4 Star Reviews for 2004 Toyota Highlander

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 31 through 40 of 270.00
  • Pretty Nice Vehicle - 2004 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    Had A 02 Nissan truck which rattled and the dealer couldnt find the problem so sold it and bought a Highlander. Nice ride and pretty comfortable. Had my Highlander for a year now. The Transmission gets twitchy once and a while. Had a few rattles but the dealer has been great helping me resolve them. The factory Toyo tires wore out quick. Put Michilen on, they ride nicer and quieter for $500. Overall though a pretty nice vehicle.

  • No Complaints - 2004 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    My 2004 Highlander has 170,000 miles on it, is running strong, and not one problem This vehicle has served me well. Only general maintenance like fluid flushes, filter replacements and tire replacements.

  • 2004 Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    As a first time Toyota buyer, I was very impressed with the Highlander. It replaced a 02 Santa Fe and cost about 60% more, but was worth it. The car is still very new, but after taking it on a cross-country cruise, I am impressed by the comfortable seats and secure ride. The Highlander handles the freeway as well as windy back country roads. Didnt take it off road yet. The only real issue I have is that the moon roof control takes too much concentration to get the glass closed properly. Otherwise, it is a fantastic vehicle, with plenty of power and secure handling. Gas mileage is poor- only 20 MPG freeway.

  • Good, but rattles a lot... - 2004 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    I bought the Highlander thinking that Toyota is the venerable brand. The vehicle had good build quality, the panels were very closely aligned with no obvious spacing, however, the big issue was that within 20,000 miles, I heard lots of rattles. Those rattles were coming from all over the vehicle. I felt that paying so much for Toyota made me feel like driving in a tin box, everything in the vehicle looked flimsy and about to break.

  • Good and irritants of a used Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    I bought a used 6 cy Higlander w 55 K miles - now have 75 K. I like the accelleration, power to pass & cruise at max highway speed, solid highway handling in the Kansas wind and great visibility. The 4wd has proven fabulous in rain, snow and ice. 3 irritants: Major irritant with the ABS/TPM, 2 times Toy. dealer rotated tires recommended every 10K. Takes 2 to 3 trips back to dealer to get it reset without coming on at fist big bump. The reset works but lasts until next bump/dip. Loose nut/broke wire on fan switch was surprise - $$$Ouch to fix. See internet for that problem. MPG is OK but less than I thought at just 21 at 65 mph. Im glad I got the 3rd row seat but grandkids struggle to enter

  • Bought Too Soon - 2004 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    Only had the vehicle for two days. Thought I really wanted one...did the homework...but I am VERY DISAPPOINTED. The vehicle is too LOUD, and dont open the back windows...youll lose your ear drums...ride is ok...it feels "loose" to me ...the engine ticks and sound "old" ...the leather seats up front are totally uncomfortable...my neck hurts. Its too small up front..no place to put cell, purse, etc. Ill keep it until its okay to trade unless the dealer will take it back (HA HA!!) or anyone out there will buy it for the high end $32+ I paid ( contact me)! Have had a 95 Avalon and like daughters 97 Camry ride better.

  • disappointed - 2004 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    This is our fourth Toyota. We are pleased overall with the Highlander. However, we are having problems with the alignment. Currently, have 23,000 miles. The 6yr/100,000 mile tires are experiencing unusual wear due to back wheel mis-alignment. These tires require rotation and balancing ever 6000 miles(our dealer charges $49.50). To this point the dealer is not standing behind the warranty for alignment.

  • Good, but need better mileage &visabilit - 2004 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    Love Love Love the Highlander, but I have noticed when changing lanes, visability on the side is impaired, hate hate the mileage, seem to be putting more and more gas in it than my 1999 camry, can anything be done, otherwise, great vehicle, good family car

  • Great car! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    I love this car- SUV! I have had no porblems at all with 50,000 miles so far. Great storage, love the third seat option, and great visibility. I once had a "neck problem" and most SUVs were too "trucky"- not the Highlander- drives like a real car. Great in the snow! The only little annoying thing is that the tire pressure sensor light comes on (on the dashboard) and has to be reset frequently.

  • Nice ride - 2004 Toyota Highlander
    By -

    The perfect second car as an addition to our family minivan. Even with the 4cyl engine has enough get up and go to merge and pass even on hills. When you gun it, it will shift hard, but it gets the job done. Under the regular normal driving conditions, the shifting is fine. Our base model is really well equipped and comfortable. Toyota has covered all the bases with creature comforts like cup holders, lighting and power outlets. Storage area is great. We can get the family of 4, luggage and a couple of bikes in the vehicle with no problems. Highlander is a great option if you want a little more room, and a Camry ride without going to a monser size SUV.

Toyota Highlander Reviews By Year:
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