2008 Toyota Highlander

roho1

What Toyota hasn't sold like hotcakes? It isn't even out yet and your discounting it. I'm not happy with the redesign either, but looks aren't everything to some. This is a vastly improved model over the existing HL and once people get to see the real thing and drive it I'm sure it will sell fine.

blufz1

RAV 4 vs. CRV and 2008 Highlander vs. Pilot/MDX.

nippononly

"Borderline too small engine for new size and weight"

So the new and very popular Outlook and Acadia, with 500-1000 more pounds in weight and the same power from it's V-6 of almost the same size, is what then?

The new HL's fuel economy, while it will probably be disappointing, will be solidly midpack or better, I am thinking.

It hits most of the right buttons, so I think it will sell just as well as the current model. Styling is of course subjective, so some will like it and others won't. "Pregnant RAV4" seems to sum it up pretty well for me though.

blufz1

I just like a better torque to weight ratio. Outlook and Acadia? Popular with whom?

bamacar

Surprisingly, all the magazine reviews have been glowing for the GM crossovers, and it appears sales are off to a hot start.

kdhspyder

GM has come out with two winners in this crossover segment. Unfortunately both are being sold by two of the smaller distribution units, GMC and Saturn. Getting warm bodies in the door to look at the new offerings is GM's biggest challenge.

Consider what they are offering though. Both are significantly larger than the 4Runner or Pilot or Edge or Trailblazer or Envoy and certainly Highlander with 'relatively' comfortable seating for up to 8. The 'way-back' passengers don't have to young enough and nimble enough to hop over the 2nd row. The vehicles are heavier than the Highlander and the Pilot but the engines are competitive and the fuel economy is better than both Asian models.

If GM can market these correctly and somehow get bodies into the stores to drive them they may well steal sales from Sequoia-traders, Yukon-traders, Durango-traders, etc. Sequoia at 15 mpg seating 8 or an Acadia at 25 mpg seating 8? For the time being GM has this subsegment all to itself.

roho1

I'm not sure I understand the reason for the post. Most HL owners here are unhappy the new 08 HL is larger. So why would we be interested in an even larger vehicle made by GM? I certainly an not interested in an 8 passenger vehicle, don't they make vans for that?

bamacar

See #570 above; we were just answering the question.

mtairyordge

Not sure how many of you have actually driven the Acadia/Outlook, I took the family and climbed all over it. I went on an extended 1hr test drive and thought that this was going to replace my 04 HL. But when we started talking with the dealer and found out that there is no Bluetooth I had to back off.

I cannot understand for the life of me why GM chose to be so rigid. I do not need another Verizon phone and I don't want to pay .20/minute for OnStar.

I will wait and see what Toyota and Honda do with the HL and Pilot. Or I can just go and get the MDX ---at least it has a killer sound system and Bluetooth.

blufz1

They are 200 inches long! The 2008 HL is 188 I think. The only thing 200 inches long going in my garage is a bass boat.

kdhspyder

Since GM has gotten out of the minivan business the lambda's have replaced that vehicle segment. For GM buyers needing 7+ passenger room it's the lambda's. Toyota and Honda have their very successful minivans to serve those buyers.

pablox

If you compare the new HL's engine to any competitor, it's essentially the same size and beats many for hp and torque. The Pilot, CX9 and Veracruz are the main competition and they all have similar ratings. Even the MDX doesn't have a big lead in power.

Personally, I hope the '08 Highlander does have big discounts because I'll probably buy one later this year. Looking at the competition, I'm not ready to buy a GM product so the Outlook is out. The Pilot is really dated. The CX9 just didn't do it for me and I'm not convinced on the reliability of Mazdas with Ford engines. The Veracruz isn't bad but the seats weren't comfortable and they're too pricy for a Hyundai.

The HL may not be beautiful but it's a good size for what I need, tows 5000lbs which will be useful for me, the rear glass opens which is really handy for Home Depot runs and it will probably be the most reliable of any I've mentioned here. Also, the interior quality looks quite good.

So does anyone have pricing information on the '08? Anyone know when that will be available?

blufz1

I think the new Pilot will be 3.7 liters for more torque. Big torque is coming in the form of diesels from Honda and Toyota. You know Toyota will compete w Honda in the Diesel arena but Toyota is keeping Diesel info "close to the chest."

kdhspyder

Official pricing usually doesn't come out until right at the time of launch..Aug let's say.

Usually Toyota doesn't change the MSRP's that much when they switch over to a new model. What happens is that they put more into the new models and go back to MSRP with no rebates ( for a while ).

Since they're dropping the 4c 6910's I'd guess the base model 3.5L V6 2WD will start around $28500 without sunroof...ending at about $36000 for a 4WD Ltd, No Navi, or $37500 w/ Navi, BT, 440 watt JBL.

blufz1

They always seem to cost slightly more than the competing Honda. Odd,because every time I drive a Toyota,I come away thinking that the Hondas seem more refined and better built.

roho1

That is odd, because I just test drove a new CRV. I like it a lot, no silly third row seat, spare inside, cost is lower. I didn't perceive any more refinement but the ride is not as solid as my HL mainly because of the shorter wheelbase. I think I can live with it because it comes with a much better mpg. I don't like dealing with Honda sales men though, they seem to have a take it or leave it attitude.

jbollt

If you don't have a problem wuth the higher road noise, Hondas are great vehicles. I just find, when comparison shopping Toyotas vs Honda, the shopped Honda is always noiser on the road then the shopped Toyota.

And, Consumer Reports always says "road noise is pronounced" in their comments on almost every Honda.

blufz1

The Hondas just seem "alive" to drive while the Toyotas seem "dead" to drive to me. Just my 02.

blufz1

I agree,the Hondas do have more road noise. I replaced my oem Michelins at 47k w/some goodyear comfort treads and they are quieter,smoother,more comfortable than the oem michelins.

gasman1

I don't like dealing with Honda sales men though, they seem to have a take it or leave it attitude.

I've found that same attitude every time I've ever shopped a Honda (KS, VA, IA). That may be the primary reason why I've never owned a Honda. The others being the road noise and the size of the current Pilot being larger than the current HL.

brutus22

Making the generalization that Honda sales people are difficult to deal with is ridiculous. Sales people across all the different lines can be difficult no matter the brand, except from what I have heard Saturn. It is more a combination of the philosophy of the dealership and its owner and the sales person himself/herself. This is the case in other sales areas, whether it be consumer electronics to buying houses.

For example the local Toyota dealership where I live was not pleasant to deal as stuck up as possible, whereas the Honda dealership was great they had a great sales structure, very relaxed and in turn the sales guy was relaxed. Had an awesome sales guy at the VW dealership in one town up here and the next town over the VW dealership was not great. Had a great experience with the Acura TSX that I bought from a Boston area dealer as opposed to another Acura dealer that was in fact closer to me in NH did not buy from them obviously. My best friend had a great experience in one Audi dealership whereas another was not great, his wife had an excellent experience in her local Honda dealership. My other close friend who recently bought a Toyota Sienna found some Toyota dealerships were non-communicative and sneaky about his trade in, and he shopped a lot of dealers. He was close to buying the Honda Minivan at one dealership they treated him right but did not have the same deals that Toyota was pushing on the Sienna so he found a decent sales guy to deal with at another Toyota dealership.

Personally I find the best way to buy a car is narrow down some cars you interested in something like 3-4, test drive them, research them, then purchase your car online. Simple as that best experience I ever had with a car purchase.

B.

blufz1

Down here in Dallas the Honda dealers seem a cut above the toyota dealers. The toyota dealers seem more desperate to make a deal.

roho1

Thanks for your opinion, but my comment on Honda stands. I have owned a Honda and dealt with several Honda dealers in different states along with many other brands of vehicles over the last 45 years. At least my opinion is based on actual experience unlike your hearsay of Saturn.
When the original CRV came out Honda kept them in short supply, so every dealer had a waiting list. One dealer even required you put a $500 deposit down just to get on the waiting list. I bought a Toyota.

brutus22

So everything I wrote is heresay...I guess you missed a whole paragraph, but whatever. And as for Saturn that is a general opinion that I have heard...question it if you like, but I guess you are one of the very few that has not heard of Saturn's positive approach to sales.

Good luck blaming an entire group and dismissing other peoples experiences but oh well, I wish you luck with that.

B.

roho1

You missed my point or don't read well. You called my comment ridiculous then referred to Saturn as an example. My comment back to you wasn't about Saturn specifically but to the fact that you used it to blast me despite the fact you have never dealt with them. I was relating my real experience with Honda.

Stop making assumptions and general accusations because I have in fact been to a Saturn dealer and dealt with them and heard their whole sales pitch. If you have had a good experience with a Honda dealer that's great, just respect my opinion also.

brutus22

Wait I made reference to several brands and backed it up with personal experience, not sure how you missed all of that. Me make accusations your kidding right, I simply stated facts. I was not trying to attack anyone just stating that every brand has its issues from Honda to Toyota and between.

Anyhow not worth getting into a pissing match, I made my point and you disagreed, simple as that.

Back on topic, any word on the release of the Hybrid version.

B.

lwolf99

Hello. My family has been looking at several crossover vehicles - Ford Edge, Mazda CX9, Nisson Murano, Subaru Tribeca, etc. I really want our new vehicle to have both Bluetooth connectivity and an iPod interface. I really can't imagine puchasing a new $40,000 vehicle without both of these features.

Does anyone know if the upcoming 2008 Toyota Highlander is supposed to have Bluetooth connectivity or an iPod interface? The salesman at our local dealership did not have any information.

verdugo

Yes, it will have Bluetooth (http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/future/highlander.html). No idea about iPod, but I'd be very surprised if it doesn't offer at least an AUX jack.

pablox

It will have both an aux in jack and the CD changer will play MP3 encoded CD's. Check the pictures at leftlanenews.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/wp-content/plugins/iimage-gallery.php?idpost=4772&id- g=1&idi=2

juliana_1

I just sold my SUV and would love to lease the new Highlander. Toyota website says coming summer 2008, I'm wondering if anyone has an actual release date.
Thank you

eddiee

I can see from the pictures that the new Highlanders will not come with side moldings. It appears that some head designer (I should say knucklehead) has decided that they don't look nice. All the new Camry, Avalon and Lexus seem to have the same "improvement" as well. Since I can't avoid parking lots, I personally would never buy a vehicle without them. My coworker bought a nice new Avalon and the doors were beat to hell in a week. My 2002 Highlander has substantial side moldings which provide a lot of protection. The dealer may have "stick ons" available but they would probably not be color matched and will probably peel off.
It's a shame that fuctionality is taking a back seat to style.
To me, the new Highlanders don't "look" that bad without the moldings but I think that the rest of the passanger product line now has a whale-like appearance, without side moldings.

jbollt

"...All the new Camry, Avalon and Lexus seem to have the same "improvement" as well..."

My 2007 Camry came (from the factory or Port) with color matched body side moldings. They were included on the window sticker for about $199, I think. My frined's 2007 Camry didn't have them, and they were able to order them from the parts dept (color matched) for cheap install by the dealer.

Perhaps, as we only see pre-production pix of the new Highlander so far, this will also be the case. This allows those who dont like the look without the moldings, to get the car that way, and those who do like the moldings,(me) to "have it your way."

Edit: My bro-in-law bought a 2006 Avalon, and also had the matching moldings added by the dealer.

peterk9

I was just browsing this site when I came across your statement, "I don't like dealing with Honda sales men though, they seem to have a take it or leave it attitude." Funny thing, I'm on my second Highlander just because of what you stated. Back in early '02 I went to a Honda dealer and asked him how much of a discount I could expect without a trade. His answer was, "Not much." As we spoke I got the same impression that you stated. As well he all but came out and said that if you don't but it, someone else will. I saw an ad for the '02 Highlander, called the dealer, asked the same question, and was told $3000! I took the '02 HL Limited and now have an '06 from the same dealer with the same discount! A friend of mine said he got the same attitude from another Honda dealer. I realize that sometimes it can be the individual that you happen to be dealing with, but this 'feeling' was conveyed to 2 different people by 2 different Honda dealerships.

sallen10

But don't you think that Honda's lack of add on packages causes the pricing model to be perceived a as take it or leave it? Isn't it really like a Saturn pricing model? Afterall, if Toyota can discount an HL for 3k and still make money, do you really think that Honda is making the same 3k plus?

peterk9

I just received an email back from my salesman about the moldings. He did say that Toyota has colour matched, permanent, non peel moldings available for the new Camry and other models for those that come without from the factory. Looking at the new HL, it may be a tricky thing to add on the molding given the fender flares. The 4Runner is also somewhat similar but has a distinct ridge along which the moldings can run. It doesn't look as straight forward on the new HL. :confuse:

insideline1

Did anybody notice the 3rd row seat in all the pictures I have come across is not split. A split 3rd row seat like the one in the Pilot and many other SUV's is a very useful feature. I rented a Ford explorer SUV over Christmas that had one, it was very useful to fold half of the 3rd row to haul luggage and at the same time use the other half for a passenger. The space behind the 3rd row is often limited. Has anybody else noticed that the 3rd row is not split ?

cubssoxs

Has anyone heard yet how much the 2008 highlander will cost when it debuts this summer?

Is is going to be around the same price as the current model?

vinijin

I have seen 2007 highlander with 3rd row seating. The leg space in 3rd row is very small, only a kid can sit there.
Does anyone know if Toyota has increased 3rd row seating space since the total length is increased

simagic

Does anyone have a link to information as to what will be available in the 3 different models, from the "base" to the "limited". Ya know, the bells and whistles stuff.
Tire pressure monitors, rain sensing wipers, turn signals on the sideview mirrors, heated mirrors, automatic turn off headlights, auto dimming mirrors, tire sizes, telescoping steering wheel, etc., etc., etc.

mtairyordge

Can't rememeber were but I say some dimensions that indicated it was going to be similar to the Honda Pilot. If you are interested in a people mover check out the GMC Acadia or Saturn Outlook.

I test drove them and they are family freindly with LOTS OF ROOM in the 2nd and 3rd row seats.

chelentano

> My family has been looking at several crossover vehicles - Ford Edge, Mazda CX9, Nisson Murano, Subaru Tribeca, etc. I really want our new vehicle to have both Bluetooth connectivity and an iPod interface. I really can't imagine puchasing a new $40,000 vehicle without both of these features.

You don't have to spend $40,000 to get these features. Did you have a chance to check out Mitsubishi Outlander? It has both bluetooth, ipod jack and mp3 CD player. With navigation package you also get 30GB mp3 music server and mp3 capable DVD palyer.

Other features: V6, 6 speed shiftable automatic transmission + paddle shifters, 18" tires, handling, 10/100 warranty, 5 years roadside asst., split lift gate, FastKey, keyless ignition, tiny third row seat w/airbags, odor absorbing interior, aluminum roof, LED rear lights, speed sensitive volume control, roof rails, standard gasoline, climate control, ABS, brake assist, skid control, traction control, AWD, leather interior, HID xenon lights, heated power front seats, power sun roof, premium Rokford Fosgate stereo with 10" subwoofer and 650 watt amp, Sirius radio.

You can get loaded Outlander for only under $28K.

http://www.autoweb.com/content/shared/articles/templates/index.cfm/article_page_- - - order_int/3/article_id_int/2128

brutus22

Hey,

Ok I would really love to get an AWD Hybrid family type vehicle (3rd row) and this one right now is it, it just kills me. So I pushed myself to really look at it styling wise, take some time to challenge my initial thoughts, because it does offer that one unique attribute I want/need. I just can't get into the styling...this of course is always subjective, but I don't like it. from the front end to the profile and the rear which reminds me sort of a 4 runner I guess. I find the styling just poor compared to what is out there. To me even the 5 year old Honda Pilot looks better, and I think that one is just aged compared to the likes of the Saturn Outlook/GMC Acadia , Mazda CX-9, and Hyundai Veracruz. I have seen these all live so maybe the Highlander in real life or a different color will sway me, but I also liked these others just in pics.
I just saw the GMC Acadia in carbon metallic and damn it looked awesome...I have never bought an American car but after sitting in those GM twins I was really impressed as I typically can't stand GM/FORD/Chrysler interiors, finally got one done right.

Sorry for the rant, just was excited about this redesign...here is hoping the Pilot redesign we see in 9 months is much better.

B.

dbt

Toyota has posted videos on its minisite on the Highlander:
08 TL site

What I liked: you can pull one cord to fold both 3rd row headsets for folding flat; and you can fold the 2nd row seats by pulling a lever from the rear.

mtairyordge

Ok this is a small nit as nits go, but, the darned emargency brake is in the way of placing the left foot. This is especially tue of longer drives lasting multiple hours and the seats are not supportive enough.

From the interior pic I cannot see marked improvement on seats and just cant tell about emergency brake. Anyone know?

alpha01

Wait.. how is the e-brake in the way of positioning the left foot?

~alpha

simagic

On some of the close-up pictures of the shifter, it shows a P (for park)......an R (for reverse)....an N (for neutral)...a D (for drive)...but what's th "B" below the D....????????????/

bamacar

On the Toyota hybrids, it (B) is used for engine braking on long downhill stretches.

mtairyordge

There is a foot rest plate on the left side that sits inback of the ebrake. If I place my foot on it the ebrake rest/digs into my left ankle/area infront.

Annoying and uncomfortable. I saw on the 08 pics that it is still there, I can only hope that it got moved some.

simagic

Does anyone have any links or more information about what types of bells and whistles will be offered in the new Highlander.

drfill

Whenever I show a Rav4, and show how easily the 2nd row folds from the tailgate, people are like "Damn!"

I fully expect the HL to have it as good, and there to be no real discounts for 2007.

Hopefully, the new V6 feels as smooth and strong as the Hybrid's engine, which I tested today. Sweet!

Somebody was comparing CR-Vs to HL before. They are Rav4 competitors.

If you want no V6, a smaller interior, a 3-step folding 2nd row, and fewer safety features, please, get the Honda!

DrFill