2004 Toyota Highlander Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.70/5 Average
270 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

For 2004, a larger 3.3-liter V6 replaces the 3.0-liter engine, resulting in 10 extra horsepower for a total of 230. Additionally, a fold-flat third-row seat (for two passengers) is now optional on base models and standard on the Limited. To keep the extra passengers content in back, a rear DVD entertainment system is available on Limited models. On the safety front, all Highlanders now come with an electronic stability control system and a tire-pressure warning system, while side curtain airbags for the first and second rows are optional across the board. Rounding out the changes are freshened exterior styling, new seat fabric, new instrument and door panel trim and a 5-hp boost for the base four-cylinder engine (now rated at 160).

Pros:
  • Seats up to seven, carlike ride and handling, smooth and powerful V6 engine, fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, lots of safety features.
Cons:
  • Gets expensive quickly, limited towing and off-road ability, bland personality.

User Reviews:

Showing 111 through 120 of 270.00
  • Its okay - 2004 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    Its been an ok ride. Vehicle looks good but I have been very disappointed in the gas mileage. Im not even getting 20 on the highway. It gets hard to drive on a long trip (which I do a lot of) uncomfortable seats (youll feel everything and the passenger seat does not adjust, just goes back). I get knocked around by passing trucks because its so light. You really have to hold on tight on the highway and that makes for a weary ride!The wind noise is also more evident on the highway as well. The transmission is sluggish and seems to hesitate now at 30,000 miles.

  • Couldnt be much happier - 2004 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    Im patting myself on the back for this one. What a great vehicle. A 4x4 with zip and class. I think its sharp- looking inside and out. If you dont want the rear end to look like a minivan (the Sienna, in this case) get the spoiler. Lots of thought put into every detail -- well engineered. The transmission produces a bit of lurch, but not enough to spoil the acceleration, which is fast. Solid steering and breaks. Forgiving body roll. The JBL stereo is great, but you have to adjust the equalizer a lot to optimize the sound.

  • A Honda Man No More - 2004 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    Ive had a Civic, CRV and Accord and have always been a devout owner as Hondas have always had outstanding reliability, resale value, and workmanship... After researching into the Pilot and Highlander, I chose Toyota for the first time. Heres why: For the same amount of money heres what you get that Honda doesnt give you: A power moonroof, side curtain airbags, vehicle stability and traction control, and a true 4x4 drive (Pilot has AWD up to 20 mph, then switches to front wheel which senses spin and then kicks in torque to rear wheels if needed). Toyotas reliablility, quality and resale should be as good as Hondas, from all the research Ive done.

  • 04 Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    My wife loves it! Does everything a working mom needs and looks sharp doing it. Bought it because of Toyotas reputation of quality autos.

  • FIRST TOYOTA TRUCK, 5TH TOYOTA - 2004 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    I got the base 4 cly AWD in beautiful BlueStone, one of the best colors ever made. The truck/car is great. Rides solid & handles like a car. I was unsure of the 4 cly but for an AWD truck is does its job. Its not quick & I am sure the 6 cly would be better but the 4 cly was $3,500 cheaper & the pickup is smooth & highway acceleration is normal. I also got the 4 cly because the 3 row seat in the 6 cly was so small & not very easly to get in & out of, even for a child. You have to climb on topof the back seat to get in. In the Pilot the seat moves forward & its easy access. So I did not think the 6 cly was worth it. I did add Fog Light ($300) & Rear Spolier($

  • Excellent Highway Mileage - 2004 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    This vehicle gets excellent mileage on highways. The design is functional and great for long trips. Good leg-room.

  • Highlander AWD Limited - 2004 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    Ive had my Highlander 3 months and LOVE it!

  • The once mighty Toyota - 2004 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    We were loyal to Toyota since 1989; the purchase of a Highlander has led us to BMW. We had two problems: when you opened a window or the sunroof the air pressure change was drastic; and the bass in the "premium" stereo varied from engine off and engine on. The feeling in our ears and sound from the air pressure changes was analogous to what it must feel like in a helicopter. The stereo was still very unpleasant when the bass was set at minus 5. Toyota did nothing to accomodate us. In Toyotas view, even though service tech acknowledged two problems, performance was "within specification". We never thought we would get response like this from Toyota. We no longer believe in Toyota product.

  • Awesome - 2004 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    What more can I say " I Love my Toyota".

  • We Love It - 2004 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    We traded in a 2001 Avalon for the Highlander and we love it. We have the V6 Limited All Wheel Drive. Very comfortable, well engineered and quiet. The V6 is strong enough that we dont notice a difference in performance when we have 5 people in it and a load of luggage. We have owned Toyotas since 1982 and would definitley recommend the Highlander for anyone who wants a midsize SUV that has outstanding performance and value.

Toyota Highlander Reviews By Year:
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