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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  Problems with my LR3. 1,500 miles - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By LR3 - April 16 - 4:23 pm

  Great SUV to drive. Turns Head. But lately, theres been some little troubles with mine. 1) Loud rattle sound from rear upper tailgate over any type of bumps from big to very small bumps. 2) Drivers left side mirror wont work at times. 3) Drivers right side mirror - when in reverse the mirror automatically tilts down but when in Drive the mirror does not tilt back to the same position as it was before. 4) Cover for cigarette lighter would not close once opened. I have to push lid around 13 times until the lid would stay closed. 5) Radio: When I turn on the radio, no sound will come on for about 1 minute.

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  Amazing Vehicle that keeps giving! - 2008 Land Rover LR3
  By socalrover1 - April 13 - 11:50 pm

  The LR3 is the most versatile vehicle Ive ever owned. We have two kids & a dog & weve had our LR3 for 6 months. Interior space is very ample. This truck drives like a car in the city. Its easy to park. Snow or mountains, the LR3 has blown me away at its capabilities. It can do far more than Ill ever have the guts to push it to do. The LR3 is built like a tank. I feel so comfortable with my wife and kids driving around in it. I get about 17 MPG city & 20 on long trips. Painful with prices where they are now, but not bad considering the size and weight of these vehicles. We looked at Mercedes, Volvo, Lexus, Acura, and BMW. No regrets! The family loves the LR3 more each day!

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  Excellent Truck, did I mention Excellent - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By pgf27 - April 10 - 8:56 am

  Wow is a good word for this truck. I traded my Infinity 2003 loaded QX4 for this, not really wanting to, and I tell you I am so glad I did. This SUV has the engine to back its size, so it actually moves like the cargo area isnt even full. The creature comforts are there, just keep in mind it is designed to be a TRUE off road vehicle, so some standard features like auto lights are not a part of this car. Ive been over several terrain types, and the trucks program selection for off roading made the truck handle things easily (Like curb climbing, etc). The vehicle does use gas like any suv, but I am definately VERY happy and always excited to climb in for a drive!

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  Excellent versatility in the city - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Magnus - April 10 - 12:36 am

  Weve owned an SE for 2 months and 5,000 miles. Fit & finish inside & out is flawless. Mechanically perfect. Rides, handles, accelerates & brakes almost sports-sedan-like. Engine even sounds powerful. Exterior size isnt big, but inside, it "lives" huge. Visibility is very good, especially if you fold down center rear seat. Sunroofs make the interior bright. Seating is very comfortable and roomy in every seat. Ability to lower the vehicle with one switch is very handy for shorter people & dogs to get in/out. Rear seats fold flat easily in many different variations. Transmission "sports" mode allows fast & easy merges with heavy city traffic. Very comfortable on long freeway rides

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  What a great family vehicle - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By LR3 in VA - March 29 - 8:46 am

  After testing about 6 other mid size SUVs, by far this was the best. Im glad we purchased it!

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  New LR3s - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By r - March 10 - 1:03 am

  Land Rover (Ford ) has made a big mistake making this car in place of the beloved Discovery. It looks cheap and feels cheap especially the interior. A nice try for a new look, but the interior basically looks like a rental car. We have had 2 Discoveries however those will be our last 2 Land Rovers. Also, our last Discovery began having numerous problems a few miles outside of the 50,000mi warranty....

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  Land Rover is tops - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By klebsack - January 23 - 1:43 pm

  This is a truly awesome vehicle. This is the first LandRover I have owned but will not be the last. It is fun to drive and exceeds my expectations of an SUV. I drove it on a LandRover course and was amazed at what it is capable of. It was definately a thrill to see its manuverability on an off road enviroment.

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  Consumer - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Clinto G. Smith - January 9 - 6:13 pm

  Excellent in performance, have owned FX 35 (2004) and Hummer (2005) and no comparison in performande,

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  Gas Guzzler - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Asif - January 7 - 4:06 pm

  Just bought the new LR3 SE. Love the drive and the feel of the vehicle. Probably one of the best handling and safest SUVs Ive ever driven. In the last 10 days I filled up the 23 gallon tank 3 times with the recommended premium gas. Each fill up ran about $55. The vehicle got about 250 miles to the tank full or about 11 MPG in city/highway driving. It is suppose to get 14 city/18 highway. Remember it is 4 wheel drive 24/7 and has a V8 300hp, and it is one of the heaviest SUVs out there (over 7,000 lbs.) I would recommend that any potential owner rent this vehicle for one day and track the mileage based on the way you drive. If youre satisfied with the results, then buy this vehicle.

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  All that glitters is not gold!!! - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By pat - January 6 - 10:36 am

  I bought my LR3 hot off the presses. But from the get go there was a problem. A nagging vibration in the ride which the dealer claimed he could not feel. The my entire electronic system malfunctioned. The car spent the entire month of Feb. at the dealer. Got the car back only to notice that it would change height by itself when in park mode. After two more visits, Im still holding my breath. The vibration in the ride is still noticeable to me. Oh, and finding a bag of garbage in the cargo area of the car after when I got the car back after one of many visits was not reassuring. Its a beautiful car. The veneer dash inlay for an extra fee is worth it. All that glitters is not gold!!