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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  Terrible Fuel Economy - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Ejags - September 11 - 5:30 pm

  I owned a 2002 Bmw 530i prior to this vehicle. Great performance and 25 mpg on highway. Wanted to go back to sport utility for a change. I learned a painful lesson at the fuel pump with this vehicle. The LR3 rides great and is dependable. Just dont get one unless you absolutely neeed a SUV. The fuel mileage is so bad you will fill up $50 to $60 every 3 to 4 days. Otherwise great vehicle.

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  The Best Ever - 2008 Land Rover LR3
  By Marko - September 8 - 8:00 am

  This is absolutely the smoothest car Ive ever driven. Its comfort and ride are second to none. The LR3 inspires confidence and its capabilities are far beyond those of its competition. Ours is outfitted with every possible option. We just love it. Some complain about its weight, but thats one of my favorite features. This car is strong and sound, and you can feel it. I highly recommend this car.

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  The best does come in small packages - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Austin - September 6 - 11:00 am

  We were running an errand when my girlfriend needed to use the rest room-- - we were near a LR dealership, so i decided to stop by, 3 hour later i was walking out the dealership owning the new LR3. The only HSE available was the floor model in silver/black interior. I traded my 2001 DiscoII SE7 and im so happy with the LR3. The vehicle is loaded with features and had everything i had in my old disco and then some. The LR3 has power, distinctive styling, comfortable and reliable. I have driven in snow and the terrain response is incredible-- starting in second gear instead of first makes the truck more stable at take-off. My girlfriend is a sport car freak, but she love the LR3.

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  LR3 review - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By dannyh5173 - August 13 - 6:33 am

  Did the LR Experience, a day that you can test your vehicle off-road - even on standard tyres, the LR3 can beat almost anything! Great drive, ultra- quiet engine, air ride, Jaguar engine, Bentleys (ZF) automatic 6-speed transmission, loads of cargo space, ... GREAT!

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  The best by far - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By AlexRomero - August 10 - 10:26 pm

  Nothing beats a Rover to get me to the slopes and up my hill in Catskill in the winter. Great vehicle.

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  I do not recomend this car - 2007 Land Rover LR3
  By kimabob - August 8 - 11:46 am

  My last 3 cars have been Land Rovers. I like them because they are so big and roomy. I dont get claustrophobic in them. So as usual I got a land rover when it was time for a new car. I dont recomend this car one of the worst things with high gas prices is the 15 mpg and premium gas. The first few weeks the engine was smooth and fast but now it is pretty loud and a little bumpy. All the features are a little hard to remember how to use. Folding the second row seats flat is a little bit of a struggle and there is not as much leg room as expected in the back seat. The third row is pretty comfortable but with the third row up there is only a couple inches to put bags. And only 1 of the three sunroofs open

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  Terrific - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Jim - August 2 - 5:26 pm

  I have put 15,600 miles on my Rover so far and I love the vehicle. Mainly on road driving, but some off-road on iced dirt roads with inclines and sideways washouts. The Rover virtually drives itself with the auto programs and didnt hiccup. In some snow/ice storms I was forced to drive through-I always felt safe and secure in the vehicle. Near sports-car handling in such a big vehicle-contrary to some writing it is not tippy to me at all under any conditions Ive encountered.

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  LR3 HSE rating - 2005 Land Rover LR3
  By Jane Schlossberg - July 22 - 4:36 pm

  This car lives up to the Motor Trend SUV of the Year review. It handles beautifully, and is fun to drive. It maneuvers well on all types of surfaces, from gravel to snow to icy conditions. It drives very much like the Range Rover, but for $23,000+ less. I gave up my fully loaded Mercedes ML430 for this, and have no regrets at all. Reliability is not yet known, as it is too new.

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  Best SUV ever! - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By Cathy - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I leased my LR3 for two years, then when the lease came do I could not think to give it back! IT WAS MY BABY! So I moved forward and purchased it and I could not be happier! My car has 60,000 miles on it now, I did in fact have an issue with the sunroof, and it was fixed about a year ago, it took a little bit but they did get it! I only care about the performance and the fact that my car runs like its brand new! In swear by my LR3, and think that sometimes we all run into a lemon as I did with one of the five Grand Cherokees I leased. I would never buy a Chrysler at 30,000 your car starts to fall apart. LR3 are solid, and I am very happy, will keep it forever! BEST TRUCK OUT THERE!

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  The standard in 7 seater luxury SUVs - 2006 Land Rover LR3
  By hidlebac - June 25 - 2:03 am

  It is solid, heavy, and safe. I feel comfortable when wife is driving it with our daughter. It is a solid car, with a slick, ergonomic cockpit. Lots of buttons but they are very thoughtfully placed. The Nav is great. I would recommend a nav update DVD from Navteq for people who still have the original software. It makes things alot better.