2005 Land Rover LR3

The Land Rover Discovery has been replaced by a new version that’s built on an all-new platform. It’s a very good thing. Anyone who has tried to maneuver himself into the backseat of a Discovery will vote for the design changes Land Rover made when constructing the 2005 LR3.

Although it lacks many luxury features, the LR3 meets most drivers’ expectations with its dependability and go-anywhere capabilities. The 4.4-liter V-8 engine, coupled with five Terrain Response settings will get you into and out of most tough driving situations. The settings start with normal for uncomplicated driving conditions and from there the driver can change the setting to match the conditions. No matter whether faced with mud, sand or snow, or a need to climb over a few rocks, there’s a range to help the driver better handle the situation. Once a mode is selected, the system makes adjustments to the vehicle’s electronic and powertrain systems, chooses an appropriate suspension height and even alerts the driver if he should shift into low range.

The LR3 is hefty — weighing in at nearly three tons, so don’t expect to get great gas mileage. During the test drive, the Land Rover knocked back an ungodly amount of gas. The EPA estimated fuel economy rates the LR3 at 14 mpg in the city and 18 on the highway. My mileage was a little less and I’m a very conservative driver — becoming more so when I saw the gas gauge dipping rapidly.

Although it has a nasty drinking habit, the LR3 will likely draw a following of dedicated fans, just like the Discovery did.

Despite the major changes throughout, the body style remains true. Even at first glance a person knows he’s looking at a Land Rover. It’s upright and angular, in a handsome sort of way, and has a no-nonsense attitude. Tall windows surrounded by beefy metal makes it look like it can take on anything, and it probably can.

I drove the Discovery at an SUV testing event a couple years ago, and was surprised at how agile it was on a muddy hill that sloped severely. It was much more of a test for me than it was to the Land Rover, which acted on its own with the assistance of the off-road setting.

Most people don’t challenge their vehicle or themselves to such conditions, but it’s nice to know there are systems in place to lend help when needed.

The interior of the LR3 isn’t spartan, but it’s close. However, most people don’t buy a Land Rover for over-the-top luxury features. They buy it for the history, the dependability and the power it projects. It’s also a hauler. The LR3 will carry up to seven people, if you opt to buy the third-row seat, and has a large cargo capacity. With all rear seats lowered, there’s a liberal 90-plus cubic feet available.

Another nice thing about the interior is the amount of light that’s allowed inside, courtesy of one sunroof that slides open and two moonroofs that don’t. The open ceiling lets ample light into the interior, which is a near necessity during gray winter days.

The safety features in the LR3 include eight airbags, side-door impact beams in the front and rear doors, height-adjustable front pre-tensioners seatbelts and child locks for windows and doors.

The base price for the LR3 is $44,330, but with several optional packages that added a greater level of comfort, the tester came in at $51,920. For more information, log on to landrover.com.

Other Moving Right Along new car reviews

All content on this site protected by copyright and trademark laws. Logo and all associated content are property of Apex Marketing Strategy. (c) 2002-2005 Unauthorized use, including reprinting or publishing online is prohibited by law.  For information on reprinting or syndicating Sound Classics or Moving Right Along content, please call 360-402-6487 or email info@apexstrategy.com