4 Star Reviews for 2008 Toyota Highlander

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.56/5 Average
233 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

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

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 233.00
  • poor tires on awd - 2008 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    Why buy an awd. The tires that come for it are junk. Only two mfg make them. The tires are very poor in the snow. See tire rack survey. Toyota told me to install chains. Why did I pay for the awd. Toyota blew it when it specked these tires. They should have gone to a size where there are more tires avail.

  • Not perfect, but pretty nice - 2008 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    This basic AWD model is almost identical in size to our 2000 Merc Mountaineer, but a little wider and way better ride. Interior fan so much quieter. Headlights much better illumination. Not as good looking or as much fun to drive as the Rav4 in my opinion, but we want to tow a 4000 lb travel trailer and the Rav wont quite do it. This Highlander has plenty of goodies as standard equipment. And 8" ground clearance, yet its easier to get in and out of than the old Mountaineer. My 52" wife is happy about that.

  • Love It! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    We love our new 2008 Highlander. We were looking at the Honda Pilot but are very glad we went with the Highlander. Gas mileage is what you would expect for an SUV of this size but better than stated by Toyota. Living in the mountains I have used the downhill assist and it worked great. We also like the ability to switch to manual shift. It will come in handy this winter. Havent used the snow button yet but will probably use it quite frequently this winter. We went with the base because the price of the additional features wasnt worth the extra money for us.

  • Good Choice - 2008 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    After researching a "family" vehicle purchase for over two months, I eventually decided on a used 2008 Toyota Highlander, 7 passenger - FWD V6. I test drove all the 2012 Dodge, Chevy, Ford alternatives. I decided on a used Highlander for the price point & TCO. No buyers remorse currently. On my first long trip I decided to test out MPGs. Half the trip I drove interstate, 75-80 MPH; MPG were between 20-21, I was disappointed. On my return trip I took an alternate route & drove 60-70 MPH; MPG were between 28-29, I was impressed. I chose a FWD in anticipation of better MPG. Power and performance of the V6 engine is great. If you can adjust your driving style, you can get 2012 MPG in a 2008.

  • safety should come first - 2008 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    My two year old V6 awd sport model Highlander with 30k HIGHWAY miles and now Im told I need new tires? I think a car costing over 38k plus would use a better and safer tire? Toyota states safety, well with these cheap TOYO tires they use I say they might want to revisit the tires they use on the Highlander. In March during our nasty rain storms here in MA. I hit a puddle and lost control on the highway did what i call a 160 even with AWD and traction on. I think the tires are failing and so soon. I love everything about this suv, and being my fourth SUV but my first Toyota. Ill be going back to my all american SUV where they use better and safer tires that gets more than 30K out of the

  • Tires on factory Toyota - 2008 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    I have owned Toyotas in the past and was very pleased. with the newer ones though I wonder? Runs great as all Toyotas, great acceleration and braking. The ride is stiff, may be that this replaced a Honda Odyssey (bad van). Seems to have more road noise than previous Toyota models. Overall at this point I would buy another Highlander.

  • Great SUV with so so fuel economy - 2008 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    This is my first toyota SUV, traded in my older Camry. A smooth and powerful V6 engine, quiet and comfortable ride, nice interior layout and romminess. excellent build quality. But strong engine vibration when cold start, eventually will gone after engine warm up. need to bring back to dealer to check up. Steering and handling are secure but not sound. Fuel economy only so so, Im conservative drive and try to lite on gas. I only get around 15 mpg mix driving. Rear door hatch is heavy to open and close. Overall is a very nice SUV with some negative.

  • Almost There - 2008 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    This is my first Toyota and I wanted an SUV with more reliabilty and better gas mileage than my 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee. This vehicle is perfect in size and the 3rd row seat is great for short trips with more than 5 adults. I like the styling and features of the LTD. However, the front seats are not padded enough to be comfortable on long trips and the gas mileage is disappointing. I have driven 3,300 miles and have average 15 mph in city driving and 19 mph on the freeway.

  • Its Just Awesome - 2008 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    This vehicle is an upgrade from my 2001 Honda Accord. I purchased my Highlander the day after New Year and i couldnt be more pleased. Bought it in NC and brought it to VA. I put the vehicle to test on Blue Ridge Parkway and gotta say that the Highlander handled the curves and the slopes gracefully. With the exception of the Blue Ridge Parkway, I am impressed with the highway mileage. At one particular stretch of 80 miles, I averaged 29.4 MPG. Unbelievable! The ride though not close to Lexus 350, still feels luxurious and safe. It sure rides like a sedan, but more comfortably.

  • Hope my love affair w/Toyota continues - 2008 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    This is my third Toyota. I started with the ever reliable Corolla that I had for 12 years and 120,000 miles until I passed it on to my niece. Then in 2001, I was one of the first to buy the newly introduced Highlander. It was an instant love affair. Ive had it for 6.5 years and it just hit 96,000 miles. It has had very minor problems or issues. I decided to upgrade to the 2008 even though the new design hasnt grown on me as quickly. I am also finding the "electronic" steering is taking some getting used to and I can really feel the changing of gears in this vehicle much more than my old highlander. I am not totally in love with my new highlander but I am hoping its just the transition.

Toyota Highlander Reviews By Year:
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