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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  So far great Land Rover - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By LR3 - August 21 - 2:36 am

  Second Land Rover that I have owned. First was a Disco III that I loved but also hated for the reliability. So far the LR3 has been great. No issues. The LR3 is the most comfortable car I have ever driven. I have done multiple long road trips and multiple off road trips. The only drawback to the car in my opinion is the fuel, but what can you do about that with a V8. I have also done moderate towing (other cars on trailers and boats) and the LR3 handles it well. Its only 2 yrs old so we will see how it holds up in the long run.

• 

  standing out - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By dragos - August 15 - 10:03 am

  nice suv overall... not your common look... could use some extra hp and some more mpg... a diesel version for usa would be desired for repeat customers... premium fuel is $3/gal... but... at 57K should not be a concern?!!!

• 

  unreliable - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By rob - July 31 - 12:03 am

  I have owned my LR3 for 9 months and have been back to the dealership on numerous occassions. I have had to replace broken components on the gas tank door. I have had 3 recalls- they replaced the entire fule tank and internal components-they repalced the air compressors-they had to update software for a faulty ignition switch and I now have a water leak from the internal dome light. I can say I agree with ALL the auto reviews that the LR3 is one of the least reliable autos on the market. I had been a Nissan consumer for 10 years and I must say I cant remember a single problem with any of my past Nissian vehicles.

• 

  Get in the mud! - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Ryan Knapp - July 21 - 11:43 am

  The truck is more than fun to drive and the comfort is exceptional. I was aware of the reliability issues and got a 100k bumper to bumper warrenty with the sale up front. Dealership has been great about the minor issues we have had, but then again it has been used as it was intended. I have been in mud holes, trails, cow pastures, and rocks with it and it has never stopped! Handles as well as some other sports cars I have been in and everyone loves it.

• 

  Disco III? - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By autopower - May 3 - 2:40 am

  This LR3 was a loaner in great condition. Was looking for a Disco II but could not find one in the condition I wanted. The driving position is great. The Xenon headlamps are wonderful. I can attest to the outstanding off-road capability of the LR3 [thank you Land Rover Driving Experience]. I now have over 20000 miles on it, and no problems. I average about 17.5 mpg in mixed driving. The 3rd row is more tolerable for adults on short trips than my previous Acura MDX. I usually have the 3rd row folded flat with a mat over it for cargo duty. It does it all.

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  It is a LR afterall... - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Rover - April 11 - 6:13 pm

  The car is absolutely awesome. It is like having McGyver with you at all times. If you want perefection, I would look elsewhere (generic, blend with all, and is that my car?). Think of it as a thoroughbred, the care and feeding are most crucial.

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  Better than the Discovery by a mile - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By aesko - April 1 - 4:46 pm

  Purchased as a demo model, so it had a few miles on the odometer. We have previously owned a 95 Discovery, and a 02 Freelander. Land Rover seems to have done its homework this time. The overall fit and finish is far superior to LRs previous offerings,and the 300 hp on tap is just about right. For a SUV this size it handles great. However Im not so sure about the durability of the electronics. Overall we are quite happy with the purchase of this vehicle, however LR could have done a few things better, the third row should have come as a no cost option, and the lack of a SIRIUS radio system is well just dumb. I mean GM offers XM on even its base cars. I hope it holds up better then its previous offering

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  My LR3 maybe a Lemon - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Lemon - March 11 - 5:13 pm

  Love at first sight (2005 LR3 HSE Fully Loaded). Its fun driving the LR3, but I didnt have too many chances driving the LR3, because I end up driving the Freelander (the loaner car) more often. I paid $60,000.00+ to drive a freelander. The LR3 was in the shop alot. With about 8,000 miles on it. I ran into too many problems with the car. I dont even feel like driving the LR3 long distances because Im afraid it might break down on me again. Like the Air suspension, which broke twice already, maybe going 3. It rain today 4/28/05, and there was a leak from the glass roof at the 3rd row seats. Im just letting you know my problems so you wont have to go through what I went through.

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  Love this vehicle - 2007 Land Rover LR3
  By Brian - March 7 - 5:26 am

  I truly agree that this is not the best vehicle on the market for getting kids to and from school and day in day out errands, but when you baalnce that out with weeknd trips to the beach, hiking, mountain biking, and towing a boat there is no better vehicle. I got rid of my first LR3 and bought a smaller fule effecient SUV and after 2 months went back to and LR3. I cant see myself in any other vehicle. During fishing and camping trips I have found myself in a few off road/water situations and have never had an issue even when the passengers doubted it could get to the place we wanted to go. It polishes up well for days in the office, but also loves to get dirty and looks good doing it.

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  Leaking Sunroof - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Jake - February 25 - 6:13 am

  I have always loved the LR3 and have owned a Range Rover several years ago. I decided to trade my Mercedes for this 2006 LR3SE V8. I only wish I had my Mercedes back. This vehicle has been nothing but a headache. It has been in the shop multiple times for a leaking sunroof and STILL the problem persists. The last time they replace the entire sunroof but it still leaks inside the dome light, right and left posts beside the windshield. Water comes out of the "airbag" plug on the sides! It has been a nightmare and Land Rover will do nothing to make this right. I intend to pursue Lemon Law and hopefully get rid of this poor quality vehicle. I will never buy another.