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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  LR3 Fun - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By mick51 - July 16 - 5:40 pm

  Fun to drive, comfortable, quiet for an SUV. I had a Discovery and was prepared to dislike the LR3 but have found it to be an excellent upgrade by Land Rover

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  Great Car, Terrible reliability - 2007 Land Rover LR3
  By Pameal - July 9 - 8:40 pm

  I love to drive the car, but I have not had the chance to enjoy it. In the 6 months that I have owned this car, It has been in the shop for 2 1/2 months of it. The service department has been very nice but no one can fix the vehicle.

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  Best Luxury SUV For The Money - 2007 Land Rover LR3
  By Chicagos Car - June 25 - 5:23 pm

  Everyone expects a lot of vehicle at this price point, $40k - $50K. I had researched and shopped the Toyota Highlander, Buick Enclave, Mazda CX-9 and the Honda Pilot. For the bottom dollar cost - the LR3 had the most standard amenities and safety features by a long shot at this price point. At the upper levels of any of the models I looked at, they all came within a stones throw of my purchase price. This SUV is extremely secure in all driving conditions. Driving in downtown Chicago, this car handles stop and go traffic with ease. Very strong braking and sufficient acceleration with the V8. Highway driving is whisper quiet - and theres no other SUV that has a better driving position.

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  TWO LR3S - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Steve - June 17 - 2:33 pm

  I purchased two LR3s new. One has been plagued with electrical problems, the other perfect...go figure. The dealer, as nice as can be, has not yet been able to correct cruise control and ABS problems on the troubled LR3. Im on my third trip to the dealer. Fortunately, they give you an LR3 free as a loaner. That said, they are wonderful cars..maybe the best overall vehicles Ive ever owned. I live in the mountains near Telluride, Colorado. Our home is off a rural dirt highway. I often use the suspension height lever to clear deep snow. You will love this vehicle..you will probably love your dealer (at least ours), but be prepared for some trying moments.

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  LR3 - 2008 Land Rover LR3
  By richard - May 22 - 11:26 am

  Horrible gas mileage. Truly horrible gas usage. Uncomfortable front seating. Clunky. Great interior. Good looks. Massive depreciation. Wouldnt recommend.

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  12000 miles of Driving Pleasure - 2007 Land Rover LR3
  By RM - May 19 - 11:50 pm

  We recently went on a family vacation to the US (round trip was about 2200 miles) On the return trip we drove non stop for 17 hours with only four stops for fuel and creature comfort. I continue to be amazed by the LR3s smooth ride and comfort and felt relaxed after 17 hours. The features that were really handy during this trip were the very capable NAV. Voice command and bluetooth were very helpful and allowed me to concentrate on driving. Command shift minimized use of brakes on the highway. The flexibility of the HK sound system was a hit with the kids.

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  Incredible Vehicle - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By njlr3hseguy - May 17 - 6:23 pm

  Love the command driving position and the seats in my new LR3 HSE. This is my first LandRover vehicle and I really enjoyed the purchase process and the dealership. Being a previous Lexus customer I am very impressed with the LandRover philosophy in treating their customers. My local Lexus dealership has lost its "halo" and I think their success is harming their ability to treat customers as well as they used to. Thank goodness there are choices in the marketplace and I am so far very pleased with my new vehicle and the dealership. They know you as a name not a number.

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  This truck talks the rest walk - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By lisa123482 - May 4 - 3:43 am

  My Land Rover Lr3 now has 100,600 miles and going strong. I just out secound set of tires on it. I have had 2 alignments and finally one tune-up. Three brake jobs and nothing else. I just had a front Rover Winch installed and a Rover Push bar. I will drive this 05 LR3 to at least 200,000 miles. Its the most comfartable truck I have ever owned. I have changed all fluids and ready for the next 100,000 miles. I will still change engine oil every 5,000 miles and then junk the truck at 200,000 miles at which time well owe me nothing. At aprox. eight years old by then well have cost me about 7,000 dollars a year for the vehicle itself. This is a joke because if I keep it 10 years the cost well even be lower!

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  Great and Awesome Car - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Sierra Madre - April 30 - 12:26 pm

  If you are looking at cars like crossovers or mid sized suvs save yourself some time. This car is the bomb. Sure, its a gas hog and believe me we tested Camry hybrids and such but with the 2 year lease at LR its a great way to hold 2 more years while the manufacturers get their stuff together on hybrids. Its an awesome looking vehicle. My wife is driving this one and it replaced an 03 4 Runner. Get it!

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  On road off road its a peach - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By MINISNMORRIS - April 23 - 11:50 pm

  The performance of the LR3 is unsurpassed. Having been a past LandRover owner I thought it was just aDiscovery in new clothes. But it truely is completely new. It is heads above any other SUV on the new line up for 2005.The first bweekend we owned it we headed for the hills;my wife ,myself and 5 dogs.The fold down seats were perfect for them(the dogs not my wife,she insisted on sitting up front).My gas mileage was actually better than the ratings claim not much but still higher.The terrain response makes even the casual driver feel at ease in all types of driving.I think Land Rover has hit the nail directly on the head.It runs circlesaround the competition.DRIVE IT youll LIKE IT.