Used 2008 Toyota Highlander Consumer Reviews
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Unreliable - Terrible service
Not Happy, 03/05/2010
2008 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
One of the main reasons I purchased this Highlander was Toyota's reputation for reliability. After about 11 months, the battery went dead. I had to tow it to Brent Brown Toyota in Orem, Utah. They evaluated the electrical system and replaced the battery under warranty, but charged me for the tow. 3 weeks later, the battery was dead again. Back to Brent Brown Toyota (which at this point I'd like to say has the worst service department on the planet). The service adviser was lousy, the service manager is an obnoxious, rude liar. I've had the car back 4 times now and they still haven't figured it out. I can't believe Toyota allows such lousy people at their dealerships. I'm done with Toyota
Lurch Mobile 2
Parkerf, 11/04/2009
2008 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I really liked this car until I had to drive it for longer than one month. There is something really wrong with the AWD transmission on these cars. It hesitates about 5 seconds when you need it to accelerate, stopped on a hill, gave a loud "clump" then went up hill. Transmission cannot keep up with computer is my thinking. Toyota will not admit any problems, been to shop twice. Car lurches while trying (slowly) to change gears, can be dangerous while trying to enter a freeway, hope no one gets killed due to this problem. Also, knobs, rubber is falling off, radio bad. Do not Buy!!!
2008 Toyota Highlander for sale near you
Showing 3 of 14 listings
- Sport 4dr SUVMSRP: $14,75031 mi away
- Limited 4dr SUVMSRP: $6,900102 mi away
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $8,995107 mi away
See all 14 listings
Former Toyota fan!
James, 12/14/2018
2008 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 6 people found this review helpful
Basically, I would recommend avoiding this vehicle. I know the vaunted reputation Toyota has for quality and reliability. That's why my last two vehicles were both Toyotas (Highlander and Camry-Solara). Years ago I would have gladly endorsed Toyota and planned to buy more. NOT ANY MORE! After years of wet vaccing my wet Highlander carpets and useless dealership advice, finally found that BOTH taillight gaskets badly leaked and had for a number of years. Even after replacement, water came in through screws that needed repeated caulking. Then, after all that misery, the battery, the alternator, and finally the engine itself died shortly after and the car is now a donation that cost thousands of wasted hours, dollars and frustration. I just came back with my new Hyundai Santa Fe, and will soon have another NON-Toyota vehicle in my driveway. I don't know where a reputation for quality and reliability came from but I.M.O it is sorely over-rated. I will NEVER buy another Toyota!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2008 Highlander Engine Problems
abecker, 04/19/2012
2008 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
12 of 32 people found this review helpful
2008 Highlander has problematic engine. Oil sludge buildup, despite routine oil changes, caused damage and needed engine replacement at 80+k miles. Would not every buy Toyota again.
Very Good, But Not Great, SUV
Mitch45, 04/14/2008
2008 Toyota Highlander Sport 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 7 people found this review helpful
I bought an '08 Highlander Sport with AWD in August of '07. It's a weekend car for me, so it has just 2500 miles on it. So far, its been a very good vehicle, solidly built and reliable, just like every Toyota I've owned previously. But I have a few little complaints. First, the acceleration is not what I'd expect from a 270-hp engine, even given the vehicle's weight. Second, the transmission makes me crazy. From a rolling start, the transmission doesn't upshift quickly enough from first to second, resulting in an awkward "pull." Third, the "low tire pressure" warning light is much too sensitive, going on when the tires are just a pound or two low on air pressure.