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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  we bought a lemon - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By jeanned - February 22 - 3:13 pm

  We bought our 04 Disco new and have had nothing but problems. I love it, I love to drive it but the rear fog light burned out after 3-4 months, cannot access it because it is sealed. The radio/cd player went out, dealer did fix that, front headlights are full of moisture, the passenger side window motor broke, dealer did not fix, 500+ to fix that, transmission has leaked since around 20,000. Dealer would not do the warranty to fix this except for a seal, started throwing fluid again while on vacation in FL, dealership would not cover it, brakes locked up while on vacation again, dealership did cover that one, now it needs a new engine, dealer wont cover, LRNA offered a small amount.

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  Power to spare - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By coldbt - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Rugged and powerful... Makes my 93 Wrangler look like a toy. Truly an off raoad vehicle with tremendous towing capacity. Installed cat-back "real" dual exhaust with K&N intake... 20% performance increase plus and honest 20 MPG an trips

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  Great SUV - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By Skarfy - February 14 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 Disco, redesigned in 2003, is gorgeous. Make no mistake though, it is a serious SUV...If you want a "car" that also has 4WD, this may not be for you. I love it, but it is not as smooth as, for instance, our 2004 Envoy. However, the V8 blows away the Envoy, and the offroad ability is in a different league altogether. The interior is wonderful - love the wood trim and the interior light. The front is roomy, and extremely comfortable. Was thinking about waiting for the LR3, but the Disco is uniquely Rover, the LR3 looks a little "ford-like" to me. Plus a new Disco is an incredible deal now that the model is ended. Much less body roll than you think in such a high vehicle!!

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  Great Car w/ Fun, Flexibiltiy, &Security - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By lorry bolton - January 18 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is great.....for everything! Its fun and sporty, while being dependable and flexible. Great European handling almost like a great sports car...but its an SUV with great style and class. Not to mention its got 2 sunroofs.

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  What a Vehicle! - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By William Blake - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I love my new 2003 Discovery. I looked at many other high line vehicles but the Land Rover came out on top. The new design is awesome and classy, yet modern. The interior is great and has every control within reach. Visibility is second to none. I have the navigation system and love that, although I wish there was a screen, but if there was I would have a wreck. Gas mileage could be better, but I surely understand why it is not that great; the vehicle is made of basically solid steel and weighs around 5000 pounds. I am completely happy with my Land Rover. I highly recommend this great vehicle for you!! GO LAND ROVER!!

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  Greatest - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By vijl - January 2 - 10:00 am

  This is my second landrover discovery own two now. There is no comparison available.

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  Oh God Ive Made A Terrible Mistake - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By please take it back - December 30 - 12:46 am

  I have never known true regret until I bought my 2003 Discovery. There it was sitting in the lot gleaming, little did I know that the Devil can come in the shape of a car. I should say that I bought it used, with 55,000 miles on it, it drove wonderfully for the first 3 months when my monthly sojourn to the Land Rover Service Lot began. Every light on my dashboard has lit up like the 4th of July sky, I especially enjoy the ones with the exclamation marks. Every gasket, every hose, everything except the engine, whose failure I am currently awaiting, has failed. Anyone who comes across this vehicle should run, not walk in the opposite direction. A demon lurks beneath the gleaming hood.

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  All Name, No Game - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By JC - December 13 - 6:53 am

  After running my 03 Disco for 44k, my vote is mixed but leaning towards the not worth the price and could use lots of improvements side. Nothing big has gone wrong, but lots of little items have. Both front windows failed in a week. Gas door has broken twice, horn buttons snapped off, leaking windows, two oil leaks after service, brakes need changing almost yearly, spark plug wires went bust, cruise control is poor and punchy, and comfort level in rear is horrific, front poor. A/C vents just donÂ’t seem to hit driver in face, a must in Florida summers. On the other had, great looks, powerful, off-road works very well.

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  Best SUV Ive owned - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By chazley - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a 2003 Discovery SE. I have owned 3 Nissan Pathfinders, 1 Grand Cherokee, 1 Cherokee sport, 1 Ford Expedition and 1 Toyota 4 runner. The 2003 Discovery SE is in a class by it self! I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Off-road There is no Equal - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By Edmund1001 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I have had no major problems with the vehicle in the 9 mos. of ownership. While I believe the Jeeps to be superb off-road vehicles (owned every model at one time), the Discovery is phenomenal off-road. The dealership offers excellent service and many perks, such as a day of off-roading that is first-class and exciting. The vehicle has a stiff suspension, but is comfortable on the highway with no drift. This is made to go on safari but has comfort amd luxury for everyday driving.