Used 2005 Toyota Highlander SUV Consumer Reviews

2005 Toyota Highlander best car I ever had!

Awesome SUV! Had mine for 15 years and 300,000 kilometres. Would probably still be driving it if someone hadn't run a red light and written it off. :( Loved that car. Now drive a 2019 Highlander. Miss my old Highlander but this one has all the bells and whistles so it's pretty nice. :)

Toy 05

Best built vehicle ever owned, perfect for many many needs.

05 Highlander Limited

Roomy, full of pep on Interstates, many of the same conveniences as a Lexus, allows much better vision of highway and surrounding area than the sedan, and excellent six member family SUV. Best buy of a SUV of six researched and test driven!

Nice but not perfect

I really like the overall package but have a couple of issues. About 6 months after I bought my Highlander, the driver's side weatherstrip came off at the bottom of the door. Toyota issued a Technical Service Bulletin about it (see edmunds.com Maintenance, Recalls, and TSBs) so it must be a fairly common problem. Closing the sunroof completely is a guessing game. If you hold the button too long the roof tilts up. I've also noticed an excessive amount of wind noise on the highway, which was addressed in another Toyota TSB. To me those are fairly minor issues. Would I still buy one? Probably so.

Disappointed in Toyota

The shifts between 1st and 2nd (up and down)are annoying. Daughters driving it will get carsick. Saw this in other reviews. Poor factory install on gaskets caused oil leaks. Lower weather strip on driver side is detaching. Steering is loose and makes it feel like some problem with front end.

Reliability Problems

Bought new; since then 3 windshields, 3 sets of rear and 2 sets of front brakes, 3 transmission transfer cases, and both sets of rear wheel bearings. Everything except the engine seems to be under specified. The Toyota dealer tells me to sell it as it was made on 'Monday'! My '97 Avalon required only $40 worth of unscheduled maintenance at 130K miles. What's happened to Toyota quality?

Gentle Giant

I got this car as an improvement on my old sedan. I needed an SUV because my road was that bad. It is the best thing I have done ever. The car drives very smoothly and with the 4cyl engine, I get to spend less on fuel than I did on the sedan doing the same trip. Great car

So sorry I bought it!!

Gas mileage not as advertised. Most uncomfortable front seat!! Too short for people with longer legs. Arm rests do not fall in the proper place for people with wide shoulders. For all its bells and whistles, doesn't have automatic locks (when engaging transmission) which I had on my prior 10 year old car and I consider a big personal safety factor. Poor design on console. Wasted space underneath cup holders. Cover on console opens with weight of pocketbook... very annoying. Doors do not close easily... must be slammed to engage lock. Gas cap release in awkward position. Must open door and unlock seat belt to reach. Doesn't have "Miles to Go" on its Info button, which was very handy.

Quality gone bye bye.

The car has had noises since it was bought. Brake muffler on master cylinder installed wrong, vibration on acceleration. Took 3 days to find problem. Recall on retainer clip for floor mats. Recently steering makes clicking and felt like parts are loose. Car went in twice and took 10 days to fix. Steering shaft had to be replaced it was defective. Rear doors rattle when car is warm. Two trips to find problem. This is the 5th toyota I have owned. Never had these type of things happen on the others. So much for toyota quality when put together.

Quality and Customer Service Failing

I bought my Highlander new and I have been disappointed in the quality and customer service since that day. The SUV had rail dust that required several treatments but still exists. My front differential began leaking at 42,000 miles and it was repaired. But at 65,000 miles it is leaking again. Told cost to repair is 1,900 and no break from the dealership or the corp. Factory tires had to be replaced too soon and the rear rotors as well because Toyota installs cheap ones now. I've learned to stay away from Toyota and always buy the extended warranties.

Good Car

I've had this car two years and it's been great. Only problem is I recently looked into selling it. It appraised for 13000 less than i bought it for only two years later. Believe it or not my Ford actually held it's value better than that. That's definitely not what i expected!

Constant Mechanical Problems

I have had this vehicle in the shop around 6 times for engine check light for mis-fires and losing coolant. It also has a pecking noise in the engine which mechanics cannot seem to hear.

Save Yourself the Pain

I bought this car new and when I drove it off of the lot it had a rattle in the steering wheel area. I thought it was not a big deal that they could fix it. I was so wrong! Over a year later and many trips to the dealership the problem still exists. Toyota reps said live with it. The transmission is awful and Toyota is aware of this problem. This was the first year with the new transmission and they have problems; The transmission can sometimes "drag" when you are trying to move forward which makes driving on I-95a lot of fun or it may take it upon itself to move forward when sitting with your foot on the brake. My air conditioner likes to blow warm air in the summer.

Happy In Alpharetta, GA

There are 445 miles between our home in Georgia and 2nd home in Florida. That trip can take any were from 7 hours to 12 hours depending on traffic, road construction, etc...! We are so pleased with the 2002 (base model) Highlander that we bought the same model in April 2005. Our older daughter needed to replace the 10 year old car she was driving and seems very happy with the 2002 Highlander we gave her. Toyota, thank you. The Danko Family.

No Value

The car starts and drives dependably. The ride is smooth and quiet. The power is plenty with the V6 engine. Not much value for the price. A $28,000 car should have chromatic rearview mirror, MUCH better sound system, a computer that tells if your oil, transmission, fluids are ok and gas mileage etc. It should have an outside temperature indicator, and punch buttons on the door if you lock your keys inside. Driving experience is dull (as with all Toyotas). The gas mileage hovers around 16 miles to the gallon. My Explorer gets 19 in town. It's supposed to have trailer prewiring, but it does not. It is an EXTRA cost. I see no value in this car. It is worth about $20,000.

The Greatest

Rides like a dream and handles as well. Much more comfortable than the Mercedes M-class that I owned. Will always buy a Toyota!

Highlander 2005

This is the greatest vehicle that I have owned. Its fun to drive, very comfortable and I would buy another in a heartbeat. I have had several different vehicles including 3 SUVs and I love this one the best. Having the 3rd row is like a bonus. We don't use it much but it is nice to know its there if we need it.

I LOVE MY HIGHLANDER

I bought the Toyota Highlander for its functionality and cargo space, but find that it is one of the most comfortable cars I've ever owned, and while not sporty or flashy, it is comfortable beyond expectations, and at my age, that is very important! I wish the gas mileage was better, but you can't have everything!

Highlander Limited AWD

Just traded my 2004 base V6 Highlander for a new 2005 Limited V6 AWD. I am in Medical Sales (lots of miles last year) and the Highlander offers just the right size and capability for my needs. I am in the city a lot and parking can be difficult; I like that the Highlander can easily fit in standard parking spaces. While the exterior is sensibly sized, the interior room and comfort are excellent. I am 6'2" and am comfortable behind the wheel all day. The Highlander build quality, ride comfort/handling, and overall value are, in my opinion, the best in its segment.

Great vehicle

We did a lot of researching before buying this car. I used to own a 1994 Corolla and was scared this would be a difficult transition. I have been very impressed with the car so far. The fuel economy is not that bad. I average about 22 miles per gallon. The ride is very smooth and the the car handling is impressive.

A Great Highlander

A real nice SUV. I just had aftermarket leather put in for <1000. Fun to drive and very comfortable on all road conditions.

toyota highlander

I love this car. Before purchasing the Highlander,we owned a Ford Explorer. The Highlander is so much better in every way. The Explorer's ride and steering were stiff and truck like. There was no comfort in that car and the gas mileage was awful. I also never felt safe in that car. With the Highlander, it is like riding in a luxury car. The interior is plush and the handling and comfort are top of the line. We have taken this car on long trips and there is so much leg room. The arm rests are great. I have told people that the only problem with the Highlander is that the seats are TOO comfortable. It is like sitting on my couch at home.

Another Toyota

I purchased a Toyota for one reason, I have to have a automobile that will run and not have mechanical problems. The biggest selling point for me is that the new Toyotas have timing chains (no more belts). This might seem strange to you but I have had three cars in the past die because of timing belt failure. The over-all quality of the highlander is A+, the exterior design is Ok, the comfort and performance is great and I would highly recomend this highlander to anyone who enjoys perfection.

Confidence

Having my driver's license since the 1960's, I grew up with 'The Big Three', and I always liked American made cars. But when the American automakers don't or won't give you a gas sipper when you ask for it, you look elsewhere. Since 2003 I have bought two new Toyotas and this, almost one year old with only 15,000 miles. I couldn't be happier. Following recommended maintenance schedules, I've not had one necessary repair or return to the dealership or local mechanic. They're well built so you can embark on any trip with a comforting sense of confidence that you'll reach your destination without a mechanical failure.

The Best car you will own

I have owned a few in my 50 years on the planet. This is undisputedly the finest. Tight, nimble, agile quiet as a mouse, superior build quality that shows! don't look any further if you are in the market for a crossover SUV. The looks are snazzy too! If you live in Washington state, buy from Rodland Toyota for a simple no hassle deal. I love this car! but then again, I love my 2000 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner too! with 83K on it and never a problem and still gets 21 MPG! 3.4L V6. TOYOTA SIMPLY RULES!

Fun to drive

Since I bought this suv I only made 5000 miles but test drove few of them. If you like little performance, stay with 6 cylinder model although surprisingly 4 cyclinder performed o.k. but 6 has a great accelaration. On the highway I averaged 24-26 mpg and city is about 19-20 mpg, for V6 this numbers are not bad. Ride quality, suspensions and road noise is much better than 4Runner. I recommend this car if you mostly drive in city or on the highway. Dirt roads and offroad is for 4Runner.

"My first Toyota..Oh what a delight"

I'm totally pleased with my 2005 Toyota Highlander, 2.4 four cylinder, Sonora Gold Pearl aka "Goldilocks or Goldie". She's just right! This vehicle does everything my 1994 Ford Aerostar van did and more. I can haul people, cargo and my dog "Blue" in relative comfort and it has four doors! The ride is so smooth and comfortable. I feel like I'm floating on a cloud. I have a daily commute of 40 miles round trip and the mileage I'm getting is remarkable and because of all the safety features my insurance rate only increased $5.00 a month. "Oh what a savings". I love my Toyota Highlander.."Oh what a delight".

I like it more every day!!!

I just traded my 2002 Camry SE V6 for my 4 cyl Highlander. At first I was concerned about not having sufficient power, but I have been pleasantly surprized by the acceleration. I find the seats comfortable and the visibility is excellent. My son has a 4 Runner and it rides like a buckboard compared to the Highlander. The ride is very similar to my Camry SE. There is an abundance of room for hauling passengers and cargo. Gas mileage has exceeded expectations and should only improve as the engine gets a few more miles on it. It handles very well and is considerably more stable in maneuvers than a Jeep Grand Cherokee that I tested. This is my third Toyota and I expect reliability to be great.

My excellent highlander

Excellent ride, very comfortable, lots of cargo space, great mileage on recent trip to Dayton, Ohio in range of 35/36 mpg at 110km/hr average. Smooth ride. Overall an excellent vehicle.

Awesome vehicle

Rides like a car and extremely comfortable on trips. Wife drives it to work daily and loves it. No comparison and test drove a lot before settling on this. Like it a lot better than the 2 4Runners I owned before. Plenty of power and good gas mileage. All in all a great vehicle that I plan on keeping for a long time.

Smooth Highlander

It's like I'm driving a smooth toyota car but I'm sitting up higher. It maneuvers smoothly around NYC corners and it's easy to transport the elderly in it.

Happy but.....

Smooth at first, now after 10k miles the engine little rough in idle, missing a lot of details found in less priced toyotas Ex. instrument panel lighting found in camrys and corollas, temp display, hood gas strut as in camrys, a more modern instrument panel ala solara. Be careful with the "millions" of options, they are good but will confuse you and drain your pocket, do your homework at home, 4 cyl is enough, powerful ,better mileage than 6 cyl, uses 87 and tows 3000lbs vs 3500 in the 6cyl

My Highlander

We just got our Highlander A few days ago, And we LOVE it. It's a great SUV just to go around town. The dealership was soooo frendly, we felt very welcome when my wife and I and son had enterd the building. We have a 2.4 4cyl engine and it has a lot of pep. We were doubtful at first on the 4cyl, but when test drove the V6 it felt the same. I would recommend the Highlander to anyone that need a mid-size SUV that doesn't need to go off-road.

Highlander

This is a comfortable, quiet and fun to drive SUV. After 3 years with a Ford Escape I felt battered and worn out. The Highlander is easy to drive, efficient and yet fun to drive for an SUV. The highlander has very comfortable seats that accommodate a variety of body shapes. Finally, this SUV feels safe and substantial. It feels like you can safely take your children or grandchildren wherever you need to go. All this and 19-21 MPG. I'm very happy with my Highlander.

Very Good -- not Great

I have driven it over 5K miles. Overall, I think it is a good car. It's very peppy at slow speeds and is great on mountain roads. At high speeds, on the interstate, the transmission continually shifts on minor hills until it's annoying. Rush hour on the interstate is not fun! Downshifting is slow and uncertain! It's almost dangerous when trying to change lanes quickly. It holds the road great, steering is very responsive, allwheel drive is very good and it rides smoothly. Gas mileage is poor - about 22; only 10% better than my full size Chevy pickup and my Lexus LS 400.

feels like rx300 but half the price

Reliable, so comfortable interior, feels like I'm driving the lexus rx300 very good gas mileage, ever since I bought this suv I have never had problems. I highly highly recommend this as a great buy.

Love It

I sold my Toyota Avalon and purchased the Toyota Highlander. I gave up an extremely great car as I needed a 4 wheel drive vehicle. I have found the Highlander to be a smooth riding, functional vehicle. It drives like my Avalon and turns on a dime! I purchased the Limited Edition and love it. The only thing wrong is when put in gear, the doors do not lock. The Service Department said there is no way to correct this. I was very disappointed as I like this feature. I also miss the date being displayed, but feel I will learn to get over that. Overall, my husband and I love this SUV.

Go 4 cylinder / Forget hi-$ hybrid

My wife and I have gone down to Florida, averaging 25 mpg with this 4 cylinder Toyota Highlander. The torque ratio is amazing and this SUV has good power on demand. We never felt threatened while on I95 dealing with the 18 wheelers. We're not anti-green, just anti-premium. Why pay over two thousand dollars for the hybrid when you can get close to the same real milage from this four? Wait until they come down in price. One man's opinion.

Great SUV

I have owned an Explorer, Tribute and Durango. The Highlander is by far the best of them all.The 4 cylinder gives a smooth ride and gas mileage.

Safe SUV

I have resisted buying an SUV for years. However, I find that I really enjoy driving my new Highlander. It sits up higher than my previous car, but not too high. My 80 year old mother can get into it easily. It is a pleasure to drive.

Highlander Bad

I bought this car based on Consumer Reports ratings. So far, the temp thermostat had to be replaced, I also had a wheel bearing replaced, and now I am told that a sequential humming is probably the differential - very costly. The car is herky-jerky and the interior leather looks more like vinyl. This is my last Toyota. DK

Better out there

I have driven 4wds for 30+ years and have never been stuck until I bought this one. I had to be pulled out 3 times this past winter alone and it was a mild one at that!! The tires are worn out with less than 20,000 miles on them!!! The car is nice on a plowed road, but don't try to go in deep snow! It may be ok for a housewife who doesn't really need 4wd, but for those who do, look elsewhere! The interior is filled with cheap plastic and only available in light colors (very impractical) for those people who use a SUV in daily life. You can scratch the paint on the outside with your fingernail!!! Read the fine print on the towing capabilities and packages. A True Lie!!! What a joke.

Best Car I ever owned

I just love driving my Highlander. It is such a smooth ride. The air conditioning comes on instantly even on really hot days. The interior is really nice and neatly organized. My only complaint is the gas light comes on early; before it even touches 'E'.

Best SUV

If there is anyone who has never owned a toyota, now is the time to try one. I once owned a toyota camry and upgraded to the highlander. Driving the highlander is just like driving a camry. The drive is smooth and operates just like a car. The gas consumption is decent I usally can get about 350 miles to a full tank. This car is equiped with up to date safety features. As a mom I would highly recommend the highlander to other women who value safety when looking for a car. I have only has this suv for 8 months now but I have been driving with toyota for over 8 years now and I truly believe they make the most reliable vehicles.

Big Mistake

The research described the Highlander as a very good vehicle. I am dissappointed and trying to cut my losses. I moved to WV a couple of years ago and got tired of bottoming out my 2001 Volvo V70 T5 (100,000 mi). The Hylander has difficulty excellerating on the hills, the brakes grab, the cruise control is jerky and shifts into overdrive frequently (dealer says its fine), the plastic components are light weight and fall off, poor ventilation to the back seat area, seat heaters are inadequate, road noise is excessive, a recent stone 'star' to the windshield revealed a single piece of glass. I do not feel safe and I can't believe I spent the money. My Chevy 2500HD diesel is better.

On the job

One hand use

No Review

Paint chiping off

The paint on the drivers side mirror is not only chipping away but you can actually see it bubbling. The car has less than 50K miles on it but the dealer will not repair or replace the mirror. I also have a 2000 Honda Accord 6 cyc. I looks and drives like it's brand new. And is has 111K miles on it with no major work whatsoever. Bottom line, stay away from Toyota. You will never go wrong with a Honda.

Satisfied At First

I purchased a highlander after reading hundreds of reviews. I was looking for a reliable vehicle this time around. From the first day I bought it, the transmission skipped. The dealership continues to tell me that this is how Toyotas perform. Recently we took the vehicle on vacation and upon returning, we had to have the transmission seal replaced because of a transmission fluid leak. One tire is bad and when rotated, they placed it on the back of the vehicle, so not I need to have that replaced. I only have 25K miles on the car, so I am becoming a skeptic. I love the looks of the car and the interior. It may be time to trade-in, but not sure I would buy a Toyota again - just not sure.

Great Vehicle!

Fun and Easy to drive, Great Pick-up, very smooth ride.