Used 2012 Toyota Highlander Consumer Reviews
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Review at 52,000 miles (5 years of ownership)
jzach402, 11/04/2014
updated 05/04/2017
2012 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
30 of 33 people found this review helpful
Rattling on the dashboard started to take place due to the LCD display screen..Steering feel started to have some rough spots/clicking. Overall car has been performing flawlessly. I replaced my own disc brake pads and rotors at 45,000 miles with ease (given the right tools and safety gear). Visor on passenger side had to be replace under warranty . replaced all 4 tires around 38,000 miles. I still enjoy engine's 270 hp response when passing. Handling is ok but could be better. You get more body shift movement in your seat than say a regular size car due to the seat contour. Car rides quite comfortably with 5 passengers during short or long distance driving. Engine noise is quite acceptable. Car handling is quite sloppy especially at quick acceleration (FWD). Car tends to veer/pull on one side and may take some time getting use to. Gas mileage in my city driving averages 15 to 17 MPG and ~ 24MPG on HWY. All controls are quite user friendly and easy to use/reach and learn. Visors could be positioned better. Need a simple Tire sensor reset procedure.
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Purchased New February 2012, Would Buy Again
Sparky, 09/01/2016
2012 Toyota Highlander SE 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
After putting 61,000 miles on the car as of 09/2016, the car has been very reliable. I purchased the SE 2WD version with leather interior. The only problem we have experienced so far has been with the power auto liftgate. People looking to purchase this car used should pay careful attention to the lift rod mechanism where it meets the tailgate if they purchase one with the power liftgate. This is the rod assembly that opens and closes the liftgate. Make sure to inspect where this rod attaches to the lift gate side (shake to see if secure). Ours became detached because the nut on the inside of the tailgate that secures the rod became detached. They apparently didn't use locking compound at the factory. Anyway, the dealership replaced the entire tailgate because they could not get to the nut that held this in place. Luckily I was under 3 year bumper to bumper warranty when this happened. Oh, and by the way, I purchased the "platinum" 100K warranty, but the liftgate is conveniently excluded (lesson learned on extended warranties). I'd still recommend this car based on overall reliability and resale value.
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Love our Highlander...Again!
Jeff R, 01/07/2016
2012 Toyota Highlander SE 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
Just upgraded our 2003 Highlander to a 2012 SE model, and have fallen in love with it! Just took a 2,000 mile trip in it, and it was a dream to drive and ride in. So enjoyed the "buns warmers" on cold days, the Sirius / XM radio in the boonies, and the amazing acceleration in the hills and when passing. The cool engineering "tricks" like being able drop the two back rows of seats in a matter of seconds - from the rear is so clever and practical. We just love this car! Nuf said.
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Great family SUV, poor fuel economy
Robert Ancona, 05/31/2018
2012 Toyota Highlander Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
Has third row seating and can seat 7 adequately if not comfortably. Fuel economy poor, at lower end for this type vehicle; however, uses regular gas. General performance more than adequate as is acceleration. Have owed two different Highlanders and covering for roof rack support has come off on both. Just cosmetic, but repair requires pre ordering a part and over $150installation(which seems excessive). Maintenance frequency and costs about average for an SUV. Overall, we have been pleased with the vehicle.
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Reliable as it gets
Johnny N., 07/10/2017
2012 Toyota Highlander Limited 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I have done nothing to my Highlander except for oil changes and put gas in it. No issues with this SUV what so ever!
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