Overview & Reviews

Toyota's midsize SUV is fully redesigned for 2008. Significantly larger than the original, the 2008 Highlander features a standard V6 engine and a habitable third-row seat.

• Powerful and fuel-efficient V6, easy to maneuver for its size, user-friendly cabin design with reconfigurable second-row seats and a fully usable third row.

• Third-row seat folds as a single unit rather than in 50/50 sections.

User Reviews:

Showing 141 through 150 of 233.00

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  Tires Revisited - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Joe - December 16 - 8:56 am

  As noted in my January review, I replaced the snow-scary Toyo Open Country A20 tires with Yokohama 235- 55x19 Parada Spec X tires. Had to go marginally smaller than factory 245- 55x19s in order to avoid either Toyo or Bridgestone (equally bad in snow). These two are currently ONLY 245-55x19 sizes on the market. Yokos transformed winter traction from truly scary to truly amazing. Smooth, quiet, handle better too. Perhaps not as well balanced...I will have balance rechecked soon. Tread wear an unknown at this point, but I would have traded vehicle if snow traction had not improved. Cant believe Toyota still specs these tires in 10, but maybe other recalls have occupied all of their time!

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  New 08 Highlander FWD - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Dale - November 28 - 9:23 am

  Purchased the 08 Highlander FWD on Thursday. Very solid and well built vehicle, with a powerful V-6 engine and well matched 5 speed automatic. The interior is upscale and flawless. I also have a leased 05 Sienna van, and the ride is very similar. I noticed the power steering is slightly overboosted, and could give a little more effort and road feel, but that is the nature of the electrically assisted steering, as opposed to the older hydraulic power steering. As noted by others, the liftgate is on the heavy side, and requires some effort to close. My Sienna has never been back to the dealer, I do my own oil changes and brake pads (very easy), and I expect this Toyota to be as reliable.

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  Not what it used to be - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By aman12 - October 24 - 2:55 am

  You may have heard of Toyotas incredible longevity and build quality. True with the 1997 Camry. Not so for this car. Build quality is horrendous. I have to take constant trips to the dealership to get rattles fixed all over the car. The armrests on the doors kept constantly braking until I finally had them replaced with plyglass (payed for by Toyota). 80k miles- a loud whine developed in reverse. Had to get the transmission replaced. Latest problem? The trunk doesnt go up all the way. Back to Toyota to get the Hydraulic mechanism replaced. Should have payed 20k not 40

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  Great car! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Sig - October 22 - 5:26 am

  We were wanting to buy a Chevy Tahoe, since it was more plush and quieter. I could not justify the gas mileage on the larger Chevy. The Chevy lacked many refined details available in the toyota. Rear back up camera, well designed interior, and overall attention to detail compelled us to buy Toyota. I am not complaining about the gas mileage, overall its right at 21 MPG. The automatic rear hatch door is just fantastic. Althought the factory JBL speaker are ample sound for most people, I upgraded aftermarket by adding a more powerfull amp. I have also been critical of road noise. Not that its loud on the highway, but it certainly could use some improvement in insulation.

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  Worth It - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Bigchief - September 2 - 9:36 pm

  I only have owned for 2 weeks, but this vehicle has surpassed my expectations. I researched and tested Acadia and Mazda CX9, however, based on the features and looks of the Highlander, this was my choice. I am hoping the maintenance and cost of ownership of the Toyota reputation is valid with this vehicle. I have received many "thumbs-up" gestures from older Highlander drivers. I chose the Sport with a lot of extras. Would have been easier to deside if a greater selection of Highlanders were on the lot, but I am thrilled with the color and vehicle I ordered.

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  Replacement tires are hard to find - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By D.J. - August 10 - 1:23 am

  We bought our Highlander Limited 4WD over 4 months ago and it is an excellent SUV. The only thing that we have problem is that this model is equipped with Toyo Open Country A 20 P245/55R19 103S tires which are almost impossible to find. We got two flat tires while parked at a garage a few weeks ago - one tire is repairable and the other one isnt since the nail is near the sidewall. No tire center has this specific tire in stock. One tire center quoted us $230 per tire while the dealer quoted us $300. Other than that, the whole family loves this new SUV.

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  Driving Experience - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By aquiah2000 - August 6 - 9:26 am

  This car is a car of the 21th century. It is fun to drive. It accelerates well with quiet interior. The interior was nicely designed with more space and features. The dashboard is perfect. The exterior is beautiful to look at compare to the previous model.

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  Best of the Bunch - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By ladydriver123 - July 24 - 9:03 am

  Just bought the Highlander Limited after a 4 month search of various SUVs. This car is awesome! Lots of space, optional captains chairs in the backseat as well as heat & a/c, backup camera, keyless ignition, and so many more extras. The powerful engine and 270hp helps make the ride very smooth, and fast. The Blizzard Pearl color w/gray interior was hard to find, but so worth it. Car has more features than the Lexus RX 350, and Toyota reliability is a given. I looked at both luxury and mid-range SUVs, and the Highlander was absolutely the best of the bunch.

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  Best Car Ever Owned - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By S-port U-tility - July 20 - 6:50 am

  I owned everything from rice-cookers, german sedans, 911s and F350s and this 2008 Highlander is the best blend of utility, speed and comfort in any car Ive driven. Needing 5000lb towing for smaller farm duties, grinding out daily one-hour commutes with speed and good gas mileage (18.8-21.0 depending on driving style) and great 2nd row passenger leg and head room (Im 6-2) no one in the family is complaining. Bought the Base AWD. Added leather and tow hitch. Still almost too nice for utility work. Toyotas should hold up quality-wise. If it does, this one will be with me until one of us take a rest!

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  Excellent highway cruiser - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By ebeaudoin - July 10 - 1:46 am

  My mother-in-law bought one of these that was a dealer demo in 2009. The Highlander is such a nice, smooth ride, and the 3.5L V6 pulls incredibly well. Ive driven this car for many miles and have always enjoyed it- excellent visibilty, smooth smooth smooth ride, strong acceleration, etc. The best I saw was 26 MPG on the highway; not bad. One thing to be careful with on this vehicle- its very easy to lose track of how fast youre going. The smooth, quiet ride doesnt communicate the fact that youre going 25 over very well :D That being said, I would own one of these. She traded it in with 50,100 miles for a 2013 Camry Hybrid XLE because she didnt need the SUV anymore. Excellent truck!