Overview & Reviews

Land Rover has made a number of updates to its 2003 Discovery. In terms of mechanical components, the company has installed a more powerful 4.6-liter V8 engine and has improved the steering, brakes and suspension. Styling is revised front and rear, including headlamps that mimic its bigger brother's, the Range Rover. New interior treatments grace the cabin, and a rear park distance control is now an option. Finally, Land Rover has dropped the "Series II" nomenclature, and it's now simply called "Discovery."

• Great off-road ability, unique exterior design, advanced handling features.

• Difficult entry and egress, quirky interior design, not much cargo space, poor gas mileage.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 147.00

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  90K miles - time to replace every gasket - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By BarryC - August 28 - 11:20 am

  I loved my 03 Disco until year 5. After 90,000 miles (147,000 km) every gasket in the engine had to be replaced. What originally appeared as a simple oil pan leak turned into the replacement of the head, timing assembly, and oil pan gaskets, plus radiator leaks and other miscellaneous hoses at the cost of CAD $2000 in parts and $1,300 in labor. Other annoying items: the passenger window motor self destructed, premature fading of wheel well fenders, excessive engine knocking even with regular 94 octane use, seat heater failing. The vehicle was serviced religiously. My advice - sell before the warranty expires. Im used to high maintenance vehicles but will never buy another Landrover.

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  Dont be fooled - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By Toyotas From Now On - July 7 - 12:13 pm

  This was my first and last experience with Range Rover! If you want to throw your money away, this is your brand. Do your homework before you get caught in the hype of Range Rover. Ive owned numerous SUVs (Mercedes, BMW, Land Cruiser etc.)and this brand is truly "tall hat-no cattle!" Never purchase this brand without a thorough pre-inspection by a certified Rover mechanic. Get to know him well because you will be helping put his kids through college! Youve just met your new best friend. The ride quality and rugged good looks are the only redeeming characteristics that stands out to me. Toyota/Lexus is your stand-out best-choice every day of the week.

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  Caveat emptor - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By CH - May 29 - 10:00 am

  This is a high-maintenance vehicle that has lots of gizmos that go out of whack and are hard to get serviced. The commitment of the company to you after they have cashed your check is minimal. You better love the design and flexibility of the vehicle, and I mean really love it, because the problems, potential and actual, are many, and youre mostly on your own.

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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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  Dont waste your money. - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By Tom Mignano - June 18 - 9:43 pm

  Driving the vehicle during the winter months can be fun provided you get rid of the oem goodyear tires. They provide no traction with a vehicle this heavy. Ownership is expensive. For example the brake system is inadequate for the weight. Expect to pay around $700.00 per year if you drive everyday. The wiper arms for the year 03-05 are proprietary and will cost around $120.00 per year. Considering tires. new tires lasted 22,000. Im on my second set. So around 1300 more dollars for two sets during ownership. This vehicle is underengineered, expensive to buy and very expensive to keep. Even insurance will cost you more because of the weight of the vehicle will cause more damage.

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  Good off-road but unreliable. - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By Peter - January 20 - 5:33 pm

  Good approach and breakover angles, but poor departure angle will have you dragging your rear bumper on steep inclines. Very fun to drive, especially off-road. Reliability lives up to the Land Rover reputation, terrible. Several major and minor repair problems. Thanks to the extended warranty I have saved about $5,100 in total repair bills. It is now back at the dealership again with transmission and engine problems, total cost? Land Rovers are great if you literally have money to burn for gas and repair/upkeep costs.