2006 Toyota Highlander Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.59/5 Average
91 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

A Sport trim level debuts and revised SAE testing procedures have resulted in reductions in the stated horsepower and torque ratings, though actual output is unchanged.

Pros:
  • Rides and handles like a Camry, smooth V6 engine, fuel-efficient four-cylinder, lots of standard safety features, high crash-test scores.
Cons:
  • Poor access to optional third-row seat, bland personality.

User Reviews:

Showing 41 through 50 of 91.00
  • I love the Highlander!! - 2006 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    I have always loved Toyotas, I have had two in the past... they are always reliable! I chose the Highlander for that reason! I was pleasantly surprised with the gas mileage being higher then expected and it handles really well!

  • Wonderful Road Trip Vehicle - 2006 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    Rides like a mid sized sedan. No blind-spots! Easy to get in and out. Outstanding tow vehicle for small camping trailer (Casita about 3000lbs). Finish holds up just great. Minimal maintenance so far. Put heavy duty struts on at 110000 miles. Heavy duty premium brakes and rotors at same mileage with serpentine belt and timing belt at same time. Flushed transmission and trans-axle at same mileage. Always used full synthetic oil. Wash monthly and as needed. Wax every 6 months. Vacuum weekly. Note we replaced the 2006 Highlander with a 2016 Highlander Limited Platinum in January 2016. Love it! Higher towing weight was primary reason for the change. GF

  • Somewhat of an expert... - 2006 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    I consider myself somewhat of an expert on the Highlander because I have owned six (6) of them. Thats right... I buy a new one every year and love the vehicle. It fits my needs as an SUV while it rides like a dream. The gas mileage is great for an SUV and is affordable to own. I miss not having the option for an auto dim rearview mirror with compass. It was available in the past but a service note came out against it because installation could interfere with the operation of the air bags. Very happy that fog lights finally became an option. Also glad that a center console became available in 2002. The 2001 didnt have one and you couldnt get an aftermarket for it. Shifting is a little sloppy

  • Love it - 2006 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    I absolutely love my new highlander. It drives extremely smooth and very quiet. You can not hear the road noise. I highly recommend the Highlander.

  • poor transmission - 2006 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    V6 AWD automatic drives like a manual transmission driven by someone who doesnt know how to shift. Toyota says all is within specifications and transmission will "learn" how I drive. Hasnt yet. Hesitation, overreving, underreving, hard shifting. Console area leaves a lot to be desired. Not enough spaces to put things. Speedometer should only go to 110mph; half of it is never used. Lumbar support is nice. Vehicle has a good amount of room. Wouldnt buy again.

  • Love Toyota! - 2006 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    I previously drove a minivan and wanted to downsize as well as switch to a SUV. After researching online and test driving for months, I finally decided on the Highlander. I love that it drives like a car, not a truck. It handles extremely well and has great pickup. Im currently getting about 20 mpg in the city which is more than what is advertised. So far, couldnt be happier with my decision. The one thing I do not like is that it does not have automatic door locks. This would be a great safety feature at very minimal (or no) cost.

  • Almost there - 2006 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    I bought a 2006 Toyota Highlander in July. It was a good purchase but a little more than I could afford - dealers have a way of making you spend more than you should. I love the color and the smell of the car although I bought it used with only 8700 miles. The ride is good but a little noisy - it may be wind noise when the windows are down. Gas mileage seems pretty good but not as good as I was promised. I drive mostly in the city and get about 19 to 20 miles to the gallon. I have a large family and needed the extra seating. The rear seat is a little cramped for my older ones but it is OK for my younger kids. I hope this is a reliable car.

  • 2006 Highlander - 2006 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    A thoroughly solid, reliable and dependable SUV. Have owned for 7 months with no problems at all. My 4th Toyota. All have been exceptionally reliable, if not sexy. Basically, the Highlander is as advertised. It is not luxurious, nor exceptionally sexy looking. Its performance is vanilla. However, it does everything well and is a versatile vehicle. A bit disappointed with overall mileage and seats could have more support for longer drives. Engine (V6) is rated as 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. I do very little city driving and my mileage averages about 20 mpg. Highway, about 22 mpg.

  • Best SUV for small family - 2006 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    We have 3 dogs and one baby. I have had a few suvs (Ford Explorer, Chevy Trailblazer, Jeep Cheerokee, and Toyota Highlander) and this one is the best all around. We got the 4 cyl. for better gas milage and it is great. We live in the burbs and have no need for a 4x4 but want the flexibility of an suv. This is by far the best suv out there, we test drove the pilot and loved it, but kept coming back to the highlander and have never looked back. Great, great fun little suv!

  • Missing refinement - 2006 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    Solid but plain-Jane SUV. Excellent power train. Comfortable interior. Good layout of instruments and controls. However, it is missing on refinements in the interior. Leather is thin and cheap, wrinkles easily. Hard to clean. Dashboard finish is thin and flakes off if even nicked. Radio antenna is weak and causes poor reception. Too many functions on light and wiper pods, which are unlit and hard to work at night. Cannot see instrument cluster even in daylight conditions. My first Toyota and Im disappointed with the overall chintziness of interior finishes.

Toyota Highlander Reviews By Year:
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