2005 Toyota Highlander Review
Fuel Economy
19 - 22 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
With its fuel-efficient engine lineup, full complement of safety features and available third-row seat, the Highlander is one of our top recommendations to those who need SUV utility but don't want any unnecessary bulk or fuel bills.
Pros
Seats up to seven, carlike ride and handling, smooth and powerful V6 engine, fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, lots of safety features.
Cons
Limited towing and off-road ability, bland personality.
What's New for 2005
New standard features this year include a roof rack with cross bars, remote keyless entry and a cargo cover. Standard on the Limited and optional on the base is a new windshield wiper de-icer grid.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Very Pleased
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I bought this SUV used with 40,000 miles. I just returned from a 3500 mile trip through the Rockies and was very pleased with the performance in the mountains. So far, I have had no mechanical problems.
Favorite Features
Strong engine, comfortable ride, spacious cargo area.
Suggested Improvements
Driver leg room on the sides is crowded due to the center console.
Paint chiping off
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 1 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
Review
The paint on the drivers side mirror is not only chipping away but you can actually see it bubbling. The car has less than 50K miles on it but the dealer will not repair or replace the mirror. I also have a 2000 Honda Accord 6 cyc. I looks and drives like it's brand new. And is has 111K miles on it with no major work whatsoever. Bottom line, stay away from Toyota. You will never go wrong with a Honda.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Fix your cheap paint!!!
Decent, solid, reliable Toyota
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I have owned this vehicle for 4.5 years and have had no issues. Transmission shifting from 3rd to 4th is a bit "herky jerky" at times but the overall ride is extremely smooth. Plan on buying another one in 2-3 years. A solid buy.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Confidence
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Having my driver's license since the 1960's, I grew up with 'The Big Three', and I always liked American made cars. But when the American automakers don't or won't give you a gas sipper when you ask for it, you look elsewhere. Since 2003 I have bought two new Toyotas and this, almost one year old with only 15,000 miles. I couldn't be happier. Following recommended maintenance schedules, I've not had one necessary repair or return to the dealership or local mechanic. They're well built so you can embark on any trip with a comforting sense of confidence that you'll reach your destination without a mechanical failure.
Favorite Features
Great performance from the powerful V- 6, interior comfort in any seat, excellent crash test results, loos good, and good gas mileage. 19-23.
Suggested Improvements
I can't think of anything about this vehicle I would change.
Quality and Customer Service Failing
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 4 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Toyota Highlander Limited Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I bought my Highlander new and I have been disappointed in the quality and customer service since that day. The SUV had rail dust that required several treatments but still exists. My front differential began leaking at 42,000 miles and it was repaired. But at 65,000 miles it is leaking again. Told cost to repair is 1,900 and no break from the dealership or the corp. Factory tires had to be replaced too soon and the rear rotors as well because Toyota installs cheap ones now. I've learned to stay away from Toyota and always buy the extended warranties.
Favorite Features
It is now paid off.
Suggested Improvements
Stand behind their quality and customer service. Toyota quality is a joke, buyer beware.
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