2005 Land Rover LR3 Preview

So, if in fact Land Rover gets the interior right, with high-end plastics and top-tier panel fit, etc., and then again if they export the new diesel to North America, will I

If Land Rover gets its quality right, and then gives me a diesel I'll be first in line to buy an LR3. (Photo: Land Rover)

step up with $70 large (or so) and take one home? Probably, at least if they can convince me that the new model will be more dependable than the Discovery was. Currently, Land Rover has tubed on most third party reliability surveys, such as J. D. Power and Associate's 2004 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), the results of which were obtained by surveying more than 48,000 original owners of 2001 model year cars and light trucks, where it placed 37th out of 37 nameplates. Yes, that's dead last, just slightly worse than its 36th out of 37 brand ranking in the 2003 VDS which surveyed owners of 2000 model year vehicles. Ouch! Not the kind of results I'd want to be pondering while stranded 50 miles into the wilderness and no qualified mechanic in sight.

I did get a laugh out of Mark Fields, head of Ford Motor Co.'s Premier Automotive Group, when referring to Land Rover's placement on various reliability charts he said, "The only way they look good is when you take the page and turn it upside down."

So, if Land Rover gets its quality right, and then gives me a diesel I'll be first in line to buy an LR3. The chances of that are slim to none, but a guy can dream right? I suppose I'll go by an old Discovery SE7, rewire it with Toyota harnesses and drop in a Cummins diesel. It'll probably cost me about $61,900 after I'm done, but I'll have the SUV I want.

Specifications:

• Price Range (SE - HSE MSRP): $61,900 - $67,900
• Body Type: 5-door SUV, integrated frame
• Layout: front engine, 4WD
• Engine: 300 hp, 315 lb-ft of torque, 4.4-L, 32-valve, DOHC V8
• Transmission: 6-spd auto with manual mode
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS with EBD
• Curb Weight: 2,461 kg (5,426 lbs)
• Seating Capacity: 5 (opt 7)
• Cargo Volume (behind second row): 1,192 L (42.1 cu ft)
• Payload (max): 769 kg (1,695 lbs)
• Ground Clearance: 185 mm (7.3 in)
• Towing Capacity (estimated): 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): N/A
• Warranty (mo/km): 48/80,000 comprehensive
• Direct Competitors: Buick Rainier, Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy, Infiniti QX4, Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, Lexus GX 470, Mitsubishi Montero, Oldsmobile Bravada, Toyota 4Runner
• Web Site: www.landrover.com