Used 2005 Toyota Highlander SUV Consumer Reviews
Used Highlander for sale
Love this SUV much more than I expected.
RedbeardCE, 03/06/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This family of 5 is loving our 2005 Toyota Highlander. Definitely like the 3rd row seat, our 10 year old enjoys having his own place in the car, as do the 16 and 14 year olds like the middle seat with center arm rest. No more do I hear "will you stop touching me!" from the rear of the vehicle, everyone has plenty of room now. Having this as our family weekend vehicle, the wife and I look for excuses to park my Civic and her Altima and pack the kids in and go out to eat or visit GrandMa or just plain go for a Sunday drive. Looking forward to vacationing this summer and the local drive-in movie too. Does not get the mileage that either of the other two cars get, but the 20/25 split is not bad.
Abroad
SUV, 05/01/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
smooth ride;easy to handle; easy on gas
2005 Toyota Highlander for sale near you
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- Limited 4dr SUV w/3rd RowMSRP: $5,89965 mi away
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Highlander Heaven
nancrosy, 07/26/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love driving my Highlander. I initially bought this because of its safety ratings and the side curtain airbags. It handles well in the Buffalo snow and ice, which is much to its credit. The seats and legroom are generous enough for my two 6 foot-plus teenagers. The ride is smooth and quiet. It requires only routine maintenance and is very reliable.
Average SUV
BILL, 03/06/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Disappointed in the ride - a little rough - feel every bump in the road - not kid friendly - Toyota makes you pay extra for safety ex. side curtain air bags - not an option, it's a step up to a more expensive vehicle - I'll trade this car in for a Murano soon.
A lot for your money
TNT, 03/13/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I did a lot of research and searching for an SUV that would meet my wallet size and travel style and I found the Highlander to exceed all my expectations. It is an SUV that drives like a car. We drove the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Saturn Vue because they were classed so closely and there was no comparison. The Highlander was bar none, the best deal and ride we found for the money. And it is so fuel efficient. I am extremely happy with the vehicle and the sales process we went through.
I LOVE MY HIGHLANDER!!
Tonia, 03/19/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Truely drives like a car with the room of an SUV. You gotta get the navigation system. Amazing!
Well built vehicle, best value for 25K.
Michael, 03/20/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Awesome vehicle! Fit and finish is perfect, no rattles, squeaks, unusual noises of any kind. Quiet at most speeds although a little wind noise around the mirrors is to be expected at 55 and up. Climate control is excellent (even has 3rd row seat heater controls). I ain't no little guy either (6'4") but I can sit in the back seat and actually have some legroom when the front seat is set as far back as it will go. I couldn't do this in my previous vehicle (Explorer), even though it was bigger. The rear seats even recline (and have headrests)! Adults have a hard time with the 3rd row seat, however. Even the "base" stereo has tape, CD, and separate woofer/tweeter in front, sounds good.
Satisfied At First
jlt, 08/01/2008
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
limited?
randyr, 03/22/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i enjoy the smoothness of the ride. I really hate that bouncy typical suv feel. i have always driven a honda, from a civic to the accord. now it's time to move up to an suv. i didn't like the honda pilot b/c it felt like a truck. so i thought i'd try the highlander b/c of its car-like feel. i wish there were more standard features for toyota's limited class like memory seats, illuminating side panel buttons, a station display somewhere on the navi system or anywhere, deeper cup holders (sharp turns are a disaster!) over-all i like the highlander, but i guess i was expecting a little more.
Get It
dohale, 03/22/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
So far it's been an excellent vehicle, great ride, plenty of power, good gas mileage, lots of room, good handling and a solid built feel to it.
Versatile family vehicle
40ish mom of 2, 04/21/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love my Highlander. Very versatile. You can carry 7 people if you need to. Can also haul just about anything else you want or need to. Love the reliability of Toyota.
finally own a real car
tfk, 04/22/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have only had vehicle 2 months but it has been great. Handling is excellent and, it's great to know I'm driving what other evaluators consider the best mid-size SUV on the road. It rides as well or better than any car I've ever owned. I wish the engineers had lowered the gear lever a bit to afford clearer access to radio controls; and the sun roof should have a buzzer to alert the driver that it's still open when leaving the vehicle. The cargo area is ample and the seats very comfortable. I have friends who also own this vehicle and they are very pleased as well.
Great preactical design
Pablo, 04/24/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Toyota have done a superb job on this vehicle - good performance, reasonable economy, comfortable, fun to drive, not too big for around town, but roomy enough for long trips.
Highlander
Dolly, 06/18/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I enjoy this vehicle. It is very comfortable and roomy. It has a really nice stereo system and the air conditioning cools off the vehicle quickly. The heat is excellent also.
pleased with choice
wwh, 05/27/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just bought Highlander for my wife and we love it. Highlander has a little better gas mileage and felt that the ride was a little more comfortable than others. Fit and finish are high quality and most interior features are well thought out such as bottle holders in rear doors. V6 engine is very smooth without any significant hitches when changing gears. Highlander also has no real blind spots and sits a little lower than other SUVs so my wife can get in and out easier.
Hail to the Highlander
Jim Patterson, 05/19/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Rides great, looks great, gets great mileage for a 6 cyl SUV. We tried several SUVs before deciding to buy the Highlander and we're happy with what we have. We've had a lot of Toyotas (Camrys, Corollas) and we feel they are one of the top products on the road. We look forward to good trade-in value, also.
THIS is a SUV
Fla030, 05/28/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just bought the car a few days ago but already I'm having a blast driving it. My dad had one for 3 years and he loved it so I figured I would give it a try. The vehicle looks elegant and expensive, although you don't pay the price for it. It handles well and is very comfortable. I would highly recommend this SUV to anyone.
LOVE HIGHLANDER
HIGHLANDER, 12/29/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Runs great and is very comfortable. Excellent handling on both wet and dry roads. I think the interior looks more expensive than the Lexus RX 330, with the total Limited options.
Simply the Best!
Rob, 05/30/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
There really is no other choice. By far the best SUV on the market for the price. This is my second one and I shopped around but there really wasn't even a close second choice. The quality of the Toyota is incredible and the ride is second to none. I had no problems with my first one, so why change?
Love my Highlander!
Pat Hardin, 02/04/2006
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Extremely comfortable to drive. Easy to get in and out of (I'm short). Lots of get up and go when you need it. I was really surprised the first time I passed someone on a 2 lane. Very quiet...you have to really listed to hear it running.
Love That Toyota
Jerry Fassio, 06/15/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We purchased a Highlander in April 2004 and have found the car really comfortable and great to drive. Maintance is at a minimum. It looks good and drives like a dream.
"Smooth Riding SUV"
Randy Utley, DDS, 02/20/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I went from a Toyota Solara to the Highlander and am still impressed! The ride for a SUV is awesome! It handles well and is very reliable. To top it all off, it looks great too! I almost bought a Lexus RX330 and am glad I did not waste my money! I got all on the Highlander and did not pay all the extra money! I highly recommend the Highlander! Thanks!
Highlander 2005 -- Lot of outside noise
Smart Consumer, 10/03/2004
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased a Highlander last week. The performance of the vehicle is very good, and gas mileage is better than most SUVs. The only drawback is that you will be able to hear lot of outside noise. During the test drive, turn the radio off and drive on the freeway, and you will hear the cars passing you. If it's important for you to purchase a quite vehicle, then, don't purchase this SUV as you will regret it. If you decide to purchase this SUV, don't purchase the additional KARR security, as this SUV already has a chip in the key for the iginition kill. Also, after market security systems are lot cheaper than the dealer, do some price comparisons.
They have finally done it
traveller, 06/27/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Most reliable and comfortable car I have owned. Rides quietly and dependably.It serves both of my requirements as a passenger vehicle and as a functional carrier of luggage on extended trips.
A surprise
sandrag, 10/03/2004
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was reluctant to give up my 6 yr. old Honda Accord 4 cyl which I loved. I'm surprised how much I enjoy driving this, sitting up high. I am getting surprisingly good gas mileage (22- 24comb.) I think my husband likes it better than me. It has tremendous power and quick handling. I don't know how much the Lexus costs, but I'm pretty sure it was more than a few thousand more. And insurance was cheaper than a new Honda would have been. Good choice!
i love my car
irvh, 10/23/2004
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
when i drive this car, i feel like i can pull out onto highways and not get killed. it handles like a car but has SUV features.this is the most room and perfomance a family man can get without having to buy a mini-van. I hate mini vans
Great vehicle
mhuber, 10/24/2004
2005 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The first night we were coming home after purchasing the vehicle, a car sped out in front of us on a snow covered highway. We were traveling about 45 MPH. The car handled great and we were able to avoid a collision.
Hi marks for Highlander
munchkin, 06/27/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Coming from a minivan to a Highlander has been the best experience in my short car ownership-life. I get much better mileage and haven't sacrificed too much space. I have not experienced any problems with the Highlander, as opposed to my experience with the minivan (not a Toyota).
Great suv
Room617, 10/21/2004
2005 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have to say that this suv is very well built. It drives like a car and does well off road (not talking about mud bogging or serious off roading if you want that jeep wrangler or hummer h2 is for you). My friend a pipefitter who hates japanese cars said it was very quiet and this was when he was putting it to its paces off road when we were river rafting on the colorado. Toyotas do cost more but if you want a car that won't rattle and will be reliable for the long haul then toyota's highlander is your type of vehicle. Safety features are great and I have had the thing in hairy corners but it drove like a car hugging the road with minamal body lean.
Really Happy
Randy Cohrs, 03/05/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We just bought our Highlander but we had looked at cars for a while and relized Toyota had the best car for our needs, good gas mileage, a good amount of room and the car runs very well.
Great Vehicle!
Tom Negri, 07/25/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun and Easy to drive, Great Pick-up, very smooth ride.
let it snow
robert, 03/05/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We have had our Higlander for 7 mos and have had 0 issues. Love the solid handling, strong engine, and good breaking for it's weight. AWD + Traction control + stability control make it the best vehicle I have ever driven in snow. Even if I try in an empty parking lot, I can not get the back end to kick out. The Navigation system is easy to use and has been accurate 98% of the time. Interior is well designed and 2nd row seating is very comfortable on long trips. There are a few rattles which is dissapointing. My 02 Solara that I traded in had better interior quality and softer plastics.
Pretty Good SUV So Far
anw, 11/10/2004
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We are pretty happy to get the 2005 model instead of 2004 even though they are identical and is more expensive. We love the safety features of this car which Honda does not even offer as an option. The gas mileage is not as good as my Sienna.
A FINE CAR............
ED GRECO, 11/08/2004
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
THIS CAR HAS ALL THE COMFORT & RELIABILITY THAT WE DESIRE. WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO THE HYBRID VERSION. WE WILL COMPARE WITH THE ESCAPE HYBRID.
An excellent vehicle
M. Andrews, 11/04/2004
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have had the vehicle 3 months and driven it 4,000 miles. No problems. Rides and drives much like our Camry. Looked at a Honda Pilot but when comparing them we selected the Highlander even though it was more expensive. Would highly recommend it for those who want a smooth ride and are not interested in off-road driving.
Love it
Donna Holmes, 01/07/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Efficient, effective, and fun to drive. Lots of power.
I drive it every chance I get!
Michellebell, 06/29/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was ready to buy a new car for the first time ever. I did oodles of research, lots of test drives and asking friends. I finally hit upon the Highlander as my main interests were comfort and reliability. I had never bought a foreign car before, but my HL has not disappointed. I am 5'4" and it seems like it was built just for me. My husband, however, is 6'4" and he seems cramped when he drives it, although he fits better in the passenger seat. Taller drivers may need to look at the Sequoia. I enjoy driving my HL so much, that i drive it at every opportunity!
only my opinion but it's right
kld, 11/14/2004
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Unlike some reviews that I have read, we are not experiencing any type of hesitation at acceleration. Power is good and shifting is smooth. The ride is very quiet and glides over the road no matter what the surface. The interior is very functionable and the exterior is pleasing to the eye.
Very Happy with Purchase
Boston Bob, 04/06/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We were debating between the CRV and the Highlander but went with the Highlander for the extra room and the third row which will come in handy once the kids are out of carseats. We are very happy with our decision, it drives great, is quiet and we are expecting it to be extremely reliable.
05 Highlander
TYT, 11/15/2004
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just got ours. Very happy with the buying experience and the car. Drove both 2.4L and 3.3L. V6 definitely smoother. We don't have a use for the 3rd row (only child size) but might be useful for resale. Looked at Murano -- not as spacious, and X3 - overpriced for what you get for. 2nd hand market is also very good. A lot of demand not much supply.
Toyota Highlander
wndsong, 11/14/2004
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It rides and drives like a car. Very comfortable ride. Tends to feel top heavy when taking curves in mountains at full speed. Plenty of storage behind 2nd seat. Have gotten as high as 29 mpg on the highway. Easy to handle in town driving.
Great Vehicle to Own
Charlie, 01/11/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love the way the Vehicle rides. Since it has the same body style and car frame as a Lexus RX 330. I felt the price sold it.
Our Dream Car/SUV
neilsal, 11/15/2004
2005 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I researched every suv out there for along time. I test drove the honda pilot, to big behind the wheel. The highlander drove and felt the best. I purchased the 4cly 4X4 and let me tell you it can move! I was worried about power with the 4cly but not no more. Wow and the gas mileage has been great. My wife whom was a bit nervous at the thought of an suv couldn't believe the ride. It handles like a car. She is in LOVE with it! The toyota dealer was the best. He has called us a few times after the purchase to see how it's going. My kids love it, the room in the back. The star safety system works great. Traction and braking are unbelivable. Thanks Toyota!
Highlander Great Buy
Douglas, 06/27/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We purchased a Toyota Highlander the later end of 2004. We looked into several types of vehicles and decided to purchase a Toyota Highlander. The MPG is pretty good given that the vehicle is an SUV. It handles well and the interior is very easy to maintain. My family feels safe and comfortable in the vehicle.
One Nice Ride
MAXAMILLION, 11/17/2004
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Nice Suv, Perfect for my wife and 2 children and hauling the team where ever I need to when asked 6cl is great nice power
Super Mid-SUV
Super SUV, 06/29/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
WOW, the Highlander is an awesome vehicle: handles very well and very quiet. The drivers position and the dash layout are both done extremely well-everything is easily within reach, and the materials used feel "expensive-not cheap". In addition, the fit and finish is superb! The engine has a nice "growl" when pressed above 3000 rpm, and power is exceptional. Toyota has done a great job!
Great Vehicle
Louisse, 11/12/2004
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Highlander is a great vehicle to own. The luxury model has great features like heated leather seats and the 3rd row seating folds down to give extra cargo space which really comes in handy. The overall comfort of the vehicle is great whether you are short or tall, more headroom than Jeep. Wouldn't trade this reliable, fun vehicle for a BMW, Lexus, or any of the other "Luxury" models.
The cross country vehicle
poorfarm44, 11/26/2004
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car appears to be very well built. It replaced a Volvo V70 that did not hold up on a lot of potholed roads and washboard gravel roads. The Highlander combines adequate performance & driving comfort on freeways with the a good quiet road on rough roads. The fuel mileage is okay with a range from 19 to 23 mpg. The only maintenance cost is the first 13,000 are two oil changes.
2000 MILE ROAD TEST
KEVIN H, 07/09/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My wife and I picked this vehicle up on a Friday the 17th of June for the start of our trip on Saturday the 18th of June 2005. From Saturday through Sunday the 26th of June I logged 2016 miles. This is not your fathers oldsmobile!!! We have owned 5 camrys and this would be our first SUV. This car ran flawless. It is suprising that after all the research I do on new vehichles, I keep coming back to Toyota. The craftsmanship is outstanding from layout to finish. I find this to be my safe haven. Quality.
Glad I Bought It
LynnDuck, 11/30/2004
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We just put the first 1,400 miles on it on a trip to AZ. The pick up for passing was great. Ride is wonderful - very roomy. Just wish there were better cup holders in front like the back has. The interior color is very light - will have to get seat covers to hide the dirt. Color we have is "Ivory". Back seats fold down for lots of storage space.