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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  A million miles away from the Discovery - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By stephen murphy - August 20 - 11:53 pm

  To start with, I cannot express enough what a thrilling vehicle the fantastic new LR3 is. The old Discovery, of which Ive had three, is positively prehistoric, by comparison. Without going into technical detail I can say that the ride, handling, dynamic looks and attention to detail are all first rate. In fact, I also test drove the Range Rover and preferred the LR3 hands down. The designers and engineers deserve the highest accolades for bringing the LR3 to market.

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  LR3 for me............. - 2009 Land Rover LR3
  By 2 Timer Land Rover - August 19 - 4:16 am

  After evaluating many mid-sized suvs, I decided on the 09 LR3 HSE. White/Blk. I just like the solid feel of these suvs. I drove the new LR4, I kinda like the utilitarian interior of the LR3.....plus about $14,000 less. My wife has an 07 LRRR, 50,000 miles and not one problem. Because of our experience with the RR, I felt good about the LR3 purchase. Gas mileage on the larger RR is 16 city & 21 hwy, I assume the LR3 will be the same. I hunt/fish so I will use the off-road ability this suv. Dealer came off $10,000 off sticker. Full maint. on the 09 not on the LR4. Look forward to happy miles like we have had with the Range Rover.

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  Wonderful Truck - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Scott Griebel - August 16 - 5:06 pm

  Despite its love it or hate it looks, the truck is very solid and luxurious. It has a more comfortable ride than any car I have driven. Very quiet on the highway.

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  Purpose built - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By bgsntth - August 4 - 8:50 am

  Have 10K on our LR3, and in that time it has seen duty on/off-road, snow, soccer mom stuff, and as a surf vehicle. The third-row seat is amazing for its room and comfort. The rear cargo area is like an enclosed pick-up. The ride is smooth and rarely bottoms- out, though the handling is somewhat ponderous and could benefit from the Dynamic Response System in the RRS. Off- road it is, of course, amazing. I took 6 people on an off-road tour, which included a 30 degree slope ascent over loose dirt. We use the air suspension daily for loading, extra suspension travel over speed bumps, and warding off door dings in combination with the side-steps. It is ungainly in appearance, but ungodly practical.

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  First 5000 miles - 2007 Land Rover LR3
  By Gillz - July 21 - 12:40 am

  Have gone offroad (snow/rock) as well as 1500mi mountain / freeway drive so put the new LR3 through the paces. Result is a very comfortable, pleased customer. No problems to speak of, just a rattle behind 2 speakers which the dealer fixed.

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  Its a real Land Rover - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Fatbob - July 15 - 1:43 pm

  This vehicle remains true to the Land Rover tradition of being capable off road. In addition the new model has increased the on road drivablilty by a large margin over the old model.

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  I love this SUV - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By PlaneIce - July 12 - 12:23 am

  I have drove several SUVs BMW X5, Yukon/Tahoe , Lexus lx470 and 330, but to honest the LR3 was really the most comfortable and the most head turning, it full of all the gadgets you would expect and would like to have it this rang of SUVs, I just love it.

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  Great 4X4 Luxury Ride ... No Complaints! - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By PRinSanAntonio - July 7 - 5:46 am

  Owned the LR3 for over a month and we love it. It is fully loaded. It is so versatile, loaded with all the luxury features anyone could need. So far no issues at all, it runs great and has wonderful road presence, plenty of power w/V8. Our dealer is wonderful, and if something does happen, so what, we drive another Land Rover. How is that a bad thing? Plus no cost maintenance. Most people dream of driving such an awesome truck. Bottomline - If people could afford to drive them, everyone would. We feel very fortunate to own this vehicle.

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  LR3 Fan - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Anto - July 1 - 11:23 am

  cant ever remember feeling so emotional about a SUV before, and Ive had my fair share of machines.Both inside & outside, the LR3 reflects me in every way. I just dont see myself in any other vehicle. At 61"-220lbs, I feel extremely comfortable inside. Being married with 2 kids, having a 7 seater is wonderful. Also being a business man needing trunk space comes in handy. I dont necessarily need the attention the LR3 gets, but it does make me feel nice. It rates in my books as one of the best looking machines on the road.

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  I want to love it, but it wont let me.. - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Combee1 - May 28 - 9:50 pm

  I was so excited to get the new LR3 that I refused to wait for an HSE and bought a fully loaded V8 SE model, w/ navi, off-road, and 7 passenger seating. We have had problems with this vehicle from the start. Among them has been several suspension faults (requiring new air compressors), a bad seal in the exhaust system, leaking sunroof, recalled gas tank, bad sensor for cooling system, rattling speakers, broken lathces on seats and on glove compartment, and excessivlely quick and dangerously uneven tire wear. It often takes several trips to Matheny LR in Jacksonville, FL to fix each problem. Their behavior borders on rude at times, and they certainly do not stand behind their products.