Overview & Reviews

For decades, Land Rover SUVs were known primarily for their utility and off-road prowess. During the 1980s, they became more luxurious, but their ability in the dirt has never been in question.

A prime example of this change was the Land Rover LR3, which replaced the aging Discovery. The old "Disco" was long on utility but a little shy on amenities. The LR3 offered a lot more style. Unfortunately, it still suffered from an underwhelming engine, quirky ergonomics and a poor reputation for reliability.

If all-terrain adventures are a frequent family activity and the thought of owning a pedigreed SUV appeals to you, it's hard to think of a better-suited vehicle for the task than a used Land Rover LR3. But if you'll be sticking primarily to pavement, other luxury SUVs like the Acura MDX or Lexus RX 350 will be better choices.

Most Recent Land Rover LR3 Models
The Land Rover LR3 was produced from 2005-'09. Originally, there were SE and HSE trim levels. The SE came standard with a 216-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 (we would avoid this), while the HSE got a 300-hp 4.4-liter V8. The V8 became standard on all LR3s for 2008. The HSE trim essentially became an option package in the final production year. Aside from the third-row seat becoming standard on the HSE for '06 and in the SE for '08, other changes were limited to additional standard features.

Though smaller than the Range Rover, Land Rover's midsize LR3 was still capable. V8 versions could tow up to 7,700 pounds and the LR3 was hard to beat off-road. All variants came standard with fully independent adjustable air suspension and a host of electronic off-road aids. Combined with a locking center differential, an optional electronic rear locker and the LR3's new Terrain Response system, this truck had the ability to climb boulders in a single bound.

At the same time, the LR3 also provided a useful interior as well. There was seating for seven adult passengers and both the second- and third-row seats folded flat to make cargo-hauling easier. The cabin design was a tad utilitarian and lacked the luxurious ambience of its competitors or its successor, the LR4. Another downside was the chaotic mess of little buttons spread upon the dash that could be confusing to use at a glance.

Other than being underpowered given its hefty curb weight, there were few complaints about the way the LR3 drove. It delivered the kind of tight, refined ride we expected from a luxury SUV and the steering provided excellent road feel and more feedback than many of its competitors. A tight turning circle and an effective power assist kept it nimble in parking lots.

In reviews, we were endlessly impressed with the Land Rover LR3's capabilities off-road and continuously surprised at how well it performed on road. However, besides the above concerns, there's also the matter of its thirst for fuel and poor record for reliability. As such, buying an out-of-warranty LR3 without being close friends with a Land Rover mechanic is not the wisest idea.

User Reviews:

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  LR3 beats my 2003 X5 - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Carnut - March 19 - 7:16 am

  I turned in my X5 for a new LR3 SE w/ NAvigation in December. This vehicle, in comparison, has a lot more to offer than my BMW did. The ride quality as well as the build quality have been exceptional - Land Rover, as a company, has definitely turned itself around. I have taken the vehicle to mountains in blistering snow and was surprised how well it rode, without ever being worried that I am going to get stuck. I have gotten stuck with my BMW X5 various times up in Mammoth

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  Transmission Fault - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Eric - February 13 - 8:06 am

  With less than 500 miles on my LR3 a hose to the transmission cooler came loose and left the car stranded on the side of the road.

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  Grate SUV - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Emad - February 11 - 2:13 pm

  This SUV is the best I ever had, its fun to drive, comfartable and looks nice.

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  Second LR3-Loved the First Also - 2008 Land Rover LR3
  By Finman - February 9 - 5:00 pm

  Traded 2005 LR3 as it was running out of warranty. 2008: prem lthr much nicer although I didnt mind getting the other lthr messy. Piano-black wood...so nice but hard to really see it...so black. Ride is smoother, rock solid, no clunks, flatter in curves, less body roll (likely all due to newer). Much less wind noise, virtually eliminated!!! 550W H-K sounds much better but likely due to less wind and road noise. 1st gear lurch is gone, likely transmission programming improvement. Plenty of power...doesnt need any more...its no race car. Love this truck. Suggest leasing...resale value stinks...surprise

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  land rover - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By doug sinjem - February 6 - 1:10 am

  i really like this car. its fun to drive and is very comfortable. i also really like the look of it.

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  Positive news - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Erwin - January 22 - 12:53 pm

  This is my 13th Land Rover since 1987 and I can only say that the experience is getting more rewarding now the engine is "loose" and it really works like a gem. Interior feels great and works well and the profile of the car is a great design. The car feels solid and it navigates the Southern California freeways with ease. It is a perfect size for the busy roads. We have a 2003 Discover II (no problems whatsoever) and a 2003 Range Rover HSE in the garage. Other then the first Range Rover I never had any problems with the other Land Rover products. They are incredable vehicles, on road and off. Look forward to the new 2007 Range Rover as well.

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  STYLE, FUNCTION AND FUNK.... - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By yogidoc - January 1 - 12:10 am

  Traded in 03 Aviator which was functional but boring yet very comfortable like driving on air with big wide full seats Owned 2 previous discos which i always loved despite freq repairs; was totally psyched about LR3, funky, beastly, cutting edge technology picked up SE blk/blk yesterday which looks great..dealership was great!

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  LR3 owner review - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By SF Dude - December 12 - 8:00 pm

  This is a great SE V6 LR3. My wife and I got rid of two cars and are sharing this truck. She wanted to be high up, I like camping, we both wanted safety. This is our pleasure cruiser and grocery getter. What a wonderful truck. We are so happy every time we step out in it. Yes, its a pig at the pump but I have been offroading twice in it and its better than I could have imagined. I love the Jag v6 engine, the Volvo safety items and am glad Ford owns it. This car comes with a 4 yr 50k warranty and free scheduled maint. This beat out the Cayenne, Touareg, A3 Wagon, Jeep Unlimited, Subaru WRX wagon & more.

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  Purchased 05 in 10 (LR3SE) - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By landroverjack - December 8 - 2:25 pm

  I absolutely love this vehicle. Ive owned two 4-Runners, a Land Cruiser, an Audi and two BMWs. This LR3 is far and away my favorite vehicle. I will never own any other type of transportation. Ease of use and its generous driving proportions are a delight to the hands and feet. I purposely sought one that did not have the navigation as they just a pain overall. Especially when my iPhone can take me anywhere.... anyhow. This vehicle has the cold weather package which I recommend if you live in the north. Ive been out in the boonies with this man-car a few times and have driven it cross country twice. Did its duty and worked like a manly man car should. I dig it.

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  LR3 First In Its Class - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Sontob - November 30 - 2:40 am

  Great overall vehicle. Offers everything one would need in an SUV; practical design, great modern looks, utilitarian interior, and incredible off road ability. Driving experience is very smooth and quiet. Everything that the vehicle offers from the tailgate and navigation to stadium seating and terrian response provides an easy and useful experience. I have driven it in snow, mud, and over rocks with no problems. My wife enjoys locally driving to the market or to work from time to time and I enjoy using it for off roading, snow trips and camping.