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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  Happy With LR3 - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Patrick - October 8 - 6:30 am

  I have over 30,000 miles on my LR3 and have been very happy with the vehicle. Have gone off road and on road, and its been near perfect

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  Best Thing We Have Ever Done - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Jo Jo C - September 30 - 1:26 am

  This must be the most advanced Land Rover ever. We use to own a Mk1 Discovery so it was a big step up to the Discovery 3/LR3. Everything is just perfect, so well put together, so fast, and no normal person is buying this car to get good economy

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  Land Rover for me - 2008 Land Rover LR3
  By upstate ny lr3 - September 10 - 12:43 pm

  Have 2008 Lr3 HSE, only problems are a seatbelt in the back seat and the refrig, replaced and working fine. Live where the snow flies 5-6 months of the year, Lr3 is a beast in the snow. Love to embarrass my two buds with hummers, not even in the same class. This SUV is not to drive to the mall or g-store. Love to drive this car, went on trip to florida with two kids.....great. The gas mileage was expected averaged 21mpg on highway. The car makes me walk funny, built like a tank.

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  Zero Defects - 2008 Land Rover LR3
  By Underated in reviews - September 6 - 5:00 pm

  This is my 2nd LR3 and the best vehicle Ive had. Ive had absolutely zero defects on this vehicle. I leased it, but am about to buy off the lease, its that good. One thing I cannot understand is how the reviews always comment on quality. The quality of these vehicles is awesome.

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  LR3 Not Reliable and in the Shop - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Rob - August 8 - 8:10 am

  I must say the truck is fun to drive. Im not sure how it won SUV of the year. As much fun as it is, its in the shop. You may want your own personal mechanic when you buy this truck. Good luck and maybe the 2006 model will be better, oh yeah, lose the Jaguar engine. Lots of power, no where to go but the shop.

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  Why drive Bland when you can drive EXCITING!!? - 2007 Land Rover LR3
  By pouladi1 - July 27 - 4:42 am

  I just purchased a pre-owned, mint condition 2007 LR 3 V6 , This is my 3rd Land Rover and to be frank the only thing I hate is why I waited so long to buy this SUV!?! I was lucky to find my deep green exterior, beige leather interior beauty! The drive is smooth commanding and fun! Fit and finish is perfect, The vehicle looks so gorgeous and the interior looks expensive. Dont look elsewhere, just drive a Land Rover and see what all this fuss is about, I guarantee you , once you drive one, you will not drive another vehicle! coincidentally the day I bought it snowed and all i did was to activate the terrain response! it drive through ice and snow like knife through butter!

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  Better than Expected - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Bannerzap - July 13 - 4:13 am

  This is a great vehicle. The offroad capabilities are superior, comfort is great, GPS is really nice, and the air suspension is just plain cool to use. I find a new feature every day on this LR3. Im glad I spent (leased) the extra money to get the HSE because the memory seats, 500+ watt stereo and rear stereo controls are really sweet. Makes a Grand Cherokee look like a toy compared to this monster.

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  Love it - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Andrew - July 12 - 5:50 pm

  We purchased this vehicle and almost immediately drove across North America and it was absolutely flawless. My wife loves this vehicle and my children appreciate the stadium seats. I like the fact that my family ride in safety and style.

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  LR3...Yipee! - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Funk Master - July 5 - 5:16 pm

  Bought my LR3 in Oct. of 2004 and have been happy with the ride comfort (because of air suspension). Also happy with the Programmable entry feature on key fob. I am not so happy with the frequent trips to the pump. In KC Missouri gas is $2.98/gal. CRAZY for a car like this that gets 14 mpg. (my average)

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  JENSEN Bring the LR3 around!!! - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By LR3 for three! - June 20 - 1:16 pm

  Ownership of our LR3 HSE has covered the last 5 months, and have been relatively uneventful. The hood latch required a minor adjustment, and a small rattle from the right rear of the vehicle disappeared when we adjusted and unrolled the cargo cover. Some minor tightening of screws was about all that was involved for the actual warranty work. The Java Black with black leather interior truly has an upmarket look and feel. Terrific to drive on dry pavement or snow and ice. No complaints. Finally an SUV with British manners, unique styling, and go anywhere capability. With the exception of a Range Rover, nothing else to date seems to quite pack the panache of the new LR3 HSE!