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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  Great SUV!! - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Mike C - September 14 - 8:46 am

  Ok folks, this SUV is a must have. I sold my BMW X5 to purchase the LR3; the LR3 stands alone in the luxury category. The 3rd row seating is comfortable and the stadium seating keeps all in the conversation. It is a joy to drive and have taken off road..what a rush. I have had no problems with reliability or quality and the Red Nolan dealership in Colorado Springs know the true meaning of customer service. GO BUY ONE TODAY!!!

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  No Worries! - 2007 Land Rover LR3
  By Vance - August 25 - 10:26 pm

  We needed a family utilitarian replacement SUV after all the negative safety issues with our Pathfinder. We stumbled across an 07 HSSE with less than 17K on it while looking at an 09. This was our first experience with Land Rover. We tried the Pilot and the Highlander, but then they are everywhere and very dull. This was love at first drive! Quite different than some of the negative comments read before hand. It was smooth on the road and very comfortable, while having tons of room in 3 rows. Better yet its not a "manly man" truck like a Tahoe or similar. And the plastics are fine. Much better than what we were expecting. Yes, gadgets are plenty, but read the manual. It works!

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  Great vehicle - 2007 Land Rover LR3
  By bob - August 25 - 9:06 pm

  This is the greatest car I have ever owned and I have had it for a few months with no issues. It has great space whenever I need it. It is great to have third row seat that fold into the floor because I dont need it that often.

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  I love my LR3 - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By texas retired - August 25 - 6:26 pm

  I bought my LR3 new and absolutely love it. I have had almost no issues with my SUV. There were a few warranty items in the beginning but smooth sailing now. It is about to go out of warranty and I am investigating extended warranty just in case. This is my second Land Rover, the last was a 2000 Disc II and I had no issues with it either. I keep hearing about reliability issues with these cars but I have not ever had an issue with the 2 I have owned.

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  Nice Crossover - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Scott Heaton - August 20 - 10:06 pm

  As the previous owner of a Discovery II, I can say this is a much smoother, solid-feeling vehicle. I enjoy the driving experience more every day. Four months into ownership have given no disappointments.

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  Love the LR3 - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By LR3 Lover - August 11 - 1:26 pm

  Just to be honest, I am happy with my Fully Loaded LR3 HSE w/ brush bar. Here are some experiences I had with my LR3 right from the start to less than 3,500 miles that I would like to share with you (Listed below): 1) The driverÂ’s side door mirror wouldnÂ’t tilt up or down. 2) In Reverse, both side door mirrors will tilt but will not tilt back to normal positions as like before. 3) Loud noises from upper tailgate when going over any size bumps, and when making turns. 4) Sometimes, itÂ’ll take over a minute for the radio to come on, or after I turned off the radio then on again. 5) Suspension Fault. IÂ’ve never driven the LR3 off-road, or even off- curve (peopleÂ’s most off-road exp)

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  lr 3 - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By edie - August 1 - 7:00 am

  i took my new landrover into the woods camping. it was a blast, easy to drive. the seats folds down and 2 people can sleep comfortably in the back. I really love this car....

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  so far, so great! - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By jsldds - July 25 - 7:33 am

  The LR3 has been perfect to date. Gas prices are hurting a bit but I live close to work. I have taken trips to Las Vegas and Mammoth from southern California. It drives like a champ on the highway and the snow. Very comfortable. I get 17+ mpg on long trips, 13 in the city. It feels like it was carved out of stone. Very comfortable. I have found the seats to be comfortable. Maybe my body type just fits. I see others have had trouble with the headrest position. I did not get the bluetooth, my only regret. I have the 5 seater and to date have not missed having the third row. Some say acceleration is slow. Ive found using sport mode helps. If you want a hotrod SUV, go to the Cherokee SRT.

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  Worthwile to wait - 2007 Land Rover LR3
  By gillz - June 25 - 6:00 am

  Waited for the 2007 model so that could get the benefit of a couple years worth of production issues getting resolved. LR also added the lumbar, seat movement without key in ignition and other improvements for 2007. Only 1000 miles on the vehicle, but already in snow and on hwy, both cases proved to be a flawless performance.

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  LR3 & ME! - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Michael Stoll - June 4 - 6:26 pm

  In this case, the fourth time is a charm! Following a Discovery and two Range Rovers, I think theyve finally got it! Rides like a luxury car, stable on ice and snow, and all the bells and whistles you would expect, save the comment noted below regarding sound system. While hesitant in the past, I would give the LR3 two big "thumbs up"!