Overview & Reviews

Land Rover has made a number of updates to its 2003 Discovery. In terms of mechanical components, the company has installed a more powerful 4.6-liter V8 engine and has improved the steering, brakes and suspension. Styling is revised front and rear, including headlamps that mimic its bigger brother's, the Range Rover. New interior treatments grace the cabin, and a rear park distance control is now an option. Finally, Land Rover has dropped the "Series II" nomenclature, and it's now simply called "Discovery."

• Great off-road ability, unique exterior design, advanced handling features.

• Difficult entry and egress, quirky interior design, not much cargo space, poor gas mileage.

User Reviews:

Showing 111 through 120 of 147.00

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  What a nightmare !! - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By NO more Disco - May 21 - 10:30 am

  Bought this from the Land Rover Dealer, They forgot to mention this year has a problem with ABS/Downhill Assist/Traction control failing,and with Engine Oil pumps. They remembered it after I bought it, "yes they have had a few problems with this year" The 2003 is not the year to buy, the locking diffs, and transfer case are not on this model year but on the 2002 and 2004. Should have bought a jeep. It looked cool, when it ran it was awesome when it did not it was awful.

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  Curiosity caravan - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By Curiosity caravan - May 20 - 8:56 am

  The first day I bought it I went out looking for some off-road fun. Since then I have taken my family a crossed the country and back, on and off the road. The dealership I bought it from did not tell me the first owner hit a fire hydrant. That lead to problems for about a year, but it was all covered. Since then I have had no problems. It is not under warranty anymore. So I save money by doing all minor maintenance myself. Yes, the gas mileage stinks bad. To be honest that is the only bad thing I have to say about it. I will get another or rebuild when the time comes.

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  2003-SE - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By Happywife - May 4 - 2:00 am

  My wife traded her Volvo in for this vehicle because of the body style. She loves the car and likes the ride - she bought a SUV and if she wanted a different ride she would have bought a car instead. The car is fun to drive. Since we have only put 1,000 miles on the vehicle, the reliability is hard to judge at this point. The gas mileage could be improved; however, the purchaser should know before shopping that the mpg will be low.

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  Fun to drive every day - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By sbroomhd - April 24 - 10:00 am

  I am finding myself driving a little slower, leaving a little earlier, and taking different routes just to spend more time driving. It may not be a rocket but I can keep up with the rest of the traffic. It handled very well on a weekend trip via the interstate during moderate to high cross-winds. It wasnt pushed around like the van that we once owned. My wife likes the fact that she can see the road and traffic ahead because it places her higher than an auto. My 6 foot 3 in pluss sons appreciate the leg and head room in the front and back seats. All in all it is fun to drive every day.

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  Bad, bad, bad - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By Run Away Now! - April 2 - 9:16 am

  Purchased this vehicle as a demo model. Has been nothing but unreliable since day one. Yesterday I had to junk it because the engine failed totally! Beware of this year and model car. Look online for issues involving oil pump engine failures. The car was in the shop more than out -- sometimes months at a time -- power window failures, leakage, tailgate failure, numerous mechanical issues and basically a very rough riding car. Since this model year, I will pride Land Rover in coming out with the LR3 --I have heard a much better designed car. But dont buy a 2003 Discovery!

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  The good in the bad - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By saharatj98 - April 2 - 8:40 am

  Oh, the stigma... You always hear the complaints and not the praise. Land Rovers do have their quirks. I have to say though that I will never own an American made car for reliability, resale, dealer professionalism, quality and just general engineering mediocrity. That said, the Land Rover shines in comparison. Many of the complaints are due to mis understanding as far as how it is designed. Reliability is a crap shoot. Mine have all been great. 288k on a 89 Rangerover is above average for any make. You have to maintain them to keep them happy as any European car. Off road these things are incredible and Ive owned Jeeps of all types. These were never intended to compare to a highway SUV.

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  So Far Its Great! - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By 3rdSUV - February 18 - 10:00 am

  picked up my Discovery S after handing in my EB Ford Explorer (had tons of problems with it). While there are less bells&whistles than the EB, my Disco is solid, fun to drive, and feels very safe. Just getting used to the wheel on the back door,makes it hard to see when backing up. But love the ride!

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  Bargain Style and Luxury - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By Disco_2003 - February 16 - 2:10 am

  These are now cheap! Why get a new SUV that cant match the style or the capability of the legendary Land Rover Discovery? $13K gets you a nicely equipped, low-miles, unmolested Disco 2003, and from what I hear, the last of the Discos are holding their value (similar to the Defenders, and I can see why). So far, reliability has been top notch (beating the last Lexus I owned) and with scheduled oil changes at 7500 miles, fairly cost-effective to own. Get one and put the savings in a 401K. Of course, be prepared for the less than stellar gas mileage.

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  What a waste - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By What a waste. - December 19 - 5:00 am

  Bought it used I am second owner at 75K miles the brakes are hard until warmed up. The Header gasket is gone. The worst thing is the car has a bad engine rap, diagnosed as a lifters issue. The dealer and HQ LR NA in NJ will not back it up. Imagine a luxury car whose engine is failing at 80K! Absurd. What we have here is a well wrapped interior and exterior with a piece of garbage BUICK engine.

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  Slow and Overpriced - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By Tom - December 13 - 3:56 pm

  A good SUV in allot of way. It’s strong, solid and safe. However it’s a thirsty, under-powered slug with a nice leather interior. Also the ongoing service will take the fun out of having it. I can’t tell you how disappointed I am with this SUV, not to mention the hit I’m going to take to get out from under it. Never again