Unlike the Land Rover Defender, the Discovery is far less utilitarian but also perhaps more refined as a solid family driver.

This vehicle has been offered with a wide range of engines made by Rover, Jaguar, and Ford. The LR3 models sold in the United States are stuck with the Ford Cologne SOHC V6, while foreign markets get larger Rover V8's, although most opt for the smaller turbodiesel engines, as fuel economy is more of a concern where a gallon of gasoline costs $5. The V8 engines actually have a lower retail price due to this reversal in demand compared to the U.S.

The U.S. spec Series 1 models were mostly sold with the V8 engine, which is always in high demand in America. The latest Series III LR3 Discovery is the most refined and powerful version in the model's history.

Top Gear has declared the Discovery to be the best 4x4 of all time following a grueling road test. It was nominated for SUV of the year in North America, but failed to win because it didn't have spinners and an LCD screen mounted in the dash and on the headrests.

These vehicles are quite expensive when new, but can be found for quite a bargain on the used market. If you're looking for one, I suggest you start your search on eBay.