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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  Great Truck, Cross Bar are Whistling - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By schwa75 - October 22 - 4:20 pm

  Just picked the truck up on Monday. Put 300 miles on it in two days. Rides great, turns heads. Had the dealer install cross bars for the roof rack. Wind noise is troublesome. Dealer recommended moving the crossbars further back on the roof. Still no improvement in wind noise. Finally pulled them off tonight and the noise is gone. Will keep you all posted.

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  "Land-Lover" - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Eric Scanlan - October 17 - 3:20 pm

  To put it simply, its just fun to drive. Its got all the smooth handling and comfort of a luxury car all wrapped up in a sporty and classy looking SUV.

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  Deeply Disappointed - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By SUVFan - October 10 - 6:26 pm

  The Land Rover HSE is an excellent looking vehicle. However, that is about as far as it goes. I have had the HSE for seven months and it has been in the shop seven times (six for electrical problems - one for molding clips and road noise). The tires are making the loud road noise so they have to be replaced before 20,000 miles. Gas mileage is horrible.

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  Warranty Only Please! - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By kcslc - October 5 - 11:00 pm

  My LR3 was a heartbreaker. I just traded it in after only 18 months of use. In that time it cost me nearly $1,700 at the dealer, and it was looking to need nearly another $1,200+ in work. Air compressor died, keyless entry died, rocker mouldings fell off regularly, front axle bearing bad, undiagnosed HDC fault, pass door lock died. This in a vehicle with 62,000 miles on it. I average 20k miles a year and had more problems in 15k on this vehicle than any other vehicle Ive owned! If you can stand the maintenance, this is an awesome vehicle. I almost kept it.

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  LR3 Review - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Darley - October 3 - 4:43 am

  This truck is driven mostly as a family shuttle and grocery getter. But theres the occasional roadtrip up and down the east coast, when I really make use of the 300HP and command feature. This truck comes alive at high speeds and the ride feel solid, but luxurious. Poor on gas, but what do you expect from a 3 ton truck. I suggest replace the air filter with a K & N for better fuel mileage and performance. I really enjoy the LR3s blend of the utilitarian look with the luxury amenities. If youre in the market for a purposeful luxury truck, the LR3 is the quentatiential vehicle for you. It doesnt scream poseur, ostentatious, or whatÂ’s the point like many competitors.

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  Warning Will Robinson! Danger! - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Fed Up To Here! - September 21 - 6:46 pm

  As you can see by our rating we love everything except the reliabity. This car has been in the shop more than its been in our driveway! The LR3 was way over engineered. Keep the design and the luxury and get rid of the gizmos! Six computers? Come on guys! This car is so complex, the dealer couldnt figure it out! For example, the door locks lock and un lock at will. The stereo display will read total system shutdown, with the car running or not! All the dash lights will go out and the alarm will come on! On one accasion every warning light came on and the car quit and refused to start. Give me the car with a low range and a locking rear differantial and I would be happy.

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  Very good experience with LR3 - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Patrick - August 30 - 8:06 pm

  I have driven an LR3 since May of 2006. The vehicle is excellent as both an off road vehicle and an on road luxury car/truck. I have taken it on long trips (San Diego to Yellowstone etc) and it was a joy to drive. I have been off road with in and in bad weather and messy muddy roads, and it performed flawlessly. The SE7 can fit 7 comfortably. The options work well and the window space provides great views and visibility. The footprint is not so large like a Tahoe etc so its easier to park and maneuver. I strongly recommend this vehicle, and while premium priced, is worth it for long hauls, off road, or a night on the town and taking out clients. Best car I have ever owned.

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  LR3 Review - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By zamer1230 - August 3 - 11:03 pm

  I just switched from a Mercedes 500 to the LR3 and while owning the LR3 may not be the most fun in the summertime... try getting thru a blizzard with it...youll be passing people as if it were flurrying out! The truck handles well for an SUV, and I have had most. The gas mileage is the only negative quality, but you are towing a great amount of weight daily...Kudos to the LR3!

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  the best on/off road truck i ever seen - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By blake - July 28 - 4:26 pm

  this truck is outstanding. it feels like u are connected to the road, there is no engine sound, u cant even feel the bumps on the road. it goes over it with confidence. i love the way it sits high and the comfort in the inside, and i love this truck and i am pleased that im a land rover owner

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  Outstanding vehicle - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By WELKA - July 21 - 8:43 pm

  I have owned my LR3 for 9 months now and have had not one problem. My dealership held one of its offroad events and you would not believe what these things can do. The biggest thing was after we finished doing some serious offroading, we road home in awesome comfort. Land Rover could not have done a better job of designing an interior space. Everything seems to be perfectly placed.