Land Rover Discovery Series I

Photo: Vauxford / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

The Land Rover Discovery Series I (1989–1998): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 9 versions in the United States and Canada.

Model codes: LJ

Dimensions, weights and capacity

Specification	Europe	Wikipedia
Dimensions
Length	4,440–4,530 mm RDW	4,539 mm
Width	1,790–1,810 mm RDW	1,793 mm
Height	1,970–2,050 mm Traficom	1,966 mm
Wheelbase	2,540 mm RDW	2,540 mm
Front track	1,486 mm ASTRA	–
Rear track	1,486 mm ASTRA	–
Weights and towing
Kerb weight	1,856–2,005 kg RDW	–
Mass in running order	1,956–2,105 kg RDW	–
Gross vehicle weight	2,720 kg RDW	–
Towing, braked trailer	3,500 kg RDW	–
Towing, unbraked trailer	750 kg RDW	–
Seats and space
Seats	5–7 RDW	–
Doors	3–5 RDW	–
Performance
Top speed	146–171 km/h ASTRA	–
Torque	265–312 Nm ASTRA	–

Tyre sizes (most common first): 205/80R16, 235/70R16

Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Wikipedia, Traficom type approvals (Finland), ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland). Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Reliability and owner reports

UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age

Age at test	Pass rate	UK average	Tests
13 years and older	73.6% (73.0–74.3)	69.2%	16,024

What the MOT finds

Area	This model	UK average, same ages
Suspension	40.1%	41.6%
Noise, emissions and leaks	35.4%	17.1%
Body, chassis and structure	34.1%	18.6%
Brakes	32.3%	36.4%
Lights and electrics	27.9%	28.8%
Steering	21.0%	7.7%

First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)

Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)

213 complaints for model years 1994–1998. 32 crashes · 13 fires · 28 injuries · 3 deaths

Brakes 29
Fuel system 22

Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints

All 9 versions of the Land Rover Discovery Series I

United States 5 versions

Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.

Years and version	Engine	Fuel	Gearbox	Drive	Consumption (combined)	CO₂
1996–1999(FFS)	4.0 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	Four- or all-wheel drive	14 MPG (16.8 L/100 km) EPA	394 g/km
1998	4.0 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	Four- or all-wheel drive	13 MPG (18.1 L/100 km) EPA	425 g/km
1997(FFS)	4.0 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	Four- or all-wheel drive	13 MPG (18.1 L/100 km) EPA	425 g/km
1994–1995(FFS)	3.9 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	Four- or all-wheel drive	13 MPG (18.1 L/100 km) EPA	425 g/km
1994–1995(FFS)	3.9 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	Four- or all-wheel drive	12 MPG (19.6 L/100 km) EPA	460 g/km

Canada 4 versions

Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).

Years and version	Engine	Fuel	Gearbox	Consumption (combined)	CO₂
1996–1999Sport utility vehicle	4.0 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	17.1–17.2 L/100 km 5-cycle	393–396 g/km
1997Sport utility vehicle	4.0 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	17.6 L/100 km 5-cycle	405 g/km
1995Sport utility vehicle	3.9 L	Petrol	4-speed automatic	18.4 L/100 km 5-cycle	423 g/km
1995Sport utility vehicle	3.9 L	Petrol	5-speed manual	18.9 L/100 km 5-cycle	435 g/km

Similar models from other brands

Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.