Overview & Reviews
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.
- Seats up to seven, carlike ride and handling, smooth and powerful V6 engine, fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, lots of safety features.
- Limited towing and off-road ability, bland personality.
User Reviews:
Showing 1 through 10 of 193.00-
Big Mistake - 2005 Toyota Highlander
By morris - October 24 - 3:03 amThe research described the Highlander as a very good vehicle. I am dissappointed and trying to cut my losses. I moved to WV a couple of years ago and got tired of bottoming out my 2001 Volvo V70 T5 (100,000 mi). The Hylander has difficulty excellerating on the hills, the brakes grab, the cruise control is jerky and shifts into overdrive frequently (dealer says its fine), the plastic components are light weight and fall off, poor ventilation to the back seat area, seat heaters are inadequate, road noise is excessive, a recent stone star to the windshield revealed a single piece of glass. I do not feel safe and I cant believe I spent the money. My Chevy 2500HD diesel is better.
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Reliability Problems - 2005 Toyota Highlander
By Jim - November 26 - 10:06 amBought new; since then 3 windshields, 3 sets of rear and 2 sets of front brakes, 3 transmission transfer cases, and both sets of rear wheel bearings. Everything except the engine seems to be under specified. The Toyota dealer tells me to sell it as it was made on Monday! My 97 Avalon required only $40 worth of unscheduled maintenance at 130K miles. Whats happened to Toyota quality?
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Paint chiping off - 2005 Toyota Highlander
By Mike - May 19 - 5:56 pmThe 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 its 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.
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Save Yourself the Pain - 2005 Toyota Highlander
By Kim - August 18 - 12:33 pmI 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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So sorry I bought it!! - 2005 Toyota Highlander
By Not a fan - June 26 - 5:26 pmGas mileage not as advertised. Most uncomfortable front seat!! Too short for people with longer legs. Arm rests do not fall in the proper place for people with wide shoulders. For all its bells and whistles, doesnt have automatic locks (when engaging transmission) which I had on my prior 10 year old car and I consider a big personal safety factor. Poor design on console. Wasted space underneath cup holders. Cover on console opens with weight of pocketbook... very annoying. Doors do not close easily... must be slammed to engage lock. Gas cap release in awkward position. Must open door and unlock seat belt to reach. Doesnt have "Miles to Go" on its Info button, which was very handy.
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Highlander Bad - 2005 Toyota Highlander
By DK - July 5 - 5:06 amI bought this car based on Consumer Reports ratings. So far, the temp thermostat had to be replaced, I also had a wheel bearing replaced, and now I am told that a sequential humming is probably the differential - very costly. The car is herky-jerky and the interior leather looks more like vinyl. This is my last Toyota. DK
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Better out there - 2005 Toyota Highlander
By timberdoodle - August 1 - 1:40 pmI have driven 4wds for 30+ years and have never been stuck until I bought this one. I had to be pulled out 3 times this past winter alone and it was a mild one at that!! The tires are worn out with less than 20,000 miles on them!!! The car is nice on a plowed road, but dont try to go in deep snow! It may be ok for a housewife who doesnt really need 4wd, but for those who do, look elsewhere! The interior is filled with cheap plastic and only available in light colors (very impractical) for those people who use a SUV in daily life. You can scratch the paint on the outside with your fingernail!!! Read the fine print on the towing capabilities and packages. A True Lie!!! What a joke.
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Constant Mechanical Problems - 2005 Toyota Highlander
By Fredg - March 3 - 10:00 amI 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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It a complete lemon - 2005 Toyota Highlander
By "Lemon" - May 28 - 1:03 amOur Lexus RX300 was stolen from us and we had tofind a reliable vehicle fast. We were planing on getting another Lexus but we were paying off a house. So we got the "cheaper cousin" instead. We test drove it and it was fine. Once we got it, it was horrible. There is no acceleration on thr V6 and it is a bumpy ride. Sound system is horrible. We test drove the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee and we saw it at the dealer and it was very beautiful. We immediatly traded it and it is an awesome vehicle. It feels like a BMX, Lexus, and Land Rover combined into one incredible "Useful Vehicle" The Highlander is horrible and i cant believe Lexus parent Toyota makes such refined vehicles but Toyota is garbage.
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I agree - 2005 Toyota Highlander
By Roxy101 - February 25 - 2:20 amI agree the seats are very uncomfortable after driving for about 1 hour. I am 57 and I feel cramped. When I test droved I felt comfortable. This is not a good car for long trips. I plan to trade this car. Ive only had it for 1 month not satisfied. I read the reviews and did not believe about the loud noise with the rear windows down. The noise is terrible. So from now on out I will believe and add car reviews from consumers on this post. I have the 4cyc. gas mileage is better than the Ford explorer I traded but gas mileage is not what promised. I will keep checking and adding and dividing my gas mileage. Can not get good epa I have to run the air. Due to noise with windows down
