow proportions resulted in scarce shoulder- and hiproom. Additionally, this Land Rover's cramped doorways and tall stance made entry and exit somewhat of a challenge.

In editorial reviews, the Land Rover Discovery scored high marks for its off-road performance. On pavement, it was plagued by sluggish steering and an overly harsh ride. Ride quality saw some improvement after 2003's refresh, so opt for a 2003 or 2004 model to get a Discovery offering the most competence in this area. Finding a well-maintained and -documented model is probably wise given the Disco's less-than-exemplary reputation for reliability and durability.

Past Land Rover Discoverys

The Land Rover Discovery's first generation lasted from 1994-'99. Standard features included full power accessories, keyless entry and cruise control. A third-row seat and, eventually, a CD player were offered as options. Early Discoverys got their juice from a 3.9-liter V8 good for 182 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque. This engine was replaced by a 4.0-liter V8 in 1996, offering slightly more torque (233 lb-ft) and improved fuel economy. In 1997, the Discovery's interior was upgraded to include burled walnut trim.

Even more so than later models, Discoverys from this generation were prone to reliability issues; on-road ride quality was also quite unforgiving. Given these factors, we'd recommend that those in the used market place their money with one of the SUV's more amenable Japanese competitors. If you're determined to get a first-gen Discovery, opt for the 1996 and '97 versions, with their more frugal engines.

User Reviews:

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  GREAT VEHICLE - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By TMILES - August 11 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS OUR SECOND DISCOVERY BOTH HAVE BEEN EXCELLENT VEHICLES,GREAT HIGHWAY RIDE,VERY STABLE IN BAD WEATHER AND NO PROBLEMS.

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  Best by far - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By RAH - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Got to love land rover

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  disco fever - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By big mike s - June 5 - 2:00 am

  I love to take it offroad in Sedona Arizona. It looks great on those red rocks. Very capable.

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  Love my Land Rover!!! - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By kait - June 1 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome. Fun to drive, good stereo, love the 2 sunroofs, comfortable ride, plenty of cargo room, and easily pulls my horse trailer with 2 large horses. Very poor fuel economy and also brakes sometimes lock in snowy/icy conditions.

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  Superb! - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By DC Land Rover Owner - March 17 - 10:50 pm

  Had some reservations going into this purchase due to previous reports of poor reliability. The 2003 redesign appears to have fixed most bugs. I have not had any problems. This thing drives and performs flawlessly. I look forward to getting behind the wheel everyday! Note, gas mileage in city driving is quite atrocious, however, the bargain prices on these should more than offset the poor mileage.

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  Best 4x4 ever! - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By Daniep - March 3 - 6:10 am

  Im a 16 year old high school student and I love my Disco. It has a good sound system, and it sits really high. The ladies love it. Lots of storage room and great on the snow and ice. The V8 has lots of power and pulls away from my friends 6 liter V8 gmc sierra. Great for off roading and camping.

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  So Far So Good! - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By Cegibbs3 - March 1 - 9:03 pm

  I purchase this vehicle used from a dealership in Florida. So far so good! It has been very dependable and it doesnt seem to have any of the issues that some of the other reviews Ive read have had. Im 64" so the interior design is a bit tight but thats nothing new to me. I enjoy the heck out of driving this vehicle on and off road. Its my first full time 4-wheel drive and Im extremely impressed with the handling in rainy/bad conditions on the road. It feels like Im driving in ideal conditions even when they are less than. The stereo is the best Ive ever heard in a vehicle from the factory! Real high quality! The looks are unbeatable! Anyway, Im enjoying it! So far so good!

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  damn good four wheel drive - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By RSPARKDOG - February 4 - 10:00 am

  i was off roading with some H2s, they couldnt hold a candle to my Discovery, i highly recommend driving one before buying any other SUV

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  A truck for all seasons! - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By NavalEagle - November 17 - 9:10 pm

  I have taken this truck to the Holister offroad park, and this beast performed fantastically. I have enjoyed every day in this truck, and could never part with it. This thing gets down and dirty, and cleans up very nicely. Those who have never owned a Land Rover, will never quite understand the true charm of these modern day road warriors.

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  Better than the 2009s - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By NancyF - September 16 - 9:23 pm

  I have had this car for 4 years and put about 35000 miles on it have done my maint and have had very few issues with it. The Land Rover dealer here in Co is beyond great!I have looked at a lot of newer cars and suvs to trade to but the quality isnt there. Cheap interiors 2 that ,very cheap looking hate it..junk. As far as reliability its just as good as any chevrolet those have had issues 2 no ind suspension checked out infiniti did not care for there interior either! comparison doesnt hold a candle to Land Rover or Range Rovers int is amazing. And all cars have issues my dad was a mechanic for 40 years.. Not a car you buy even a Honda will not break down. MAINTENANCE!