2005 Land Rover LR3 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The Land Rover LR3, formerly the Discovery has been completely overhauled for the 2005 model year. The Discovery replacement gets a new...
The Land Rover LR3, formerly the Discovery has been completely overhauled for the 2005 model year. The Discovery replacement gets a new platform, built and in part by Land Rover's parent company, Ford. Fellow British marque Jaguar, also a subsidiary of Ford, has provided a powerful new V8 engine.
The Discovery was in production from 1994 and 2004, and it quickly became Land Rover's best selling model. The LR3 can be differentiated from its predecessor by several attributes. The new model is14 inches longer in wheelbase, 5.7 inches longer overall, and nearly half a ton heavier. The extra size allows for 27 additional cubic feet of cargo space, without compromising passenger space. New safety features include front torso and head-protecting curtain side airbags and rear curtain airbags. The LR3 retains the Discovery's basic shape, marked by the raised roof line in the rear.
The LR3 also gets a significant power boost, thanks to a new Jaguar engine. This power plant, found under the hood of the HSE trim, is a 4.4 liter V8, which generates 300 horsepower and 315 pound-feet of torque. This is an increase of 83 horses over that of the 2004 Discovery. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission featuring a manual shift gate. A base model is powered by a smaller V6 with power numbers comparable to the the previous Discovery. The V8 HSE will tow 7700 pounds.
The SE trim is available with the V6 or the V8, while the top shelf HSE is V8 only. Both trims are equipped with leather upholstery, fold-flat rear seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a nine-speaker 240-watt Harman Kardon audio system with a six-disc CD changer, 18-inch alloy wheels and all-wheel drive. HSE upgrades include 19-inch alloy wheels, a 14-speaker 550-watt Logic 7 digital surround sound system, a navigation system and rear parking sensors. HSE models will seat seven thanks to an optional third-row fold-flat seat.
The LR3 has been praised by both owners and reviewers for Land Rover's advanced suspension, which allows for a well-cushioned cruise on the road , or a stable and controlled adventure on the trail. The LR3's luxurious and well-appointed interior is also quite functional. The spacious rear quarters allow for ample storage, thanks to flat-folding second and third row seats. The cabin also includes several strategically placed stowaway compartments. Reviewers agree that the new LR3 is the class leader in the mid-size luxury SUV segment.
Pitfalls include a very high curb weight, at 5700 pounds, which hinders on road performance slightly. Fuel economy is what one might expect for a near three ton, not-so-aerodynamic, V8-powered SUV: very low. Also, some of the controls are difficult to manage on the go. Competitors include the Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX, Lexus RX, and the Volvo XC90.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers of the 2005 Land Rover LR3 feel positively about the SUV, noting its impressive off-road capability, spacious interior, and overall comfort. Many appreciate its stylish design and strong performance, particularly in snowy conditions. However, several have concerns regarding fuel economy and reliability, with some citing high maintenance costs and tire wear as drawbacks."
Has really no flaws i would complain about, rides like a sports car and off-roads like a champ
April 1, 2008I initially did not want an SUV, but it was my mom's choice. It looks fine...I drove one in Summer 06, and it drove fine around town. We bought one, V8 SE this past July, and having some seat time in it reminds me why I don't care much for SUV's. For what it is, acceleration is adequate, and given its handling it is not too underwhelming. It cruises along at 2000 rpm at 75, which helps fuel economy on the highway (best I saw was 20.4), however city fuel econ suffers (14 was worst I've seen). The control interface for the AC is confusing, for I cannot seem to shut off the AC without turning off all air circulation. The audio system, however, is AMAZING, simply put. The Harmon/Kardon with 6-disc changer is among the best systems I've heard, especially in a base-model. Handling around town is fine, corners ok, and has nicely weighted steering and an amazing turning radius. However, at the limit, the high seating position makes it feel tippy going around corners, and don't even think about using the manual shifter to power your way through a turn. It won't feel good. Build quality is solid, doors shut with a nice solid thud, and no quivers or torsional shake/creaking/rattling on unsettled pavement. Reliability thus far has been fine, no abnormal problems with it. Materials seem fine, however for the price I would expect a little more snazz in its overall appearance. Complaining about gas would be overkill, given the over-inflated prices, however $68 got us from LA area to Vegas just fine...not bad in light of $4.00 gas. Overall, not bad in the world of SUV's...it doesn't attract too much attention, yet is a comfortable and capable vehicle. The tailgate styling takes some serious getting used to, but the rest of the truck is quite attractive and tough looking, but still cleans up well. Definitely up there with the Land Cruiser as far as not being the status quo, but a nice, roomy, powerful ride.
September 2, 2008Love everything about this car except one thing non automatic headlights. and its only the year that i have i would get another in a second. Amazing ride, quiet, fast, turns circles around everything, amazing off road, never gets stuck, all around amazing car in every aspect but gas.
October 16, 2009What owners say
Has really no flaws i would complain about, rides like a sports car and off-roads like a champ
April 1, 2008I initially did not want an SUV, but it was my mom's choice. It looks fine...I drove one in Summer 06, and it drove fine around town. We bought one, V8 SE this past July, and having some seat time in it reminds me why I don't care much for SUV's. For what it is, acceleration is adequate, and given its handling it is not too underwhelming. It cruises along at 2000 rpm at 75, which helps fuel economy on the highway (best I saw was 20.4), however city fuel econ suffers (14 was worst I've seen). The control interface for the AC is confusing, for I cannot seem to shut off the AC without turning off all air circulation. The audio system, however, is AMAZING, simply put. The Harmon/Kardon with 6-disc changer is among the best systems I've heard, especially in a base-model. Handling around town is fine, corners ok, and has nicely weighted steering and an amazing turning radius. However, at the limit, the high seating position makes it feel tippy going around corners, and don't even think about using the manual shifter to power your way through a turn. It won't feel good. Build quality is solid, doors shut with a nice solid thud, and no quivers or torsional shake/creaking/rattling on unsettled pavement. Reliability thus far has been fine, no abnormal problems with it. Materials seem fine, however for the price I would expect a little more snazz in its overall appearance. Complaining about gas would be overkill, given the over-inflated prices, however $68 got us from LA area to Vegas just fine...not bad in light of $4.00 gas. Overall, not bad in the world of SUV's...it doesn't attract too much attention, yet is a comfortable and capable vehicle. The tailgate styling takes some serious getting used to, but the rest of the truck is quite attractive and tough looking, but still cleans up well. Definitely up there with the Land Cruiser as far as not being the status quo, but a nice, roomy, powerful ride.
September 2, 2008Love everything about this car except one thing non automatic headlights. and its only the year that i have i would get another in a second. Amazing ride, quiet, fast, turns circles around everything, amazing off road, never gets stuck, all around amazing car in every aspect but gas.
October 16, 2009Nice big truck, beautiful lines, comfortable interior, plenty of space for up-to-7 adults. It had a 4.4L Jaguar Engine that produced 300Hp. Gas mileage was horrible at about 17mpg combined city and highway. Build quality was horrible, service department at local Land Rover dealership just as horrible.
August 18, 2009The LR3 has tons of space and comfort, but still drives well and feels better built than any other SUV. Gas mileage is mediocre, but otherwise it's very good. It isn't fun to drive, but it feels good to drive.
June 13, 2009Most capable SUV by far. Have had some good times off-road with my family and the LR3 just glides over terrain effortlessly... so much so that my 2 year old is snoozing blissfully unaware that we're crossing some serious gravel and mud-ruts. On road, it's solid and smooth. 160 kph is super smooth. Space is fantatic... seats 7 with comfort. The V8 has enough muscle to take this beast anywhere. Love the LR#. Wonder what can lanRover do to improve it any further? It's so perfect already!!
October 20, 2008My 2nd of two Land Rovers... Love the cars. They have a style and presence that is so unique. I love it.
April 4, 2008I recently test drove a used 2005 LR3 to replace my aging Range Rover ('99). I have been impressed with the clean lines of the exterior design since it was introduced and was anxious to see if Land Rover (Ford) had spent equal effort on the interior. I was not disappointed - finding the controls easy to reach and familiar. I have to admit that I love the European feel of the over-sized dials and buttons that have been a part of most late-model Land Rover interiors. All-in-all, I liked how it drove and most importantly how it made me feel while driving it. I have 4 kids, so something that seats more than 5 is a must. We all snow board or ski, so 4WD is important to us. For my money, the LR3 is a stylish and fun way to transport 6 or 7 through the snow.
January 11, 2008Great SUV, sitting high, love the theater seating, huge trunk space to carry goods. Powerful engine, snow handling capability parallel to none. Going anywhere with ease. Poor fuel economy, slow acceleration, reliability on electronics. Tires do not last long. High maintenance costs. But still love it.
May 1, 2015Couple of gremlins, but the vehicle provides lots of utility in transporting my family, dogs, and extended family. The cargo capacity is unsurpassed IMHO in its class Dealer always seems to be able to resolve the problems, and the comfort in driving long distance is great. Tires are the biggest issue. This is the first in a series of independent rear suspension vehicles for LR, and they have had to play with the rear camber settings to get it right. This has cost me in rear tires, but otherwise a great SUV.
August 3, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $38,285 | Seating 7 |
Engine 4.0L 216 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 42.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 16 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 42.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $49,475 | Seating 7 |
Engine 4.4L 300 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 42.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 14 | Drivetrain 4X4 |
