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Used 2005 Toyota Highlander SUV Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
202 reviews

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2.38 out of 5 stars

Constant Mechanical Problems

Fredg, 10/13/2004
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Quality gone bye bye.

sdcatoydriver05, 01/28/2007
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

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.

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1.75 out of 5 stars

Save Yourself the Pain

Kim, 12/23/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 11 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

Happy In Alpharetta, GA

Francis J. Danko, 05/04/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful

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.

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2.75 out of 5 stars

No Value

jeff_marl2000, 04/26/2006
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 13 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

feels like rx300 but half the price

trigunner, 03/03/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

The Greatest

Lee, 07/25/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Love It

tbone1, 02/05/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

I LOVE MY HIGHLANDER

L.B. Rawls, 07/25/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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!

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5 out of 5 stars

"My first Toyota..Oh what a delight"

Jacksonville Bill, 07/16/2005
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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".

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