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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  Solid - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By D3 - November 19 - 4:40 am

  Very solid vehicle. Handles suprisingly well for its size and weight. Exceptionally stable on-road, typical Land Rover off-road capability.

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  Best Rover ever - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Jim - October 5 - 6:03 pm

  As an owner of two other Land Rovers i can say this is the best yet. Quiet, powerful and fun!

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  Love It - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Susan - September 21 - 5:30 pm

  This car is great. If you want a unique car that is fun to drive and has functionality, this is it. I searched for a 7 passenger vehicle for my family and was two seconds away from buying an Acura MDX when we stumbled on the Land Rover. I am so happy and love everything about it.

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  SUV Knockout punch - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Dean - August 14 - 10:53 am

  This SUV is the best in the market; its just right in everything (very roomy and not too big). Get the third row seat it is worth it. If your wife does not like driving minivans or the big 7 passenger SUVÂ’s then look no further. My wife loves driving it all the time & I love the power and the way it handles curves. In addition to all the perks this car is workhorse too. If you have a family with more than one child this is the car for you. If it isnÂ’t for redundancy I would by another one in a heartbeat

• 

  Perfection - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Melissa - August 14 - 4:13 am

  The ride is smooth and very relaxing, especially on the mountain terrain. The new terrain system is a masterpiece. Its better than the Range Rover.

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  05 Tonga green with tan HSE - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By MrMaster - August 10 - 6:16 pm

  Originally wanted a silver HSE, realized availability issues; found a Tonga green due for delivery and not yet spoken for. Im really happy with the color combo we got (tan interior) and actually feel it looks better than the silver, due to the freezer-box shape of the vehicle. Added a brush guard, door guards, and rubber mats.

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  Bold and Beautiful - 2008 Land Rover LR3
  By Gautam Gupya - August 9 - 10:43 pm

  Fun to drive, very comfortable ride. I have test driven BMWs an Audi but of no match. Shift it to manual and then feel the difference if you want to.

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  Happy LR3 Owner x2 - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By texaslr3man - July 22 - 1:53 am

  I owned my first LR3 for 7 months (7,000 miles) before it was broadsided by a suburban. The car did so well in the crash that I couldnt get the drivers insurance company to total it. The side curtain airbags worked like a champ, and since it will take 3 months to repair it, and I dont want to drive a near totaled car, I bought a 2006 LR3 and plan to sell my old one when it comes back from the body shop. I took a client out last night (CEO of a company), and he couldnt believe how well made the car was. I am thinking of selling my wifes suburban and buying a third onefor her.

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  not so reliable - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By vince lombardi - June 20 - 4:10 am

  First Land Rover ive owned kind of disappointed. Its been in the shop too many times in the last year. Plastic Panels on the exterior fallen off 3x, breaks have squeek that dealership has not resolved. Its too bad because i like the ride, great on road trips, although automatic transition through gears could be smoother. There are cheap plastic pieces that cover the front seat tracks affixed to the floor that have cracked in various places, kinda cheap. I have to agree the gas mileage is far from ok, likely $100 to $150/wk in gas. tons of space in the rear w/o the 7 seater, lots of headroom and cabin space. A good friend of mine had his LR3 declared a "lemon"?? Be wary!

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  1st year status - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By 9k9 - June 4 - 4:03 am

  The cooler is great but it will run down the battery. We use it camping. A queen air bed just fits in the back and the LR tent is great. Gas mileage is not so good but we have a Fit for zipping about town. We get suspension faults about once every three months but stopping and resetting the car clears it. First trip was to LA from San Francisco down 5. Cruising at 100 was like being in a jet in first class. During last winter I hit patch of water about 6 inches deep at 50 mph. The car was rock solid and carried straight through. Off road it works well but be aware that steep slopes will cause you to have to reset it.