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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  Land Rover Discovery III - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Steve Baldwin - January 23 - 9:36 am

  My LR3 (Discovery III) is a wonderful vehicle which continues in the best Land Rover tradition of luxury and off-road leadership. This is my thrid Land Rover and certainly wont be my last. I am very happy with the design improvements and the fact that Ford has allowed Land Rover to remain Land Rover (Thank You Bill!)

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  Landrover LR3 HSE - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By F. A - December 27 - 8:06 am

  A remarkable vehicle that sets the benchmark for capable off-roading SUV with refined on-road capabilities. Very ergonomic, has all of the features and more expected from a luxury SUV. If you want plush trim select another SUV e.g. Lexus GX 470. If you want a car with many intuitive features, without sacrificing the need for a "go-anywhere" SUV then the LR3 should be on the top of your test drive list. The V8 is very adaptable and will not leave you wanting more power when you have to get out of the way quickly. The terrain response is really neat and will help you avoid potential accidents. A must in the colder northern US states.

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  Land Rovers best - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By maciosaig - December 25 - 9:13 am

  The LR3 has been nothing short of excellent. Its on-road performance is excellent for what it is. Off -road it surprised me, I do a fair amount of medium to difficult off-roading and the LR3 has not let me down yet. I use the LR3 to commute every day, so I wish it had a diesel engine option like the rest of the world has available. I hate the complicated voice activated navigation, it has difficulty understanding alot of commands, especially when asking it to find Italian restaurants. The off-road part of the nav system is excellent and very technoligically advanced. Passenger comfort is great and cargo hauling is excellent. More aggressive tires and manually locking diffs are needed

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  Best of the Best - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Chuck McKibbin - December 15 - 2:50 pm

  I have owned many SUVs and many, many vehicles. This is the best I have ever owned. It will climb impossible peaks in Arizona, then hit the highway at a smooth 90 m.p.h. Everything has been well thought out and user friendly and this truck has PERFORMANCE.

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  Lr3 review - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By JERRY HEATH - December 12 - 8:06 pm

  Great vehicle! It is better than expected. The interior is very nice and comfortable.

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  LR 3 - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By OldBear - December 10 - 8:26 pm

  We traded our 03 Disco in, we drove the new porsche SUV and we choose the LR3 over it and the VW SUV. It has to be one of the best cars we have ever owned.

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  05 LR3 SE Bonnetti Gray w/ Charcoal - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Vic in Arlington - November 28 - 2:23 am

  Love to drive this truck. I wish that I had purchased the HSE to get the options. Ive had numerous issues with the truck but the dealership strives to make them right.

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  The most astounding SUV built - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Kelly - November 15 - 3:46 pm

  This is a most wonderful vehicle. Not only is it a automatic, its got 6 speeds you can change while driving on the highway. This is by far the best landrover for your money and excellent for the family. One model includes baby seat holders already in the car so you can just flip the seat up, and sit in the baby carrier. Wonderful!! I am so pleased with my LR3!!

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  A true class leader - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By David - November 14 - 8:16 am

  A long time GM Yukon Denali owner (two models) and prior to that, a Tahoe owner, I conducted full research and determined that, dollar for dollar, the LR3 is the BEST buy for a luxury SUV on the market today! It has not disappointed.

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  Love the LR3 - 2007 Land Rover LR3
  By grampulla - October 26 - 3:23 am

  Great car if youre buying it for the right reasons and not for a soccer mom/dad car. Might want to look elsewhere for that but if youre looking for an SUV that will support and active outdoors lifestyle or haul around 7 adults with no problem then this is your vehicle. I owned a 2000 Disco which I loved to hate but still decieded to take a chance on the LR3 and so far I am happy I did. Being a LR I did buy the extended warranty to 7yr/100000 and well see how it goes. Rear seats fold down completely flat and allow me to put up to 4-5 bikes in the back of the vehicle. I mounted fork mounts in the rear seats and now my bikes stay put.