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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  Disco is dead - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By ROVER NO MORE - July 13 - 11:03 am

  My wife saw this Disco and had to have it and just like the music it didnt last. The real problems started last year when we replaced the power steering pump, then the head gasket went at 67k, then the throttle body heater. The car never went off-road and we had to replace the transfer case at 88k. So much for its legendary off-road capability. And Finally after all that we were told after a flashing service light, one of many, that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced at 93k. Six years old five years owned, bought with 8500 miles. P.O.S car. Never buy english V8s.

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  Stay Away From Disco - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By Stay away - July 2 - 2:16 pm

  Ive had my 2003 disco SE7 for 3yrs. Purchased at 50,000. Less than 2 months, I spent over $800 on axle job. Next it was $3200 engine gasket leak plus a host of other issues. It does not hold second hand value either. It looks great and people think it cost a lot but I will not buy landrover anytime soon. Poor engineering period.

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  gus - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By kosta - June 26 - 10:00 am

  very fun to drive and safe

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  Still unsure about my HSE - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By tikelmeami - June 24 - 10:00 am

  Had my truck for 1 hour. Pulled in my garage with AC, and headlights on. Took key out of the ignition, the air was still running. Thought the engine was on but it wasnt. Turned off lights to get out of the car, my AC went off. HA HA...No key in the ignition but the lights turn on and off my AC. Dealership said they never saw this before and called technical support. Said it was minor. The HVAC system wasnt programmed right so they had to reprogram it. THE TURNING RADIUS SUCKS.Makes me feel like I dont know how to drive when parking or making a u turn. When you roll the window down an inch,the wind in the car is unreal. I like some fresh air, but geez

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  04 LR Disco in CA - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By 04 LR Disco in CA - June 23 - 12:36 am

  3rd eye tail light out after first 3 mos. Windshield washer pump didnt work from the beginning & has already been replaced with pump that works occasionally. Upper corners of front windshield leaked from beginning & has stained the headliner - now trying to get replaced. Also have problems with the front passenger compartment being soaked. Told it is a common occurrence with LRs so will need to get it drained (odd for it to be common on a $40k+ auto). Brake pads & rotors have already needed replacement and is costly (& not covered under warranty). Left front headlight has also gone out. Luckily, all these problems (minus brakes) are covered under 50k warranty

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  outstanding - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By michael ford - May 31 - 10:00 am

  we have 2 land rovers and one is a 2000 discovery sereis2 and an 88 range rover and both are the moist reliable trucks i have ever seen!

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  Perception is Everything - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By Monte03 - May 22 - 5:16 am

  Buy it only if your intentions include offroading. Only then could you truly enjoy this vehicle. There are a plethora of better handling and more fuel efficient SUVs, but none that are as truly capable off road. Some people suggest the Touareg, but I would highly disagree. Every major component on the lower 50% of that SUV is susceptible to damage due to its independent suspension. One more suggestion to people who are buying this rig... Get the Old Man Emu steering stabilizer as a first order of business. Especially if yours comes with the 18" wheels. It will eliminate, for the most part, rut-tracking on the freeway and bump- steer.

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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.