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Used 2004 Toyota Highlander SUV Consumer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
291 reviews
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5 out of 5 stars

this car for safety

russelllarson, 07/23/2015
2004 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
33 of 34 people found this review helpful

If your looking for safety this is a great car. I was in a accident with a semi truck should of been dead this car saved my life. I'm sad to see it go would like to get another. And it ran great no problems

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

My Baby

John Zawisza, 07/26/2017
updated 08/02/2019
2004 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
31 of 32 people found this review helpful

I bought this baby new in 2004 with the trailering package ,and have only used full synthetic oil. I never pulled anything with her even though I had the trailering package. I now have 221,000 miles on her, and she does not leak any of the full synthetic oil. I changed timing belt ( it is still intact hanging in my garage ) at 200,000. Other than batteries, tires ( only Michelin ), brakes and coolant flushing, I have had 3 repairs, as follows: 1) rack & pinion steering ( where I live we have two seasons winter and construction ( pot holes everywhere ). 2) power window not functioning ( I tried to open the window in friged weather and I caused the failure. 3) oxygen sensor at 210,000 miles. I think the trailering package helped with longer life on the suspension system and engine life ( larger transmission cooler ). She rides like a luxury car always has and still does !!!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.25 out of 5 stars

No Complaints

peakcoach, 10/07/2011
2004 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
64 of 68 people found this review helpful

My 2004 Highlander has 170,000 miles on it, is running strong, and not one problem This vehicle has served me well. Only general maintenance like fluid flushes, filter replacements and tire replacements.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Expensive to maintain

doug128, 10/02/2011
2004 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
43 of 46 people found this review helpful

I enjoy driving the Highlander but I have found it very expensive to maintain. I have had to replace 7 wheel bearings and the drive shaft to the rear wheels because of the bearings. It has 93,000 miles on it now. Brakes have also been expensive as it seems the ABS sensor are quite sensitive to failure and have had to replace some with the brakes which makes it very costly. I bought the Toyota as it was rated as a reliable car. It has turned out to be very expensive!

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5 out of 5 stars

11 Years In Still Solid

Steve, 11/28/2015
2004 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
32 of 35 people found this review helpful

We bought out Highlander new in 2004 and now more than 120,000 miles later its still running great. I don't really think jinx's exist but I hope there isn't one coming after writing this! Tires are a bit of an issue the OE's were junk. But after having two sets of Michellin's on them you get what you pay for and a good set of SUV rubber will make the Highlander a much better vehicle to drive around. Since having the car we have replaced the brakes only once an axle. The front OE lasted until 115K miles. We did have a sized caliper but otherwise just pads and rotors all around. I've changed one O2 sensor and oil changes. I waited till 120k miles to change the timing belt, cam seals and water pump, but all was well in the run up to replacing it. Its over the normal replacement schedule but I pushed it a little with no trouble on my end. I have had the very common A/C Heater problem. I fixed it myself and saved about $700 - $900 dollars. The others are right, look it up on internet and try to fix it yourself. Other than those issues its been a trouble free ride. I think its a fairly comfy ride for a mid-2000s SUV. Better tires make it quieter on the road. After very good record keeping we average about 18-19 mpg. Its 16-17 in the city and about 19 on the highway. I have no idea how one person here can say they were getting 26+ mpg on the highway. I simply don't trust that number. I tried my best to hypermile it one time on a 200 mile road trip and couldn't break 24. Its a good safe car. New SUVs will have some more refinements but its great for around the town driving and some highway miles and it should be on the reliable side of things. If you get one enjoy it.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

2004 Toyota Highlander

Kent, 03/26/2016
2004 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
21 of 23 people found this review helpful

This is the best vehicle I have ever owned

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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3.75 out of 5 stars

xticx

james, 08/22/2010
2004 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
14 of 15 people found this review helpful

No doubt Toyota highlander is wonderful on road and comfortable to drive, the only problem i have is the fuel consumption when the a/c is on.

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5 out of 5 stars

2004 Generation Highlander Most Reliable

Cal, 06/24/2018
2004 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
25 of 29 people found this review helpful

Own a 2004 Toyota Highlander. Other than routine maintenance, it has only needed timing belt changed (critical to do every 100,000 miles because a failure will destroy the engine), cat replacement at 220,000 miles, wheel bearings replaced at 200,000, front sway bar linkage replaced at 220,000, and corroded power steering hose replaced. Later Highlanders (post 2007) switched to a less reliable timing chain. If you want the good ones, go with 2003-2006. My mechanic says this generation Highlander is one the top three most mechanically reliable vehicles he has ever seen. I notice many of these 14 year old SUVs on the road. Can't say that about most 2004 vintage cars.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

My Highlander

santino, 10/08/2003
2004 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
29 of 35 people found this review helpful

My Highlander is the 3rd Toyota I have owned in twenty years. I love Toyota's reliablity. I very much like driving this car, the only disappointing thing is that I cannot ride with the window down because the car has a warble type hum that bothers my ears.

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4 out of 5 stars

Don’t hesitate buying

Dan Conrad, 02/04/2019
2004 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Reliability phenomenal, don’t have anything negative to say. Vehicle has been a pleasure to own and operate.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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3.88 out of 5 stars

Good, but need better mileage &visabilit

twr923, 03/19/2004
2004 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Love Love Love the Highlander, but I have noticed when changing lanes, visability on the side is impaired, hate hate the mileage, seem to be putting more and more gas in it than my 1999 camry, can anything be done, otherwise, great vehicle, good family car

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5 out of 5 stars

2004 Toyota Highlander

Desarae, 02/08/2007
2004 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

This has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned! I keep up with the recommended maintenance and have NEVER had a problem. The oxygen sensor had to be replaced but that was covered under the warranty. At 73,000 miles, I am still running the original tires (with every other oil change rotation). Sometimes after a check-up, the tire pressure sensor light comes on (on the dashboard) and has to be reset. This usually only happens when the tires are rotated. My Highlander is a Katrina survivor. It survived 4 feet of water (NONE in the engine or interior) and a 30 foot pine tree ($8,000 in damage). We have been considering adding a Hybrid to the family.

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5 out of 5 stars

Only Car you ever need.

Toyota Highlander is Goated, 09/04/2020
2004 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Perfect size, ride quality still feels like brand new after 15 years of driving. Original struts. Just routine maintenance such as flushes and oil changes. I will have this car for at least 5 more years.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Solid As A Rock

Steve, 02/23/2010
2004 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

We have had our Highlander since it was new and run up 70k on it. So far so good. No major problems. I have only changed the oil and tires. We do have an AC problem with it getting warm as you turn corners or hit a bump. Its a common problem and you need to pull out the control panel and soder the wires back on. I will get around to it some time. The gas mileage is fine for a midsize SUV, what do people expect when the buy the car? Highway driving will get you maybe 22 if you drive 65 otherwise its 19-20 mpg. Combined we average about 17. The Highlander suffers from some wind and road noise and the back seat could use a little more leg room. I have found it to be a very capable car.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Overall Great With a Few Questions Marks

Trying to Decide, 01/05/2010
2004 Toyota Highlander Limited Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

I purchased in 2007 with under 30,000 mi. Now at 95,000 mi curious if it'll start needing repairs. Until now, virtually maintenance free. Snatches a little at take off or low speeds; hope no transmission issue. Love the height and lumbar support for my aching back. It's really easy to park and handling is good. Miss the handling of my sporty Acura coupe, but love the fact I can make the long trips without constant stops to stretch my back. Sometimes wish I had AWD, but we get snow once or twice a year, so I just park up the hill on level ground. Spoiled with the cargo space-I don't want a car! Great vehicle overall, but a little overpriced purchased new. Happy I made this purchase.

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5 out of 5 stars

Nellie Highlander

Colleen, 09/02/2016
updated 03/05/2020
2004 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful

I sold my Toyota 4 runner because I am older and short. I have an arthritic knee which made getting in and out of the vehicle difficult. After driving my daughter in laws Highlander I knew this was the vehicle for me. She came with the name Nellie and I Love her. She is the perfect height for accessibility and she drives and handles like a Cadillac. March 2020- Three and a half year's later Nellie is still going strong. I have had no issues other than a moody heat switch. It heat's well most of the time so I haven't felt the need for repair yet. Regular maintenance is all she's had. This is a Great vehicle.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Perfect

Helen Stein, 04/19/2016
2004 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
14 of 17 people found this review helpful

We purchased this car in 2004 brand new. Has been terrific all these years. Basically just required maintenance. Have taken it to the Rockies and the Smokies several times and have not had any problems. Love this car! We have 155,000 miles on it, what can I say, it's a Toyota!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
1 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.63 out of 5 stars

Highlander Limited 4WD

Sam, 04/18/2005
2004 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

This is a great vehicle. Fuel efficiency with good power performance and fun features made this a good choice for me. I needed the room and convenience of an SUV with 3rd row without the need to tow. I travel in field sales so comfort was essential but I also wanted some extras that were available on the Toyota at and affordable purchase & operating price. The navigation system is cool but complicated at times and is tied in to the audio & AC making them the same. The accelerator has a "hair trigger" and takes some getting use to you will experience lunges at low speed until then. The retractable trunk cover was a bad after thought. Certainly not enough to give bad marks to the Highlander.

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5 out of 5 stars

Great Little SUV

Buckey, 09/19/2006
2004 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

WE use this for long trips some times in snow country. Its comfortable to drive and has a positive feel on the road. Lots of places to store gear etc. I wish the rear seat would lay flat when down and a little chrome on the grillwork would perk it up. I can't believe I'm driving a 4 cyl. (except at the gas pump) its great. I use it for hunting and pull a loaded trailer with ATV and lots of gear and hardly know its there. The getting in and out height is just right (I'm no spring chicken} the rear loading height is great too. Ride and handling is good also.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Wished I purchased it sooner

Casey, 05/05/2004
2004 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

The Toyota Highlander is fun to drive and very comfortable. It does not ride like my last SUV - Jeep Cherokee, which was like being in a truck. This is just like driving a car. I drive 36 miles a day on the highway and if I didn't know that I was driving a SUV, I would swear I am driving a car. I purchased the base model that had a lot of extras on it. The only thing that I don't use is the Home-link remote on the visor. It will not work on the garage door opener. It handled very well in the snow and ice this past winter. I love it and wish I bought it sooner.

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5 out of 5 stars

OH WHAT A FEELING TO DRIVE A TOYOTA

follow edmunds, 10/20/2017
2004 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
9 of 12 people found this review helpful

Never knew driving a toyota could be so much fun, this vehicle steers like a go cart it is super responsive on the road, the interior looks awsome,the lumbar support really helps me out greatly. The radio has some great sound loud and clear,the seating is super. Also she has real horse power on the 3.3, To be honest about the highlander its a beaut well worth its price and the re-sale value dont depreciate like other vehicles. THUMBS UP TO TOYOTA you got me.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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2.63 out of 5 stars

Good car, But...

jw, 06/16/2005
2004 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful

The engine is sluggish on take off and the transmission (5 sp auto) seems to slip when it shifts the engine whines on take off, the dealer says this is normal. Some times shifting takes up to 3 sec. to finish the shift. Get the rear air vents it gets a little warm in the summertime. Not as quiet as I thought it should be. The door panels has cloth on them, if you use the window for an arm rest it does get dirty very quickly.

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3.13 out of 5 stars

Too many issues

mm, 01/22/2008
2004 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful

Good: ride, airbags, tether, handling. Bad: quality (started rattling at 20000 miles), warranty repair, failing steering column at 31000 miles in non-demanding driving conditions (mostly flat or slightly hilly terrain). Very dissapointing experience with my 3rd Toyota.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Highlander

Joseph George, 08/25/2006
2004 Toyota Highlander Limited Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

The Highlander has never been returned for warranty work or factory defects, except for 2 minor recalls. My only concern is the ride is becoming a bit harsh at 34K miles

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Overall ok, but a few problems

Allison, 11/23/2009
2004 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful

Dealer said seats were scotchguarded. Were not and now they are terribly stained. Had brake problem that I took to the dealer 4 times that they couldn't figure out. Local shop fixed it. Traction control terrible. Should have gotten 4WD. Suitable gas mileage. Tow a small utility trailer fine. Good family car overall.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

You can depend on this one.

ED, 09/30/2007
2004 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful

I always buy Toyota because of the reliability and quality. This is no exception. Yes the ride is a little uncomfortable, and the tranny does feel awkward in certain situations, but so far this car has not given me any problems not one, it had a minor recall issue but Toyota took care of it at no charge; some sensor needed to be replaced. I would recommend this SUV to anyone who needs security to move around on a day to day basis.

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5 out of 5 stars

2004 Highlander---great quality/reliability

Amy, 10/24/2017
2004 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful

2004 is before the electronics, so you wont find those in this model. I have owned this car since 2005---177,000 miles, no major repairs---just the routine tires, brakes, maintence and an alternator. Almost afraid to give it up.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.88 out of 5 stars

04 Toyota Highlander - Great Vehicle

Mrs. R. Lewis, 05/04/2005
2004 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

The vehicle's overall performance is great. Handles well in snow/ice. The only thing I can't get seem to get over is the fact that I have to hear this short clicking sound everytime I first start the vehicle, put in drive and accelerate. I took my vehicle in twice when I first noticed this clicking and was told it's normal... that's the ABS actuator turning on. Other than that, I feel I made a good investment in this vehicle... spent a little more than I anticipated but it's worth it. I could have paid less and got more incentives for another vehicle but I would have gotten less durability and less quality.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Pretty Nice Vehicle

Mark, 01/05/2005
2004 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Had A 02 Nissan truck which rattled and the dealer couldn't find the problem so sold it and bought a Highlander. Nice ride and pretty comfortable. Had my Highlander for a year now. The Transmission gets twitchy once and a while. Had a few rattles but the dealer has been great helping me resolve them. The factory Toyo tires wore out quick. Put Michilen on, they ride nicer and quieter for $500. Overall though a pretty nice vehicle.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Amazing gas mileage for suv

04Hldrluvit, 07/21/2008
2004 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

When I first picked this up, I knew I would be paying a lot for gas, but little did I know how great this thing was on the highway, where 95%of my driving is. With the scan gauge tool, I was getting 28 mpg at 63 mph cruise. Interior is very car like and comfortable, buttons are all huge and simple. The awd is not even noticeable. Standard stability and traction control and abs is just why Toyota is dominating domestics.

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5 out of 5 stars

Love It!

RLH, 04/16/2009
2004 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

This is the second Highlander I have owned and my wife and I love It! We owned our first one in 2003 and it was great. Third row seating and a few other options were the reason we traded a year later. For those of you that are annoyed with the tire pressure light, keep your tires inflated above 29 psi and this should solve your problem. I've towed a 24 foot boat to the beach and the handling was solid and precise. The 4 wheel disc brakes were amazing in stopping the 3000lbs. behind me. As with any vehicle you must have the proper maintenance performed at recommended intervals and don't wait until a problem arises then blame it on the vehicle. I also own a Toyota Tacoma pick-up for work!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

2400 miles after purchase

gunner12, 11/30/2003
2004 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Taught chasis and suspension. No rattles or creaks. Engine 3.3L has lots of torque, tons better than that whirring 3.0L of old model, nice grunting rumble under load. Smooth tranny. Responsive steering, breaking action is a bit slow to catch, could scare you when pedal pressures are low, won't stop quite as nimbly as you might expect.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

highlander 2004

kdesai, 12/05/2003
2004 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Bought new 2004 highlander. works fine. only 1200 miles on it so can not write more.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Great Vehicle except for Tires

New Owner 2004, 12/17/2003
2004 Toyota Highlander Limited Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Excellent vehicle comfortable and controls well placed. Acceleration is good, ride is excellent. Problem with the Goodyear Integrity tires a road hazard rendered one unusable, learned that Goodyear does not stock the tire since only Toyota is using it size 225/65R17. It is apparently an entry level tire according to tire shop suprised to see it on a Toyota. With 400 miles on the vehicle I have just replaced all tires with Michelin's

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5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely a tremendous vehicle

bobr, 12/20/2003
2004 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Being 66 years old, I have shopped for a few cars in my days and always looked at American made cars. I finally relented to my wife insistance and looked at a Toyota Highlander. I researched this Toyota SUV with Edmonds and a couple of others and I talked with people I knew that had Toyota's. This Toyota vehicle is so advanced and superior to any car I have ever owned, I'm can't believe I waited this many years to own one of the finest and the most dependable built SUV's on the market today. I can't find a single feature on it, or in it that isn't superior to all of the competitions.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Not What I Expected

KndOne, 02/03/2005
2004 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Although the Highlander overall is adequate, it's shortfalls are obvious. The gas mileage is terrible, I've yet to get more than 16 mpg even on the fwy. If you accelerate at the wrong time <when trans is shifting on its own> the trans just winds out while you go nowhere. The seats are the most comfy I found in this genre of car, and the car has alot of pep to it.

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5 out of 5 stars

Toyota Highlander

jayteemom, 02/28/2004
2004 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

I was encouraged to purchase this vehicle by reports in Consumer Reports. Since purchase I have been more than satisfied with the handling of the vehicle in snow and ice. We have had much of this this winter. I have also been impressed with the roominess. It is not too large to navigate, but large enough for my needs. This is the first SUV I have purchased and I feel I will own this car for a long time.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Still hard to beat after 7 years and nearly 100,000 miles

bbimmer7, 02/05/2011
2004 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful

I received my '04 Highlander in 2010 from my mother when she purchased her new BMW X3. It was a great family car when it was hers and now it is a great first car for a teenage driver. Although it was a rather expensive car when bought new back in 12/2003, reliability has been excellent over the past 7 years, and very little money has had to have been put into it. Interior comfort and fit & finish quality are excellent. Exterior styling is a bit too boring for my tastes. Overall, I'm really happy with my Highlander. It's a solid vehicle with so many great features, and it's a great first car!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Good and irritants of a used Highlander

Darrel, 03/01/2010
2004 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful

I bought a used 6 cy Higlander w 55 K miles - now have 75 K. I like the accelleration, power to pass & cruise at max highway speed, solid highway handling in the Kansas wind and great visibility. The 4wd has proven fabulous in rain, snow and ice. 3 irritants: Major irritant with the ABS/TPM, 2 times Toy. dealer rotated tires recommended every 10K. Takes 2 to 3 trips back to dealer to get it reset without coming on at fist big bump. The reset works but lasts until next bump/dip. Loose nut/broke wire on fan switch was surprise - $$$Ouch to fix. See internet for that problem. MPG is OK but less than I thought at just 21 at 65 mph. I'm glad I got the 3rd row seat but grandkids struggle to enter

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5 out of 5 stars

Top value

Terry Brand, 11/06/2015
updated 11/10/2016
2004 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Great value, my 12th Toyota, has many more years of service in it's life.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.88 out of 5 stars

CAUTION

raygen, 02/05/2011
2004 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
7 of 17 people found this review helpful

be warned this vehicle while an outstanding vehicle does seem to have problems with the steering rack at 65 K I fell as if I should not be asked to replace it already.

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2.75 out of 5 stars

The once mighty Toyota

Junk John, 10/03/2004
2004 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 14 people found this review helpful

We were loyal to Toyota since 1989; the purchase of a Highlander has led us to BMW. We had two problems: when you opened a window or the sunroof the air pressure change was drastic; and the bass in the "premium" stereo varied from engine off and engine on. The feeling in our ears and sound from the air pressure changes was analogous to what it must feel like in a helicopter. The stereo was still very unpleasant when the bass was set at minus 5. Toyota did nothing to accomodate us. In Toyota's view, even though service tech acknowledged two problems, performance was "within specification". We never thought we would get response like this from Toyota. We no longer believe in Toyota product.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Tires humming

Vic Patel, 04/19/2010
2004 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 8 people found this review helpful

I bought this vehicle used. No problem for a first couple of months. Even at 125,000 miles, the only problem is tires. I bought all four tires brand new. After about 20,000 miles on the tires they started to hum at speeds of 40 and up. The faster you go the more annoying the humming sound gets. I have had checked the front end alignment, and the tires seem to have worn evenly. Still I do not know what the problem is.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Happy with a few issues

Bob E, 04/02/2009
2004 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

85k miles and going very strong. Love how easy it is to park and handle. Gets 23 mpg on highway - not bad. No serious issues. This is my 5th straight Toyota (Camry, Avalon, Highlander) Issues include: original tires lasted 28k miles; transmission slow to shift/hesitates a second or so at times which is annoying; some hunting in 3rd gear at lower (30-40 mph) speeds so I take it out of OD when in town; Loud thumping when only one rear window is down and driving at highway speeds - due to air turbulence - so open two windows at a time - one on each side.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

My second toyota highlander

Rjudyj, 07/10/2004
2004 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I especially like the way the front seat fits my lower back. This is the 2nd one I've bought for this reason. The car also feels very safe and is a good size for a woman who enjoys driving an suv, travels between two states frequently, and hauls many things. Also the gas mileage is good for an suv, I think 21+ depending on where I am.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

disappointed

gcoffey, 12/03/2004
2004 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This is our fourth Toyota. We are pleased overall with the Highlander. However, we are having problems with the alignment. Currently, have 23,000 miles. The 6yr/100,000 mile tires are experiencing unusual wear due to back wheel mis-alignment. These tires require rotation and balancing ever 6000 miles(our dealer charges $49.50). To this point the dealer is not standing behind the warranty for alignment.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Toyota Highlander

Jesus Prado, 04/24/2004
2004 Toyota Highlander Limited Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The 2004 Toyota HIghlander is a well- built reliable car-like suv. It has very good gas mileage on the freeway. It is a very fun to drive car. It has room for 7 third row seat. But it is a mid-size suv so the third row seat is only compatible for children. The sound system is very poor even with JBL sound.It is a very secure well built suv and I should not be surprised because it is built by the Japanese which is the best.It has a lot of safety features and it has disk brakes on all 4 tires. The exterior and interior design is excellent.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

my review

r23m, 03/26/2004
2004 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

rides very much like a car excellent handling and acceleration. int and ext appearance is a plus very pleased with this suv.

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5 out of 5 stars

Built to Last

SJ Dave, 02/19/2010
2004 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I had bought the Highlander brand new for my wife back in 2004. It is one of the best of all the vehicles we had ever owned. Back then we paid for an extra extended 7 yr. warranty which paid for it self in two visits. Two yrs. ago the stereo system stopped working since it was covered, they repl. the whole unit for free. Then in this past Dec. we took it in for service, they noticed it leaking around the water pump, it was covered so it was repl. for free. Other than that we only have done regular service, brakes & the tires were repl. I've driven it to Virginia from NJ and it's still a pleasure to drive. We still get great gas mileage from this SUV.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

suggest improvements

gmp, 02/03/2004
2004 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have only had the vehicle for 2 weeks. I commute between Dallas and Houston. I like the comfortable seats and the great speaker system. Mileage has been about 21MPG on the interstate.

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