Used 2003 Land Rover Discovery Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
outstanding
we have 2 land rovers and one is a 2000 discovery sereis2 and an 88 range rover and both are the moist reliable trucks i have ever seen!
Can't Wait for Snow
Drives/feels like a luxury vehicle on the road. Very stable and comfortable on the rough Alaskan dirt roads. Honda Pilots and the like are just minivans, my Land Rover is a truck with true off road capability. I am looking forward to trying it in the snow.
- SE 4dr SUVMSRP: $15,000407 mi away
- SE 4dr SUVMSRP: $10,995791 mi away
- SE 4dr SUVMSRP: $14,995791 mi away
Worth it sometimes
Plenty fun to drive off-road, but don't expect a quiet ride. Gas mileage is abysmal, but you come to expect that from a powerful tower. I just can't figure why they can't boost it to something similar to the Toyota 4Runner (16/20). Turning radius is awful, but the engineer in me suspects that's artificially governed, so the reckless among us don't make quick, sharp turns and end up on our sides in a ditch. Power's great, and the vehicle looks unlike anything else out there. What used to look utilitarian now has an edge of bling to it. The interior is fine until you see some of the competitors' - then you notice they need to get on the proverbial ball.
Very Solid Vehicle
This is a well built vehicle and the quality of it is evident the first time you get in. It is comfortable and has excellent road manners. It is at its best when navigating roads during bad weather. The 4WD and high driver's position make driving during stormy weather.
Good off-road but unreliable.
Good approach and breakover angles, but poor departure angle will have you dragging your rear bumper on steep inclines. Very fun to drive, especially off-road. Reliability lives up to the Land Rover reputation, terrible. Several major and minor repair problems. Thanks to the extended warranty I have saved about $5,100 in total repair bills. It is now back at the dealership again with transmission and engine problems, total cost? Land Rovers are great if you literally have money to burn for gas and repair/upkeep costs.
Very Happy with this SUV!
I've owned my Discovery for 6 months now. I thought I would reserve my review until now. This is an excellent SUV. It has a very smooth ride, excellent build quality and unrivaled off-road ability. What amazes me the most is its ability to conquer almost anything you hand it off-road but ride like a luxury SUV on the city streets. Highly recommended!
Bad All Over
Nice 4wd, nice change for 2003. Car has humming noise, similar to gear noises around 50-70 MPH. People either seem to like it or think its ugly. Drinks gas like an gasoholic. why is it so hard to stick the key in the ignition? Bad dealers attitudes. I had better treatment at BMW, and infinity dealers.
damn good four wheel drive
i was off roading with some H2s, they couldnt hold a candle to my Discovery, i highly recommend driving one before buying any other SUV
Used 03
Overall ,this is a good vehicle but could use some work in the comfort category. I love to drive this vehicle but the seats are not good for long trips nor is the gas mileage. I do think that this vehicle is a steal at the prices, this is by far the best value discovery and best value in the SUV arena right now.
Great vehicle with bad gas
I towed 6,000lbs of Porsche 911 and full trailer across the country with this truck. Never missed a beat. Ran super in the snow and is very comfortable not to mention great looking. Zero problems. Brake pads are still more than 50% in front. DVD player is wonderful for kids. Everything you could want except for some of the worst gas mileage in its class. We average about 12 MPG. But considering we bought late in the model year and got a $42,000 truck for $31,500 I figure the savings buys me about 4,000 gallons of gas. So no worries.
What a nightmare !!
Bought this from the Land Rover Dealer, They forgot to mention this year has a problem with ABS/Downhill Assist/Traction control failing,and with Engine Oil pumps. They remembered it after I bought it, "yes they have had a few problems with this year" The 2003 is not the year to buy, the locking diffs, and transfer case are not on this model year but on the 2002 and 2004. Should have bought a jeep. It looked cool, when it ran it was awesome when it did not it was awful.
Great family suv/ real off road vehicle
Great vehicle! Has been well worth every penny I spent! Powerful and good handling. Only service has been oil changes and a few minor interior window rubbers - had some sun fade. A great family vehicle.
Like it, But....
I really like the vehicle , but there are some things that should be changed. Such as the doors should open further, in-dash cd changer should be standard, exhaust should be on opposite side of rear door handle, do away with plastic fender flares that fade in sunlight, it should have seat and mirror position memory, and the tilt steering wheel should tilt more. I don't have any major complaints, just litle things that could easily be changed to make the vehicle that much better.
Love my Disco!
My 03 S7 is just great. The truck handles so well! It's a lot taller and heavier than my 01 Explorer Limited was and yet it handles so much better. I have had some troubles mechanically though. If you're looking for an 03 Disco you should make sure that the previous owner had the "brain" for the ABS changed with the recall that went out. If not, expect to cough up around $2500. Tires have worn well as have the brakes. It's not a racecar, don't treat it like one. It goes everywhere I can think of without a single copmplaint. Had a lady rear-end me once and it destroyed her minivan. Didn't do a thing to my tank of a truck!
GREAT VEHICLE
THIS IS OUR SECOND DISCOVERY BOTH HAVE BEEN EXCELLENT VEHICLES,GREAT HIGHWAY RIDE,VERY STABLE IN BAD WEATHER AND NO PROBLEMS.
SE-7
The Discovery 2003 incorporates the engine 4.6 and transmission from the 2002 Range Rover, the brakes were improved also over the '02, the front suspension was reconfigured to reduce body roll without the need of the expensive ACE system, so you basically are driving a cool series II Discovery with all the better things that were just available in the expensive RangeRover that made it famous. It is a vehicle designed 100% for offroad, that transfers a great handling SUV for your daily drive in highways. Probably the only car that looks in place offroading in high mauntains and at the vallet parking at the Opera in the same Saturday.
Love the Disco
I drove every SUV made before settling on the discovery. Everyone said, it drives like a truck, well, I like it. Its not as smooth as the Lexus RX 330, but it looks and feels like a tough vehicle. I am very pleased.
ROVER
Nothing but wonderful, the new 4.6 v-8 makes a world of difference!!
Lets do it again
Our 2003 Discovery is the second one we've leased. The 2003 is much quieter than the 2000 model we had before. My wife insisted on another although my blazer can carry more in the rear. They include the scheduled maintenance now.
The perfect SUV!
Bought the 2003 Discovery SE in the summer and still get a kick out of climbing in behind the wheel! Great looking vehicle with a little more class than your everyday SUV! No quality problems or returns to the dealership. Land Rover seem to get a bad rap, but I don't believe it any more or less reliable than any other make. Drove lots of other similar SUV's (BMW, Mercedes etc) before going with the Discovery, but none seemed to have the Land Rover edge. Also not so many of them around!
Caveat emptor
This is a high-maintenance vehicle that has lots of gizmos that go out of whack and are hard to get serviced. The commitment of the company to you after they have cashed your check is minimal. You better love the design and flexibility of the vehicle, and I mean really love it, because the problems, potential and actual, are many, and you're mostly on your own.
LUV My Land Rover
I absolutely love my Land Rover. It sounds like some folks have trouble with theirs, but I have had none. I am going on almost a year now with it. I love the seating position, it drives through anything (including 18 inches of snow this last winter). There is tons of room for anything you would ever want to take with you. My Dad bought a 4Runner at the same time I bought the Discovery and is ready to get rid of his car now that he has driven mine. The dealership is great. They are friendly, keep to their appointments and finish on time. Just budget for GAS!!! I spend about $200 a month driving around town. It's a lot - but well worth it to me.
D Rover
This is a great SUV with unbelievable off-road capability. The only downfall is the poor gas mileage. Would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone that needs full time four wheel drive.
WHAT AN INCREDIBLE CAR!!!!!`
I am so very pleased I bought the Discovery! It is a pleasure to drive and I feel I can go anywhere. It has a beautifully destinct and spacious design. My Discovery has comfortable seats and I live for the TWO sunroofs! It is a dream to drive! It stands alone amongst it's "competition".
Still unsure about my HSE
Had my truck for 1 hour. Pulled in my garage with AC, and headlights on. Took key out of the ignition, the air was still running. Thought the engine was on but it wasn't. Turned off lights to get out of the car, my AC went off. HA HA...No key in the ignition but the lights turn on and off my AC. Dealership said they never saw this before and called technical support. Said it was minor. The HVAC system wasn't programmed right so they had to reprogram it. THE TURNING RADIUS SUCKS.Makes me feel like I don't know how to drive when parking or making a u turn. When you roll the window down an inch,the wind in the car is unreal. I like some fresh air, but geez
Quirky, but loved anyway
Test-drove it and had to buy it. Instead of a labored acceleration from stop, the Disco accelerates with ease and relative quiet. The turning radius is more than acceptable. Braking is excellent. For such a tall SUV, body lean during cornering (even without the touted ACE option) is minimal. As stable and sure-footed as a billy goat off-road, but refined enough to serve as a daily-use vehicle. Road noise is minimal, and the suspension is neither too stiff OR too soft. Drives like a wet dream in the rain on city roads, so don't let anyone ever tell you that it's useless in town. Whether towing, mudding or hauling, what a capable vehicle.
Rather Be Walking
Bought my 2003 Disc.SE new and experienced problems ever since. Replaced electronic control units in both sunroofs, fixed the driver's side window and front sunroof as they were stuck open, cigarette lighter and heated seats stopped working after 2 months, and gas tank door fixed several times-it refuses to stay closed. Tail lights burn out continuously, back door bolts rusted since month 2 and bolts under hood corroding. Vehicle is very loud. Control panel layout is awkward at best. After sale service was so bad that I would never go back to that dealership. Take a very long test drive before purchasing this vehicle. Can't wait to get rid of mine.
Take the Good with the Bad
The overall look of the 2003, while having only minor cosmetic differences from the 2002, gives it a vastly richer look. Had a problem with the sunroof leaking and had to get the headliner taken off to fix it. Not very settling when purchasing a $40,000 truck. Some features seem a bit cheap, such as the automatic shifting gear. Turning radius is horrific and the gas mileage is as expected for a large V8. If it's the overall look you're after, the 2003 Discovery is exactly what the consumer ordered, but with the great look comes some necessary refinements (don't come out with another design too quick though!)
At last...
This has been a dream car of mine for years. Have always liked its unique design and rugged features. Surprised to find my wife likes driving it as much as I do. Toddler loves the view from her seat. You must like British styling to overlook many of the comforts available from lower priced competitors. I love it.
Don't waste your money.
Driving the vehicle during the winter months can be fun provided you get rid of the oem goodyear tires. They provide no traction with a vehicle this heavy. Ownership is expensive. For example the brake system is inadequate for the weight. Expect to pay around $700.00 per year if you drive everyday. The wiper arms for the year 03-05 are proprietary and will cost around $120.00 per year. Considering tires. new tires lasted 22,000. I'm on my second set. So around 1300 more dollars for two sets during ownership. This vehicle is underengineered, expensive to buy and very expensive to keep. Even insurance will cost you more because of the weight of the vehicle will cause more damage.
Consumer SUV lover
Great midsize vehicle-fun to drive, nice to look at. Third row seats are a snap to use and to pur away. Only complaints are poor stereo sound quality, poor placement of CD changer (under passenger seat) and poor gas milage. Plus, I think they could do something a little different with exterior design, but overall a fun and stylish vehicle!
best 4x4xfar
bought my disco2 in november and have been thrilled with it every day. Never have i had such a capable vehical. This from a guy who owned a jeep wrangler,bronco and f150 for the past 20 years. took it to the dunes of Yuma,CA.in stock condition and went where no other 4x4 could. Even dunebuggies had difficulty and h2's were left stranded in camp. winter driving is profoundly better due to the incredible traction control and ABS that actually works. As a bonus you can take it to a swanky restaurant and feel as good about it as you would a great sports car.
Feels good......so far.
Ive had my HSE for about 3 months now. So far I really enjoy the SUV. Im a little reserved with my review because im fearful something will happen to change my entire opinion. I was actually riding from the mall the weekend with my wife and had to sporatically comment on how nice and enjoyable the truck is to drive. I think I used the phrase "its a pleasure to drive" and her reply was actually.."its a pleasure to ride in also"... I guess that sums it up ....
HSE7 - Pavement Sucks! Best 4x4xfar
I had my HSE7 (replaced my RR Classic) with ACE and SLS and drove already 6k the last 3mos. What a fun to drive, I must say! ACE is great on those sharp corners! SLS off road makes you feel like being on the pavement - bring out the champagne while off the road.
Off Road Supremacy
The most capable vehicle in the world. Eventhough its built for offroad supremacy, the HSE Discovery drives comfortably on the highway. Instant confidence booster for offroad adventures. Traction control is the best out of any vehicle i've ever driven. Hard to believe that Ford owns Landrover. Much better offroad handling and Design than H2.
I'm Very Happy
I shopped several SUVs and was very surprised at the drive experience on the Discovery. With the larger 4.6L engine and the improved suspension and braking, it performed very well on the road. This caught me off guard in that with the height and weight of the car, I expected it to be a dog. I was proven wrong. Off road it lives up to it's reputation. Dealer experience post-sale has been great!
NEWBIETO THE LANDROVER FAMILY
PICKED UP MY NEW DISCO ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO.MIXED REVIEWS TO DATE. OVERALL, IT IS A PLEASURE TO DRIVE. ENGINE SEEMS STRONG, AND TOWING A 5K BOAT IS A BREEZE. SOLID RIDE,WITH A GREAT FINISH. SOME ITEMS SEEM CHEAPLY MADE. LIKE THE FUEL DOOR CLASP. BROKE OFF IN A WEEK. THE PROS FAR OUTWEIGHT THE CONS SO FAR. WILL REPORT AGAIN IN A YEAR.
Best SUV I've owned
I recently purchased a 2003 Discovery SE. I have owned 3 Nissan Pathfinders, 1 Grand Cherokee, 1 Cherokee sport, 1 Ford Expedition and 1 Toyota 4 runner. The 2003 Discovery SE is in a class by it self! I highly recommend this vehicle.
I hate this truck
What a piece of junk. Hard to get into, difficult to get comfortable in, slow to accelerate, quirky controls, bad fuel mileage, dash rattles, and, let's see what else.... Oh, too expensive for such a piece of junk. I wish I had not bought this thing.
Superb!
Had some reservations going into this purchase due to previous reports of poor reliability. The 2003 redesign appears to have fixed most bugs. I have not had any problems. This thing drives and performs flawlessly. I look forward to getting behind the wheel everyday! Note, gas mileage in city driving is quite atrocious, however, the bargain prices on these should more than offset the poor mileage.
one of the kind
safe that is how you feel inside this car.yes it is not the best for gas mileage but who care.being safe has no price.off road capability are the best and all the benefit of that gives you the best ride on snow , rain ect...
Couldn't Be Happier
I traded in my Mercedes C Class to get back in to a truck (I've had an Xterra, a Jeep, and a Toyota p/up in the past) and this Land Rover has a drive like nothing I've ever owned before. The black duragrain in my "S" model is better than leather, I don't miss the sun roof b/c there is a ample light and headroom, and ride is suprisingly smooth considering the off- road prowess that the truck is known for. By the way, this truck has too much muscle to be referred to as an "SUV". Very happy with it!
Solid truck
Had the truck about three weeks and fouind the 2003 SE to be a large improvement over a friend's 2002 especially in pick up and cornering. So far no problems at all. The Disco is fun to drive in the city and hopefully good off road this winter.
She's a beast!
Overall, I am very pleased with my '03 Disco SE. It adopted the 2002 Range Rover's silky 4.6L engine, and is as powerful as it sounds. Shifting is smooth and quality-sounding. Sharp- looking inside and out. With a skilled driver and without ACE, it still corners remarkably well. Surprisingly quick acceleration - very deceptive at stoplights. :) Plows through heavy rain, puddles and soft sand like a hot knife through butter. Will pull anything you can think of, yet is refined enough to shame the H2. Very easy to park. Looks like a box, but is as nimble as a sedan.
So Far It's Great!
picked up my Discovery S after handing in my EB Ford Explorer (had tons of problems with it). While there are less bells&whistles than the EB, my Disco is solid, fun to drive, and feels very safe. Just getting used to the wheel on the back door,makes it hard to see when backing up. But love the ride!
Fabulous Machine
It is a fun to drive vehicle with a lot of torque, feels strong and safe, off road capabilities are incredible, you get a panoramic view from wherever you may be seating . . Yes there are improvements that are needed (gas comspt., turning radio, and the key entry to start the vehicle) However, one may get this picky because it is such a great and beautiful car that one wishes for it to be perfect. I drove the X5 and it is not even close to a Discovery. You won't regret it.
What a Vehicle!
I love my new 2003 Discovery. I looked at many other high line vehicles but the Land Rover came out on top. The new design is awesome and classy, yet modern. The interior is great and has every control within reach. Visibility is second to none. I have the navigation system and love that, although I wish there was a screen, but if there was I would have a wreck. Gas mileage could be better, but I surely understand why it is not that great; the vehicle is made of basically solid steel and weighs around 5000 pounds. I am completely happy with my Land Rover. I highly recommend this great vehicle for you!! GO LAND ROVER!!
2003-SE
My wife traded her Volvo in for this vehicle because of the body style. She loves the car and likes the ride - she bought a SUV and if she wanted a different ride she would have bought a car instead. The car is fun to drive. Since we have only put 1,000 miles on the vehicle, the reliability is hard to judge at this point. The gas mileage could be improved; however, the purchaser should know before shopping that the mpg will be low.
Power to spare
Rugged and powerful... Makes my '93 Wrangler look like a toy. Truly an off raoad vehicle with tremendous towing capacity. Installed cat-back "real" dual exhaust with K&N intake... 20% performance increase plus and honest 20 MPG an trips
Best Buy
great so far. had it for about 2 months now and wouldnt trade it for nothin but maybe the new Range Rover. i chose the HSE Discovery 03 over a BMW X5 and Benz ML after driving all 3.