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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  Swiss Army Knife of SUVs - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By ChrisC - October 15 - 9:30 pm

  I have had this truck for over a year already and it has never let me down on-road or off-road. True to its Land Rover heritage it coddles you in comfort and protects you from the elements while taking you through all types of road conditions and terrain with ease. The design of the truck also sets you apart from the bland styling that is out there today on so many SUVs. It is truly among the very few off the showroom do anything, go anywhere type of vehicle. A true Swiss Army Knife of SUVs.

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  Excellent - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Gregg - October 14 - 11:23 am

  Having owned a 99 and 02 discovery the difference is night and day, but the real measure is my last vehicle the 2003 range rover. I drove the range rover for two years and had zero problems and much admiration from my friends, this car(LR3) is so similar to it in the areas that matter. The differencs are few and far between little things that are mostly cosmetic and do not effect you on a daily basis. Off road driving is actually better, its quieter, nimbler etc.. I cant recomend this car enough, period!

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  2005 LR3 - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By bkalhor - October 8 - 9:53 pm

  This is my third Land Rover and so far my best Land Rover! I highly recommend it...however the gas mileage does put a nice dent in my wallet - it is still better than the mileage on my Series II!

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  Best Ever - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By EniwderAuto - October 1 - 5:50 pm

  Easy to get around in. Turn radius makes it easy in city and off road. Gas mileage good for 6000 lbs. Excellent interior space with smaller exterior foot print. Great for highway cruising as well. Much better gas mileage than a crew cab pickup.

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  Best SUV - 2008 Land Rover LR3
  By fallout79 - September 20 - 2:21 pm

  I had always considered a Land Rover but been scared of the reliabilty. I finally went for a test drive and realized just how good this vehicle is. In terms of design, comfort, style, and capability there simply is not another vehicle that comes close. I bought an 08 with 70k on it and got an awesome deal. It had a full service history and was in mint condition. I drive it all day for business in the week and get around 18mpg. At the weekend I can load it up for weekend trips to the mountains and go on offroad trails that are extremely challenging. Othertimes I tow our 25 boat with ease. Im at 90k with no problems. I have it regularly serviced by the LR dealer who are great. Best SUV!

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  Be very careful!!! - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By pat - September 16 - 8:26 am

  I purchased this great looking vehicle only to have the entire computer system fail in less the a month after purchase. After keeping the car for almost a month and mysteriously running up 250 miles on my car, I got my car back. The car then would change height by itself. They are still trying to it figure out. Lastly, the ride has this strange vibration which the dealer claims is due to the tires sitting overnight and should get better over time. Go figure!!!

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  Happy New LR3 Owner - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Inland Northwest Fun - September 10 - 3:00 am

  I recently purchased my LR3 and am really glad I did. About 2 weeks after I bought it, we got 23 inches of snow in three days. My LR3 handled the weather incredibly well, while other SUVs were stuck on the side of the road.

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  Exceeded our expectations - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By JU - July 31 - 7:00 am

  After three weeks of ownership and one off-road excursion, we are in love with our LR3. My wife has never gotten excited about any vehicle before and I think she loves it more than I do.

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  2009 LR3 - 2009 Land Rover LR3
  By 2009 HSE LR3 - July 29 - 7:50 am

  I just took delivery on a 2009 LR3, my 2006 lease ended and definately wanted to stay with the LR3. Very pleased with all aspects of the 2006, and hoping to have as good of an experience with the 2009. We dont rock crawl but we do make use of all its off road capabilities in our travels. For the money I dont think you can beat the performance or styling, with its updated exterior its a real head turner. Very pleased with the updated interior as well, the seats are higher quality and much more comfortable. It handles great and has plenty of power. I put 62K miles on in 30 months and the only service related issue on the 06 was a leaky gasket around the thermostat, not bad.

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  Considering a Land Rover? - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By beavers52 - July 23 - 5:40 am

  I would encourage anyone considering the purchase of a new Land Rover to do your research - review customer comments, check JD Powers ratings, etc. I wish I had done so. Unfortunately, I purchased a new LR3. Nothing but problems with the vehicle - cheap interior parts - electrical problems - frequent mechanical issues. I would encourage anyone considering a purchase of a LR to think twice before doing so - there has got to me more to a car than "good looks".