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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  Better than the 2009s - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By NancyF - September 16 - 9:23 pm

  I have had this car for 4 years and put about 35000 miles on it have done my maint and have had very few issues with it. The Land Rover dealer here in Co is beyond great!I have looked at a lot of newer cars and suvs to trade to but the quality isnt there. Cheap interiors 2 that ,very cheap looking hate it..junk. As far as reliability its just as good as any chevrolet those have had issues 2 no ind suspension checked out infiniti did not care for there interior either! comparison doesnt hold a candle to Land Rover or Range Rovers int is amazing. And all cars have issues my dad was a mechanic for 40 years.. Not a car you buy even a Honda will not break down. MAINTENANCE!

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  Nice Vehicle/Awful Dependability - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By Charles Renaud - August 30 - 4:53 pm

  What can I say, I fell in love with the design but quickly fell out of love with the constant time in the shop. I have had engine problem after engine problem plus the ABS lights are constantly on. I have spent over 7k just this past year and almost 2 months of being in the shop. If you get one of these MAKE SURE you have a warranty!

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  Feels good......so far. - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By Mack1 - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my HSE for about 3 months now. So far I really enjoy the SUV. Im a little reserved with my review because im fearful something will happen to change my entire opinion. I was actually riding from the mall the weekend with my wife and had to sporatically comment on how nice and enjoyable the truck is to drive. I think I used the phrase "its a pleasure to drive" and her reply was actually.."its a pleasure to ride in also"... I guess that sums it up ....

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  awesome - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By amanda - August 11 - 2:00 am

  excellent it is a wonderful vehicle i would not trade it for the woprld

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  Great Suv - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By AlfonsoKnoll - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Fun and practical for our family of 4.

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  Kings of the Road (and off)! - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By LRlover - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I just moved to the states a few years ago from Kloof, South Africa, where Land Rovers are prevalent. I owned a 1990 discovery TD5 that took me all over the country. Even though I miss having a diesel, there was no other car I would have purchased! This brand is special, unique, and built for one purpose: being the best SUV on the planet! And believe me, these vehicles can go anywhere--trust me, I have!

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  I Love This Truck - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By Peter Taylor - July 19 - 10:00 am

  This is a truck - not a sedan! Dont make the mistake of confusing the two! This truck has been, over the past two years, simply the best handling, capable and fun to drive vehicles I have ever owned/driven. It handles very well on any surface, in any weather. The ride quality is superb! Easy to drive, it takes care of you. Ive found myself in precarious situations and have made it through unscathed! With plenty of power and pickup, Ive a confident feeling in any situation. To anyone who daily drives the DC streets, the offroad features make this vehicle a dream as it makes its way, effortlessly, through arguably the worse streets in the nation.

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  Great SUV/Land Rover - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By Kathleen Wicker - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Very flexible vehicle, fun to drive, stylish and modern but with old world craftmanship.

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  Dont buy 2004 DISCO - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By AJ - June 27 - 4:23 pm

  I had always admired Land Rovers and had saved enough money to buy a used 04 Discovery last summer for my new wife thinking it would be a safe, cool, and reliable vehicle for our family for many years to come. It only had 44,000 miles on it and the Coil pack went out:$750. Then needed new plugs and wires because they were damaged too:$300. At 48,000 miles the Cruise Control went out:$500. The downhill assist feature never worked, but I did not have an extra $1000 to fix that. Then at 55,000 miles the Oil pump went out:$2300. I had taken all the Land Rover hits I could handle, and traded it in. Land Rover should recall many features on this model due to an abundance of lemon-like problems.

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  FANTASTIC RELIABILITY (266301 kms ) - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By td - June 23 - 6:03 am

  i bought my discovery just as it came off of a lease return. ive had many off road vehicles and have done my stint in the military and saw my share of off roading there! iv been very impressed with the reliablity of this vehicle and will proabably always have a discovery or other landrover in my stable. i travel all aross Canada on business with my disco, as well as hooking up with some off road clubs. it is awesome on ice roads,deep snow and mud! it goes through all this and still looks awesome for business meetings. i now have 266301kms and counting with only regular tune ups,and tire replacements! SIMPLE AMAZING! BUT,if you own one, you HAVE TO do the regular maintenance!