2005 Toyota Highlander Review
2005 Toyota Highlander Review
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Used Highlander for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Seats up to seven, carlike ride and handling, smooth and powerful V6 engine, fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, lots of safety features.
Cons
- Limited towing and off-road ability, bland personality.
What’s new
New standard features this year include a roof rack with cross bars, remote keyless entry and a cargo cover. Standard on the Limited and optional on the base is a new windshield wiper de-icer grid.
Edmunds says
With its fuel-efficient engine lineup, full complement of safety features and available third-row seat, the Highlander is one of our top recommendations to those who need SUV utility but don't want any unnecessary bulk or fuel bills.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.60 per gallon for regular unleaded in Massachusetts.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Massachusetts
$207/mo for Highlander Base
Highlander Base
vs
$208/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2005 Toyota Highlander.
5 star(77%)
4 star(16%)
3 star(2%)
2 star(5%)
1 star(0%)
202 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
My first car!
Maegan, 09/30/2015
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
My 2005 Toyota Highlander was my first car, and the best one I could've gotten! It has an amazing turning radius, sound system, climate control, etc. I could not say enough good things about this car! It looks like a big SUV but drives like a sedan. Braking and accelerating were not too sensitive but not too sluggish either. It was incredibly safe, and has almost no blind spots. If you … are looking for a first car or just an older car that holds its value, this is the car.
4.88 out of 5 stars
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L
WarrenG, 04/07/2010
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
I bought this new in 2005 and now have 65k trouble-free miles on it. After 3 Explorers, it has been very nice not to have to meet on a regular basis with the service writer for a change. 4-cyl is strong enough and gives 20 mpg around town, 25 hwy. Only problem was with original Toyo tires - at 29k they looked great but couldn't keep the vehicle on the road in FL summer rains. New … Michelin LTs solved that problem. Only costs have been oil changes, filter changes, and a new battery. Very satisfied.
4.5 out of 5 stars
In love after all these years.
shasta4, 02/14/2011
2005 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
135K miles.
Bought 8/04.
Most options, 3rd row. V6, 3.3, AWD.
I've had big 3, BMW (3), Volvo (2), Jag V12 sedan, Audi and this is the best of them all in terms of overall satisfaction.
I can find small design grips like the vague sunroof switch, tight 3 row seat, but very little problems and outstanding reliability.
Orig. Bridgestones 50K.
Rear brakes 60K.
Front brakes 130K ! All lamps … except highs original.
High beams 120K.
Tow a 2,000 lb travel trailer cross 3,000 miles averaging 20.5mpg. Mileage town 18, highway 23.
No leaks, amazing tranny, great power, tows trailer beautifully (after easy lift).
One problem.
At 50K rear bushing worn.
Probably do to trailer towing.
4.75 out of 5 stars
8+ years and 111,000 miles and keeps on going
dreamer123890, 04/22/2013
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
I just love my 2005 Highlander. So much so that we cant seem to find a reason to replace it. I bought it used in 2006 with 20k miles and have added 90k+ miles. Getting an average of 25 on highway and about 20 in the city for a v6 is terrific.
I have so many memories in this car - we have done lots of roadtrips.
Besides the standard 90k maintenance to replace the belts, pump etc. and … regular 5k mile maintenance, i have had 1 issue - the fuel cap needed replacing at 108k miles.
I guess we will wait another 2 years and then replace it around 150k with either a Lexus Rx or another highlander!
2005 Highlander Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $24,280 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $207/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 39.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Highlander include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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