Toyota Highlander

1…180181183185186…211

Comments

  • rysterryster Member Posts: 571
    The Equinox will not have a "rollover" problem. The VUE does not have a "rollover" problem. It has a potential suspension failure issue (which has only happened to one real world driver and 2 samples in testing out of 250,000+ vehicles made). Saturn has voluntarily recalled all VUEs and is actually replacing the suspect rear components on the VUE with those FROM the Equinox. Testing after replacement has shown the VUE to be perfectly safe.

    ALL SUVs are prone to rollover if driven incorrectly. You simply cannot drive them like cars. Drive SUVs sensibly and they will perform just fine.
  • ssandalassandala Member Posts: 5
    where did you hear/see this?
  • rmui1rmui1 Member Posts: 48
    Not sure about the newer models but the 2003 and earlier HLs with tow packages had higher gearing and will result in higher engine RPMs at any given speed. This is true of both 4s and 6s.
  • bikeman3bikeman3 Member Posts: 85
    Read it in pittsburgh post gazette about 10 days ago vue had poential rollover problem after rear wheel situation was corrected might try nhtsa website, gm was concerned and is working on a solution I am not a GM basher I just remember reading it.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    The Vue had the suspension problem, not the Equinox. In fact, the Vue's suspension was fixed by using Equinox parts on it (Tennessean). The Nox's track is wider too, so it should do at least as well as the Vue in the rollover test.

    But NHTSA hasn't announced any results for the '05 Nox that I can see (NHTSA).

    I read Hammond's columns at the Post Gazette (Pittsburgh Post Gazette) pretty often and I don't remember any suspension complaints about the Equinox over there.

    If something as serious as collapsing suspensions or rear wheels issues was happening to the Nox too, it should be pretty easy to find some net reports about it.

    Steve, Host
  • ch1133ch1133 Member Posts: 43
    To my knowledge the only time that you will be making the 4 cyl. engine work harder is during acceleration since during cruise most engines use only about 20% of their available power.
  • herzogtum71herzogtum71 Member Posts: 470
    I have the FWD 4 cylinder '04. I think you probably did have the overdrive gear turned off. There's a button on the shifter that you press to turn it off, and I have done it a few times by mistake. The RPM you noted sound like 3rd gear at that speed.

    Basically I am quite pleased with the power when merging onto interstates and when accellerating to pass cars or change lanes on the highway. I have had it up to 85 mpg and know it will go a good bit faster than that. (Faster than I'll ever drive.) As ch133 noted, the only time I notice I am driving a 4-cylinder is taking off from a stop. It's adequate for crossing highways where cross traffic doesn't stop and when pulling out into traffic from a stop, but it definitely doesn't move out like the V6.

    On the other hand, one positive factor is that I don't have the hesitation problem with the 4-speed automatic. Gas mileage over the first 7500 miles has averaged 26 mpg, but I notice that it doesn't fluctuate very much. The worst tank was about 24.5 in March while driving mostly in town, and the best was 27.5 on a trip on mostly 2-lane highways. On the interstate I generally have been getting between 26 and 27. I think the EPA test is done at 55mpg, and the wind resistance on a vehicle of this shape comes into play at 65-75 mph.
  • loucapriloucapri Member Posts: 214
    I have the same HL too but it's 01

    Before I decided to get the FWD 4cyl, I already know it's not going to be fast or power. I bought it for it's space and gas mileage only.

    If I planned for speed and power, I wouldn't have gotten myself a SUV at the beginning since I already owned 3 sports car like the RX-7 and 3000GT.

    True, I have to say that it did take me a while to get used to the 4 cyl but once I realize the reason for my purchase, everything just turns out fine
  • jrfierojrfiero Member Posts: 123
    rmui1 wrote "Not sure about the newer models but the 2003 and earlier HLs with tow packages had higher gearing and will result in higher engine RPMs at any given speed. This is true of both 4s and 6s"

    Do you have a reference for that information? I don't believe my 2001 with towing package has different gears.
  • vlanman25vlanman25 Member Posts: 49
    Thanks herzogtum71, loucapri, jrfiero for your insight. I'm sure I screwed up the OD but you would have thought the salesperson would have mentioned it.. As for the mileage it sounds pretty good. All I have to do is find one I can negotiate with the dealer on. The supply of 04s is drying up and I'll probably end up with a 05. Hopefully there won't be any radical change (I hear they are introducing a hybrid). Thanks again,
    -Ken
  • herzogtum71herzogtum71 Member Posts: 470
    probably had no idea the OD button exists. My salesman didn't know that the spare tire on the '04 is under the rear of the vehicle like with old pickup trucks. He didn't know that the large storage compartment exists beneath the cargo area floor on the '04. He told me the "passenger airbag" light near the ash tray was a switch to turn off the front passenger airbag, when it actually just indicates whether someone heavy enough is sitting in the seat to activiate the passenger-side airbag. In fairness I suppose I should mention that the salesman owns an '03 and these are all changes with the '04 model, but I bought the vehicle in March. You would think that salespersons would use slow days in the winter to look at the owners' manuals of the vehicles they are selling so they can come across as knowing as much as the customer!
  • toyota1toyota1 Member Posts: 5
    I am interested in leasing a Toyota Highlander. I live in NY state. Edmunds has the MSRP listed as $25,140 w/o options, while the MSRP on this particular model is $27,390. With options it is $30,971 and they are quoting me $26,920 including the $1k rebate, with a residual/resale value of $15,845 @ 12,000 miles per year. Edmonds is $25,183 including rebate. Can someone tell me if I am getting a good deal? Thanks!
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    Can't tell if it's a good deal without knowing either the payment or the money factor. The residual is 51% which looks a little low to me.
  • toyota1toyota1 Member Posts: 5
    Imacmil, For 48 mo. the pmt is $334 with $2300 down which includes tax & license and $394 w/nothing down. I do not know what the money factor is.
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    That sounds high to me. I assumed 8% sales tax. With that MSRP, selling price, residual and payment, that works out to a money factor of .003 which is a 7.2% interest rate. You should ask the salesman what the money factor is and if that's what Toyota is offering. Of course, if your credit rating is not good, you won't get the best money factor

    You should post this question on the leasing questions board. The host there should be able to give you info on the current Toyota offers.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Lease Questions - Ask Here

    Steve, Host
  • rimargrimarg Member Posts: 1
    My Toy dealer just declined to change the antifreeze in our 02 Ltd V6 because it supposedly has coolant that will last 90K or 5 years. I appreciate not being ripped off for service I did not need but the owner's manual makes no reference to such a product and recommends a coolant change at 24 months/30K. Our coolant looks red which is the long life standard coolant color. Super long life is "pink". Anybody know what the real story is?
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    My 92 LS, 96k miles, ran with the factory anti-freeze(dark red)up until a few months ago. Although measurements were okay it began to look a little murky.
  • desertguydesertguy Member Posts: 730
    Just completed a 1650 mile trip from Cedar Rapids Iowa to Phoenix Ariz. with our '04 HL Ltd. Did it in two 12 hour days and I'm pleased to say that the HL performed flawlessly. I have a bad back and the seats must be good if I'm going to sit in them for 12 hours. It was loaded with "stuff" along with spouse and two cats in carriers which meant eating at drive thrus on the way.

    Most driving was at 75 - 80 mph and the computer said I was getting about 21 mpg. Plenty of power for the Colorado mountains. I couldn't be more pleased.
  • lmn908lmn908 Member Posts: 34
    Looks like the MY2005s are starting to arrive on dealer lots. Does anyone know what is different or new for MY2005 vs. MY2004 (other than the introduction of the hybrid model sometime next year)?

    Larry
  • leighanne4leighanne4 Member Posts: 15
    I have just ask the Toyota salesman the same question about the 05...I have a brand new 04 but can't take a chance with the hesitation problem. Salesman knew nothing but the service manager tried to find out. After the mumbo jumbo I assume the answer is no..the 05 will be
    difficult to accelerate just like the 04. There were 'changes' but nothing to indicate Toyota thinks being rear-ended because of the acceleration problem is worth going to the trouble. Not sure what kind of vehicle but as much as I love the HL for comfort I can't risk
    being run over because it won't change gears.
    Any suggestions on a comparable vehicle that is safe to drive?
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    I think that with the advent of e-throttles you will begin to see this hesitation effect in ALL FWD or front torque biased AWD vehicles. But most especially SUVs.

    Just reading the various posts it has become pretty obvious that this effect only applies to FWD (or,) vehicles, and the clear majority have to do with turning and attempting to accelerate at the same time.

    So I think it is an effort by the manufacturers to reduce the number of accidents arising from asking the front tire's contact patch to carry more "load" than the roadbed conditions will permit.
  • rugby65rugby65 Member Posts: 81
    I think this is the reason so many drivers are haveing problems with acceleration;

    This artical is from Autosafety.org

    Drive by wire

    Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. has not claimed that the latest complaints are wrong but says it has not found similar records of complaints or warranty claims in its files.

    Toyota spokesman John Hanson confirmed that electronic throttles first appeared in the vehicles under review in the 2002 model year. The technology is spreading gradually throughout the Toyota and Lexus model lines, he says.

    The system uses sensors to indicate the position of the accelerator pedal. A control unit obtains signals from the sensors to adjust the throttle valve and thereby change engine speed. Electronics replace the traditional mechanical connection between the pedal and the throttle, such as a cable and linkage.

    NHTSA also is investigating electronic throttles in some 2002-03 Ford F-series pickups and Excursion SUVs. Complaints in that case deal with inability to increase engine speed, not unexpected acceleration.

    Clarence Ditlow, director of the consumer group Center for Auto Safety, isn't convinced. He says he believes malfunctioning cruise control systems are to blame for many sudden acceleration incidents.

    Other advanced electronics, including throttles, also could be sources of problems, Ditlow says. "We are very concerned about it as you go more and more to drive by wire," he says.

    Ditlow is co-author of a new book called Sudden Acceleration: The Myth of Driver Error. The book seeks to refute NHTSA's findings that most incidents of sudden acceleration are caused by driver error. It also accuses automakers of withholding evidence.

    The authors, including a professor of engineering and another professor who specializes in electronic systems, acknowledge that electronics help reduce vehicle emissions and improve safety components. But they argue that the auto industry should not force "its customers to debug its electronics."

    They write: "The automotive environment, with its broad temperature and humidity variations and vibration - and the long reliable life expected of motor vehicles - can be a particular challenge for electronics that display failures even in more benign circumstances," as in personal computers and home appliances.

    The authors cite the industry's efforts to increase the use of electronics in vehicles while trimming costs.

    They say: "This pressure can reduce the quality of electronics and electronics integration, thus raising the risks of intermittent faults and defective operation."

    See also Technology Puts Unintended Acceleration Back in Spotlight
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Years ago an Airbus prototype went down shortly after takeoff and all passengers and crew were lost.

    Needlessly.

    The investigation revealed that the software gurues had limited the amount of up elevator that could be used. The idea was to prevent overstressing the airframe. It turned that absent the software imposed limit the pilot could have flow the aircraft out of the situation.

    Trial and error......
  • thoonthoon Member Posts: 74
    Is there a dealer in the San Jose, CA area that offers a free rental car with the 30,000 mile service?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    If you're referring to the June '88 Airbus crash at the Paris Air Show, most people say it was caused by pilot error, not a software glitch (link).

    There were a couple of other Airbus crashes that raised software or drive by wire issues, but both of those were blamed on pilot error by Airbus and some official sources.

    Steve, Host
  • mpgmanmpgman Member Posts: 723
    Zeroing in on Forester but thought I'd check out the Highlander before committing since at the low end the prices are somewhat similar even though I realize I am talking fwd vs awd. Can you get a 4 cylinder fwd with factory leather? Is an anti-skid/stability system available with the 4? What kind of mpgs are you getting with the 4?

    Thanks!
  • herzogtum71herzogtum71 Member Posts: 470
    From the sales brochure it sounds like leather might be available in the 4-cylinder as a package. Ask your dealer.

    My 2004 FWD 4-cylinder came standard with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC).

    I am almost at 8,000 miles. Overall I have averaged 26+ mpg. Lowest tankful was about 24.5 mpg, and the best has been 27.5 mpg.

    A friend of mine had a Forester. I spent a few hours in it, and that's why I didn't consider it. The Outback wagon has a bigger cargo area, but the Highlander is bigger than either Subaru product. Also, the Highlander is much more comfortable in the rear seat than the Forester, especially if you ever will have 3 people riding back there. Also, you should check the Subaru boards about leaking headgaskets. I think it has been more prevalent with the Outbacks, but not unheard of with the Forester.
  • ch1133ch1133 Member Posts: 43
    03 Highlander FWD: low 23,4 high 27,3 average 24,6 in mixed city/hwy driving
  • eastern1eastern1 Member Posts: 7
    I traded in my 2001 Forester for a 2004 Highlander and am very pleased with the upgrade.

    In my opinion, the HL and Forester are 2 quite different vehicles in size, space, looks, ride and features. Since car selection is very personal (based on your particular needs), all I can suggest is you look carefully at both vehicles and see which fits you best. VERY LONG test drives for comfort and performance are crucial. For mpg, I would compare the official stickers--they are good for comparison purposes.

    I have 10K on my HL and have had zero problems with it. Great vehicle (for MY needs).
  • edmundted1edmundted1 Member Posts: 22
    This may sound strange, but I have tried to siphon gas from my 2001 Highlander and it just doesn't work. Is there an anti-siphon feature built into cars these days?

    Why am I asking? I'm trying to get gas from my Highlander to run my power generator due to power outage from hurricane Ivan. All gas stations have shut down and their pumps run on electricity which is going out here now. I don't have a lot of gas stored up. I know I'll need more.

    If anybody has any ideas please let me know. I will fire up the generator and check for replies in a couple hours. Thanks.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Some people put a hose into their gas tank (making sure it hits gas), wrap a plastic bag around the hose and the gas cap opening and blow into the tank. After five seconds or so of pressurizing the tank this way, they remove the end of the hose from their mouth and dump the end into a bucket. If all goes well, the pressure forces the gas to siphon into the bucket and no gas or fumes get into your mouth.

    Since gas is poisonous, I wouldn't recommend this (or any other) method, not to mention the risk of messing up the vapor recovery system and triggering the CEL, but it sounds better than sucking on the hose.

    Good luck with Ivan!

    Steve, Host
  • mpgmanmpgman Member Posts: 723
    Appreciate the feedback. I think I can get factory leather with the 4 fwd. Problem is finding one. Where are these built and can you custom order your options?

    Thanks.
  • herzogtum71herzogtum71 Member Posts: 470
    Some readers in this forum have reported that they were able to special order a vehicle with the features they desire. It may be quicker, though, to ask your dealer to search the regional database and swap vehicles with a dealer who has the vehicle you are looking for.
  • rqcrqc Member Posts: 95
    In my experience, it is EXTRAORDINARILY difficult to custom order a Highlander, although it shouldn't be. I tried to persuade four dealers for five months to do it for me and eventually they all come back to you and say THESE EXACT WORDS: "You're just going to have to take it the way we give it to you." INCREDIBLE ARROGANCE! I ultimately had to contact my regional Toyota distributor, speak to their VP of Customer Service on the phone (a very nice person, btw), who said, "This shouldn't be a problem. We have a specific program in place to let people do this." "Should the dealers know this?" "Yes, they should."

    Eventually, the regional sales manager ordered my car for us and had it delivered to a dealer we hadn't spoken with previously. (I'm not sure if that was intentional or not.) However, it took four months for the car to arrive after the order was placed and most people won't wait that long, so you've got to convince them you really will wait. This wait is not their fault. The car has to get into the production cycle, get built, and then ship from Japan. Also, check with the dealer every three to four weeks so it doesn't get sold out from underneath you. (After nine months of working on this and waiting, ours almost did.)

    If you don't know, Toyota dealers cannot order directly from the factory. They must buy from one of five regional distributors. The regional distributors order what they think will sell and sometimes you get strange restrictions by the regional dealer like if you want the towing package, you have to get the sunroof as well. Toyota doesn't require this, but the regional dealer can make it a requirement.

    If you want to order something they think won't sell easily if you back out, you might have a tougher time.

    It can be tricky to find out the name of the regional dealer, but it can be done. And yes, it shouldn't be this hard.
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    "The regional distributors order what they think will sell and sometimes you get strange restrictions by the regional dealer like if you want the towing package, you have to get the sunroof as well."

    I suspect Toyota market research knows what the most popular option combinations are and has found that a very high percentage of people can find what they like on the lot. Combining options into packages keeps them from having to make an infinite number of permutations, which in turns keeps the manufacturing costs down (complexity drives higher costs.)

    While this may disappoint a small percentage of consumers, it keeps prices lower for the rest of us.
  • wainwain Member Posts: 479
    we are in south carolina
    wanted a basic in white or silver with side air bags.

    dealer did a search, found one in N carolina sent a driver on the first day we talked to the dealer in NC, had car next day at noon.
  • rqcrqc Member Posts: 95
    Oh, you are a trusting soul. I promise you, some of the combinations were irrational and just profiteering. Like a $700 "optional" package added whether you wanted it or not, which ALL the dealers told me was just a way to put another $500 profit into the vehicle. Our particular car had most of the Limited options on it except for auto A/C and wood grain trim but was $4,000 less on the sticker than the Limited.

    And these were clearly options Toyota offers ala carte because other regions could configure models that way, so there's no cost savings except for the regional dealer saying, "Give me 20 more of configuration 11."

    It's more about the regional dealer trying to create enough disparity between Standard and Limited models to force people to buy the Limited for leather seats and the like. Ironically, the option we really wanted was side air bags for $250. No one seemed to think that was a desirable feature until the 2004 model year. So much for valuing safety! We had to special order just to get side air bags.
  • hlendgamehlendgame Member Posts: 4
    What a great article. I will be posting my complaint with Toyota to make sure that it is noted.

    I work in the bus industry now and they have been using "accelerometer" technology since the mid-80's. Also, the throttle position sensor is a similar device to a pedal accelerometer. This is not "new" technology. That said, it doesn't mean that it is perfect.
  • noelianoelia Member Posts: 3
    I just purchased a Highlander 2004. The day I tested it it was very hot and so the sales person had the air condition full blast with all the windows closed. The next day driving it with all windows closed and sun roof open, the car felt and sounded like I had a flat tire not to mention the ear pains. Called the service dealer and was told to crack the back windows a little and the air would flow and stop the noise. I did not like that answer since I am a long term car owner. I knew that this was nor acceptable. Took it in and after much discussion they agreed to put in a wind deflector on the front of the roof. Well that did not help at all. What finally helped at least 90% of the problem was an adjustment to the window where it stopped. Its still not 100% but I can live with it. I just would have liked the car dealer to have disclosed this. I understand now that this is a problem with all of the Highlanders with sunroofs. If you have this problem make sure you take it in. I understand that there is a bulletin to every dealer about this and they have to fix it.
    Other then that I love my new car.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    If you remove the "flap valve" (block reverse airflow) on the cabin airflow exhauster it helps to reduce the loud booming helicopter noise.

    Exhauster is at the bottom of the rear driver's side quarter panel. Prior to 04 RX get at it with the same procedure to change the "street/parking" light bulb.
  • noelianoelia Member Posts: 3
    Thanks for the tip WWest.
    Can I do this myself or should I take it in?
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    I have not noticed this on ours and I know we've driven on the freeway with all the windows closed and the sunroof open (in the tilt position, not slid back.)
  • noelianoelia Member Posts: 3
    Its not bad on the highways. Its in the 30-40 mile range, with the sunroof slid back.
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    I suspect that is a physics issue, not just a Highlander issue. Some cars may be worse than others due to their shape.
  • desertguydesertguy Member Posts: 730
    Right you are. My VW GTI did the same exact thing. The wind deflector cured about 80% of the drumming. I can live with the rest as it only occurs at 25-35 mph.
  • typesixtypesix Member Posts: 321
    Another car with this problem is Honda Civic. A woman called Click & Clack with the same problem on her hybrid Civic.
  • mas23mas23 Member Posts: 38
    I just discovered this board a few days ago and I must say it is very informative. Now I am seriously interested in buying a Highlander need help deciding on the following factors:

    2004 vs. 2005 (I believe 2005 have the same MSRP)
    AWD vs. FWD
    V6 vs. 4

    I am also a bit concerned about the hestitation problem. Anyone know if it is the same in the 2005? I don't go offroad and I don't haul anything but I would like enough power for Chicago traffic and winters.

    Any input is greatly appreciated.

    Mas
  • hmurphyhmurphy Member Posts: 278
    You'll probably find a range of opinions here on what constitutes "enough power."

    I have an 04 AWD V6, which has more than adequate power, and I expect it to behave well during the upcoming Chicago winter.

    However, you might be just as satisfied with a 4 cyl/FWD with good winter tires and better gas mileage than the V6.

    If you wait a few months, you could test the different configurations when there's actual snow on the ground.

    As for the hesitation problem, I haven't experienced it, but I only have around 1000 miles and it's possible that I just haven't yet been in a situation in which it would be noticeable.
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    Are you driving a FWD car now and getting around all right? Then you probably don't need AWD but it does provide some extra security when the roads are slippery. I'd definitely want the V6 if you do much driving on I-94 or 294. You'll probably get a better deal on the '04 but it's one year old now even if brand new.

    I have never experienced the hesitation with over 6000 miles on our AWD V6.
Sign In or Register to comment.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.