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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  G4 Discovery - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By Doug - August 10 - 3:46 pm

  I got one of the 2004 G4 Discoveries and I love it. So far its been a great ride...except for gas mileage.

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  NIGHTMARE - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By brad - August 2 - 11:06 am

  Bought the car with 65,000 miles. It overheated on my cross country move at 67K (left me stranded with my family in Nebraska) and now there is irreparable damage done to the engine. I need a new engine which costs $12,000!!! WTF this is a total NIGHTMARE. Be careful Head gaskets go early and often. Land rover makes a horrible engine. I thought I was getting a unique car that would be a beast offroad, but it couldnt even handle on-road driving. I would not use this car to tow anything. It says there is a 7700 lb towing capacity but the weak engine shouldnt be forced to tow anything but the car itself.

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  Realize what youve got - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By usexpat - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car since 6/03 and it has been the most enjoyable vehicle Ive owned. Potential purchasers need to understand what they are buying--an offroad vehicle that has been given the creature comforts of a family car. Youll be getting the best offroad vehicle money can buy, but you will be giving up some things. There are reasons fo the apparent downsides of this vehicle (e.g., slow acceleration... so I dont fly off the side of the mountain!). Bottom line, its a great vehicle and a lot of fun to own/drive, but realize what youre getting.

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  Land Rover Discovery 2004 - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By Zyaei - July 17 - 10:00 am

  Great car, very glad I bought it. I wish they would improve the fuel economy and acceleration however. Will buy another one after this one.

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  Fabulous Machine - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By polo2928 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  It is a fun to drive vehicle with a lot of torque, feels strong and safe, off road capabilities are incredible, you get a panoramic view from wherever you may be seating . . Yes there are improvements that are needed (gas comspt., turning radio, and the key entry to start the vehicle) However, one may get this picky because it is such a great and beautiful car that one wishes for it to be perfect. I drove the X5 and it is not even close to a Discovery. You wont regret it.

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  Great family suv/ real off road vehicle - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By J. Linz - July 13 - 3:43 am

  Great vehicle! Has been well worth every penny I spent! Powerful and good handling. Only service has been oil changes and a few minor interior window rubbers - had some sun fade. A great family vehicle.

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  Discos rock! - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
  By astroboy - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Love to drive my discovery 2003. Rides high. Great off road. Buy it! Be apart of the oldest off road club in the world.

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  The Best SUV out there!! - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By Rover Owner - June 16 - 2:00 am

  The Land Rover Disco is absolutely the best vehicle I have ever owned. Its off-capability is unmatched. Seems to be a very reliable vehicle, no problems at all.

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  Discovery - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By jwilson93 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Just a great vehicle to own. Drives well and also handles well. This is the fifth discovery that I have owned and by far the 04 is the best one yet.

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  worst car ever - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
  By sw47 - June 8 - 9:52 am

  this car has been a disaster from day 1. new, it began with water leaks, and electrical malfunctions. LR once offered to take it back, and i was foolish not to take them up on it. problems continued with electrical malfunctions, rear wiper failures x2, jack failure, window insulation failure, and the big one ABS modulator failure, an approx. $3000 repair. oh and also ignition key breakage in the lock. (never happened before). this truck still has less than 70k miles. Despite appeals to LR they will not stand behind their product. (there was an ABS modulator recall for some models) best advice, stay away!