2005 Land Rover LR3 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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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.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2005 Land Rover LR3
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by Schiller fils R
Oct 02, 2023
Yes is very good car is a beautiful vehicle Oct 02, 2023
by Dan R
Oct 24, 2020
The LR3 has many problems, its a PROJECT car, sat for 2 yrs. ? motor & tranny issues . Body parts missing broken window ? Oct 24, 2020
by Yuming X
May 01, 2015
Great 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 01, 2015
User rating:
by Schiller fils R
Oct 02, 2023
Yes is very good car is a beautiful vehicle Oct 02, 2023
by Dan R
Oct 24, 2020
The LR3 has many problems, its a PROJECT car, sat for 2 yrs. ? motor & tranny issues . Body parts missing broken window ? Oct 24, 2020
by Yuming X
May 01, 2015
Great 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 01, 2015
by Anonymous
Sep 13, 2011
Look and ride quality is awesome. Blind spots. whats that? :). It can drink more gas then my family can drink water. lack of dealerships make it costlier to maintain. very safe and a lot of fun to drive in this car.Sep 13, 2011
by Sebastian M
Sep 25, 2010
First of all the most fuel thirsty car in the world. second everything breaks
and its very expensive to maintain. the engine is fantastic and very
responsive. the acceleration is good too but the handling is obviously
awful. it does have a lot of space though especially with the third row
seating.Sep 25, 2010
by David M
Feb 18, 2010
It looks like a beast,classy car clean or dirty.Excellent in the snow.Huge amount of room inside for a large family(and dog!)Crap fuel economy.Most comfortable car I've ever sat in.Loads of extras.MEAN MACHINE!!!!!Best 4x4 with 7 seats on the market.Feb 18, 2010
by Tj P
Oct 16, 2009
Love 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.Oct 16, 2009
by Vic S
Aug 18, 2009
Nice 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.Aug 18, 2009
by Phil R
Jun 13, 2009
The 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.Jun 13, 2009
by Shabbir R
Oct 20, 2008
Most 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!!Oct 20, 2008
by Paul P
Sep 02, 2008
I 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.Sep 02, 2008
by Sam S
Aug 15, 2008
Good offroad, very comfortable.l l l l l l l ll l l l ll l l l l ll l l l l l ll l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l lAug 15, 2008
by Matt S
Aug 03, 2008
Couple 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. Aug 03, 2008
by Lauren O
Jun 25, 2008
The only car you will ever needJun 25, 2008
by Anonymous
May 21, 2008
Hears Cool(If Loud is Cool)May 21, 2008
by Jonathan A
Apr 04, 2008
My 2nd of two Land Rovers... Love the cars. They have a style and presence that is so unique. I love it.Apr 04, 2008
by Tyler M
Apr 01, 2008
Has really no flaws i would complain about, rides like a sports car and off-roads like a champApr 01, 2008
by Sarah K
Mar 19, 2008
If you complain about the gas tank price don't buy the SUV. Mar 19, 2008
by Anonymous
Jan 11, 2008
I 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.Jan 11, 2008
What users have asked
Had problem when I turned the vehicle
I was turning the other day and it felt like my brakes worked on there own.any reason why it did this 2 times now.
37 views
Land Rover LR3 won't start.
LR will not start. Doesn't turn over. Lights inside, radio, ac turn on. Front passenger light turns on but not driver light. When you hold the key trying to start, after a few seconds the lights flash and doors lock. Any help?!
1294 views
2005 LR3 stalling without lights or giving any codes....
Hi all, I recently had my throttle body replaced after it shut off at a stop light(prompting throttle codes). The very next day it stalled for the first time while at a stop light. It stalls every 2-4 days only when at a stop or coming to a stop(braking). I had the crankshaft position sensor replaced which caused the car to not stall for about 7 days but now it is continuing to stall again intermittently. I had the fuel pump checked; there are no valve leaks or anything "wrong" with the car. Mechanics are having a hard time not being able to duplicate the stall so I’m fishing for suggestions. I don't want to just throw parts at the problem hoping it fixes it but want to find out what the real source is. If you have any insight please let me know! When it stalls... there is no noise, no abrupt feeling. I simply go to accelerate and realize I’m not going anywhere, realize the car stalled then cycle the key about 3 or 4 times and it starts right up and I continue on my way. On every other forum where people talk about stalling they typically are unable to restart right away as where I AM able to restart instantly.
642 views
2005 LR3
So, I put the battery on a slow charge in my garage, did ok for the week. Now, tonight, it stalls/freezes in intersection, no power, can't shift gear to neutral to enable rolling out of traffic. Call AAA, they send a flatbed, wheels frozen, had to gently drag onto flatbed. Have it towed back to my house, it was hell trying to get it off flatbed, finally brought another vehicle around to boost the battery, got it running for gears to engage and shift to neutral, so we were able to roll it off flatbed. WTF? I've never owned a vehicle that you can't shift into neutral when power is down. Is this normal for Land Rover and if so, WHY? Isn't this the Queen's transport, haven't we landed on the moon?
93 views
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2005 Land Rover LR3 Pricing
Original MSRP
$38,285 to $49,995Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front, rear and third row head airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: rear volume control
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Center console trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.73 · Locking differential: rear
Lights
Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: fixed glass
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Size: full-size
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front, rear and third row head airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: rear volume control
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Center console trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.73 · Locking differential: rear
Lights
Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power · Rear moonroof: fixed glass · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front and rear · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing