Used 2004 Toyota Highlander SUV Consumer Reviews
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From Explorer to Highlander
My first Toyota. Had been driving Ford Explorers for the past few years and I was pleasently surprised by the refining charcteristics of the Highlander. Throttle Responsiveness is much nicer than Explorer (2002 model comparison) as is handling, and interior design. Brake pedal feels a bit mushy in the Highlander. Overall, I would say the Highlander is very refined mid size SUV that competes or exceeds others in its class.
So far it is GREAT!
I am a new owner of the HighlanderLTD, and have fallen in love with it! It's great looking, well designed inside and out! The ride is smooth, the controls easy to use, and it is great in the snow! The moon roof feature is great as is the general visibility.
- Base 4dr SUV w/3rd RowMSRP: $4,599108 mi away
- Base 4dr SUV w/3rd RowMSRP: $4,999154 mi away
- Limited 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,200174 mi away
Just Plain Happy
Not much to it -- just plain happy with this SUV. Runs well, is comfy, nice inside, not a huge thing.
Very Happy w/my HL
Overall, the HL feels very solid and more refined than other SUV in it's class. Drives like a car, easy to park in tight spots. Interior is very pleasant especially with the "faux" wood trim.
The most satifying car I've ever owned!
Used to admire Benz and owned from 190 to S class. All have more problems than this silky smooth Highlander. Wife's car and she loves it. Ride is smoother than my curret Lexus with 2000 miles on it. Hard to believe. 10,000 miles and no problem whatsoever so far. Absolute buy!!
Limited Version
A very comfortable riding vehicle. To me, the limited package is worth the extra coin. Smooth power on demand. The extra gear in the tranny is a driver's delight. My MPG is close to 20. Not great but adequate. No gripes here!
Everything & More-SOLD!!!!!!!!
Shopped around and tested everything from Nissan to Honda to American makes and settled on the Highlander.Took almost 8 weeks,5 cities & countless phone conversations but it was all worth it. It rides so smooth you'll think you're in a mid size/luxuary car. Blazer felt like a truck and the X- Terra really felt like you were off the road all the time. Drove both 4 cyl. and 6 cyl engines and settled on 6 just for pure pickup getting into traffic Sharp car,from color to performance.Wide seats,even in the back,according to my passengers.So far gas has been fine(18-19 around town...20 on the trips).. Won't get another new car review from me for 12- 14 years...
Nice ride
The perfect second car as an addition to our family minivan. Even with the 4cyl engine has enough get up and go to merge and pass even on hills. When you gun it, it will shift hard, but it gets the job done. Under the regular normal driving conditions, the shifting is fine. Our base model is really well equipped and comfortable. Toyota has covered all the bases with creature comforts like cup holders, lighting and power outlets. Storage area is great. We can get the family of 4, luggage and a couple of bikes in the vehicle with no problems. Highlander is a great option if you want a little more room, and a Camry ride without going to a monser size SUV.
The SUV that rides/drives like a car
This is the one & only SUV that I have driven/experienced that rides smooth like a car. I feel very safe & comfortable driving this vehicle. I never thought a SUV was capable of providing the comfort of a car ride. It is perfect for people looking for the size of a larger vehicle, but not willing to trade the comfort of a smooth ride. The seats are also very comfortable for travel. I never thought I owuld say this about a vehicle but "I Love this Highlander."
Toyota Highlander Owner
I shopped for 6 months before I made my decision on the Hilander. I am a girl Scout leaer and I camp a lot wth my girls and my family and I absolutely loves this vehical. I find it very reliable, easy to drice, and safety is the number 1 factor whay I purchased this SUV. I would recommend it to any one who wants luxury performance with out a luxury price.
Couldn't be much happier
I'm patting myself on the back for this one. What a great vehicle. A 4x4 with zip and class. I think it's sharp- looking inside and out. If you don't want the rear end to look like a minivan (the Sienna, in this case) get the spoiler. Lots of thought put into every detail -- well engineered. The transmission produces a bit of lurch, but not enough to spoil the acceleration, which is fast. Solid steering and breaks. Forgiving body roll. The JBL stereo is great, but you have to adjust the equalizer a lot to optimize the sound.
Finally a reliable, functional vehicle
It is a wonderful vehicle with great visabilty and drivability. Easy to maintain and function in and about. They were thinking about the consumer when they built this suv
Highlander 2X
Simply terrific...in all regards.
good but not perfact
I have driven this car for three months, 3900 miles.The 3.3 engine is not powerful as I thought, compared with my 2.3 super charger V6 and 4.2 V8 engine(may be 4AW drive). 5-speed auto transmission is smooth but jump when climb hill in cruise control mode. And sometimes you can feel low gear change when you slowly stop. It's difficult to close the moonroof precisely (shouldn't put tilt and open devices together). There is no way to drive with window or moonroof open (too much noise bounce inside. may be box interior shape?) Car suspension system is good on rough road. Standard stereo system is bad with ugly antenna (you cannot go to auto wash garage).
Fun to drive carlike ride suv
My 2004 Toyota Highlander 4cyl fwd is excellent, an suv with a car like ride, smooth transmission and an exceptional pick up and it can stop on a dime.Very economical and reliable transportation. However, it is not as comfortable and luxurious as a Grand Cherokee, I'd recomend the V6 engine with 4 wd and you won't be disappointed.
Family SUV
A family SUV with a comfort ride and seating capacity of 7 from a brand which hold its value. Powerfull enough 3.3 engine with most safety features included in Standard model. A well thought vehicle you will enjoy for long time.
4 TOYOTA'S & NOW A SUV & I LOVE IT!!!!!!
Toyota's have been my safety net, they are safe and that is why I buy them. Ask your insurance company. My father started me out in the family Toyota in 1971. Enjoy LLL
2004 highlander limited
WE have only had it one month, but so far we have been very pleased. The kids love it and love riding in the third row seat. The only problem I have had was figuring out how to get the gas cap off (which I have now mastered).
Love my highlander!
The comfort riding in both the front & rear seats is great! I love the feature of the back seats reclining & having lots of leg room. Also, good mileage and handling for a midsize suv---drives like a car, not a truck!
Great car
After driving a Buick for 11yrs, my Highlander has been a real joy. It handle great and gets wonderful gas milage
Best car I have even bought!
I've only had this car about one month but I can honestly say that I love it to death already. It drives like no other SUV, midsize or larger size, that I test drove, and I test drove many. It handles beautifully on the highway and on local streets. The interior features ar nice and not too big and bulky which I like. I wanted the Limited model but they did't have it so I opted for the regular model fully loaded. Overall I think it is a great SUV for someone who wants the luxury of a car but also wants to be able to get around any weather condition. I love it!
Satisfied Owner
This vehicle has a very solid ride. I have owned three GM Blazers in the past and have never experienced the quality built into a vehicle such as the Highlander. I did own a 1995 Geo Prism for nine years and 77000 miles and never put a dime into it, that is what brought me to buying Toyota.
Our Highlander
We put 3,900 miles on this vehicle the first month owned on a long vacation trip. It is easy to load and pack the vehicle. Really enjoy riding in and driving this car.
A Diamond in the Rough
Best car I've ever owned. This car is not indicative of the current problems that Toyota is having. A totally reliable automobile that offers everything you need in an SUV. I never had to take this car in for any major problems, and you can even hear the engine at idle.
Simply The Best
I did extensive research before buying my first SUV, and have not been disappointed in my selection. My Highlander has been extremely reliable, not one problem in almost 2 years and 42,000 miles. It's comfortable, roomy, drives like a car, and gets good gas mileage. I was worried about having sufficient power with the 4-cylinder engine, but it definitely delivers the power when needed. I can't imagine owning any other car - except maybe a Highlander Hybrid. I would recommend this SUV to anyone who is looking for the best value & ride for their money.
Better than a Sienna
We briefly had a Sienna, which had factory defects. We traded over to the Highlander and are very happy with it! For a small family and a dog, it is just perfect. We don't need the huge interior of the Sienna, and like the sporty interior of the Highlander with the new fabric seats. It is a sturdy car that feels solid, but still has plenty of pickup. A perfect vehicle for both city and country driving.
An SUV I can live with
Please understand that I really hate SUVs, but my family needed a car that could hold 6-7. I have always thought that the Highlander was the best looking small SUV, but I didn't realize that it had a third seat that would allow it to hold our family. We sold our Eurovan and bought a dealer demo, and I think it's the best car I have ever owned. At 25K miles, it's tight, quiet, comfortable, and everything that I could ask for in a family car. We happened to buy the loaded model, although I would have been happy with any combination as long as it had the third row. We have had it off-road once in Tahoe, and it handled a very rutted, rocky climb with ease. Highly recommended.
First Time Toyota Buyer
This is the first Toyota (Japanese) vehicle I have ever owned. Very well thoughtout vehicle and just right mid size SUV. Very agile and easy to manuver. Good acceleration from stand still and highway speeds.
Boat towing highlander
Compared several midsize Suv's. choose Toyota Highlander for our family's needs. It will be used to tow a 2,500 bass boat on the weekends. Have made 2 trips to the lake so far, over 100 miles each way. I had a 2 inch hitch installed. Very happy with towing performance (16 mpg towing) Very solid made vehicle. Have owned 2 Toyota cars in the past with zero problems both over 150,000 miles.
great sub
Great suv - looks good - drives great
Love my car!!!
I will never own anything other than Toyota!!!
fun to drive
I absolutly love it easy to drive and comfortable
Love this car
This is the best car I have ever driven. It is reliable, easy to drive and fun to own.
Toyota Highlander
This vehicle is the quietest vehicle I have ever owned. The ride is very smooth and it is fun to drive.
After testing many others...
Highlander! I own my own business and could have gotten a big writeoff with a heavier SUV, but my conscious wouldn't allow me to buy a gas guzzler on the taxpayers bill. I took home and drove many SUV's, some over a weekend. The Pilot was so generic and bland inside, and the driving experience was blah, the Envoy was classy but a gas guzzler. No other SUV's in the low 30's are as well rounded as the Highlander. It's such a well made truck. I used to have a $50k GMC Envoy and this is as plush as that, but better in many other areas. This is my first Japanese car, and I think I'll stick with Toyotas from now on...
We love our Highlander
We bought our Highlander New Years Eve, and am totally in love with it. It drives like a dream.
Excellent Highway Mileage
This vehicle gets excellent mileage on highways. The design is functional and great for long trips. Good leg-room.
pretty good highlander
good value for price. fabulous in winter driving. very reliable. control easy to learn and use. plenty of cargo space. gas economy only fair. too much road noise enters passenger compartment.
04 Highlander Limited
Only have this vehicle a week. First impressions are great. Quality is top notch. Easy to drive, sits high but very easy to get into. Very quiet on the road. Feels tight and corners flat. Engine is too new to get on it, but you can feel the power is there.Braking is typical Toyota. No unusual surprises. Just a very good vehicle.
THIS IS MY SECOND ONE
I have found this vehicle to be very reliable and a pleasure to drive. This is my second one, and have had no mechanical or other problems.
An Excellent car.
We have 7,000 miles on this vehicle, and our friends all rave for its beauty, we love the gas mileage, comfort and looks of this car. Think we made a very good choice.
My highlander
I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT MY HIGHLANDER, ITS A SMOOTHE RIDE, PLENTY OF ROOM FOR MY SONS CAR SEAT AND PASSENGERS, OVERALL LOOK IS BEAUTIFUL.
2004 Highlander
Best car I have ever owned. A lot of fund to drive. Aliitle pricy, but you get what you pay for.
Best new car I have owned
Not the cheapest SUV around but as far as I can determine, the best value. Prior to this car I wouln't look twice at an SUV--they were all disguised trucks and rode that way to prove my point. It is roomy, rides well and is not a problem to park. Three of my friends have the same car and really are totally pleased.
Toyota has done it again!
Highlander has an excellent ride and is also comfortable. Interior is well laid out and easy to use. It is full of safety features and fuel economy is good for this type of vehicle. Easy to get in and out of and as usual quality shows everywhere.
Great SUV
This SUV has won my heart over any vehicle I have ever owned. The smooth, quiet ride and handling are very impressive. It's comfortable, roomy, easy to drive. Does not have that "truck" feel most SUV's have. Provides a large amount of cargo space and the seats fold down with ease. The AWD works unbelievably well in slippery/snowy conditions. Solid vehicle. The standard VSC (vehicle stability control) and traction control combined with the ABS and EBD (electronic brake force distribution) are wonderful features!
Set your sights to the Highlands
Just bought the Highlander (Limited) after researching and test driving the competitors. The only vehicle that came close in this price range was the LL Bean OutBack by Subaru. Almmost made a deal on the Subaru but it fell short on the interior room. The Highlander is Sleek and efficient and not so jazzed up to make you feel or look like your going to Las Vegas with a new Leisure suit on. This highlander is a blend of comfort, good looks, and runs like a wild Goose with the 3.3 engine,and five speed automatic trans. So far I cannot find one negative feature or discomfort. The Highlander is strong, quiet and a smooth wagon.
Super SUV
This is one of a car. I tested before the Pilot and I found the interior to be rather unattractive. In Highlander you feel good, the engine has confidence, controls are well designed, the finishes are perfect and you have the feeling of being in a very refined wagon.
It's a Great SUV!
This SUV was a great alternative to the more expensive Lexus 3000X model. This SUV is very dependable and is a comfortable drive for lengthy distances.
Vehicle is enjoyable!
Owning a Highlander is, so far, a good experience (at 2,500 miles). The inside contour is pleasing, and the vehicle seems to be very safety oriented. Everything about the design seems to be built with the consumer in mind. It's fun to drive, handles very well, and is fairly quiet.