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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Good Ride - 2006 Land Rover LR3
By Fast Eddie - April 17 - 9:50 amI own a new LR3 and enjoy the ride qualities of this SUV, very smooth and quiet. On the freeway it seems a bit sluggish but once up to speed it really holds its own and again the ride is very smooth. I have had some issues with the check engine light coming on and off, make sure you screw the gas cap on snuggly the MILS system is very sensitive and this will cause the engine light to come on. One thing to be leery of is the vehicle only takes super unleaded (91 octane) that is a huge chuck out of your wallet with the price of fuel, the dealer will not tell you this. Overall I do enjoy driving and owning the LR3.
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Favorite vehicle to date! - 2008 Land Rover LR3
By Barry - April 15 - 10:36 pmThis is the first vehicle Ive owned that I actually like the more I drive it. I use it for every-day driving, hunting in EXTREME off-road conditions and even towing my 22 ski boat every now and then. I own many vehicles including off-road 4x4 trucks and Ive found the capabilities of the LR3 are MUCH better than the pickups for hunting - and way more comfortable! Driving horizontally on steep hillsides is unbelievably comfortable due to the air-suspension self- levelling system. This is my first Land Rover product but I think Im going to ditch the 08 Lexus and replace it with the 09 Range Rover for the "family" vehicle.
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Fun to Drive - - - When Not In the Shop - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By Colt45 - April 14 - 3:46 pmMy LR3 has spent more time on the road than on the road - - 3 weeks so far. (With 2 weeks parked while on vacation, and 2 weeks actual driving it.) - - There was paint peeling from the front bumper and the nav system isnt working properly. My local dealer has been excellent. Im hoping LR will figure out whats wrong. I enjoy driving the LR3 during those times Ive had it on the road. Sigh, maybe itll be out of the shop by next week - - Week 4.
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LR3 - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By Gary Alzona - April 5 - 4:43 pmThis is a fantastic vehicle. Very smooth and solid especially when during harsh road condition. I have nothing but praise for this vehicle. Very enjoyable to drive every day.
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LR3 Hard on Gas Mileage but great vehicl - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By Lilly - March 23 - 10:56 amBad gas mileage.But I love the car. Rides nice and operates well. The back up detection system is nice. Nice Ride, smooth.
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Great Truck - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By Coloradan - March 18 - 10:23 amI love my LR3. My friends love my LR3. I get complimented often on my rig. This is my second Land Rover (Disco II), and I had great experiences with both. Dont buy into the reliability hyperbole. Land Rover makes a superior product.
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Recommended! - 2007 Land Rover LR3
By lr3lvr - March 11 - 5:13 amWe are completely happy with our LR3. Its a real head turner and not to be confused with any other. Ive owned other Land Rovers and this is the best by far!
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Do not buy this car! - 2007 Land Rover LR3
By skinnyheart - February 23 - 9:53 pmI love so many things about this car - but I hate many more. I have lost count of how many times Ive taken this car to the dealership to repair malfunctioning lights, seat heaters, etc. (I think its been 8 so far). The front window molding blew off on the highway 3 months after purchase. In the last two months this car has broken down twice - while we were on vacation both times - and it only has 25,000 miles on it. It is at the shop now, 400 miles from my home. Who knows what is wrong with it. It is very poorly made.
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Would love it more without problems - 2005 Land Rover LR3
By Mtnplay - February 21 - 2:03 amI bought one of the first LR3s. I love the vehicle, but I have had many problems. An undiagnosed HDC failure, and air compressor went out at 58,000 miles, rocker panels fell off in the car wash, now I have a yellow engine light on. They want $1000 to fix the HDC problem, and $1000 to fix the air compressor. I am replacing the battery this week to see if that resolves the engine light problem. I absolutely love this vehicle for its looks, comfort,engine, and ability, however it could be built so much better. Would love to buy another one, but the dealer and Land Rover should have treated me better. I now have 102,000 miles on the LR3, and I plan to drive it until it dies.
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Fun to drive plus much more - 2008 Land Rover LR3
By kdflyer - February 1 - 11:43 pmGreat vehicle, went from a fully loaded Toyota 4runner to LR3 and after way to many years in a Toyota found something more fun, limited owner group and great dealer support. I recommend changing tires to standard SUV tires and watch fuel economy go up by 1 - 2 miles per gallons and better ride and longer life. Put 2 extra pounds of pressure in tire and she really sails down the interstate. 3rd row is awesome design compared to everything else in this class. Looking forward to the LR4. Trade off from the Toyota is better space, better visibility and after changing tires better fuel economy. Drawbacks is number of dealers but quality has been great.
