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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  The best REAL SUV/4x4 - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By j kish - April 25 - 2:00 am

  I owned Fords for years and thank God Ford has not infiltrated the designers at LR, yet. If you want a true 4x4 with the style and grace of the overpriced overvalued overgrown station wagons such as the BMW, Mercedes, Porche, etc. Look no further than the Disco 2. It is a beast with a Swans exterior. Rugged, yet smooth as silk in the city. Its small enough to fit anywhere but deceptively roomy inside. I am over six feet and 250 lbms and I fit just fine inside. Elegant, yet VERY DURABLE.

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  8 MONTHS INTO MY DISCO - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By JSEA2 - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I FIRST WROTE WEEKS AFTER PICKING UP MY 03 DISCO. NOT MUCH HAS CHANGED. RELIABLE , SOLID RIDE, ALL SEEMS TO BE HOLDING UP WELL. DONT KNOW IF I WOULD GET ANOTHER ONE THOUGH. COMFORT LEVEL NEEDS A BOOST!! A "RANGE" WOULD BE THE NEXT BEST THING, BUT THE STICKER IS KILLING ME!!!!

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  Highway Adventure - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By esrisch - February 8 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has the perfect brake response and overall feel that I have ever felt from a large or rather mid-size SUV. Its a shame that the new LR3 will look drastically different, yet identicle to other Ford SUV counterparts. If you are on the fence on whether to wait for the new LR3 or the DIscovery II, buy the Discovery II if you wish to stand out from all the other vehicles on the road. The look is unmistakable. Dare to be original for once.

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  Worst SUV ever - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By made1024 - February 5 - 9:03 pm

  Bought this car 4/04 zero miles, have never used the 4x4 (I live in Miami), have only driven it @ 8000 miles/year. The engine has leaks EVERYWHERE, the car is now 6 years old on the dot and just hit the 50k miles. The cost of repair is $7k! Driver window and passenger windows both stopped working had those repaired under warranty. Horn switch on the steering wheel continuously pops out, took the car in 3 times for that and still happening. Terrible car, terrible dealer service and Land Rover Headquarters is just as bad. No calls returned, been waiting for one week now. Buy a Jeep youll get a better car and lots more fun to drive!

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  best 4x4xfar - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By supadan - February 1 - 10:00 am

  bought my disco2 in november and have been thrilled with it every day. Never have i had such a capable vehical. This from a guy who owned a jeep wrangler,bronco and f150 for the past 20 years. took it to the dunes of Yuma,CA.in stock condition and went where no other 4x4 could. Even dunebuggies had difficulty and h2s were left stranded in camp. winter driving is profoundly better due to the incredible traction control and ABS that actually works. As a bonus you can take it to a swanky restaurant and feel as good about it as you would a great sports car.

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  Disco - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By Carl Krane - January 29 - 2:00 am

  The Discovery has great styling and stands out in a crowd. This car has maintained a 1960s styling because the design is timeless. This is my second Disco and I am impressed with many reliability improvements.

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  To be avoided! - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By sgriggs - January 3 - 6:03 pm

  I bought my 03 Discovery II with 75K miles after a local Land Rover mechanic (independent) gave it a careful inspection and discovered nothing immediately wrong. In the 1 year and 7 months since, it has spent more time in the shop than any other car Ive owned (including a vintage Bentley!) and cost me a small fortune in repairs. When I bought mine, I figured that none of the horror stories I read about would happen to me, and that if I was careful and took good care of my LR, I would be rewarded with a reliable ride. I was wrong. These things are poorly designed and built. The only up-side is that it looks good when parked outside my house. Which is more often than not these days!

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  Style and Substance meet in the Disco - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By druidess - November 10 - 10:31 am

  I am the original owner of my beloved 2004 Disco 2, which has logged more than 220,000 miles, many of them hard ones in Maine winters. I love this car so much that I put in a new motor at 180,000 miles, but sadly just learned that the undercarriage has rust. The plan was to get a new Jeep for me when my daughter got her drivers license, but shes getting the new Jeep and I am keeping my Disco for as long as we can keep the rust at bay. Although in very inclement weather she will be driving the Disco. Some time ago a massive Ford truck slammed into the side grate of my Disco destroying his whole front end, while Disco sustained a slight smudge. Looking for a replacement when this one goes.

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  2004 Dicosvery 2 trial w/155k miles - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By VampyreKing - October 11 - 10:00 am

  We just sold our 2001 discovery 2 with 200k miles and got this 04 with 155k miles last week. We love them and if you take good care of the car and do a little research on the web you can find all the parts that you need and a great mechanic will keep you within budget. The love and hate relationship is true but if you are looking for a vehicle that will keep you safe, goes anywhere and has great presence this is the car for you. I dont have allot of money but if you treat your rover well and have a mechanic you can trust you will be able to afford one. P.S. I got my 01 with 139k miles and spend about 5k during 4 years of ownership

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  Im Very Happy - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By mcapurro - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I shopped several SUVs and was very surprised at the drive experience on the Discovery. With the larger 4.6L engine and the improved suspension and braking, it performed very well on the road. This caught me off guard in that with the height and weight of the car, I expected it to be a dog. I was proven wrong. Off road it lives up to its reputation. Dealer experience post-sale has been great!