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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L# HSE - 2006 Land Rover LR3
By jpanti - August 28 - 10:30 amThe L3 HSE that I bought I use it on and off road, and its great on both. Mine is a diesel engine, so the fuel economy is great. You exchange power for economy, which isnt that bad, since its still a powerful engine. The comfort makes you overlook the possible flaws it may have as far as the interior. Overall, a great buy!
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Love/Hate Relationship? - 2006 Land Rover LR3
By jclay1965 - August 26 - 4:36 amAfter pondering the decision to buy a LR3 V8 HSE after renting one for a week in California last year, finally got around to doing it this week. I can already tell it will most likely be a love/hate relationship. Right out the door, had to bring the LR3 back to the dealership the very next day, as there was some noticeably bad wobble/vibration coming from one or more of the wheels/tires. Also the seat memory switch #1 was DOA. While it was in being fixed, apparently the check engine light came on, and they fixed that as well, after running an engine diagnostic. I love the car, but we are off to a rough start. The dealership, on the other hand, is fantastic!
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Glad to be in a LR3 - HSE** not X5 - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By David Cowan - August 11 - 7:46 pmWe had the x5 BMW for the past 3 years and this beats everything about the x5. Great driving.
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very happy - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By Bret Green - August 6 - 1:00 pmmy wife and I love it,it not only looks great but is very enjoyable to drive and are two boys love its looks and of course the dvd player,myself personally I love the 4 wheel drive system and the air suspension height adjustability
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Better than ever? - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By LR318 - July 2 - 10:00 amJust got back from the Debut Night at the local Land Rover Dealership. The build quality seems incredible. The "Door Test" (see how sturdy the car is made based upon the sound made when the door is slammed shut) passed with fly colors. The car is so sturdy, it is so quiet and the materials seem to be top notch. I felt so safe in that car, even when the 300 HP kicked in, 80 mph in that car needs no hesitation. All the important buttons of AC/Heat,Radio, NAV, and other functions were within reach from driver seat, plenty of cup holders (I counted 10).Room of a minivan, capability of more than any other SUV, and I would not hesitate to trade my Discovery in for one of these! Yeah its that good!
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A Car with a Feel Good Factor - 2006 Land Rover LR3
By GuyC - June 24 - 4:03 amOn a whim went for a test drive & I have to say the ride surprised me. I came away wanting to buy the car but needed to do some ‘web’ research. I found so many negative reviews, the fuel economy & bad reliability that I rang the dealer & declined the deal we had discussed. A couple of days later I felt the pain of ‘non buyers remorse’ I dug deeper & found the fuel economy is really no different to any other SUV of this size and capability. I went back, got the car, The fuel economy on commute is ~16mpg. When I drive, it feels like I should take a picnic to a polo game. This is without a doubt a car that makes you feel good and well worth the time to investigate properly.
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Getting your dream SUV - 2006 Land Rover LR3
By natosanj - June 21 - 1:36 amI have a fully loaded LR3 HSE 2006. Great SUV. Dream come true. Sluggish at the starting line. Breaks make noise when try to stop at low spped. For a 60K car I am little dissapointed. Besides the breaks I can not wait to go off road and see its capability. Drove it on an icy road with TR on Wet and slippery. The SUV drove like a champ. Not a single slip at any urban speed.
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Great Vehicle SHORT TERM.. NO longevity - 2006 Land Rover LR3
By jaison - June 4 - 10:46 pmLove the vehicle for the past 6 months+ few quirks that the dealer had to fix. Terrible gas mileage. I am not a stickler on gas though I am getting ONLY 10 miles to the gallon on average between city & hwy. It says that it should give you 14 city 18 hwy (B.S.) That is 60 percent less than expected! I have come from an Escalade and even that brougth me close to 15 mpg. Love staying with american products.
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2005 SE7 - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By Brett Morey - June 2 - 11:13 amPurchased this LR3 from a private party with all service records. What a tremendous SUV. Have owned a few MDXs and am new to Land Rover but thus far very impressed with the ride quality of this vehicle. Honestly I expect that the cost of operation for this vehicle will be higher but the safety, features like Navigation and panoramic Sunroof with fold flat seats made this vehicle top on our list. Whether its a short trip to the store or a long drive up North were thrilled to take the LR3 on an adventure.
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graet truck - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By John - May 10 - 10:13 pmGreat Truck, Kids love the sun roofs, Quiet as you drive down the highway at 80. It goes through mud, rivers, snow and the country club to golf with four full sized men and their bags. Great truck
