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:
Showing 201 through 210 of 312.00-
One month and loving it!! - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By boulders - July 1 - 4:00 pmTraded in a 2001 MDX for this truck and no regrets so far. Great interior design with a commanding view of the road. Nicely weighted steering and fabulous brakes. Quieter and smoother than the MDX by a country mile. It is true what the editors at Motor Trend said, " 90mph does indeed feel like 55mph". I didnt expect the gas mileage to be great given the vehicles mass but a little disappointed at 10.8 -11.4 mpg in city driving. The rear split gate design is a wonderful touch. And the third row is well worth if you have kids. It is superior to the Acuras in terms of comfort. It is a quite different experience driving in sport mode. The truck feels much quicker than posted 0-60 times.
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So Far So Very Good - 2007 Land Rover LR3
By VincentET - June 28 - 4:30 amPeople and magazines have said LRs arent reliable, but so far not a single problem. I like this SUV better than any of my past vehicles- Jeep Grand Cherokee, MB ML320, Cadillac SRX, Infiniti QX4. All those trucks had numerous service issues(except Infiniti).
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Awesome dude where is my car - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By browns - June 23 - 11:50 pmI love my car nice dark windows, to party behind, no problems, sweet , my wife loves bought for her for x-mas
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The best SUV in its class - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By Happy LR3 owner - June 23 - 6:46 amPros: The new style, technology, on-road and off-road capabilities, and gadgets in general far exceed its competitors. Not to mention, the outstanding, complimentary service for the first 45,000 miles. Ive been to two dealerships in different states. The service is excellent. Cons: This SUV is the quintessential "gas- guzzler". Note: I have clocked approximately 20,000 miles since May. Therefore, I expected to meet or exceed 30,000 miles before May, 2006. Yes, I know high mileage does not help vechicle resale value, but I enjoy driving the LR3.
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Great vehicle ? tires - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By wood - June 13 - 5:06 pmLand Rover did a great job on the design. Still a little square . Good performance. Road noise from the tires not good. Goodyear has replaced one and still noisey.
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Excellent Car - 2009 Land Rover LR3
By Hash - June 11 - 3:36 amGreat Car, good Drive, Powerful Engine and Car for difficult missions. Safe for Family, Luxury and conformable.
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An awsome vehicle, on-road and off - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By UnbrknCh8n - May 18 - 4:56 pmI had some fear about buying the first year of the LR3. However, with almost 25,000 miles on my truck, it has performed flawlessly (except for the tires, but thats another story). It is wonderful off-road, smooth on-road, stops on a dime, and is fun to drive. It truly does seat 7 adults, and the fold-flat rear seats are very useful. The terrain-response really does work (Ive tried it in mud, snow, sand, and on steep, rocky trails). If you are not ever going to off-road, there may be cheaper SUVs, but if you spend any time driving on anything other than dry pavement, it cant be beat!
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Better than my Discovery? Sometimes. - 2006 Land Rover LR3
By SnapHappy - May 11 - 3:26 pmI also own a 2003 Discovery SE, and the LR3 is a very different car. Some improvements were made, but other changes were steps backward. Its MUCH smoother on the pavement due to a less stiff suspension, but the 4.4L 300HP engine (while zippy in passing performance) has a 1-2 second lag between the time I step on the gas and the time it actually responds. My 4.6L 217HP Disco SE has already taken off like a rocket while the LR3 is still thinking about it. Very quiet inside - the engine is nearly silent. I dont like that the LR3 SE trim is more industrial (and less "classy") than the Disco SE. Overall performance is great, but little tweaks were missed.
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Great Choice - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By grendal_fly - May 4 - 12:26 amWe also shopped the BWM and the Volvo, but in the end we wanted a SUV with lots of interior room that you could actually park in a normal garage. Outside of the poor gas mileage this delivers almost everything you can ask for in the price range.
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top 4X4 - 2006 Land Rover LR3
By cbloomers - April 27 - 3:16 pmI had a range rover a couple years back and loved it, then brought a new Escalade 2008 it was fun for a while but then bad build quality showed through. Sold it for the LR3 and realized what I had been missing. Next car will be a range rover or LR4. Sorry to hear some people have had problems but these are the best off roaders you can get.
