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2008 Toyota Highlander

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Comments

  • nimrod99nimrod99 Member Posts: 343
    Lucky_777
    I was looking at a limited and forgot the sport and base have it optioned.

    My real fear is if someone is sitting back there in the 3rd row and a car rear ends the 3rd row, theres no crumple zone.

    what is SD option?
  • denverbriandenverbrian Member Posts: 61
    My impressions from driving an '08 Highlander, plus some feedback/comments from the fleet manager:

    --Tight, quiet vehicle. It definitely feels much like a raised Camry. Same engine.

    --Quite possibly the most front leg room I've ever experienced (I'm 6-4). I thought it was expansive and didn't realize until halfway through my test drive that I didn't have the seat back all the way. On the Limiteds, you also get a slight front cushion extension - perhaps another inch or so. You won't miss it if you prefer a Sport over a Limited.

    --The faux wood trim in the Limiteds is truly hideous. You can get a Sport with essentially the same options as the Limited and skip the wood trim.

    --3rd row seat: While technically it is true that the 3rd seat is an option...almost all HLs coming from Japan right now have the kiddie seat installed in there. You can go for a 2-row HL by either praying your dealership has one out of the 100 they've ordered, or doing a special order and waiting months. Or, you can simply leave the 3rd seat down and you have about the same cargo area as you would without it; and you'll have the resale value of the 3rd seat later. Don't shoot the messenger here - I'm not a fan of shoehorning in 3rd row seats either, but these days Toyota and others are listening only to the soccer moms, not to anyone else, about these ridiculous seats.

    --Tow hitch: Non-existent on any Highlander - even though the "tow prep" option exists on almost all of 'em here in Colorado! Very strange.

    --I'm a fan of the Cypress green color - subtle, more fun than the black/white/gray/silver common colors. Silver's okay; gray is too dark; the Blizzard Pearl is white with sparkles. Really. Makes the HL look like it was painted with whitening toothpaste.
  • kdhspyderkdhspyder Member Posts: 7,160
    what is SD option?

    The SD is the 3rd Row delete option ( discount ) as noted above.
  • lucky_777lucky_777 Member Posts: 205
    I think 3rd row reasonably protected in case of impact. There is a rear bumper area that designed to protect in crash, seat belts, and airbags. Don't think that HL 3rd less safe that 3rd row in other CUVs of the same class. I wouldn't use 3rd row on permanent bases but only sometimes when extra passenger capacity is needed.
  • tomdtomd Member Posts: 87
    While I agree that the lighted switches are not a big deal and certainly not a deal breaker, they are some of touches that I expect to see on a Limited that pushes 40K. I think it would be really great if they would light the Homelink buttons as I am always fumbling for the garage door button in the dark. That's just my opinion. One of the other things that annoys me in my '07 Limited is that the hood still uses a hood prop to stay open. I assume that they carried that over to the '08 too. I just think it looks cheap. Maybe they save those features for the Lexus line. BTW, I've had 4 Toyotas and a Lexus so I am obviously a big Toyota fan but unlike some in this forum, I don't think Toyota is perfect and can't do anything wrong. I call it as I see it. We are all entitled to our own opinions as long as we present them in a constructive manner. Isn't expressing our opinions, no matter how silly they seem to others, one of the purposes of this forum?
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    I don't think they are perfect either but they are the closest you can get to it. We all have our idiosynchrosies(sp) and that's what makes this world go 'round.
    :)
    Mackabee
  • mtairyordgemtairyordge Member Posts: 144
    After having owned 3 HL 2001/03/04 I agree tha the 08 HL doesn't have the road feel of the previous versions. I am disappointed with the drive feel. Toyota has developed a Soccer Mom vehicle and I don't expect MDX type handling, or for that matter stereo. I would be driving the MDX right now if not for the 93 Octane req. I really like the drive.
    You just got to understand and live within the limitations of the HL if this is the car for you. It is not a performance drive.

    While I like the added space and the just about everything but the AC and the 2nd row, I think I will wait till the Pilot comes out and see what it has to offer.

    This will at least make the Toyota dealers deal somewhat. I don't have any hopes of a drive with more road feel until the next redesign.

    Besides the Pilot is suppose to come out with a diesel and I want the mileage not just the space. And maybe just Maybe HONDA will bless us with the Acura surround sound stereo. :D
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    You're missing the point, a BIG point.

    Automotive manufacturers like to "capture" customers just coming into the market, young just married couples, say. They buy a model, and generally develop a "like" for same, that suits their needs of the moment.

    Oops, kids on the way, bigger vehicle needed...but guess what, that "model" they selected initially has "grown up". And will contin ue to do so as their family and family budget grows.

    Within 5 to 10 years the 4runner will be discontinued for an HL that supplants it in size.

    Hmmm....

    Is there an 2002 HL sized RAV4 in your future?

    Bet on it.
  • kdhspyderkdhspyder Member Posts: 7,160
    It's here already. The current RAV is nearly the same size as the outgoing HL. Now there may be a new smaller-than-RAV vehicle in the offing, possibly as a 'Prius' model.

    Highlander has already moved up to 4Runner size as the BOF SUVs decline in popularity.
    RAV has moved up to the former Highlander size.
    Slot in another crossover smaller than the RAV but give is fantastic fuel economy for the segment, say 40 mpg.

    The BOF SUVs may go back to being what they were originally intended to do, go deep offroad and tow some stuff easily. The Explorer is going away as a BOF. The TrailBlazer and Envoy may be de-emphsized with the arrivals of the lambda quadruplets. I believe that I read that the Pathfinder was going away as a BOF vehicle as well. That leaves the 4Runner and the Durango. For how long?
  • brutus22brutus22 Member Posts: 122
    Hello,

    I had to put my 2 cents in on this 3rd row debate. Personally I would NOT buy any one of these SUV's without a 3rd row, otherwise I would just buy a wagon or a sedan, why waste gas and get some big vehicle if you don't need those advantages. People that are driving huge SUV's as a commuter car, come on now, so not needed. If I wanted an SUV with no 3rd row then I would go for the Toyota RAV4 (no 3rd row option) or Honda CRV, they are not only practical but more efficient.

    I even see that the VW Touareg does not have a 3rd row and this is a huge ommision IMO. Even the vaunted Range Rover is going to have a 3rd row option in the redesign.

    The crossover SUV is overwhelmingly used as the multipurpose vehicle for families now. I love the option if I am carrying my kids and need some extra room to carry their friends or family and not having to drive 2 cars. But if I don't need that 3rd row the other 60% of the time at least it is there as needed. Most 3rd rows are there for kids in the first place or as a spot place for someone to sit in a short trip anyhow.

    Just my thoughts,
    B.
  • bamacarbamacar Member Posts: 749
    My only issue with all of these crossover vehicles is the fact that people who need a minivan and would be best served by a minivan are so scared to admit it.

    If you need lots of cargo space, room for 6-8 people, in a vehicle that actually moves them efficiently and comfortably, there is this thing called a minivan. It is funny how people describe these exact attributes, but can't actually say the dreaded "m" word.

    The car magazines ought to just call these the soccer mom crossovers so people will either have to admit what they are buying or just go ahead and get a minivan.
  • bsmestadbsmestad Member Posts: 9
    I'm going to assume this isn't a typical troll to get people riled up and you actually believe this. Because as someone who owns an 08 highlander and a minivan, you couldn't be more wrong. The drive, feel and utility of a highlander is way different than a minivan. I drove every stinking crossover type SUV out there, and the only one that came close to the minivan was the buick. Not to mention, the minivan doesn't have 4WD and has the ground clearance of a car. That might not mean much to you, but as someone who lives in minnesota and deals with snow and mud, that's night and day.
  • bsmestadbsmestad Member Posts: 9
    I drove them both before I bought them. Seemed the same to me. I went with the limited because of the fact that the ones they had on the lot, the limited had the features I wanted. I also like the fact i don't have to get my keys out to open the door. That's a lifesaver when your hands are full and you can't put the kids down to dig your keys out of your pocket.
  • nimrod99nimrod99 Member Posts: 343
    I Finally drove a LTD today.
    It was a short test drive as the fuel tank was on empty.
    The ride wasn't as bad as I have heard.
    Compared to my 2003 Highlander, the 2008 rode like the bigger vehicle it is. The steering was over assisted and there was no road feel.
    But the actual ride of the 2008 is not much different than my 2003 (in other words, it's better, and I didn't think it was too soft)
  • derekgaddyderekgaddy Member Posts: 32
    My grandfather would rollover in his grave if he heard me say "it feels a bit primitive to reach under the seat to adjust it's position." :)
  • bamacarbamacar Member Posts: 749
    You are one of the rare cases that fits the large crossover profile, but most who buy one complain about how it is not enough like a minivan.

    I see it all the time I need 2wd, space for 6-8, smooth ride, lots of cargo space, and good fuel economy. That is a minivan defined. Most crossovers are 2nd rate in most of those categories.
  • lmn908lmn908 Member Posts: 34
    I wouldn't be that quick to belittle the third row seat option, even if you feel you'll never need it.

    We bought our 2005 Highlander AWD Ltd because we wanted an AWD vehicle with car-like ride and handling, good cargo capacity, and a comfortable 2nd row seat for adults. The third row seat wasn't really a consideration, and 99% of the time it remains folded down.

    It has come in very handy on several occasions however. Each time the scenario was a need to take six people a short distance to a place where parking was sparse and/or expensive. It was far more convenient for one person to squeeze into the third seat than take two cars.

    Toyota at least lets you delete the option if you really don't want it for the 2008MY. But you may find like we did, that on rare occasions, it can be nice to have...

    Larry
  • mrvfrmrvfr Member Posts: 6
    After 2 weeks and 500 miles on a base 4wd 08 Highlander - quite satisfied, Ride is cushy and decently controlled - test road is a curvy rollercoaster potholed 10 mi. stretch of bad 2-lane road that has hi traffic including semi's and bulk milk trucks(the worst). Steering is a bit numb at first but you adapt to it and then don't think about it. Fit, finish, features are great - mileage is better than I expected, 25 - 27 mpg for road trips and 19 - 22 around town (per scangage II). With seats (exc driver's)folded flat a 255x90 cm (big)windsurf board fits inside. Plays WMA CD's, good ergo cupholders and compartments for stuff.
  • nimrod99nimrod99 Member Posts: 343
    Does ths sound from the rear DVD player come through the speakers - or is it limited to headphones (wireless or wired?)

    thanks
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Represent greater safety factor for the occupants.
  • canuck17canuck17 Member Posts: 28
    I ordered a 2008 Highlander Ltd. (Black and Black interior) without the Navigation package in late April when our local dealership ordered their first models. I picked up the vehicle on August 2nd, the first day of the Canada wide launch. I am very impressed with the vehicle including its ride, comfort, visibility, back up camera and features and gas mileage (plus the fact it can use regular 87 octane gas). The cargo capacity with the seats down and legroom and headroom (a big issue with me) are great.

    I agree that the ceiling material on the 200 Highalnder should be improved (looks cheap in an otherwise nice vehicle interior). I would have prefered the nice chrome alumium trim to the faux wood trim but it is not a major issue.

    I took the vehicle on the road (have about 700 miles on it)to lake country in Manitoba and Ontario Canada and it handled and accelerated very well even in hilly roads with curves. The steering seemed to firm up the faster I went and when negotiating curves in the highway. The premium JBL Stereo with 9 speakers has very clear crisp sound for FM radio, CD's and MP3/WMA. Bluetooth feature is great. Fit and finish is top rate. The safety features are advanced which is very important to me.

    I had narrowed down my choices to the MDX and Lexus RX 350 before I found out the 2008 Highlander was coming out this summer. The RDX and CX7 were a bit too small without not enough room. The turbo four feature and needing high octane gas and the overly firm ride (especially our paved streets and highways) which made you feel every bump and small crevice in the road up your spine a no go for the vehicles.

    I really enjoyed the MDX ride, handling and features but the wide size of it were detractors.

    So far very impressed with the Highlander.I looked at the 2007 Highlander Ltd. late last year and this is definitely an upgrade and worth the extra money.

    Canuck 17
  • ronliteronlite Member Posts: 3
    I thought that only the Sport, not the LTD, was available with black interior?
  • canuck17canuck17 Member Posts: 28
    I am from Canada and was told that some option features may be different from the U.S. My 2008 Highlander has a black exterior and interior which really looks nice IMO with the black tinted windows and chrome outside accents on the vehicle. In Canada we only can order the third row seating which is not really needed for my needs,although,the seats fold down flat easily to leave a lot of cargo room.
  • whirledboywhirledboy Member Posts: 1
    I took both the 2008 Limited and Sport for a test drive in the past week. The float and leaning in corners is my only concern with the vehicle, otherwise it is great. That said, I did notice a slight improvement with the Sport, especially in body lean. Although it is still considerably more than the MDX or Tribeca we are also considering. Tribeca has the fun to drive factor, but the back seating is somewhat cramped. I am going to have my wife test drive a Sport for a 1/2 day and make sure it doesn't bother her as it leans and floats more than her RX300.
  • atkinsonlpatkinsonlp Member Posts: 3
    I got a silver Sport with leather etc.

    I would agree with others impressions. Not the most exciting drive but ok with plenty of power.

    Size was what drove me to the HL over the other options also.

    The profusion of airbags was also a big plus.
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    The Rav4 DOES have a third row option. Kind of neat too. Folds into the floor when not in use.
    :)
    Mackabee
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    I think it's going to take some getting used to the electric power steering. The RAV4 also has it as does the new xB, xD, yaris. The steering feels numb. The HL has a very smooth ride but I think the word Sport has a performance connotation which this vehicle is not.
    Mack
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    You can set it to come through the speakers.
    Mack
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    She'll feel right at home then. The 08 HL chassis is what the 09 RX will be built on.
    Mack
  • miacar07miacar07 Member Posts: 28
    Why is it when I go to the toyota website it doesn't let me select Rear DVD Entertainment as one of the options?
  • microbustmicrobust Member Posts: 56
    Miacar07,

    I believe you need to select the Sport or Limited grade in order to have the DVD available to you, as Toyo doesn't put it in the base model. Hope this helps. And at least in my NorCal zip code, you have to purchase groups of options in order to get the DVD player.
  • nxs138nxs138 Member Posts: 481
    On top of having to choose Sport or Limited to get DVD, it is part of a huge option package that forces you get get everything including the kitchen sink.

    In my region, I cannot get NAV with DVD with the Sport. Have to upgrade to Limited. Kinda blows...wondering if I can order the two together with the Sport Trim (and wait 3 months for delivery)
  • kdhspyderkdhspyder Member Posts: 7,160
    It's silly to force a square peg into a round hole. The DVD systems are installable by just about any good-sized dealership or local installer. Talking through the problem with the local store often can generate a wealth of options.

    We put in 15 to 25 DVD systems every month in everything from RAV's to Camrys to Sequoias to Highlanders to Tundras to 4Runners. It takes part of a day and it's done by specialists.
  • miacar07miacar07 Member Posts: 28
    Does anybody know what the '08 Highlander Limited is going for in South Florida?
  • nimrod99nimrod99 Member Posts: 343
    Anyone with a Nav equiped Highlander, do you know if..
    The unit voice speaks text (ie street names)
    can you use voice command to control the radio, climate control etc

    just wondering.
    My wife is getting a 2008 CR-V and the EX-L has those features
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    Last time I checked they were selling for as much as they could get.
    ;)
    Mackabee
  • fptgfptg Member Posts: 10
    Wondering if there have been any issues early on with the 08 HL. I have read many glowing reports here. I am curious if any one has experienced any initial failures.
  • gdkogergdkoger Member Posts: 23
    I just ordered mine. 1% over invoice in MD.
  • atkinsonlpatkinsonlp Member Posts: 3
    I have about 1000 miles on an 08 Sport (Silver) and no obvious problems at all. Got it for invoice plus $600 for registration etc.
  • shimmer11shimmer11 Member Posts: 28
    Bought our base 08 HL @ the end of July (one of the 1st off the lot). Currently @ about 1000 miles no problems yet! I usually don't buy 1st model year vehicles so I am hoping for good luck with this one.

    -Andy
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    Does that include the destination charge?
    Mack
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    There's deals to be had if you are ready to buy. August has not been a stellar month to speak of so everyone is struggling to move inventory.
    Mack
  • mtairyordgemtairyordge Member Posts: 144
    Can you tell me what options you got on it and where you got your deal from. I am talking to a few dealwers now but nothing going.

    I really want a limited with black interior and I might just wait unitl it is offered
  • thegman230thegman230 Member Posts: 17
    I put a deposit down on an 08 LTD AWD with all options , including preferred accessory package, EXCEPT for nav and rear DVD for $34950 + tax and tags. This price included $500 advertising, $680 holdback and $325 financial reserve (which in total they called their invoice) PLUS $500 over invoice for the grand total of $34950. Good deal? I basically beat the price to death with 8 dealers and nobody would go lower. The color is magnetic gray metallic with ash interior. This was in long island, NY.
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    Great deal!
    Mack
  • kdhspyderkdhspyder Member Posts: 7,160
    Yes a Limited @ $500 over is working hard for your money...

    I basically beat the price to death with 8 dealers and nobody would go lower

    Good Job.
  • jpfahrstarjpfahrstar Member Posts: 1
    gdkoker,
    I'm in Columbia , MD. Which dealer did you get your Highlander from?
    JP
  • gdkogergdkoger Member Posts: 23
    I ended up at Thompson in Edgewood. But Jones Junction in Bel Air was also going to match.
  • gdkogergdkoger Member Posts: 23
    Yes.
  • kayphilkayphil Member Posts: 1
    Do you mind telling me what dealer you went to. I am also on LI and I am trying to get a good deal on a limited. I have been to 3 dealers so far and the most they are offering off the MSRP of 38,500 is 1,000.
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