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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Mirror Image SUV - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
By samatnyc - July 23 - 10:00 amI love the truck, but for its oddity. We traded in a BMW 528i for it because we have kids that desperately need space (note to SUV haters: stop legislating huge car seats and I wouldnt need an SUV). The truck is solid, handles very well except for a rear axle hop under sudden acceleration. The controls are unique in that many are reversed. For entertainment, go try out the window and audio controls and see English ergonomics in action! The brake and accelerator pedals are close together-- youll get used to that. I find it charming, you may not. No matter how you feel when you buy it, youll have a different opinion by the end of the week.
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Best of the Last - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By DevilDisco - July 22 - 3:13 pmI have had our Black on Black SE7 For almost 5 years, quickly approaching 110k miles. The vehicles performed flawlessly just before Christmas when the snow storm hit Virginia. Most vehicles were fighting for traction on I-95, locked the Diff and the only thing that slowed us down was traffic and caution. The snow came down so sudden the roads had not been plowed. My wife was even driving at that time. She hates driving in snow but in the Disco she was very comfortable, as were our two little ones. Get it for capability and never having to get stuck snow storms and foul weather. Love it for the looks, and fill your tank when she is thirsty. Do the preventative Maintenance its cheaper.
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Subaru, Jeep and Pathfinder combined - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By Nakoosa - July 11 - 2:00 am98 SD. a small, antique dining set fit nicely in the back. After securing my antiques, I headed for some 4x4 fun. 4x4 ability, especially in mud and on steep hills, is amazing! On-road performance is Very surprising. At first, I felt high, narrow and top-heavy, but after 4- wheeling and some highway time, 85-90 mph felt absolutely solid, fun, and safe. In the past, I had balked at this vehicle because of its gas mileage; but when you dont want to compromise luxury and pure off-road ability, you just have to pay for the little deficits! Replaces 2001 Sub. outback wagon ltd, nissan pathfinder and jeep cj-5 with no compromises except gas mileage!
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The Best - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
By Zach is Back - June 16 - 10:00 amOne of the best cars I have had the pleasure of driving.
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Discovery - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By LandDriver - May 24 - 2:00 amAll hype no extras....not even a DVD player! Poor visibility, lots of blind spots.
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its terrific! - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By gbstage - April 5 - 10:00 amits fun,elegant, reliable and feels like it could climb the side of a building with no effort. zero problems, built like a tank, great vision, two sun roofs with screens and a proper english speaking navigation system. only minus is premium gas and poor mileage.
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A killer,last of the BMW Rovers! - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By Velocity - March 8 - 10:23 pmExcellent in the snow, sand (on Lake Michigan beaches) and rain. Poor gas mileage, but what are you expecting of a SUV that can pull a 2 ton sailboat, a 4 ton sailboat a short haul and jet two kids plus gear around town. Traded my first 2001 Disco SE7 for the 2004 HSE7 (4.6l v8) and it was a great trade! The LR3 is a DOG! Looks and feels and drives CHEAP! Buy a USED DISCOVERY II or II.5! By the way, the replacement parts are much cheaper too from your local import mechanic!
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Best 4X4, not another SUV - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By charlypm - February 1 - 11:33 amThis is my 2nd Disco, the first which we still own was purchased in 1996. This is quite different from the 96 in that it has more comfort features, tighter turning radius, and more aggressive look. Ive had almost zero problems with it after buying it used with 25000 miles and now having over 70000 miles. If I had a complaint it could only be the fuel mileage and it would be a minor complaint. The rig tows my trailer with no problem, hauls up hills easily and I never realized how stout this rig is until I borrowed a friends Dodge pick up. The Disco is every bit as heavy duty as the pick up ans actually handles the trailer much better. If I located another with lower mileage Id buy it.
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Serpentine Belt replaced 6x in 1st 6 mos - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By unhappy at the disco - January 26 - 10:33 amI would not recommend this vehicle to anyone. I have had to take it to the dealer for servicing 8 times in less than 8 months. Six times to replace the serpentine belt and the other two times because the check engine light was on. Can you imagine what this piece of junk will require when its a couple of years old?
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2004 SE - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By Bobbymey - January 10 - 10:00 amThis is my third SUV and by far it is the best. I live in Coloarado so it is perfect for winter driving and off roading.
