2005-2008 Land Rover LR3: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2008 Land Rover LR3
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2005-2008 Land Rover LR3 ▼
- Price Range: $17,000 - $40,500
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2005-2008 Land Rover LR3 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Passenger and cargo room
- Passing power (V8)
- True off-road ability
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Instruments/controls
Vehicle Highlights
Land Rover redesigned its best-selling model for 2005, giving it a new name, new styling, and more power. The LR3 replaced the 1994-2004 Discovery and was nearly 14 inches longer in wheelbase, 5.7 inches longer overall, and some 850 lb heavier. Cargo volume increased by 27 cu ft, but passenger space was little-changed. LR3 retained Discovery's raised rear roof section, but the spare tire mounted inside instead of out, and a glass liftgate with drop-down tailgate replaced a swing-out cargo door. It had seating for five, or for seven with an optional 3rd row. Front side and curtain side airbags were standard. The curtain airbags covered all seating rows. LR3 launched with a 300-hp V8 (Discovery had a 217-hp V8). Released midyear was a base V6 version with 216 hp. Both had a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift gate. All-wheel drive with low-range gearing was standard and included a locking center differential for severe off-road conditions. A locking rear differential was available. Also standard were antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, traction/antiskid control, and hill descent control. New was Land Rover's Active Roll Mitigation designed to detect an impending tip and activate the antiskid system to reduce the chances of a roll. The V6 LR3 was offered only as the base model. V8 models were the SE and HSE. HSE had 19-inch wheels vs. base and SE's 18s, plus additional equipment and unique trim. LR3 replaced the Discovery's solid axles and metal springs with an independent air-spring suspension with four available ride heights and automatic load leveling. LR3 also introduced Land Rover's Terrain Response system as standard; twisting a dial changed suspension and powertrain electronic calibrations to accommodate normal driving, slippery pavement, mud, sand, and low-speed off-roading.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Land Rover LR3 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 7 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 8 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 61 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2005-2008 Land Rover LR3. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2005-2008 Land Rover LR3.
Year to Year Changes
2006 Land Rover LR3:
There were no significant changes for 2006.
2007 Land Rover LR3:
Leather upholstery became standard on all versions of the LR3 for 2007.
2008 Land Rover LR3:
The 2008 Land Rover LR3 lost its V6 engine but gained a standard power front passenger seat and revised interior trim.
Our road test for the 2005-2008 Land Rover LR3 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2005-2008 Land Rover LR3 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2005-2008 Land Rover LR3 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
We haven't driven the V6, but the V8 delivers good, not great, scoot in this weighty SUV. Land Rover says LR3 does 0-60 mph in 8.0 seconds, placing it midpack for this class. There is ready power in highway passing, but the transmission is slow to downshift on hills. Throttle response changes depending on the transfer-case setting; it is less sensitive in low range for better off-road control. Engine noise is nicely subdued; some highway-speed wind noise is the only demerit of note. Fuel economy is typical of a big SUV, poor. Our test SE averaged 12.8-14.1 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. A test HSE averaged 15.5 mpg in exclusively freeway travel. Land Rover recommends premium-grade fuel. Ride and handling are also typical for a large SUV in this class. The LR3 is comfortably absorbent over bumps, though rear-seat passengers notice some hop on rough roads. Dips and wavy surfaces induce some residual bobbing. The steering is nicely weighted and the tires are grippy, but LR3 feels a bit top heavy on twisty roads and in fast lane changes. A tight turning circle means good parking lot maneuverability. The brakes are easy to modulate and have impressive stopping power. Over hills, mud, and rocks, the LR3 is a billy goat, and the Terrain Response System takes guesswork out of most off-road driving. The interior has some of the quirks that Land Rover is known for. Small print makes the gauges difficult to read at a glance, and the controls are a somewhat confusing jumble of switches, knobs, and buttons. The radio and navigation and climate systems are hard to decipher. On the positive side, the off-road settings trigger a graphic display of front-wheel angle--a useful feature. Interior materials are of high quality, but the lack of wood or fancy trim lend LR3 an upscale outdoorsy look rather than uptown opulence. Those who like SUVs will be pleased with the commanding driving position. The seats are comfortable and upright. Head and leg room are ample. Visibility is excellent, and is aided by front and rear obstacle detection on HSE. Step-in height is acceptable when the LR3 is set to the lowest suspension setting; difficult at the highest setting. Climbing into the 3rd row is complicated by the tall step-in and narrow pass-through. The 2nd and 3rd-row seats, however, are unusually comfortable, with ample head and leg room. Three adults fit in the 2nd row, but we wouldn't recommend it on long drives. Utility is also a plus. The tall cargo hold has ample volume with five seats, and reasonably good load space with seven. Both of the rear rows fold flat to create a spacious load floor, but are awkward to fold/unfold. The clamshell-style tailgate is open to debate: some testers say it complicates loading/unloading, others praise its versatility. There are numerous useful bins and cubbies in the cabin, but the glovebox difficult to open if passenger seat occupied.
Value for the Money
In a class trending toward ever-more-carlike SUVs, the tall, off-road-oriented LR3 seems anachronistic. In reality, it's used exactly the way its more-carlike competition is, and in that capacity, delivers good passenger and cargo room and unexpected comfort. Though compromised by old-school-SUV handling and ergonomics, as well as poor fuel economy, the LR3 is worth a look for anyone who wants a capable off-roader that is civilized enough for every day duty.
In a class trending toward ever-more-carlike SUVs, the tall, off-road-oriented LR3 seems anachronistic. In reality, it's used exactly the way its more-carlike competition is, and in that capacity, delivers good passenger and cargo room and unexpected comfort. Though compromised by old-school-SUV handling and ergonomics, as well as poor fuel economy, the LR3 is worth a look for anyone who wants a capable off-roader that is civilized enough for every day duty.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Land Rover LR3 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 7 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 8 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 61 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Land Rover LR3 includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Land Rover LR3 .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Check-engine light:
The engine may revert to the limp-in mode accompanied by a check engine light on the 4.0L V-6 due to damaged wiring to the throttle body. (2005-06)
Electrical problem:
The front parking aid warning may sound at speeds below 10 mph if something (or someone) is in front of vehicle when coming to a stop and an improved control module is available. (2005-06)
Electrical problem:
Air suspension system malfunctions due to corrosion of an electrical connector near the right-front wheel. (2005-06)
Electrical problem:
A low coolant message illuminates because the float in the reservoir absorbs coolant and sinks. (2005-06)
Electrical problem:
Any or all of the electrical components in the front doors may malfunction because the door harness chafes on the lower edge of the door panel. (2005-06)
Water leak:
Water may leak through holes for the trim attachments in the A-pillar(s) and collect in the foot well(s). (2005-06)
Wipers:
The rear wiper quits working due to corrosion of the pivot and a revised wiper arm is available. (2005-06)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $920 |
| Alternator | $580 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $3,330 |
| Brakes | $540 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,450 |
| Exhaust System | $930 |
| Radiator | $540 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $2,930 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $1,230 |
Our price chart for this generation Land Rover LR3 details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2008 | |||
| LR3 HSE | $40,500-43,500 | $37,700-40,500 | $29,200-31,300 |
| LR3 SE | $34,500-38,000 | $32,100-35,300 | $24,500-27,000 |
| 2007 | |||
| LR3 | $25,500-31,000 | $23,700-28,800 | $16,800-20,500 |
| LR3 HSE | $32,000-35,000 | $29,800-32,600 | $22,400-24,500 |
| 2006 | |||
| LR3 | $19,500-24,000 | $17,900-22,100 | $12,700-15,600 |
| LR3 HSE | $25,000-27,500 | $23,300-25,600 | $16,500-18,200 |
| 2005 | |||
| LR3 | $18,500-20,500 | $17,000-18,900 | $11,800-13,100 |
| LR3 HSE | $22,500-24,300 | $20,700-22,400 | $14,600-15,800 |
|
|
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Land Rover LR3 include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 113.6 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 19.9 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 75.4 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 74.5 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 5315 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 90.3 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 22.8 | |
| Seating Capacity | 7 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.4 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.4 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 42.4 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.6 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
The 2005-06 LR3's base engine was a 4.0-liter V6 with 216 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. SE and HSE models had a 4.4-liter V8 with 300 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque. Both engines came only with a 6-speed automatic transmission. In 2008, LR3 lost its V6 engine.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V6 | 4.0 / 245 | 216 | 269 | 6-speed automatic: 14/19 | 6-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc V8 | 4.4 / 268 | 300 | 315 | 6-speed automatic: 14/18 | 6-speed automatic: 14.2 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: England
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Land Rover LR3 include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2005-2008 Land Rover LR3 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2005 LR3:
Some fuel tanks may contain an internal breather pipe that was not made to specification and could detach. The driver may notice fuel odor, throttle hesitation, misfire, stalling, rough running, difficulty in starting, or an illuminated "check engine" light. Dealers will replace the fuel tanks.
2005-06 LR3:
When the ignition is switched off, after a period of time, it is possible to remove the ignition key when the transmission shift lever is not in park. Dealers will reprogram the driveline control transfer box electronic control unit (ECU)
2005-2006:
Airbag wiring may be fractured due to motion in the steering column. If an airbag wire fractures, the Safety Restraint System (SRS) warning light will illuminate on the instrument cluster. Dealers will insert spacers between the lower left-hand side of the column-switch mounting point and the column lock to improve the alignment of the column switch. Two foam pads will also be fitted to the top of the steering-column switch gear to provide assured clearance between the cowl and the clockspring face.
2006 LR3:
Some automatic transmission parking pawl guide plates may not allow "park" to engage, even though the lever is in the park position and all indicators show park position is achieved. Dealers will replace the parking pawl guide plate free of charge.
2006 LR3:
Some left-side second row seat belt buckle mountings may be built incorrectly. Dealers will inspect and replace the second row left hand seat belt buckle free of charge.
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