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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Test drove the S - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By nt2050 - June 9 - 2:00 amI spent nearly an hour with the sales person on the test drive. He is friendly and willing to take time to answer my questions. Most likely, I will drop the $$ on it after coming back from vacation in 01/2004. Hey, anyone know the "reasonable" price on S? The sales guide quoted me $36K (TT&L...) total.
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Couldnt Be Happier - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
By Couldnt Be Happier - June 2 - 2:00 amI traded in my Mercedes C Class to get back in to a truck (Ive had an Xterra, a Jeep, and a Toyota p/up in the past) and this Land Rover has a drive like nothing Ive ever owned before. The black duragrain in my "S" model is better than leather, I dont miss the sun roof b/c there is a ample light and headroom, and ride is suprisingly smooth considering the off- road prowess that the truck is known for. By the way, this truck has too much muscle to be referred to as an "SUV". Very happy with it!
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Run from this! Land Rover is the worst. - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
By Nitzervon - May 9 - 8:30 pmThere is not a seal on it that does not leak, in 90,000 miles: new motor (twice), transfer case (three times), both differentials, rear driveshaft, power steering pump, power steering box, hydraulic hoses, starter, replaced plug wires (twice, due to sparking between wires), Brakes only last 10,000 miles. I averaged $900 each month in just repair bills. Not to mention 8 miles per gallon. My wife has a Jaguar that is the same way. No wonder every car company in England has to be sold every few years.
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Climbs Rock - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
By 4x4xfar - May 9 - 10:00 amIf you are looking for an adventure, this is the vehicle to go in. I have owned the 2003 model for a few months and have gone rock climbing with the vehicle a few time. I luv it!!
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Land Rover Discovery Not Comfortable - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
By tester27 - April 23 - 5:00 pmDrivers seat does not sit back far enough nor does the steering wheel lift up far enough for me to get comfortable. Also - gas and brake pedals are too close together... 6 1" - 220 pounds
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Solid, Fun to Drive - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By Pasha - April 10 - 10:00 amI bought the Westminster Edition with premium sound system that is amazing. Car is very easy to drive in congested traffic thanks to high seating position and excellent visibility. In harsh rain, this thing is unstoppable - retaining solid surefooted road performance. Additionally, this tank is surprisingly easy to park.
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To our Black and Tan, ...cheers! - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
By decktout1 - April 1 - 2:00 amA vehicle designed as if by Architect! Drove it the first week from Phoenix to Telluride, and back by way of the Grand Canyon. With 2 kids and the awesome 2-screen DVD/playstation option on back of both headrests (does not fold down from ceiling in the way of visibility thank goodness!). We all had a blast! Handles great, and has a smooth powerful ride. No downside other than a little more knee room for a 6-3" driver would be nice. Chevy Tahoes are just for the practical masses. Nothing compares to the Disco if you are a car enthusiast with design taste and kids!
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Discovering Excellence - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
By Disco Dave - March 26 - 5:16 amI love driving the 03 Discovery! I got an HSE, and its amazing! Even though all the gadgets are in strange places, it is definitely a luxury vehicle! It handles all sorts of weather wonderfully, and it drives very smoothly! The 2003 Land Rover Discovery HSE is overall a great vehicle!
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Defective seat - 2003 Land Rover Discovery
By mimi1956 - March 12 - 9:14 amOur driver side seat craked a couple of years ago on our 2003 Discovery. The same seat keeps blowing the adjustment fuse. We have been getting burnt a little when we turn the heated seat on. My husband just noticed that it is black like a fire was starting, checked my coat and it is burned where I sit. Called the dealer said its not their problem, called Lard Rover od America and was told the same thing. I sort of think this is a manufacturer defect. This is probably why the seat cracked and the fuse keeps blowing. Should we get a lawyer?
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The best suv out there - 2004 Land Rover Discovery
By ms777sd - February 26 - 4:16 amI love my Land Rover, nothing compares, not Chevy, Ford, BMW, this is a real luxury 4X4. its solid, very comfortable, well built, powerful and can take turns like a sports car, absolutly no body roll around hard turns, try that with a Blazer or an Explorer. TRUE 4 wheel drive unlike the other wanabees.. Good luck getting this truck stuck! The only thing I dont like is the key position. It takes a while to get use to putting the key in so close to the dash. Other than that its a winner.
