Used 2005 Toyota Highlander SUV Consumer Reviews

My 2005 Toyota Highlander was my first car, and the best one I could’ve gotten! It has an amazing turning radius, sound system, climate control, etc. I could not say enough good things about this car! It looks like a big SUV but drives like a sedan. Braking and accelerating were not too sensitive but not too sluggish either. It was incredibly safe, and has almost no blind spots. If you are looking for a first car or just an older car that holds its value, this is the car.

I bought this new in 2005 and now have 65k trouble-free miles on it. After 3 Explorers, it has been very nice not to have to meet on a regular basis with the service writer for a change. 4-cyl is strong enough and gives 20 mpg around town, 25 hwy. Only problem was with original Toyo tires – at 29k they looked great but couldn’t keep the vehicle on the road in FL summer rains. New Michelin LTs solved that problem. Only costs have been oil changes, filter changes, and a new battery. Very satisfied.

135K miles.
Bought 8/04.
Most options, 3rd row. V6, 3.3, AWD.
I’ve had big 3, BMW (3), Volvo (2), Jag V12 sedan, Audi and this is the best of them all in terms of overall satisfaction.
I can find small design grips like the vague sunroof switch, tight 3 row seat, but very little problems and outstanding reliability.
Orig. Bridgestones 50K.
Rear brakes 60K.
Front brakes 130K ! All lamps except highs original.
High beams 120K.
Tow a 2,000 lb travel trailer cross 3,000 miles averaging 20.5mpg. Mileage town 18, highway 23.
No leaks, amazing tranny, great power, tows trailer beautifully (after easy lift).
One problem.
At 50K rear bushing worn.
Probably do to trailer towing.

I just love my 2005 Highlander. So much so that we cant seem to find a reason to replace it. I bought it used in 2006 with 20k miles and have added 90k+ miles. Getting an average of 25 on highway and about 20 in the city for a v6 is terrific.
I have so many memories in this car – we have done lots of roadtrips.

Besides the standard 90k maintenance to replace the belts, pump etc. and regular 5k mile maintenance, i have had 1 issue – the fuel cap needed replacing at 108k miles.

I guess we will wait another 2 years and then replace it around 150k with either a Lexus Rx or another highlander!

My 2005 Toyota Highlander is great, it is easy to get 25 miles to the gallon, and it is more socially appropriate considering my kid is going to high school compared to any minivan. Has over 100,000 miles on the odo and has the same comfort as my family friends’ Lexus RX!

Personally am going to buy the newer hybrid version due to huge numbr of miles on car.

I bought this Highlander brand new, and it has performed absolutely perfectly for 5+ years. I replaced a headlight last year, otherwise perfect. Very comfortable to drive, quiet on the highway, zero build defects, the V6 is adequate if not a neck-snapper, but with very good fuel economy (27 on the highway, 21 around town). The styling is a bit bland, but as an engineer I appreciate how well it is built. I have owned several Hondas and Toyotas, and both have been exteremly good. But when I replace this Highlander, I certainly drive a new Highlander first.

My wife and I had a 2004 FWD 4cyl Highlander for over 8 years. Ran and performed fantastic the whole time. Gave it to a family member with a need for 3rd row seating. Just bought a used 2005 Highlander with the 3.3 V-6. Just as nice, just as dependable. These Highlanders are clean basic SUV’s with an outstanding service and dependability rating. The ones I have owned have been more base model type units, and we were not looking for lots of bells and whistles.

Researched SUVs extensively and picked this one b/c it drives like a car. The camry base makes it a much smoother ride than most SUVs. Gas mileage is great for SUV (better than our 2000 VW Jetta). Plus trunk area is great for moving large items (larger than Lexus RX 330). Two complaints: 1) Toyota does not give oil changes included in warranty and 2) What’s with the 15 cup holders in the car?? You’d think camels designed interior. Maybe Toyota runs a sweat shop for their designers and all they could think about was water. So for the rare case you want to buy 15 Cokes (or Pepsis) in one sitting, you at least will have a place for all of them. Overall: Highly recommended.

I have 169K miles on my toyota. Still rounds great. Only change oil and filters, belts. I get 21city and 24hwy MPG. Great car very reliable. Use good tires and the ride is even smoother. Only defect I see is some clanking noise coming from front suspension. No mechanic could fix it. So I drive with it,

My mom got this car in 2005 and I was 3 or 4 years old I kind of grew up in this car . Is incredibly reliable we come and go on far trips and not once has it failed during our journey. It’s a fun car maybe improvement in the road noise. Love love , love it I hope one day to buy a new highlander yes I totally recommend this SUV I would cry if we ever get rid of it , it was like a family member to us . I hope you buy a Highlander as I hope you will have great times with it as we are having with ours. 13 years and our highlander is still running PERFECTLY!