Toyota Highlander

lmacmil

In today's Chicago Tribune, the first question in Bob Weber's Motormouth column was about hesitation in a 2004 Highlander V6. Weber attributed the problem (which was not acknowledged as a problem by the dealer) to left footed braking. He claims that the throttle actuator automatically closes the throttle if brake pedal pressure is detected.

 

I have experienced this on my wife's HL but I don't find it as annoying as some here. I certainly wouldn't call it a safety problem. Slow downshifts are a common complaint in many reviews, not just Toyotas. My Olds Intrigue is slow to downshift also.

suvtime

I tested a V6 Highlander a few weeks ago and there was no third row. Keep looking they're out there at least in Canada.

openminded

I have had an 04 v6 HL for 4 months and really like it. To me, it is a good size and it gets all the jobs done. Your adult children will appreciate the back seat and there would still be room to spare in back for the beagles. No bigger than beagles though.

  The HL gives a smooth ride!

 

Good luck.

sde

The title says it all...

 

Does anyone know if the '05 Highlander has top and/or bottom LATCH connectors in the third row, and if so, are there connectors for only one carseat or two?

 

Thanks...

 

SDE

bdyment

Re: Chicago Tribune column. I would like to know how a vehicle is able to tell if I left foot brake or right foot brake.

 

I do brake with my left foot, but I always completely remove my right foot from the gas before braking. Unless Mr. Weber has a video camera under the dashboard he or the Highlander cannot tell which foot I brake with.

desertguy

"but I always completely remove my right foot from the gas before braking."

 

Ah but I think it is the other way around. i.e. your left foot is still on the brake when you try to accelerate. That is when the hesitation occurs. As I'm sure you know from following other drivers; many left foot breakers unconsciously leave their foot on the brake as they drive using it as a foot rest I would guess. Hence the flickering stop lights on and off. Drives me crazy to follow one.

petl

In many cases it's easy for a vehicle to sense a left foot brake (without a camera). Most people who apply the brake with their left foot never (or seldom) take their right foot off the accelerator (and vise-versa). When you travel behind them, the brake lights are always on or flickering (even when they accelerate). You can never tell when they are going to slow down or stop. I always keep a safe distance. It's a bad habit. The driver always runs the risk of applying pressure on both pedals at the same time (even if it's just for a split second and/or involuntarily). Chances are there is always some amount of pressure on both pedals (however light it is). Although you may be, not everyone is well co-ordinated. Also, it probably contributes to the brakes wearing out prematurely and in this case sending mixed messages to the computer system.

rpell46

When I carry luggage, it's usually either in the back seat or on the roof-rack.

 

This leaves PLENTY of room for my TWO 80lb. Labs!!

They both find the cargo area very comfortable when I lay a small rug for them. They just love the view from the hatch window!

bdyment

Yes if one has the habit of riding the brake or not removing their foot from the gas pedal then the computer could sense left foot braking, however, if you left foot brake correctly--I know drivers don't always do this correctly--then the computer is unable to sense which foot is being used.

 

Also a lot of the hesitation problems seem to happen under acceleration when the brake wouldn't be applied.

lmacmil

I'm sure he (Weber) was implying that left foot brakers often don't lift their foot off the brake when applying the gas. I think he was just speculating since he had nothing else to go on. The hesitation is real. Whether it constitutes are real problem or not is up to the driver. For me, it doesn't.

njtom

I am trying to compare 2005 AWD highlander and AWD pilot (EX-L). What options should i choose for highlander to make it comparable with pilot? (Leather, but no DVD and no navigation). Some of the options seem to be duplicate.

lmacmil

You'll want the Limited model and chances are they will all be equipped the same way in your region. You probably won't have a choice other than color.

racerx1

My 04 HL is 6-cyl AWD is not a LTD and it has leather, heated seats, and sunroof (no NAV/RES/DVD)

lmacmil

Interesting. You can't get leather/heated seats in a non-LTD version in the Chicago region.

petl

You can buy a non-limited with heated leather seats in Canada.

andre1

I had this exact same dilemna and ended up comparing the Pilot EXL-RES with the Highlander Limited with DVD entertainment. The Pilot definitely has more storage room (and the third row seat is larger), but we ended up choosing the Highlander since my wife liked the interior and exterior styling better. The one major thing I don't like about Toyota is that they make it very difficult to choose with so many options on the options list. Honda makes it much easier with just a few trim levels that contain most options. But, you can't go wrong with either vehicle.

hmurphy

I've found that although Toyota offers many options on paper, most cars on the lot in a certain region reflect about two or three different combinations of options.

 

It would be easier all around if Toyota would stop giving the impression that you can pick and choose exactly the options you want.

 

And since most people seem to prefer preset combinations, I doubt it would cause a ripple.

lmacmil

In the Chicago region (which I think is Ill, Ind, and Wisc), it's very easy to choose. Many models (e.g., LTD) are configured with only one set of options. The only thing you can pick are dealer installed options. For example, our LTD came with heated leather seats, sunroof, VSC and side curtain airbags, 3rd row seat, spoiler, and tow package. All we had to do was pick the color combo.

 

That's not too different than Honda's approach except Honda configurations are the same nationwide (in USA) but Toyota's are not.

edh

get the dealer to do a search.

we wanted a basic (not limited) hl but with side air bags.

dealer in beaufort, so carolina said there were only three in the SouthEast.

he told us where and the colors. one we liked was in Raleigh NC -200= miles away.

dealer sent someone that night and we bought it the next afternoon.

runpanther

I own a green 2001 Highlander that now has over 60K miles. Very, very pleased with its reliability and performance.

 

I do have one peeve though . . . the paint quality appears poor as small little chips on the hood are practically showing up out of nowhere. Has anyone else experienced this? Appreciate everyone's input.

snakehair

We have an '01 HL with only 28K miles on it and the hood has numerous paint chips on it. Agree it seems excessive. Other car (Accord) has much less paint damage and they are not reknown for paint sturdiness (for the lack of a better word). Don't know what to do about it. Anyone with any thoughts??

bdyment

After our 2004 received about four stone chips I touched them up the best I could, then I had my dealer install a Toyota stone shield.

 

Okay since then. However, I don't really like the looks of the stone/bug deflector and I am very hesitant to take the Highlander through an automatic car wash.

jimrob

Has anyone read or knows of the future changes coming to the 2006 Highlander?... Understand that it will be longer in size and different engine, accoring to info I am getting. Any input on 2006 Highlander and 4runners?

hmurphy

According to a source in the far north, the 2006 Highlander will have large, fuzzy antlers, cloven hooves, and a bulbous red nose.

sde

We've just bought an '05 Highlander with the auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass.

 

Does anyone know: if I mount my EZPass tag on the inside of the windshield right behind the mirror (which would be the usual location), will the close proximity of the tag to the mirror cause the compass to get screwed up?

 

Thanks,

 

SDE

nortsr1

I have mine mounted at that location on my SRX and SportTrac and it does not affect the EZ Pass and I use it daily.

sde

nortsr1,

 

I'm not sure I understand... you're saying that the compass doesn't affect the EZ Pass? I didn't think it would.

 

My question is: will the EZ Pass negatively affect the compass?

 

SDE

racerx1

I've got an EZPass behind an auto dim mirror on my Sienna LTD, no problem whatsoever.

nortsr1

Sorry, I meant to say it does not affect the compass or EZ Pass.

tscull

i am considering a v6 highlander and am wondering

what mpg owners are getting?

rpell46

The gas mileage you get really depends on how your HL is equiped. For example, my 4cyl. 4 wheel drive HL gets 15 driving ONLY in the city and 25 on the road, (in the mountains). My neighbor has a 4cyl. Front wheel drive HL that gets 18 city and 27 on the highway.

 

I can only assume a 6 cyl will deliver somewhat less. But maybe a "6-er" out there can shed some light for you.

 

Incidentally, I am not at all sorry I got the 4cyl. I am TOTALLY satisfied with the performance since I don't have a need to tow.

 

Good Luck.

590116

I've had my v6 HL since 4/2002. I've averaged 21.8 over 37,148 miles. Tend to get 23-24mpg highway and 16-17mpg city.

brightness04

Are they rock chips? Our Saab got a lot of that partly because my wife has a tendency to follow other cars tightly; the trucks can do real damage with the rocks they kick up. We got a hood protector within a month after getting the Highlander in April. The paint looks good after over 12k miles.

junepug

My overall average for a 2003 V6 FWD nonlimited with 23,000 miles is 20.3mpg. This is mostly city driving with one trip on the interstate per week.

 

On trips over the hills of Eastern KY we averaged 24.5mpg

tscull

thanks for the info on mpg. has anyone checked mpg on the 3.3 liter 6 with awd?

lmacmil

Best I've done on our 2004 AWD V6 is 22.5 on a 1500 mile mostly highway trip, speed typically 70-75. Around town mileage (lots of very short trips) is only around 15-16, even less in the winter. This is calculated. My experience with the trip computer is that it runs about 1 mpg too high.

 

Despite the mediocre mileage, I wouldn't even consider the 4 in this size vehicle.

tscull

thanks for the message on mpg of the 3.3 liter. i too

have found trip meters optimistic. i find them usually

2-3 mpg high. the 22.5 sounds ok but the 15-16 a

little expensive. i believe there is a hybrid coming

this year. maybe i'll try that before i buy.

spencer327

Just returned from 2000mile trip on east coast

on 70mph limit roads, got 24.5, on 65 mph roads 25.5. 2004 LTD V6 AWD medium grade gas.Cruise where ever possible, usually set a few mph over speed limit.

lmacmil

Unless you drive a ton of miles, you'll never make up the cost of the hybrid on increased mileage. On my next trip, I may try premium to see if the mileage improves although even if it does, it probably won't be enough to offset the higher price.

hmurphy

My solution is to avoid knowing the mpg. I just keep the setting on outside temperature.

 

It's pretty much out of my control anyway.

felt

Hi All. My ONLY disappointment with my 2001 (V6, AWD, unlimited) is the paint. Beautiful, but it scratches soooo easily, I have wondered if it has the clear coat? Very, very thin.

Over the years, I have always recorded at least 20 mpg in town, and 24 on the highway. You will find it uses more gasoline in the winter (in New Hampshire we have oxygenated fuel and it is less efficient). I do not believe premimium fuel will make any difference. So often I see people eating a burger in the car with the engine running to keep warm. That is 0 mpg.

Merry Christmas to all.

rqc

So glad we did this on our car:

 

http://www.invinca-shield.com/

 

Now we don't worry so much about rocks, love bugs, et al, and our HL looks like the day we drove it off the lot.

mickeym

Can any one tell me if the 05 Ltd has an outside temp & trip MPG on the dashboard, from reading passed posts it seems it does?

lmacmil

The '04 Ltd has these as part of the info display which also includes climate control temp setting, average MPG, instantaneous MPG, elapsed time, average speed. I'm sure the '05 has the same display.

mickeym

thanks for your response about info display lmacmil happy holidays to you

sdanders

My 2002 silver Highlander has a bunch of tiny chips on hood and front facia. I have 58K miles on it and all on roads. Paint just didn't have very good adhesion and chips easily.

michaelp1

...but have a few questions.

 

Some reviews have expressed an opinion that there is little difference between the 4 and 6 cylinder. Invoice price difference of approx. $1,700.00 would allow for a few more options. Any thoughts / comments? I'm fine without the third row option.

 

I pretty much know the options I want, but not sure about the towing prep. package - while I have no curent plans to tow, I figure that could always change so I was planning on adding that option. Any negative consequences?

 

Finally, in researching for a new car I look at the problems / solutions discussion - which in truth could scare you from buying ANY car. But the big issue seems to be a hesitation problem, which Toyota has recently acknowledged. Just how wide spread is that problem? Has everyone (or nearly everyone) experienced it? Is it all makes - 4 and 6 cyl.; 2W v. 4W drive? I have no other real concerns about the car, and would love to get one - but would hate to kick myself down the road if this problem ends up being serious.

 

Thanks for taking the time to read and respond.

 

Mike

wwest

If you add the tow package "just in case" you might just as well buy the V6 for the very same reason.

 

But then again I would NEVER consider using a FWD or front torque biased AWD for towing. When you go to stop suddenly the weight of your "tow" will shift forward onto the hitch, "lifting", unweighting, the front of the tow vehicle, where the majority of the braking and ALL of the directional corrections would otherwise occur.

 

ABS will get VERY busy.

herzogtum71

I have the 4-cylinder and have followed this thread closely. No one in this forum with a 4-cylinder has noted the hesitation problem. The 4-cylinder has traditional throttle (not by wire) and a different transmission than the V6. People don't always identify which version they have, but I believe both FWD-owners and AWD-owners with the V6 have experienced the hesitation problem.

pilot130

The short answer to your dilemma is to choose another make and model if the hesitation reports are of concern to you.

I can guarantee, however, that you'll find concerns being expressed about all of the others too.

Here's my take on the "hesitation" issue:

Somewhere between two and three hundred THOUSAND Highlanders are on the road at present.

Somewhere between twenty five and thirty five hesitation experiences have been reported in all the Edmunds forums.

Many more owners, including yours truly, have reported no problems at all.

The common denominator on the hesitation reports is that it apparently can be induced under very specific circumstances.

These circumstances, when reported,are as follows:

 

"Decelleration with no throttle applied until tranny is in low gear, then full throttle application. At that point there might be up to "one to two second hesitation" (reports vary from momentary to the full two seconds) at which time full power occurs."

 

Toyota has acknowledged the reports, and apparently are looking into it with the idea that a fix "may" be developed.

My guess is that Toyota's fix, if and when it ever happens, will be a TSB reprogram of the Eprom tranny controller which will prevent the phenomenon from being induced under any circumstances.

I further speculate that most owners have never, and won't likely ever, experience the hesitation.

I believe it may have been reported early on by a few owners who by coincidence managed to induce the hesitation, then subsequent followers of those reports went out and tried to induce it themselves. Some actually did, and reported their results also.

Now there's a full blown controversy over it, but I honestly believe it's been inflated out of proportion.

Is it a common problem? No.

Is it systemic across the board? Not at all.

Is it the life threatening safety issue some claim exists? Apparently not.

Having said all that, save yourself some undue anxiety.

Buy someone else's product. Toyota won't mind.