Used 2005 Toyota Highlander SUV Consumer Reviews
Used Highlander for sale
Extremely Dissatisfied
Rhonda Ricci, 12/08/2007
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned the limited for less than 3 years and have had several problems with the sunroof. Had to be totally replaced in 11/2006 due to operational problems. Now, in 12/2007 unbelievably have the same problems as well as leaks in track causing condensation, electrical, and requiring replacement again! Only Toyota will not replace again and admit poor workmanship or defective parts due to expired warranty. Cost a whopping $2500. for a sunroof used in New England for merely 4 months/year. Am wheeling this disappontment and buying a lexus or murano! Also, acceleration is hesitant, problems with transmission. Don't waste your $.
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.
This car fits me fine!
DS, 04/10/2008
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was my first SUV. I fought with the Camry; I'm tall & that car was too low and hard getting in and out. The Highlander just "fits" me. I love being above the sedans and eye-to-eye with SUVs. It is very comfortable to drive. I had some windows limo-tinted providing privacy and better interior temp in summer. Pump sticker shock, yes, but I watch the useful realtime mpg indicator to gauge how I'm driving. Drivers see you when you're coming and don't pull out in front of you as often. Opening rear windows w/o front open = weird noise and eardrum pressure. I plan to have this car 10 years or more, even with the gas prices.
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.
Very satisfied
jarcros, 05/24/2008
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've bought this suv a month ago and love it. Traded in my 03 highlander b/c it didn't have 3rd row. The 05 has a lot smoother acceleration and the leather interior looks nice. Only complaint is the sunroof. First it's annoying that you have to hold the button in order for it to move. I assume this is a safety feature, but it's still annoying. Second, it is difficult to find the "closed" spot. If you keep holding the button trying to make sure it closes securely, it will tilt up. In the old highlander all I had to do was gently depress the button and it would open or close all the way
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.
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.
Perfect for the Understated Person
Citygirl, 12/02/2004
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really like my new Highlander. So far it has not given me any problems. It has the quality and comfort I have come to expect from Toyota (I've owned two Camrys). The best thing about the car is that I feel like it looks like my lifestyle and personality with lots of class and not too trendy. It doesn't scream "I have money" or "I need a status symbol to feel good" which suits me and my bank account just fine. Great value.
LOVE MY CAR!!!
TRDFAN, 02/12/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Ther's only 2 items that could be better. The drivers seat is a bit narrow, and there is more wind noise than I would orfer inside the vehicle. Other than that it's almost perfect!!
Good safe choice
winston, 07/09/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My wife and I were comparing Honda Pilot and Highlander. Decided on Toyota because of finance deal and 6 disc changer that dealer put in and DVD system. Toyota is a little smaller than Pilot and does not ride as high, but makes it easier for my wife to get in the car. Drives very smoothly with good power curve when accelerating. Also has better gas mileage than Pilot. Interior is well laid out with features such as backset bottle holders and backseat is comfortable and reclines.
Love My Highlander
T. Ryan, 12/08/2004
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my Highlander 3 months and still love getting behind the wheel as if it were a new car. Handles very well ,love the luxury features inside.Stereo, moon roof, and comfort of the seats. Love that you don't have to climb up or get down getting into it, just slide in and out.Very quiet ride ,as good or better than my Avalon was.
2005 Toyota Highlander EXCELLENT!
Cindy Duncan, 12/08/2004
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
highway and city driving on a dime and superb handling, comfort (the seats are ergonmically correct and adjust for the back!). plenty of room in back of SUV (for a medium sized SUV) to put the seats down and allow for my 55 pound border collie and dog ramp. still plenty of room for storage for other things. lots of power for a V6 but drives with the ease and comport of car, NOT truck, given it is a 4WD SUV. VERY EASY to put the seats up and down in the back. EXTREMELY EASY to use things like the heating system. in fact, temperature control inside is phenomenal. plently of leg room in front and back seats when the seats are up. starts right up and totally reliable in every way!
same as the lexus 330 but 10k cheaper
CTTC, 12/12/2004
2005 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We drove Suburbans, Tahoes and Explorers for years and finally scaled down to a "crossover". The Highlander and Lexus 330 specs are identical. The 330 has an automatic tail gate closer and a few other frills and is $10k more expensive. The Highlander is remarkable and handles beautifully. When we need a little extra room we added a roof bubble and that made up for the lower storage capacity. Get it loaded with leather etc. and you won't be sorry forget the Tahoe and Explorer They won't handle like the Highlander
Enjoyable to drive, good price
Greg, 12/28/2004
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After looking at several vehicles, and test driving them, we felt this was the most vehicle for our money. The closest one we considered was the Saturn Vue. After driving the Highlander though there was really no comparison. The Vue was junk! Like the first review stated, a baby seat in the center of the second row is very difficult to get in tight! Does not fit well!
2005 Highlander
Steve Bucher, 06/29/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After one year and 16,000 miles, our Highlander has been everything we expected. Great ride, good fuel economy, and excellent utility. No mechanical problems whatsoever.
Excellent vehicle for women
Cheryl, 01/01/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Though less macho-looking than the 4- Runner and others like it, this vehicle has a sleek appearance, gives consistently solid performance, and has excellent safety features. It's the perfect car for a woman seeking the advantages of an SUV in terms of cargo space and safety on busy roads. With both sets of rear seats folded away, I can carry my bicycle, dog kennel with dog, and luggage. On the two road trips I've taken so far, my Toyota has performed well and offers a quiet, solid ride. It is responsive in heavy traffic on city streets as well as on the open highway . I researched cars for two months before deciding on the Highlander Limited, and I've not regretted my decision at all.
I love my Highlander!
Kris, 01/02/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my Highlander. It has the size of an SUV but drives and handles like a car. It is very comfortable. Much more comfortable than my husband's Mercedes M-350!
Love it
Joan, 07/07/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought this SUV 4 weeks ago. I love it. It rides like a car and interior is roomy well equipped. I looked at all the mid size SUV's and this is the one I kept coming back to.
We love it!
Speechy mom, 01/02/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my Highlander for 10 months and I love it more and more as time goes by. The engine is whisper quiet, the seats are very comfortable and the gas mileage is much higher than I ever expected. The third row seat pops up easily.
I love my Highlander
Jan, 03/28/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my second Highlander. My first one I have passed to my daughter so she has a reliable car. Did not have any trouble with the first one, and my present one is even better. Just a little disappointed that the gas mileage is not as good. Yes, I have a 6 cyl this time, and most of my driving is city driving. Maybe it will be better on the highway.
over all a very solid SUV
sonny, 07/22/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The SUV has so so interior, but overall the build is very solid, typical TOYOTA quality. I have also looked at Honda Pilot, although also a very solid SUV, the build quality did not seem to be as solid as the Highlander. My previous car was a 2001 IS300 and the Highlander, SUV class, is more comfortable and quiet. The JVC stereo is great and the control buttons on the steering wheel are easy to use, although I can reach the stereo with my right hand easily. The third row seats are meant for two kids or a 6 tall person for a short trip. I longest trip I have done so far was a three hours (one-way) trip and I was not tired at all. If the gas price remain high, I may switch to Hybrid model.
My Highlander
Amelia Bravo, 01/06/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The performance of this car is great the way it handles and over all a good experience and confort fun and economic, I recomend it I've driven one the past 4 years so I know.
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.
Comfortable and reliable
Dean, 01/16/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My 2004 model is 4 cyl. but perfectly adequate for driving in the hilly country we live in and good in the snow. It is very comfortable with solid construction that feels much less tinny than our (previous) Honda CRV and more comfortable and quieter than our Subarus. It is easy to drive, handles well, has decent gas mileage for an SUV. We have had it almost a year and have about 10,000 miles on it and have had no problems at all, also unlike the Honda which had a series of small problems and malfunctions (like key chimes which were fixed over and over again). We would rate it a perfect 10 except for one thing: the body seems pretty easily dented and scratched.
good vehicle
S bush, 07/25/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
had a problem with drivers armrest upon delivery, also had rubber around door come loose within 1st tank of gas. Drives well with full load of passengers.
highlander '05
Paul Compratt, 01/18/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just got back from Lake Tahoe and one of the heaviest snowfalls in decades. The vehicle handled like a dream never slipping on the packed snow and icy pavement.
High on my Highlander
Dave C, 01/24/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2005 Toyota Highlander Limited about 6 weeks ago. FOr the first week the only word I used to describe it was "smooth". Now that I've gotten used to that I also am pretty happy with the 22 MPG I'm getting overall, the comfort of the leather seats and the easy-to-use instrumentation. The automatic climate control is nice too. I live in Vermont and was concerned about the basic tires but so far the electronic control systems have kept the wheels from spinning. But it still slides on ice just like any other car. I had a Ford Explorer before and got 200,000 miles out of it but the resale value of the Toyotas made me switch. The Highlander Limited fits me like a glove!
great suv
Susie , 04/09/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best automobile I've ever owned, rides & handles like a car, not a suv truck. Handles really well in the snow.
high on my highlander
Susannah, 07/26/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really love this car. I got the Limited, with the 3rd row optional seating. It's a peach going up I5 on the Grapevine in LA. It handles great, has great rear and side visibility, unlike some other SUVs. I wish the gas mileage was better though...
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.
Smooth ride, excellent fuel economy
topcat, 02/08/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Toyota made this one right! A luxury car-like ride with the security of AWD. Excellent fuel economy. (almost twice what our 2000 Pathfinder got!) Very quiet interior, unlike most other SUV's.
Best SUV on the market
Patrick, 02/19/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car handles very well and is a pleasure to drive. Excellent off road traction, very comfortable interior and a pleasure to drive. Highly recommend this vehicle.
Toyota as usual
J James, 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
Smooth ride, plently of power, 3rd row seat is almost a waste. Usual Toyota great build quality
Love my Highlander!
Terri Hurtado, 02/19/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great car to own, sporty yet dependable..this is my first Toyota! Everyone said I would love owning one and it's true so far!
It's on the name
Jorge, 03/18/2006
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
Feel good when driving and it feels safe also I feel lot better when I know my wife and my little girl are safer when they are driving.
Love it!
aks, 09/22/2004
2005 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
Love it!
It a complete lemon
"Lemon", 02/06/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 4 people found this review helpful
Our Lexus RX300 was stolen from us and we had tofind a reliable vehicle fast. We were planing on getting another Lexus but we were paying off a house. So we got the "cheaper cousin" instead. We test drove it and it was fine. Once we got it, it was horrible. There is no acceleration on thr V6 and it is a bumpy ride. Sound system is horrible. We test drove the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee and we saw it at the dealer and it was very beautiful. We immediatly traded it and it is an awesome vehicle. It feels like a BMX, Lexus, and Land Rover combined into one incredible "Useful Vehicle" The Highlander is horrible and i cant believe Lexus parent Toyota makes such refined vehicles but Toyota is garbage.
I agree
Roxy101, 07/27/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I agree the seats are very uncomfortable after driving for about 1 hour. I am 5'7 and I feel cramped. When I test droved I felt comfortable. This is not a good car for long trips. I plan to trade this car. I've only had it for 1 month not satisfied. I read the reviews and did not believe about the loud noise with the rear windows down. The noise is terrible. So from now on out I will believe and add car reviews from consumers on this post. I have the 4cyc. gas mileage is better than the Ford explorer I traded but gas mileage is not what promised. I will keep checking and adding and dividing my gas mileage. Can not get good epa I have to run the air. Due to noise with windows down