I have an 08 Highlander with 15,000 miles, At about 10,000 miles
the engine became very loud when cold and on acceleration it sounds like it will "throw a rod" When it gets warm the engine noise is reduced. The dealer says that Toyota tech support claims that the noise is because of "forged iron pistons" Toyota customer support(????) refuses to do anything! Any idea where a pressure point may be
in Toyota. I will never buy one again.

I also have 2006 Highlander , We were loving it untill our battery was drained dead and they found a electrical surge even when car in not running. With the vechile being only 1 1/2 years old you don't except to have this kind of problem.

ok

My 2004 Toyota Highlander has been a reliable vehicle for 80k miles. There have been no major service issues.  I change the oil regularly every 3,000 miles. The six cylinder version has plenty of power.  My only complaint is the tire inflation sensor.  If the air pressure is not equal in each tire the dashboard sensor lights up. However, I still plan to buy a  new 2008 Higlander.

My 2004 Highlander is 37 months old and has 39K miles. I have put up with the wind noise (unacceptable level) when the sunroof is open, but now the sunroof will not close (dealer estimte $2000 to $4000 ti fix). The more I investigate the more I understand this is a common problem.Anyone else have this issue?

The climate control features are confusing and you need to take your eyes off the road to get it working properly.

Bigger problem is the key situation. If you have lost both keys you need to replace the entire electrical system which is thousands of dollars. If you lose one key, it costs about $500 for the acutal key, plus programming charge, not to mention the inconvenience factor.

I have a 2005 Highlander. The only thing I would change would be the depth of the seats.  I have long legs, and the edge of the front seat hits me in the middle of my thigh.  Kinda uncomfortable on my long communte to work.  Otherwise, excellent vehicle!

Quit complaining about the trivial stuff!!! We bought our 2006 Highlander brand new. WE LOVE IT!! It has been the best vehichle we've ever owned, and we've owned a lot! I've read about multiple people complaining about the noise when you put down the back windows. HELLO??? That unbearable noise happens in MOST cars/SUVs these days. When you're in any car or SUV in the future, put down the back windows and see what happens! I honestly don't think this is a design flaw, I really think it's a physics issue! If I put both back windows down, that loud obnoxious noise starts almost immediately, BUT, as soon as I put down ONE front window while the back windows are still down, the noise goes away! Come on people, get with the program here! I've had 3 different SUVs and multiple cars, everyone has had that issue! (except for the two door vehciles I've owned, for obvious reasons) Anway, enough with the "back window noise" crap! The moon roof has been nothing but a pleasure for us, WITHOUT the wind guard! As for the V6 engine, it's fantastic. I have never had a "hesitation" when I wanted some extra speed. The Highlander responded immediately as soon as I gave it some extra gas. Our V6 4WD Highlander, I'm proud to say that I got 22 MPG on the highway with the AC on! Oh and by-the-way, the vehicle has over 20K miles on it, and we haven't had one problem! There are only 2 things that I would like to have had on our Highlander, one would be a digital temperature/compass display (I had that on my old Jeep Grand Cherokee and I thought it was very uselful, and it might be standard with the Limited Edition) and the other is more leg room in the third row. WAY TO GO TOYOTA!!

I had an 03 highlander. I t was a good, reliable car but had some problems: The wind noise "booms" in this car if you try to drive with the back winds down. It is unbearable. Seating was uncomfortable, hard. We like to take long trips and I couldn't sit for extended periods in this car. Gas milelage wasn't very good for a 4 cylinder- we never got highter than 24mpg on the highway. Acceleration- it had a bad hesitation if you really needed to hit the gas to gain quick speed. This was unacceptable as we live in Houston and driving can be tricky. We recently traded the Highlander on an 05 Camry which gets 36 mpg on the hwy and is much more comfy on trips. The Highlander retained high resale value at trade-in.

i have 2002 toyota highlander v4 it have 5 passengerseats so can i put 2 more seats to make it 7 seater plz e mail ur ans at sumairtirmizi@hotmail.com thanks

I love my Highlander Hybrid Limited! Around 26 MPG average on long highway trips (at average speeds of 70+ MPH with AC on). Close to 30 MPG in city driving. Balls to the wall acceleration (0 to 60 in around 7 seconds). It rocks! But open the rear windows on the highway and you get a loud thumping throb (wind noise) that seems like it will burst your eardrums. So what do I do? Keep the rear windows closed in my brand new $42,000 SUV??? Maybe I'll try those rainguards and see if it makes a difference. Otherwise, no real complaints. I highly recommend it.

I bought my 2005 Highlander about 3 months ago. I have 3 major complaints. 1. The acceleration hessitation and transmission jerkiness is really becoming irritating. It seems to be getting worse. I only have 5k miles on the car. I've been in a couple of situations where I felt the hesitation was dangerous and potentially could have caused an accident because I had my foot on the gas and the car wouldn't move. 2. The air throb with the top open and the back windows down is completely unreasonable. This is an incredible design flaw. If I had noticed it before I bought it, I would have gotten something else. 3. The oil filter placement on the 3.3L V6 was poorly thought out. The car has to be cold to change the oil becuase you have to reach up under the exhaust manifold and do everything by feel. It isn't possible to see the filter. There is also no easy way to extract the filter from the engine compartment after it is off because your arm is wrapped around the fan and under the exhaust. You end up spilling oil everywhere.

I bought my 2005 Highlander about 3 months ago. I have 3 major complaints. 1. The acceleration hessitation and transmission jerkiness is really becoming irritating. It seems to be getting worse. I only have 5k miles on the car. I've been in a couple of situations where I felt the hesitation was dangerous and potentially could have caused an accident because I had my foot on the gas and the car wouldn't move. 2. The air throb with the top open and the back windows down is completely unreasonable. This is an incredible design flaw. If I had noticed it before I bought it, I would have gotten something else. 3. The oil filter placement on the 3.3L V6 was poorly thought out. The car has to be cold to change the oil becuase you have to reach up under the exhaust manifold and do everything by feel. It isn't possible to see the filter. There is also no easy way to extract the filter from the engine compartment after it is off because your arm is wrapped around the fan and under the exhaust. You end up spilling oil everywhere.

A little big for my tastes but over all, it's descent.

I have a year year old Highlander. zcomplaint #1 cannot drive and just have the rear windows down the noise and air pressure is actually painfull. Complaint number two is that I have had two new batteries and a number of jumps because of a daed battery. The dealership says that the car is not driven enough. I've been a car owner for over 25 years and have never had a problem with not driving enough. I feel that along with the windows that this is poor deign and or too many items that automatically draw off the battery with just simole driving, like day-time running lights.

August 18, 2004 Toyota Highlander. 2004 Limited To Whom it may concern, We purchased the Highlander 10 months ago. Unfortunately we went more on reputation then actual observation. This body styling and model have been out for years so we assumed all the bugs would be out of the design. 1.The Sun roof has a serious design flaw: When you open it, any amount, an air pocket forms in the car at 6 miles per hour and only gets worse as you increase speed. It improves marginally when you open 75% of the windows. I have been driving since 1977. I have had sunroofs in every car I have owned. I am well aware of their usual operating characteristics. This design is unacceptable. The pop up flap that should help send the air flow up or redirects the flow to elevate this potential common problem does not pop up far enough. It only raises inline with the metal roof thus being ineffective. To use the roof at all we had the dealership install a tinted plexy glass wind shield (at their expense) to help diminish the problem. It still has a issues at 10 to 16 miles per hour but is now acceptable for the majority of driving situations. 2.The Mode button is placed in a very dangerous position on the steering wheel. I listen to music rather loud when driving. When I park (need to reverse) or get into congested situations the music is then shut off so I can hear horns, people, or other potential hazards. When you use the steering wheel (a necessity) to maneuver, the mode button is placed with the rim of the button in the hand location on the rim of the inside wheel. (picture) Thus by accident pressing it. Then I am unintentionally greeted by a LOUD radio. When you repeat press it to turn it off it switches to CD or Tape. It does not SHUT OFF from that location. You have to stop what your doing IE Parking; Look on the dash and turn the radio off by the usual method. The button layout looks slick on the wheel and this comment is not intended to get rid of it just place it so it is not so easily activated by accident. Our only cure was to have it deactivated 3.The car accelerates awkwardly. The automatic transmission can not seem to find a comfortable position. It lurches from start. It downshifts too much when accelerating on open rode. The engine is large enough 3.3-liter double overhead cam 230 hp @ 5800 rpm 5-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) and Snow Mode. Maybe this is where the problem is. The automatic electronic controls are anything but intelligent; illogical and clumsy are more like it. This is an ongoing problem. The dealership states it is factory spec. They did have a service bulletin on it based on customer complaints. However the fix did not fix it. Another characteristic is often when driving one may need to accelerate quickly to avoid hazardous situation. The car hesitates for a second or two then finds itself. That second or two is enough time to negate the avoidance maneuver one is trying to make. Hence, placing oneself in the middle of the situation they were trying to avoid. Braking should not be the only method available for accident avoidance. Problem 1 and 2 are basically resolved, however 3 remains an ongoing issue .

An absolute pleasure to drive!

Theres only one problem with this vehicle- its standard with a puny 4 cylindar.

We just bought a Sundown-red pearl 2003 Highlander. This is my first Toyota purchase - my wife's third - and also my first non-USA automotive purchase. I have purchased a total of 3 brand new american vehicles over the course of 12 years. I have purchased many more used american vehicles over the course of 19 years. The highlander is the most superbly engineered vehicle I have ever owned. In fact, everything that I've owned prior to this was not even a vehicle in accordance with the standards set by the Highlander. Thank You Toyota - job well done. I will be trading in my 2002 Ford Mustang next year for a 2004 Celica. The battle cry for me is "no more A.J." A.J. = American Junk.

I BOUGHT MY 2003 HIGHLANDER 1/25/03. I BOUGHT TOUCH OF CLASS TO PROTECT THE CAR AND NEVER HAVE TO WAX. MY CAT HAS SEVERAL SMALL PAINT CHIPS AND ON THE BUMPER A SMALL BUBBLE OF PAINT. I called toyota today and was treated very poorly. by at least two people and hung up on. AS I HAVE BEEN IN CUSTOMER SERVICE FIELD FOR SEVERAL YEARS IMWAS VERY UPSET. HAD THE CAR FOR 90 DAYS

I am an avid Consumer Reports and J.D. Power reader when it comes to the car reports. When I started looking for an SUV, reliability and a carlike ride were important to me. The Highlander has a GREAT ride. You sit up high, can see clearly, and do not feel like you are in this massive truck. Yet, when all of the little features like leather and a 6 disc changer were added, it is priced the same as its cousin the Lexus RX300 also made by Toyota. In the end I bought an RX300 and don't regret it. It just has a little more style and luxury than the Highlander. If you're not looking for luxury, go for the Highlander. They are good cars and Toyota will treat you well.

Consider this - Lexus ES 300, Lexus RX 350, Camry, Solara, Avalon, Sienna and Highlander are all based on the same chassis/platform, some more loosely than others. They are all similar in many ways. This platform is the heart and soul of the Toyota/Lexus company. They want volume - this is where they get it. They will listen to what people want and taylor the vehicle as best they can to achive maximum volume. It will never be the edgiest chassis, nor the greatest performer, but whatever vehicle is based on this chassis will always be a best seller. The Highlander was defined by this chassis, not the other way around. If you want a rock climber, by the new 4runner.

I just got a 2003 last week. What an exceptional car!! How many SUVs out there let you roll up your windows when you forgot to, even with the keys in your hand! The price was very affordable and you're definitely getting more bang for the buck with it. They don't look that big on the outside but excellent leg room in the front and plenty of room in the back. It rides very well. I hope this one lasts.

I really love this SUV. Nice style and everything is where it should be. Great pickup (even with the a/c on). One complaint.... there is this horrible window vibration when the back windows are down... it reverberates in your ears..it is so loud. I have to lock the back windows to keep passengers from rolling them down. Is it just my car? Something to test before you buy. Ride with just the back windows down. Other than that, the car is perfect...one of my friends loved mine so much she went out and bought the exact same car... same color...same options... everything!!

Definitely an outstanding vehicle, Highly recommend it even after one year!!!!! No problems. Great to drive. I do not miss my Lexus at all!

Acura MD-X is much better, as will be the Honda Pilot.

smooth quiet ride lots of visibility lots of room front and rear seats outstanding braking when u really need it engine acts like a small turbo is inside couple of minor dislikes can live with

Purchased my Highlander on June 13th and couldn't be happier. A solid feeling vehicle, excellent Toyota reliability. Made in the same plant as the Lexus RX-300. V6 220HP engine, silky smooth transmission, (the exact same engine and transmission as the Lexus RX-300 by the way) plenty of room, huge sunroof. I test drove a number of other SUV's but I can honestly say the ride and general feeling of quality just didn't match. Toyota also covers the engine and powertrain for 5 years/60,000 miles at no extra charge. This is in addition to the 3 years/36,000 bumper-to-bumper. As a suggestion, I would recommend anyone interested in purchasing a new vehicle to go to Edmunds.com and check out 'Town Hall' where you can read the good and bad about just about any vehicle you are thinking about buying. It's based on consumers just like you and me and how they are doing with vehicles they have recently purchased. I was able to obtain a wealth of information there prior to test driving. Also check out the goverments site for recalls www.nhtsa.gov I think there is a link at Edmunds.com I wish everyone the best of luck in seeking out their 'dream car'!!!! Thanks for reading!!! :-)

It is wonderful to drive. The acceleration of the V6 is great and the cornering is not much more difficult than in my camry. I even parked my HL on city street without a problem. I loved my camry but I needed a vehicle to take to my daughter's horse shows and I don't like trucks. The HL does everything I need goes through the paddocks and fields and provides a comfortable ride for my everyday commute! My only complaint is the clicking noise around the sunroof. I like not having the center console as it is a great place for my briefcase or purse and the kids can move back and forth easily. Love this vehicle.

After driving Volvo wagons for ten years, I am finally thrilled with a car, both in style and dependability. My first oil change and service were a tenth the cost the local Volvo dealership would have charged me (not including the inevitable problems that always cropped up when the wagon was in the shop!). I have one child and drive primarily in the cit, but do spend most every weekend driving mountain dirt roads. The Highlander is smooth, easy to get kids and loads of gear in and out of and a dream on the highway. Mine is a V6 Limited, sunroof, leather with over 7000 miles. Some complain about the lack of a center console, myself included originally. However, after having driven without one for several months I do not plan to add one. With a child in the back, it's so easy to turn around when needed and it's a great place to stow a purse and briefcase. Anyone considering a wagon or van should take a look at the Highlander. Style, Toyota reliability and functionality are tops.

Super Smooth!

Excellent vehicle, great ride, comfy! Only thing that sucks is the center console/cup holder. But I can work around this.

If Toyota offered this vehicle in the UK I would consider buying one.

nice looking...but too expensive in my opinion

Not a real SUV. It's just a lifted car. I test drove one and I didn't like it.

I traded in a 2001 RAV4, which I liked a lot, for the Highlander. I'm more impressed every day with the vehicle, and while it's not as sporty looking as the RAV, it is even more fun to drive.

After 3 months of visiting 17 dealers in search of my next vehicle - I can say I am thrilled with my Toyota Highlander purchase. A bit pricey, yes. But the fit and finish, the ride, and general quality feel of the vehicle reaffirms my decision. It came down to the Highlander and the Lexus RX300. The extra room inside the Highlander sold me. Only thing I can say I wish the Highlander had was a rear glass that opens separately from the rear hatch.

What can I say. I just love my Highlander. Great ride and pretty decent acceleration.

Great buy! Wanted to buy a Accord EX-V6. But when I drove the HL, I never looked back. Basically got the same payment as the Accord and a great price too! Also being a Toyota Encore customer helps! You do not have to post a security deposit and you also get a better leasing/financing rate...things you can never negotiate!!! Excellent vehicle...great mileage for its class...Toyota quality....overall great experience. RS

Good handling, quiet.

This is a GREAT Vehicle! I really enjoy driving my Bluestone V6. It's roomy, a great ride, & I highly recommend it. It's like driving my Camry but I'm higher and can see more clearly! I highly recommend it. I am looking forward to taking it on a long trip this September. Great mileage. Try it, you'll fall in love with it too.

I never wanted a Japanese car/truck/suv in the 27-years that I've bought vehicles. However, Ford drove me to it with poor service, resale, and finger pointing. This is an EXCELLENT vehicle. Not one problem in more than 4,000 miles. It's smooth, responsive, comfortable, quiet...

Toyota quality, ride of a car with the convenience of a SUV. V6 has great pep while maintaing good gas mileage for this class vehicle. 18/20 in town, 23/25 highway for a V6 2wd LOADED model. While slightly higher priced than its competitors, if you are looking for a mid sized SUV tht will remain reliable for years to come and built to the high quality standards that the Japanese are know for, this is the SUV for you. BTW, this model is built in Japan (not the US) at the same facility as the Lexus RX 300!

A really great car based SUV. In Japan they call the Kluger V and it translates in German to "The Intelligent One ". Pretty much all the short comings of a typical SUV have been carefully worked out on this vehicle. The ride and comfort is excellent and the craftmanship is excellent. I purchased the 4x4 4cyl. model for better gas mileage (24 mph avg.).

Went into dealer to pick up our RAV4 and walked out with the Highlander...almost the same price and so much bigger, minus the more truck-like ride of the RAV4...and yet the mileage is comparable. We have the 2.4 liter engine, two-wheel drive, as we live in VA and plan a move to Florida. Had a Jeep Grand Cherokee and literally had not used the 4 wheel drive option for several years. The interior is practical, yet luxurious. Love the position of the instrument panel. The ride is so quiet, that I sometimes turn the ignition key a second time because I do not realize it is already on! The ONLY problem we have encountered is wind noise and it is corrected by opening and closing the windows. Love the unique features, such as left foot rest, auto open driver's side window (opens completely in an instant for payment of tokens or fees over bridges), the shopping bag holders in the rear compartment, the little drawer for change to left of the steering wheel and the extra outlets (3 total). We really are happy with the Highlander and although some say it is rather plain looking, ours is often admired by other drivers and people have actually come over to us at gas stations, etc, for more info on it. (Our is white). The preliminary test results from Consumer Reports and others are outstanding. Was frustrated at first at absence of center console (has two cup holders that fold attached to driver's seat) but have gotten used to it and like being able to walk to rear seats from the front. Did buy a small storage cabinet (for CD's and tapes) at a very reasonable cost and viola, the problem is solved. After 2 months and over 3000 miles (including several long trips), we are still in love with this SUV!

Superior performing SUV. Tried them all and feel Highlander best value on market.

This is a great car for a great price. I am essentially getting a Lexus Rx300 for a great price. I love the smoothness and quiet ride. The powerful V6 engine is strong yet gets better gas mileage than those other SUV's. The JBL system sounds awesome and you might consider the 6 in dash changer so there is no clucky changer box underneath the seat or in the back. The leg room for the passengers in the rear is fantastic especially when you can recline the seats back. It actually has more cargo space than the 4runner. I love the full size spare in the back like a car. No special tools, chains, or locks to toy with to get to the wheel. And you don't have a spare wheel attached to the exterior to take away from the apperance of the car.

Highlander is much more fun to drive than MDX. MDX has more features on the inside but there is something dull about driving it. HL is quiet, smooth, powerful V6 and very nice interior design. Always looking forward driving it when I can snatch it from my wife.

Awesome vehicle with legendary Toyota quality

The Highlander slots neatly between the RAV-4 and the 4Runner in Toyota's extensive line up of SUVs. It's not too big nor too small. I got the chance to test drive a Highlander and believe me, its the most carlike SUV currently out there. This is one SUV in which you would not feel uncomfortable driving around town or in the shopping mall parking lot. I wish I had one. Toyota has another winner on its hands, too bad eat your hearts out haters.