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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42,000 Miles Later - 2006 Land Rover LR3
By Steve Schneider - October 31 - 10:53 amI bought two LR3 HSEs in 12/06. I cant remember owning a car that Ive enjoyed as much. Never spent a nickel on service. Theres been 2 or 3 items to deal with during the 42K miles, but the dealers have taken excellent care the entire time. I have clients that all drive high end cars and just cant stop raving about the LR3s. 5 stars!
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LR3 - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By mick51 - September 16 - 9:33 amA definite step up from the Discovery. I loved my Discovery but this offers much more comfort & same sense of rugged reliability. LR3 is a more comfortable ride.
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LR3 perfect so far - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By trm2 - September 13 - 8:03 pmThe LR3 is powerful, safe, and spacious for a mid-sized SUV. While the vehicle may turn out less reliable than some competitors, my experience so far has been delightful. In a recent round trip from the Jersey Shore to Buffalo, NY, the vehicle performed exceptionally in both dry weather and driving snow, on ice and through slush. I was able to maintain full control of the vehicle at a reasonable speed even in the worst weather, all the while experiencing the comfort and convenience of the vehicles interior. The only negatives with this vehicle so far are: the poor fuel economy (expected) and the lack of an 8-way drivers seat, which is inexcusable (esp. since LR promised it).
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A Great Land Rover - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By micheal - September 13 - 12:36 pmWhat an improvement over the Discovery! This is a great truck; comfortable on long highway drives, able to get through the recent snowstorms in the Northeast, and up a very mucky 1/4 mile country driveway after the melting. Weve put 7K on our SE, without a single problem (knock wood). Its versatile, fun to drive, and very well thought out. We tend to beat up our vehicles, and this one seems up to every task.
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1st SUV - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By cliff - September 10 - 9:00 amThis is my 1st SUV. I drove everything is the Sub $40K range and found a demo in that $ range. Love the off road and on road. Getting 14.8 in town and 22 on the highway at 75 MPH after minor mods. Holds 7 people no problem. Not much worse than our Honda Minivan. My wife loves it. Good complement to my Mini Cooper.
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Things to Look For in a Used LR3 - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By OoltewahLR3 - August 24 - 5:46 pmI bought this LR3 in 2008 when gas prices skyrocketed, and everyone was dumping their SUVs for better fuel economy. I bought a 2005 LR3 V8 with 30k miles for $20k with a full bumper to bumper warranty. Once I took it off- road with the dealership mechanics, I fell in love with it. I dont care that the sunroof leaks - at least not that much. If you buy one, make sure to buy it during a rain storm and drive it aggressively. Thats when youll notice a leak problem if there is one. Also - look for signs of leakage below the VIN number plate. There is a piece of paper below it (likely from the factory). If it is discolored, it is probably from one of those crummy sunroof drains.
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LR3 the Best of All Worlds... - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By JKC - August 17 - 11:53 pmOverall I am very satisfied with my new LR3. It is rides smooth (like a Lexus), quiet (again like a Lexus), and handling is firm (like a BMW) both on and off-road - something most SUVs can claim. There were very minor problems when I picked mine up, but service corrected quickly. However, they shouldve done it beforehand. Not something you want to deal with when getting a new car. MPG is horrible, but already knew that beforehand. LRs has always been a favorite of mine, but always fell short of me getting one until now. The main reason is reliability. Hopefully, they corrected that or at least working on it. Ill see...
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the best - 2006 Land Rover LR3
By nick - July 2 - 9:36 amit is the best car i have ever owned and i have owned 20 some cars. my last was a volvo xc90 which is very nice but this beats it if you ask me
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Design Flaw - 2008 Land Rover LR3
By Vincent - June 25 - 11:00 amLove it! Contrary to some reviews, I like the lumbering feeling in the LR3. Very roomy, very safe. My wife drives my 2 kids around and about, and I am at ease knowing they are in such a solid and safe vehicle. Here is the flaw. After a severe fall rain storm, my wife opened the door of our LR3 and water poured out of the front passenger seat. The dealer told me that leaves clog the soffet for the moon roof drainage system. The H20 has no where to go, so it falls inside the car. She said it is a design flaw for all 3 models. She knew exactly what it was when I called it in. If you garage your LR3, then dont sweat it. If you have a garage that is too low for the LR3. Heads up!
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Loving my decision - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By Charlotte Fan - June 12 - 9:20 pmI traded in a 2005 Cadillac Escalade for my 2005 LR3 and could not be more pleased. While the Cadillac may have more "bells and whistles", the LR3 has many more functional benefits. The ride is great and I love the feeling of knowing that road and weather conditions will never impede my ability to travel. A great looking luxury vehicle that has the ability to go "blue collar" when necessary.
