2008 Toyota Highlander Consumer Reviews

Very Happy With Purchase

Written by: Jim S on 11/02/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Highlander Limited 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I've only been driving the Highlander for about a month, but so far I'm very happy with it. I'm amazed at how good the gas mileage is, especially considering how much power it has. Even better gas mileage than the 05 Highlander that I traded. I bought the 2 wheel drive model not only to save money, but also because its better on gas, and requires less maintenance than the 4 wheel drive model. My only real complaint is the 55 series 19" tires that come standard on the Limited model. The 19" wheels look great, but one good look at the Bridgestones tell you that they're not well suited for snow or ice. I've already purchased 4 Blizzaks and alloy wheels for the winter months.

Favorite Features

Much more leg room than the old model. Great engine and smooth shifting transmission. Quiet ride. Very good gas mileage. Bluetooth. Back-up camera. JBL sound system. Power lift gate. Push button start. Three way climate control. Heated front seats.

Suggested Improvements

Make 19" wheels optional on all models due to the fact that the 245-55-19 Bridgestones aren't well suited for snow and ice even on the 4 wheel drive model. Body side molding to protect sides of vehicle. Factory installed XM radio instead of being a dealer installed option.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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No Buyer Remorse

Written by: Dave on 10/31/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I traded in 2007 Toyota Prius with 24,000 miles and purchased new 2008 Base Highlander with max out options. We got great gas mileage on Prius avg on 24,000 miles was 45 MPG. Great car just not the car I wanted to drive in the winter in CO. We have driven the Highlander only 3,279 miles 80% city 20% highway. Average 19.9 MPG. High of 25.6 in the mountains and highway and low of 17.7 in city. This a average 16 tanks of gas. That is 165 gal of gas on 3,279 miles driven or 19.9 MPG. I'm happy having much more extensive comfort and control on snow covered roads in the winter. (No Buyers Remorse.)

Favorite Features

The placement of instrument cluster speedometer, tachometer, water temperature and fuel gauge meters: LCD odometer and twin tripmeters. Auxiliary auto jack. Power tilt/slide moonroof with shade. Illuminate soft blue light over center console and cup holders in front seat. Star safety system

Suggested Improvements

Split bench in third row seat. Smart memory for driver seat. Base model should have as standard option outside temp and avg fuel and trip info.

179 out 180 people found this review helpful

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Best Car Ever Owned

Written by: S-port U-tility on 10/31/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I owned everything from rice-cookers, german sedans, 911s and F350s and this 2008 Highlander is the best blend of utility, speed and comfort in any car I've driven. Needing 5000lb towing for smaller farm duties, grinding out daily one-hour commutes with speed and good gas mileage (18.8-21.0 depending on driving style) and great 2nd row passenger leg and head room (I'm 6-2) no one in the family is complaining. Bought the Base AWD. Added leather and tow hitch. Still almost too nice for utility work. Toyotas should hold up quality-wise. If it does, this one will be with me until one of us take a rest!

Favorite Features

Passing-power, 5000lbs tow capacity, interior space 2nd row, usable 3rd row for light traveling, new body-style compared to 4-Runner, gas mileage (you will get at least 17mpg if you really pound it). Low cost of maintenance.

Suggested Improvements

Add exterior thermo gauge inside the instrument cluster. Get rid of the film that builds fairly quickly on the inside of the front windshield (as is the case for other Toyotas I've owned). Delete the forced use of the A/C when the fan switch is in any of the defrost settings. Better roof material.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Drive it for yourself and see

Written by: Happy Toyota Owner on 10/15/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Highlander Sport 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

It took a while for us to drive a bunch of the SUVs closely resembling the Highlander. Before test driving several vehicles I had already sold myself on an Acadia. After the test drive the obvious winners were the 2009 Pilot and Toyota Highlander. We had looked at the Highlander a couple of years back but it was smaller and the dash was just plain ugly. The new redesign and the plush drive just did us both in. The Pilot would have offered a little more room but the dash looks like its made out of cheap plastic, and unless you get the all black interior the two tone effect was not very appealing to us. We have a family of 4 so we can leave the third row down and use when needed.

Favorite Features

Look and feel of dash (not a fan of wood so we opted for the Sport model), actual usable 3rd row, MPG in HWY is actually as advertised or higher - got 27-28 on 1300 Mile drive back home from the state where I picked it up, Power Lift Gate, rear view camera. Overall it exceeds our expectations.

Suggested Improvements

Nicer Xenon headlights, make it a little wider so that you can lay a 4x8 sheet flat in the rear like you can on the Pilot, automatic folding mirrors, split 3rd row.

12 out 15 people found this review helpful

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Love it

Written by: TC on 10/04/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Highlander Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Toyota had it all with new style, kids love it (16, 14, and 9 years old), very Lexus feeling. Not perfect but does really well across the board, will hold its value.

Favorite Features

Technology, ease of ingress/egress, styling, tow 5k lbs, getting about 20 mpg in mixed driving, quiet, responsive, so comfortable, wife loves it.

Suggested Improvements

Split 3rd row seat, memory settings for driver's seat, some trim plastics should at least look like they were not mass produced in a plastics factory, portable nav systems are almost as good as factory, save your $2k and find a TomTom or Garmin at Costco

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Love Our Highlander Sport!

Written by: Sally on 09/29/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Highlander Sport 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

We really enjoy driving our '08 Highlander. We are retired, so don't drive to work or school, & have very low mileage since we bought it after Thanksgiving 2007. It is so quiet you get up to speed fast! Response is great and shifting is very smooth. We got the Sport with 2-row seating, and love the generous cargo space in back with storage compartments below and tonneau cover above. Had no trouble getting a 37" LCD TV box into it with one 2nd row split seat down, and the other seat propping the TV upright for transporting.

Favorite Features

Very smooth shifting. Very large glove compartment. Lots of cup holders! A/C & heater work very well. Backup camera handy, except in bright sunlight when it's hard to see the screen.

Suggested Improvements

The 2007 model front console had storage room underneath for a purse. Miss that feature & have to put my large purse in the back seat (or back floor) with a passenger in front.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Excellent SUV

Written by: AGB on 09/12/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Highlander Sport 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I've had the truck for about a month & am very satisfied. I traded in a Lexus ES 350 because I needed something bigger with 4 wheel drive. The Highlander has many of the same features (engine, great stereo, bluetooth, etc) & possesses the same quality Toyota fit & finish. Gas mileage is decent as well, much better than some of the full size beasts out on the road today.

Favorite Features

Smooth powerful engine, Bluetooth, JBL sound system.

Suggested Improvements

Have a one touch up/down control for passenger window.

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Better than my 2004 Highlander

Written by: Zak on 08/27/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Bigger than my 2004 Highlander, & more room. Engine is more powerful but have noticed worse fuel economy than my 2004. Very quiet easy driving, but view out the back is much worse than my 2004. See comment below about the miserable head rests.

Favorite Features

Quiet soft ride, quiet powerful engine. Made in Japan

Suggested Improvements

Better fuel economy. Change head rest design. My 09 Corolla & this Highlander both have very uncomfortable headrests, making your head tilt forward all the time no matter the adjustments you make. I miss my 2004's head rests.

16 out 17 people found this review helpful

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An Awesome SUV!

Written by: Daniel K on 08/26/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Highlander Sport 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Well, I really liked our 2005 Highlander, but, this 2008 Highlander is simply awesome - really. The exceptionally smooth and quiet ride, powerful engine, and very good gas mileage for the size of the vehicle is without question class best! A recent 1500 mile road trip was the easiest and most relaxing trip I have ever experienced in over 40 years of driving. The sport package handles well, not too stiff, adding to the driving pleasure. This vehicle is the best looking SUV on the planet, lots of "stares" from other drivers. The cabin is very comfortable, controls properly positioned, adding to the driving experience. Toyota cleverly combined features of a sedan, SUV, and minivan!

Favorite Features

The sport package provides superior ride and handling. The exterior appearance-simply the best! The 440 watt JBL stereo system sounds great. The dual climate control systems (front and rear seats) works wonderful. The 19" wheels look great. Multi-function display provides handy information.

Suggested Improvements

The only thing I would suggest is to better design the satellite radio antenna (presently mounted on the dash in front of the driver) and relocate it outside (on top) of the vehicle for better appearance and reception quality.

11 out 12 people found this review helpful

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Performance, Looks & Economy

Written by: Barry W on 08/20/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Highlander Sport 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Needed replacement for Windstar Van. Wanted truck to pull 21' boat. With gas reaching $4, needed economy. Highlander was the only vehicle with 5000 lb towing package and good economy. Have almost 1000 miles and have not gotten less than 20 MPG city. Have gotten 26.5 MPG on interstate with cruise on 70MPH. Selected Sport FWD. Excellent fit and finish. JBL is super. Auto rear hatch is great feature. Third row seat can accommodate adults. Love flat cargo floor. Very quiet at highway speed. Lexus quality through out

Favorite Features

Towing Package - second row adjustable seats with middle seat filler. Power tailgate. Manual gear selection. Multiple storage options, auto front and rear AC.

Suggested Improvements

Two more inches of driver seat travel. Hard to improve on perfection. Toyota has hit a home run with the 08 Highlander.

9 out 9 people found this review helpful

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