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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I love this Land Rover - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
By chuck2003 - December 27 - 2:00 amTraded a Freelander for the Disco. Should have bought the Disco in the first place. Dont get me wrong, the Freelander is a great vehicle, but the Discovery has better build quality, more space, luxury features, and feels much more solid. And it almost begs to go off-road. We opted for the 7- passenger version (SE7).
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ONE NICE DRIVER - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
By B MITCHELL - December 15 - 10:00 amTHIS ONE IS UNLIKE THE OLDER MODELS,THEY HAVE PUT TOIGETHER A REAL WINNER THIS YEAR.. JUST LOVE IT, AND MY WIFE THINKS ITS FANTASTIC.
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2004 DISCO II SE - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By f-f-e - November 25 - 6:50 pmI bought this vehicle because of its super cool looks! So far it has been trouble free and a real pleasure to drive. The all wheel drive makes it an excellent vehicle to operate on or off road and it sticks to wet roads with no problem. The sound system is the best Ive ever heard. Ive owned several SUVs and this is my favorite!
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Love my dirt demon - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
By Paul - October 14 - 10:50 amI am a little biased here, I used to be a sales manager for Land Rover so know that up front when reading this. I do love love love my disco. This is my 4th Rover (98 Disco, 2x 03 Freelanders (his in black and hers in Red), 03 Disco), and Ive never been disapointed. The thing about the Discovery is that you have to understand what it is before you buy it and be ok with what it is and what it isnt. What it is: - The ultimate off-road vehicle, go anywhere anytime for any reason. - IMO, tough. Ive never had a big problem with any of mine, but then again I do my service and repairs (most dont!) - Expensive What it isnt: - A Mercedes-Benz - Fuel efficient - For everyone
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Bad All Over - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
By Bad over - October 14 - 10:00 amNice 4wd, nice change for 2003. Car has humming noise, similar to gear noises around 50-70 MPH. People either seem to like it or think its ugly. Drinks gas like an gasoholic. why is it so hard to stick the key in the ignition? Bad dealers attitudes. I had better treatment at BMW, and infinity dealers.
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Great SUV! - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
By Brianeshen - September 21 - 10:00 amLuxury and brand recognition at an affordable price. No need to shovel if you own this.
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Love the Truck - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By dpscraig - September 9 - 2:00 amThe best way for me to describe the vehicle is it is first and foremost a truck. Yes, It is definitely capable beyond most wanna-be 4 wheel drive vehicles. My wife and I purchased the Discovery because of its unbelievable off-road capabilites. We may never use all of its capabilities, but it does provide great comfort when travelling in erroneous conditions.
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4x4xFAR - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
By Robert - September 6 - 8:36 pmI have had my new disco se7 for 12 days now, and I cant get enough it yet! Took it to the Sand dunes and it handled pretty awesome. I always wanted a 4x4, this is my first, and I hope I never have to change from a Land Rover ever. Double sunroof is a plus, leather all around looks great. 12 speakers sound like a party inside. 6 cd changer cool. The list goes on and on. I hope I never have anything bad to say as months come around.
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Cant Wait for Snow - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
By Alaskan - September 2 - 10:00 amDrives/feels like a luxury vehicle on the road. Very stable and comfortable on the rough Alaskan dirt roads. Honda Pilots and the like are just minivans, my Land Rover is a truck with true off road capability. I am looking forward to trying it in the snow.
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Bring out Disco Anniversary Edition! - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By JAF - August 22 - 5:56 amLove my 04 disco but know when looking into getting one you are also purchasing an on-going expense to maintain. The ride is great, the power is great and looks by far is the best thing about this truck! My hopes are that Land Rover comes to its senses and creates the Disco Anniversary addition...same body style with some of the great features of the LR3 / LR4. Will never get rid of my current Disco though...LOVE IT!
