2004 Toyota Highlander Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

Energized by a more powerful V6, an available third-row seat and new safety features, the Highlander is again one of our top recommendations for those who need SUV utility but don't want any unnecessary bulk or fuel bills.

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.

What's New for 2004

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).

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

Amazing gas mileage for suv

Written by: 04Hldrluvit on 07/21/2008

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	10	Exterior Design:	7

Vehicle

2004 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)

Review

When I first picked this up, I knew I would be paying a lot for gas, but little did I know how great this thing was on the highway, where 95%of my driving is. With the scan gauge tool, I was getting 28 mpg at 63 mph cruise. Interior is very car like and comfortable, buttons are all huge and simple. The awd is not even noticeable. Standard stability and traction control and abs is just why Toyota is dominating domestics.

Favorite Features

V6 gas mileage for suv 28 mpg highway, 19 city. My old 3.7l Jeep couldn't even get 19 highway. Suspension is car like.

Suggested Improvements

I would say gas mileage but since Toyota does have a hybrid version, u cant complain. Better stock tires, the oem are garbage and noisy, my Michelin destiny are amazing.

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2004 Highlander

Written by: Billy on 06/15/2008


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	9	Exterior Design:	9

2004 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

I've owned Porsches, Alfas, and about 35 American vehicles. The Highlander with stability control is the best overall vehicle I have owned and driven. A quality vehicle from the paint job to the excellent performing V-6 and automatic transmission.

Stability control. AWD. AT. Gas mileage.

None

Buy the limited

Written by: John on 04/09/2008


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	10

2004 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)

This is a great vehicle. The Limited has comfy, heated leather seats, and they heat up fast. Heated mirrors. The sun roof is nice, and wind noise through it is actually worse at slower speeds. Go figure. It seems a little worse than some vehicles at that head crushing in-and-out pressure effect when just the rear windows are open. It's worse with just one rear window open. The all-wheel- drive and electronically controlled traction are a huge plus in winter. Power seat adjustments are very nice, but it's a little hard to get to the controls with the doors closed. Lumbar support actually does the job. On-wheel radio controls are intuitive while controlling different functions for radio and CD.

The size is great. The third row seat, while tiny, is nice. The six cylinder hauls hinder. The factory stereo rocks. The sense of control is really nice. You feel safe in the thing in nasty weather. It's really easy to back up, park, etc.

There aren't many little compartments for things, like jumper cables, in the back. I'm thinking a little side compartment or something back there big enough for a couple items so they're not just laying out. If the law allows, it would be nice to be able to shut the headlights off while idling.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Too many issues

Written by: mm on 01/21/2008


Performance:	6	Fun-to-Drive:	5	Build Quality:	3
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	3
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	5

Good: ride, airbags, tether, handling. Bad: quality (started rattling at 20000 miles), warranty repair, failing steering column at 31000 miles in non-demanding driving conditions (mostly flat or slightly hilly terrain). Very dissapointing experience with my 3rd Toyota.

Ride, safety, carseat anchoring.

Improve quality of the vehicle and quality of the Toyota service departments!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Quality and reliability

Written by: dudek6092 on 12/08/2007


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	10

2004 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Solid quality car with a great view of the road. Back to the dealer only for upgrades or recalls. Original tires lasted 19000 miles, replaced with Bridgestone. Exterior remains in excellent condition looks like new.

Easy entry, comfortable seating, air conditioning and heating are excellent

provide outside air temp. and compass as standard item.

2004 Toyota Highlander Consumer Ratings & Reviews