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 in alaska - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By leebulliii - May 2 - 10:00 amThis was my second Land Rover Discovery and I loved it. Never had any major problems with it and the service at the dealership was always great.
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Fun to drive every day - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
By sbroomhd - April 24 - 10:00 amI 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 amPurchased 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 amOh, 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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excellent car - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By rianxo - March 26 - 10:00 amThe car is amazing
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A Driving Experience - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By jtouch - March 21 - 10:00 amI have owned my Discovery for 7 months. I have enjoyed every moment of owning it except when I have to fill the gas tank. Going from an Audi A6 to the Disco. in a gas shortage is quite a shock to the wallet. I have been impressed with the over all vehicle and its performance. I am hoping that I will be able to buy the Range Rover or LR3 in the next two years.
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Great SUV - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By Jay - February 20 - 2:46 amI bought this car for my wife about one month ago & we love it. The Disco rides great & is very easy to drive.
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So Far Its Great! - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
By 3rdSUV - February 18 - 10:00 ampicked 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 amThese 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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Love it - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By gpp - December 25 - 10:00 amWe picked up an SE7 with a couple of extra features. To accomodate child access to the back seat, we added running boards. To date, the car drives very well with nice pickup. Driver space is super -- at 63" my only complaint is with the steering wheel positioning for entry into the drivers seat. Surprised also by stopping distance, which is quite good given the weight. While moving, the car seems to float, giving the imprecise feeling of standing still -- I still have to look at the spedometer to gauge the speed Im going. I mean this in a good way:. Basically, we love to drive it. Also, the gas mileage in town has averaged 16! Better than I had expected
