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:
Showing 101 through 110 of 312.00-
Love my HSE - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By CapnCurry - November 20 - 4:23 pmLove this vehicle. My criteria was 1) had to have navigation, 2) good in snow 3) has good towing capacity 4) was a luxury SUV. It met all of this in one nice package. Believe it or not its rated towing capacity is 7,700 lbs, thats more than a Hummer H2! And the Jaguar engine is smooth and sweet. This one is a keeper.
-
I bought a lemon - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By JABEL - November 17 - 3:56 pmAlthough I thouroughly enjoy my LR3 when its not in the shop, I almost to the point where Ill have to take a hit and sell it. Many times the onboard computer has affected the ability to drive, to raise and lower the vehicle, to operate the radio, and most importantly to shift. I should have known that the electronics would live up (or down) to their reputation.
-
Excellence - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By George - November 4 - 8:13 amThis is a great SUV. The interior of this car is amazing. Its almost as if you were driving the more expensive range rover but for a lot less. If you want a great SUV that will serve your every need, this is it.
-
My first Land Rover changed my life ! - 2006 Land Rover LR3
By DAISY GAMBLE - October 30 - 4:50 pmA Pleasure to DRIVE...6 Flags for FUN My first Land Rover...I am now into the Land Rover Lifestyle. Joined a Land rover club in California and Now I can go ANYWHERE in My Lr3 HSE! Other Drivers in Other Cars Take Notice of a Land Rover. Other luxury SUVs are boring! I still need to read the entire owners manual. So many fab features. Yep, I miss my Xterra involved in a crash once in a while... But my Land Rover makes me get over it fast ! Recommend this SUV ! Carries two great danes in style !
-
headrests - 2006 Land Rover LR3
By shawn moore - October 20 - 7:30 pmThis is my second Land Rover, they are just not the same anymore. The headrests are so poorly positioned that I am spending a fortune on neck pain!!! Land Rover North America is not doing anything for me!! Tires, had to be replaced at 13,000 miles. LR3 broke down for no reason and they still dont know why. It is not a safe or comfortable vehicle. Buy a toyota, at least they hold some value!
-
Great Vehicle when it works - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By AT - October 12 - 2:10 pmWe love the car when it works, great to drive, excellent interior room and function. However, weve had 4 major problems in the last 9 months along with a few minor ones.
-
My one owner LR3 before me. - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By rhazen541 - October 11 - 11:26 pmHonestly when I considered purchasing this I was looking at a 06 MB C230, and my LR3 I usually have SUV but ins. good on MB. I only drove the LR3 for about maybe a mile on test drive, and liked it but was strange feeling. Later after purchasing it that day the more I drove the more I loved the LR3! Then when did my first road trip to visit family, there is a lot of passing power on highway and for hills, the top was not heavy so it didnt lean bad at all, w/ 50/50% (close to) weight ratio there is not any under or over steer! I love the ride comfort and steady feel on road even higher speeds. Seen one hit at 55mph head on and doors still open, it drove fine only radiator leaked so took in!
-
Worlds finest SUV - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By MARK HOWARD - September 24 - 1:06 amI read all the hype but I had my doubts so I went for a test drive. The salesman drove no more than 50 feet to the dealership test track which is rocky and narrow with tight, steep off-camber turns. I was amazed my wife was like a kid on a theme park ride. "Lets do it again! Come on, lets do it again!" One we headed out the drive way the controls were in my hands. My first impression was the comfort and drive feel of a large luxury sedan. I had to have it and bought it that day. I could wait to get it off-road so I racked up the "break-in" miles in a couple of days and headed for the dirt. Nothing compares or even comes close to the off- road performance of an LR3. Buy it!
-
Missed some details....but a great truck - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By Bammer - September 16 - 12:36 pmIve had my LR3 for four months, having traded in a Range Rover. Overall Im happy with the car, but there are some ponderous details they overlooked, like you have to hold the wipers away from the window while washing. You need three hands to wash the windows. The lack of front tilt on the seats is ridiculous as has been mentioned before. Ive added mud flaps because the wheel wells dont catch anything the tires run through. The black door panels "chalk" in less than a week, turning a whitish hue which no amount of cleaning seems to stop. The radio accessory plug in the rear of the center console???? I carry my iPod in front not in back, so I had to snake a cable to the front.
-
Head to Head, better than X5 - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By Kat-LA - August 31 - 11:10 pmLoved my X5 over past 5 yrs but too many trips to service so went with fully loaded LR3. LUV this vehicle! Incredibly fun to drive, great features. Only had it 6 days and cant wait to learn all the gadgets. Terrain system far superior to the new Range Rover, and thus LR3 a better vehicle IMO.
