2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Consumer Reviews Page 4

Exactly what the doctor ordered!

Written by: Ron L on 04/23/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

A very good overall vehicle. Has a great quiet ride and has great engine performance. I like the exterior look, but have to admit the hybrid drive is the reason I love it. My MPG has been as advertised once the vehicle has broken in and it was no longer winter. This Highlander has definetly made me forget my Pilot.

Favorite Features

Performance and MPG makes for a perfectly balanced SUV.

Suggested Improvements

Fold down rear seat could use a 50/50 or 60/40 split.

39 out 39 people found this review helpful

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If you want to be 'Green'....

Written by: JR on 04/22/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

We bought this car for my wife (but of course I had to get it with all of the toys for me). We looked at the GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and the Toyota Highlander. None of the above really compared to the highlander in terms of style, options, and reliability. Initially we were not considering a hybrid, but one came to the lot in our area. With gas now approach $3.50 a gallon, I am beginning to think we made a good decision. With our 3rd tank of gas, we are averaging about 26.2 mpg. This should improve as we break in the engine. The navigation takes a bit of practice to master, but after taking one evening to sit down and learn it, it is quite simple.

Favorite Features

Love the gas mileage we are getting with a high powered V6 (and still has get up and go). The navigation/Bluetooth, auto-lift gate, hybrid monitor, rear back up camera are all great features. I also enjoy the ease of lowering the middle row seats from the rear of the car

Suggested Improvements

Programmable seating and split third-row seating. It is a bit annoying to have to move the seat every time I drive from where my wife sits.

19 out 20 people found this review helpful

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Steady Eddie

Written by: eessydo on 04/14/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

Many complaints about this vehicle saying it is "sluggish" on a test drive. My guess is that the dealer had the "ECON" button engaged when they pushed the accelerator down. The 270 horse is more than enough to get out of a jam. Comfort is definitely not an issue. It came down to the Ford Escape Hy or this vehicle, and while the ford gets better gas mileage and is a little more "off-road" ready, this car is built much better, and the average commuter will feel less bumps in the road. FYI, you have to be VERY active in your driving style to get the 27 mpg city in this car. It will take a while for you to learn the techniques to maximize fuel economy.

Favorite Features

Semi fuel efficient for a mid-size SUV, third row seat, quality, ride, EV mode.

Suggested Improvements

"Smarter" fuel economy built in for passive drivers. You have to stay active pushing EV at stop lights and around corners when viable. Also have to use less psycho hypermiling techniques to get over the 27 mpg city. I am currently at 28.5 mpg.

20 out 20 people found this review helpful

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Quality Ride

Written by: Rene'e on 04/11/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

Before buying our Highlander, we researched and drove both the Ford Escape and Lexus RX 400h and found that for the money, the Toyota was a far better buy. The console is easy to read and operate i.e., big print. Plenty of head and leg room with added storage within arms reach, 4 drink holders, etc. too many extras to mention. After keeping mileage records for 3 months, we average 26.7 mpg. My husband, a truck guy, was hesitant about buying a hybrid, however he now hides the keys from me. The pick-up and go is comparable to any other 6cyl, however this vehicle is not for towing anything over 3500pds which we do with ease. All around a nice buy.

Favorite Features

Storage and comfort combined with favorable mpg.

Suggested Improvements

Good to go.

9 out 9 people found this review helpful

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Great Car!!!

Written by: Clbinnc on 04/03/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

I was looking between the Highlander, Lexus 400h, and Saturn Vue Hybrid. The Saturn and Lexus were both much smaller than the Highlander and the gas mileage was the same of less than what the Highlander was rated, so I went with the Highlander, plus it was the most comfortable. Navigation system took some time to get used to, but I like it now, the bluetooth capability should come with every car made, it's amazing. The only thing the highlander was missing was an iPod jack, but it does come with an auxiliary jack, which you can connect to the iPod, just not as convenient. Currently getting about 25.5 in the city and 26.7 highway, which is reverse according to the sticker. Overall love it!

Favorite Features

Bluetooth, fold down seats, voice recognition and JBL sound system.

Suggested Improvements

Navigation system could be easier, can't always find a business address, so it makes it difficult. Would like to enter an address and just press "Go" and it would give me the options, instead it takes you through route choices, (i.e. interstate, no interstate, toll, no toll, etc.).

39 out 45 people found this review helpful

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Very Nice Vehicle

Written by: Todd on 03/29/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

A very good overall vehicle. Has a great ride, is unusually quiet, and has good engine performance. A solid all-around in-town car that can also go out on the open road. Good leg room and head room for four 6'+ adults/kids and still have room for your stuff or more little ones. We like the exterior look, but have to admit the hybrid drive is the wow factor. Friends will all want a ride and will ask a ton of questions about it. MPG is within the ranges listed.

Favorite Features

Performance that almost perfectly balances responsible MPG and vehicle size.

Suggested Improvements

Interior trim features are ok but could be nicer in quality for the overall cost of the vehicle. Another 1-2" of head room would make the space perfect for taller adults (6'4"+) but it is adequate the way it is. Backup sensor (beeping) would be better than the camera (or give people the option).

10 out 11 people found this review helpful

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2008 highlander hybrid

Written by: nathan on 03/26/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

For a full sized SUV - it's amazing. The limited edition is full of all the extras. A lot of the same stuff that others are posting here. It's not advertised for "offroad", but then neither was my truck.

Favorite Features

EV only mode, AUX audio input/MP3 cd player, towing ability, very roomy interior (i'm 6'3"), multi-function display. Limited Edition is about 95% as nice as the Lexus 400h, at about 90% the price.

Suggested Improvements

Bigger NiMh battery pack. It's kinda tiny for a full sized SUV. Better nav map. It's kinda bland. They did a good job with this car, and I really like it.

16 out 19 people found this review helpful

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Overall Very Happy

Written by: sidk on 03/23/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

I actually bought this for my wife, but have been hogging it. The fit and finish is top notch and the car delivers a tight, smooth ride. Gas mileage in the mid-20s, which isn't great, but good enough to still feel superior that I'm driving a hybrid :)

Favorite Features

I really like the bluetooth and nav.

Suggested Improvements

I wish they had an integration with the iPod (it does have an aux input, which is adequate) and wish you could use the touch screen while driving.

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Drive to Save

Written by: Patrick Hoffman on 03/20/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

The thing that makes the 2008 Highlander Hybrid is the gas electric meter so you can monitor your gas/electric use. Very fun and a great way to max out the MPG.

Favorite Features

The gas/electric meter.

Suggested Improvements

Allow to control Ipod through GPS screen.

5 out 16 people found this review helpful

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2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Ltd.

Written by: toyohh08 on 03/17/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

We bought a 2008 HH AWD (iced amethyst mica) fully loaded except for navi. We are very happy with it! Fun to drive, good performance and comfort. We love this car.Our average mpg is about 24-27 mpg, I think it will improve this summer. Our worst mpg was 22 mpg, best was 28 mpg.

Favorite Features

Keyless entry, backup camera, EV and Econ mode, moonroof, power rear door, dvd.

Suggested Improvements

More space in cargo room, split 3rd row seat, memory seat, wider center stow seat, air conditioning system, front side exterior design (looks like a bigger rav4).

10 out 10 people found this review helpful

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