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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luv my landrover - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By discovery2owner - June 4 - 10:00 amthis is the first landrover disco, i have ever owned, and i love it!!!!! but it!! you will not be sorry. This car dose everything right, and it dosnt blend right in. it diffrent. It has a quirkyess to it that can no tbe explained. I love it!! Plenty of grunt, and i love the new front end, looks like a rangerover! spartin interior but it works in this truck. I have attended a few off road treks since my purchase, and it great. i feel like a pro. I am 62 and the front seats are very comfortable, and pleny of room up front for my legs. very little windnoise for such a boxy truck
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2nd Land Rover...great, so far... - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By brent bonfiglio - April 17 - 10:00 amI have only driven Audis... but my spouse liked the looks of the free lander se3--- after we purchesed the se3 I found myself always driving it, so I decied on a land rover, myself....I bought my disco, and have enjoyed it very much...VERY, VERY diferent from my previous car...but in a good way..the build quality is NOT up to Audi...but it is still acceptable. I have found no faults with this vehicle...and would reccommend it to anyone...just be ware of the fact the fact that they can be very expensive to maintain...over all a very good vehicle...
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Land Rovers Are Amazing - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By LandRoverDave - March 16 - 2:00 amIncredible Vehicle All Around, One of the Safest cars on the road if you dont make fast turns.
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WOW!, What a Truck! - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By 4by4realtor - February 29 - 6:46 pmHaving a SUV and actually using it has taught me what makes a good SUV and this is it. I have a 2002 Toyota Highlander, and had a 1995 Trooper. I absolutely love my Disco II. I am 62"and so have had to learn how to get in it smoothly, but once I am in I am completely comfortable. The truck handles great on and off the road. In fact usually you cant drive an SUV like a car, but this one handles much better than most SUVs. I highly recommend this truck. Try to find one before they are all gone. I got mine for 10K below sticker due to the LR3s release. Best value on the market.
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disco rave - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By ljmurphy - February 14 - 12:23 amI owned Hondas and Jeeps all my life and now i have the privilege of driving a Discovery SE. It is by far a superior SUV vehicle. Nothing even comes close. I am disappointed they have dicontinued the body style though. It has always been a very distinctive looking vehicle which set it aprat from all the others out there on the roads. I intend to keep mine for as long as it will last. The guys/gals over at Landrover Warwick, RI have really made the vehicle that much more enjoyable. You certainly get red carpet/white glove treatment whenver you walk in their showroom. Thank you Landrover for a wonderful ride!
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pls send the car to me - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By taiye ojo - January 23 - 10:00 ammy address is no 3 sokoto road sabo oke ilorin kawara state nigeria
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Enjoyable but disappointing - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
By mrmhouston - January 13 - 1:10 amI love driving my Land Rover. It is great in Houstons frequent high water and I take it off road about a dozen times a year. It has been disappointing, though, due to the amount of times Ive had to take it in for repairs (approx every 3,800 miles while under warranty). Maybe the bugs have been worked out? It is a good working vehicle, not a lot of bells and whistles that most of todays cars have. Is the trade-off worth? I cant tell yet.
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Nice truck - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By Steve - December 6 - 6:20 pmCombine style and an unbeatable off- road machine and you get the Discovery.
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Land Rover Discovery - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By Ted - November 7 - 10:40 amThis car is awesome. It is good on and off-road. It is the kind of off- roading, while handling good on road. This is one cool car
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Used 03 - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
By ZooLoB - October 9 - 10:00 amOverall ,this is a good vehicle but could use some work in the comfort category. I love to drive this vehicle but the seats are not good for long trips nor is the gas mileage. I do think that this vehicle is a steal at the prices, this is by far the best value discovery and best value in the SUV arena right now.
