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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Best 4x4 ever! - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
By Daniep - March 3 - 6:10 amIm a 16 year old high school student and I love my Disco. It has a good sound system, and it sits really high. The ladies love it. Lots of storage room and great on the snow and ice. The V8 has lots of power and pulls away from my friends 6 liter V8 gmc sierra. Great for off roading and camping.
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So Far So Good! - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By Cegibbs3 - March 1 - 9:03 pmI purchase this vehicle used from a dealership in Florida. So far so good! It has been very dependable and it doesnt seem to have any of the issues that some of the other reviews Ive read have had. Im 64" so the interior design is a bit tight but thats nothing new to me. I enjoy the heck out of driving this vehicle on and off road. Its my first full time 4-wheel drive and Im extremely impressed with the handling in rainy/bad conditions on the road. It feels like Im driving in ideal conditions even when they are less than. The stereo is the best Ive ever heard in a vehicle from the factory! Real high quality! The looks are unbeatable! Anyway, Im enjoying it! So far so good!
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I hate this truck - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
By ihatethistruck - February 26 - 2:00 amWhat a piece of junk. Hard to get into, difficult to get comfortable in, slow to accelerate, quirky controls, bad fuel mileage, dash rattles, and, lets see what else.... Oh, too expensive for such a piece of junk. I wish I had not bought this thing.
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Take the Good with the Bad - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
By Charlotte Driver - February 26 - 2:00 amThe overall look of the 2003, while having only minor cosmetic differences from the 2002, gives it a vastly richer look. Had a problem with the sunroof leaking and had to get the headliner taken off to fix it. Not very settling when purchasing a $40,000 truck. Some features seem a bit cheap, such as the automatic shifting gear. Turning radius is horrific and the gas mileage is as expected for a large V8. If its the overall look youre after, the 2003 Discovery is exactly what the consumer ordered, but with the great look comes some necessary refinements (dont come out with another design too quick though!)
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damn good four wheel drive - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
By RSPARKDOG - February 4 - 10:00 ami was off roading with some H2s, they couldnt hold a candle to my Discovery, i highly recommend driving one before buying any other SUV
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Every day Tank - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By Warwick Dales - February 3 - 4:03 pmThis vehicle is only comparable to a Sherman Tank when looking at its off road capability.Been very impressed at what its got me through and out of.To be honest most of the places i thought only mad or insane people would get through,ive saunted through with this vehicle.Fuel consumption is the only hindrance,otherwise good to look at and my wife looks hot in it!
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On my 2nd Disco - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By Dr Ralph Krutulis - December 22 - 1:43 amI am on my second Discovery ( the 1st was a 1996 Disco I). This one is #141 of the limited Camels Cup G4 Series. The machine shows the influence of the BMW design team; it goes a lot faster, a lot quicker, but seems less stable in snow withstock tires. The addition of Nokian SUV tires improves the traction markedly. It was one of the few SUVs that I can put my portable clinic in, and still have room for the kids and their stuff. The fuel milage is worse this Disco (12.5MPG) vs 15MPG on the prior Disco, but it had a smaller (4.ol) engine. I would look at the LR3 next.
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Disco Love! But Not for everyone! - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
By ooosjcooo - December 5 - 8:53 amThe 03-04 is the Disco perfected! Last of its kind! These reviews are upsetting. Im reading things like "problems after 90K miles" and "poor gas mileage". What huge V8 SUV 4X4 doesnt? If you want reliability and good gas mileage go buy a Honda Fit, If you want a rugged off road machine that has good enough looks to take to the country club or tow your boat then this is for you! Truly a classic for the outdoorsman, but not for the weak!
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A truck for all seasons! - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By NavalEagle - November 17 - 9:10 pmI have taken this truck to the Holister offroad park, and this beast performed fantastically. I have enjoyed every day in this truck, and could never part with it. This thing gets down and dirty, and cleans up very nicely. Those who have never owned a Land Rover, will never quite understand the true charm of these modern day road warriors.
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Cheap Manufacturing - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By DamSr - November 15 - 10:10 amGas mileage is horrible. You will likely average 19mpg highway which is a joke, I could have bought a Suburban. Plastic interior. Engine sounds like a diesel. I bought this thing based on its looks. After 4 months I traded this tank in for a more gas saving, well built vehicle. The sound system is horrible. The interior ergonomics are terrible.
