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:

• 

  Love this SUV!!! - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By John - May 18 - 12:53 am

  I love this SUV! It can not be compared with other mid-sized SUVs becasue its not. Not inside anyway! Our LR3 seats 7 large adults totally comfortably...even more comfortably than the Suburban....the biggest of the SUVs. But outside you wouldnt know it. The turning radius is just amazing as well. Parking is a sinch!

• 

  Love my Rover! - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Kristen - May 11 - 10:16 am

  My husband bought me this car soon after we had our baby in December. I couldnt love it more. Its got amazing handling and pick up. The steering is incredible. Its full of cool offroad features that you can even use on road. I use my "snow" setting in stop and go traffic.

• 

  Best Ride Ever - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By BinacoInc - May 4 - 8:16 am

  I love this car. The only thing we do not like is that it has no protection from dents, no side molding. This is the best riding vechicle I have ever driven and I have owened some very nice cars.

• 

  Very Nice - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By chazfresh - April 11 - 6:56 am

  The truck is great so far. Many more amenities than the competitor. The statement that it only comes with a V- 8, is incorrect. We just bought the 6 cylinder SE model. Very comfortable. Quiet, and a smooth ride. I found that the sales people are all but useless. Read the owners manual. This truck has way more than the dealers know about.

• 

  Has not met expectations - 2007 Land Rover LR3
  By Charles from Canada - March 28 - 3:13 am

  Replace our Honda Pilot with this and not sure it was the best move. At times the LR3 is great and a cool car with great features and technology, but the reliability and service has been poor. Also the handling is not good and the fuel mileage is a disaster. We generally enjoy it with the family, but glad we leased because this vehicle unfortunately has caused too many problems. Our Cadillac SRX blows this vehicle away in every regard and every day the short stick gets to drive the LR3.

• 

  Awesome L2V - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Ross - March 10 - 1:06 am

  Remember when the Space Shuttle first flew? Amid the laurels there was all this noise about the cost, the electonic failures, the "need"? Well, Land Rover has established itself by re-engineering their Discovery into a 20th century "space rover" SUV. This vehicle is built for the moon terrain and it will get you there in supreme comfort. Its had its share of recalls, failures, and tweeks but when you are driving the "first of", you cant beat the construction, performance, and charm this "Rover" has. Its less than its competitors SUVs and still out performs them. Ill continue to work through its "bugs" while enjoying the view from up here.

• 

  Oustanding vehicle - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Soonerjjs - March 6 - 5:30 am

  Best Ford I have ever had. No problems. Nothing has gone wrong. I live at 7500 ft, so the vehicle is challenged every day. Deep snow, rough terrain, off-road challenges. It can do it all. And have a better ride than anything I have been in this side of a Mercedes. Great, great car.

• 

  So far so good!!! - 2007 Land Rover LR3
  By robbymcc - March 4 - 11:10 am

  I changed from a Discovery II, Tell you all about it later, to the new LR3. I chose V6 because I really dont think I needed the V8. Excellent equipment, beautiful soft ride. Handles just as I thought it would.

• 

  LR3 does not work-stay away-it is unsafe - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By hassler1 - February 8 - 10:03 pm

  If you purchase a $54,000 car, you would think it would run. In 10 months, it has stalled at least a dozen times, died and been towed to the dealer twice, locked out of the car with keys in hand in a snow storm, because electronic keys are faulty (twice) try to find the place to insert key - it is covered with plastic and you must rip off molding. I have owned numerous cars and have had more problems with the 2005 LR3 then all combined. When we bought it, we loved it for 1 month, then reality struck and the car is unsafe to drive by anyone and after all these headaches the dealer offered me $25,000 as a trade in on My $50,000, 10 month old LR3 Stay Away at all cost!

• 

  The Best is Yet to Come! - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Land Rover Rules! - January 11 - 10:20 pm

  The LR3 is, without a doubt, a vehicle without peer. Where can you find the spaciousness, On & Off road capability, safety, all weather reliability? No other competitor does it like the LR3! Purchased Certified to 6 yrs and 75,000 miles. Issues have been minor and covered by warranty. No suspension issues, ever. Tows up to 7716lbs with confidence. Handles up to 90 cu ft. of cargo or 7 full size adults! Replaced original battery at 53k! About to put third set of pads on frt.,rear o.k.! These units will operate to 300k, if you like. So, dont buy the poor reliability claims. This is primarily a misunderstanding of the vehicles unique design parameters. Purpose built, to last a lifetime!!