We have temporarily turned off the ability to post while we deal with a massive spam attack. Thank you for your patience.

Toyota Highlander

1…185186188190191…211

Comments

  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    You should be able to detect the hesitation on the V6 in a test drive. Go around a typical city 90 deg corner. Punch the accelerator as you come out of the turn. There will probably be a momentary lag before the tranny downshifts and you take off. To me it's not a problem and no worse than the hesitation on my Olds Intrigue. Others seem to find it annoying. My wife, the primary driver of our HL has never mentioned it.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Of the three hundred thousand Highlanders in service only maybe 25 to 35 have been reported here at Edmunds as having the hesitation problem. Since Edmunds posters are in the clear minority of these owners, maybe as little as 50 to 75, one could project that the hesitation problem is being encountered in about half of the 300,000 vehicles in service today.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    I'd be a little hesitant to make a projection based on such a small and not necessarily representative sample.

     

    tidester, host
  • pilot130pilot130 Member Posts: 319
    Tidester, I second that motion!!

    It's as statistically ridiculous to suggest that out of roughly 10,000 posts in THIS topic, plus another 2000 in the HL Problems and Solutions topic; when 25 to 35 posters report hesitation, therefor the statistic is 1/5 of 1 percent!!

    Either way, from my perspective the issue is neither a common one, nor a serious one, except in the opinions of some, who with considerable effort, have managed to induce it.

    However, if it does give concern to a prospective buyer, the best thing for that buyer might be to choose another make/model!

    He should consider the philosophy "Don't borrow trouble", because the power of suggestion often works in insidious ways. If you think you have a problematic vehicle, chances are you'll find a reason to believe it.
  • snakehairsnakehair Member Posts: 120
    Just finished 1500 mile trip, W. Va. to Maine and back. Ran at highway speeds (70-75)except when in the White Mountains of NH or here in WV. Got 21.7 MPG on our '01 V6 LTD. Extremely comfortable. Ran into edge of winter storm going up the East Coast. Snow covered roads for last 150 miles. No problems at all. Temp ranged from 8 degrees up to 54 (mostly in the teens and low twenties). Can't think of a better vehicle for all around trip comfort and effeciency. None that I have had, anyway.
  • pilot130pilot130 Member Posts: 319
    Snakehair, I'm sure most folks who own one, including yours truly, would agree completely with your opinions.

    On the other hand, there are a few who don't and are compelled to (a)Let everyone else in on their feelings, and (b) Insist that all HLs are bad because of their experience.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    I was simply using pilot130's "statistics" in another light. You are perfectly correct, compared to the numbers of vehicles actually out there in daily use, Edmunds doesn't have enough participants to make conclusions in ANY manner.
  • desertguydesertguy Member Posts: 730
    Pilot130: This was alluded to in the original post in this group........if you read the "Problems and Solutions" section of any car board on Edmunds, you will not find a perfect car. We are looking for a cheaper econo car both in price and fuel mileage as an around town runabout and reading the Honda Civic and Mazda 3 boards would make you think they are all lemons. That is the nature of these boards. Happy people seldom post or maybe even read these missives.
  • pilot130pilot130 Member Posts: 319
    I was attempting to make that exact same point--different words but the same meaning.

     

    To Wwest: You were the creator of of statistics, not I. If, as you now state, your analogy was incorrect, then why did you attempt that observation in the first place?
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    My statistical statement was simply an inverse summary of the conclusive statements made in post #9810. I simply doubled the 25-35 number used there to 50-75 to account for the non-reporting of no hesitation problems.

     

    Tidester did help me out immensely by coming to the correct conclusion. Statistically none of us have enough information to make those statements.
  • rugby65rugby65 Member Posts: 81
    Pilot130 you and Wwest keep REPEATING your selfs over and over, that there is no problem BECAUSE you don't have one.

      

    I'm beginning to think one of you has been hired by Toyota to try and make this problem go away by your continuous suggestions that owners like me just don't know what we are talking about.

     

    Every time some one post's that they have experienced it, one of you {Engineer"s} come right back with your sicenticfic facts to say It's all in our head.

     

    Give us a break! we are convinced that some on this board won't believe any thing that they can't replicate.

    I have learned how to drive mine to avoid the hesitation,but the problem is still there.

     

    Would I like to get rid of It {no}! I love driving it. Would I buy another one {no}.

    If you don't mind the rest of us will, from time to time, restate our concerns. So keep right on contradicting us thats your right.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Perhaps some of this discussion would be more suited for Toyota Highlander Owners: Problems & Solutions.

     

    tidester, host
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    And I thought all along that I was being completely and totally supportive of those reporting the hesitation problem.
  • pilot130pilot130 Member Posts: 319
    Me too Wwest!

    I guess some folks can't deal with views that don't coincide with their own.

    I'm trying to understand this so called "issue", nothing more.

    I've never said it doesn't exist, or it's all in somebody's head, or people don't know what they're talking about; nor am I an affiliate of any automaker let alone Toyota.

    I thought I was being objective, but if I've conveyed the wrong impression, it wasn't intended..

    But I am beginning to wonder about the motives of some here who claim they have the problem.

    In spite of the carping by some, I do intend to continue exploring the issue, and won't be deterred by bullying tactics from those individuals who try to make other viewpoints go away through intimidation.

    Furthermore, I do agree with Tidester that perhaps there's a more appropriate place to discuss this "problem."

    And I suggest those who have tantrums over differences in viewpoints might consider less attitude when and if they go there. Forum moderators may have some advice for them, if and when it occurs.
  • lumbarlumbar Member Posts: 421
    JMHO, but as a non-participant in the latest byplay, you might consider toning it down also. Being overly dismissive of what -you- consider "carping" and being more than a little sarcastic is certain to provoke exactly the kind of reaction you seem to want to characterize as "bullying." Over and out.
  • pilot130pilot130 Member Posts: 319
    My response was to an intentional taunt by an individual who has twice reminded me of the error of my ways in other forums, in the same unpleasant and unwarranted manner.

    I ignored previous attempts, but this time not, and responded very intentionally in the same manner.

    Normally that's not my style.

    You're advice is well taken, but IMHO directed to the wrong person.

    Thanks anyway.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Ok, let's move on please. Thanks,

     

    Steve, Host
  • michaelp1michaelp1 Member Posts: 14
    ...for the feedback to my original post. The other (and hopefully less controversial) question I had was with regard to 4 cyl. v. 6 cyl. Are the 4 cyl. owners generally happy with the power / acceleration? Haven't had a 6 cyl. in years, and most 4 cyls. nowadays are pretty peppy (tho my old Nissan Sentra reminded me of a golf cart at times). Would appreciate a little more feedback. Thanks again.

     

    Mike
  • pilot130pilot130 Member Posts: 319
    Good luck in whatever choice you make Michaelp1.

    As I said, if you're at all bothered by reports of hesitation, you might want to consider another make or model--if nothing else but for peace of mind.

    However, if you do choose the Highlander, and are wondering about which engine, it sort of depends on what you expect the vehicle to do, ie, what are your intentions/expectations?

    If you plan mostly everyday driving, and little or no "heavy duty" service, the 4 cyl option is worth considering. I have a 6 cyl but a friend of mine has a 4 cyl, and there's no noticeable difference between the two--under most conditions of everyday driving. The V6 accellerates faster--if you punch it--but in terms of smoothness and adequate performance in normal situations, the 4 cyl is equal.

    I've already stated my opinions on the hesitation issue. It's apparently an issue for some, but for most it's not.

    Don't forget what many others have already said about these cartalk forums--those who don't have problems are rarely heard from.

    In consumer polls where a large sampling of owners is studied, the Highlander has very good ratings.

    Happy New Year!
  • middleageguymiddleageguy Member Posts: 42
    We have a 2004 Highlander(2WD V-6 3.3L) that was purchased in November 2003. I highly recommend the vehicle. The 2WD Highlander comes with traction control and stability control standard. First test drove the Honda CRV. CRV labored to go up a slight incline with five people in it. For three thousand more we were able to purchase a much better vehicle with great acceleration. I can't comment on the Pilot since didn't test drive, but sticker price was considerably higher than a Highlander.

     

    My experience in dealing with the Toyota dealer was much better than a Honda dealer. Toyota dealer sold me the Highlander at invoice price. Honda dealers were intent on selling a vehicle for close to sticker price.

     

    Recently drove the Higlander 400 miles roundtrip to a ski resort with six adults (4 teenagers). No complaints from the teenager sitting in the third row of seats. I borrowed a luggage carrier for the roof and it fit perfectly on the roof rack. Held three snow boards and luggage. In every day driving I wouldn't use the third seat.

     

    When I first started driving the Highlander there was a slight hesitation between second and third gears. Now, I drive the vehicle and there is no problem that I can tell. Manual says the gear shifting adjusts to the driver.

      

    Highlander is great for every day driving, but I wouldn't recommend for off-roading. If you want an off-roader look at a Toyota 4-Runner.

     

    Happy New Year,

    Middle Age Guy
  • seemomgo1seemomgo1 Member Posts: 2
    Does anyone have experience with or information regarding the True-2 battery? My 01 HL is ready for a replacement.

     

    Thanks!
  • herzogtum71herzogtum71 Member Posts: 470
    Except for my very first car (a '64 Rambler) I have had nothing but 4-cylinder cars. I also had a 4WD Nissan Sentra and can tell you that the FWD 4-cylinder Highlander has much more pep. As I have mentioned before in this forum, I think it does a great job merging into Interstate traffic. I notice that it's a 4-cylinder rather than a V6 when I pull out onto roads from a complete stop. But here again, it has much more pep that the Sentra had. If you are used to 4-cylinders, I think you will be happy with the 4-cylinder Highlander. But take it for a good test drive and try it out under all these conditions.
  • ecotrklvrecotrklvr Member Posts: 519
    Hey herzogtum71 -

     

    I am intrigued but the 4cyl Highlander. Not many of them on the used market where I live. New or used, they are thousands of $$ less expensive. The two things I wonder about are - climbing long hills, and high speed cruising - like 80 mph. Here in So Cal, we need to do both. Is she quiet at 80mph? Does that 4-speed trans hunt while doing hills? Can it make it up long inclines at 65mph (or higher?), without screaming in 3rd or 2nd gear? Thanks for your continuing posts...
  • ecotrklvrecotrklvr Member Posts: 519
    Out of your control? I understand your comment about not having control over the mileage - after all, once you buy it, the car is what it is. But different tires have different rolling resistance - and all tires are affected by the air pressure in them. I've found that if I do nothing more than just keep my tires inflated to 4 psi over recommended pressure, I get 2-3 more mpg than when I didn't. True, it may not be interesting to watch the mpg continuously on some display, but I do notice how much it cost to fill up, and how many miles I drove before I had to. Getting that extra 40-50 miles out of every tank gives me a good feeling.
  • hmurphyhmurphy Member Posts: 278
    That's a good point. Maybe I'll try your air pressure trick and see if it makes a difference.

     

    I guess I feel the tiniest bit guilty about driving a gass guzzler, so I try to avoid the truth.
  • herzogtum71herzogtum71 Member Posts: 470
    I can't say I have ever cruised at 80 mph. I've had the 4-cylinder Highlander beyond 80 for short spurts, and it clearly can go faster than that.

     

    Cruising at 70-75 is no problem. The hilliest high-speed drive I have made would have to be from Massachusetts to Pittsburgh and back on I-80 across northern Pennsylvania. The vehicle held the speed well with cruise control. It probably downshifted on many of the bigger hills to third gear(it's a 4-speed automatic), but it was so seemless that I couldn't tell for sure without look at the tachometer. When it shifted into second with the cruise control going, the engine was noisier. But it didn't last that long before shifting back to high. One thing I did notice was that it was less likely to downshift at all if I was driving myself, without the cruise control.

     

    The engine isn't overly noisy at those speeds, at least in my opinion. You do get a certain amount of road noise and wind noise, but probably no more than the V6. Certainly not enough to interfere with listening to the stereo.

     

    You are right that the 4-cylinder is much less expensive. If people don't mind the I4 instead of the V6, the FWD 4-cylinder is one of the best deals in a vehicle in this class. Around here you see them advertised in the newspaper for under $20,000. They advertise the I4's so much here because most buyers want the V6.

     

    After all the fine print and gimmicks, you definitely can get a FWD 4-cylinder Highlander in the $22,000 to $23,000 range. And it's pretty well equipped for the price with ABS, traction control, roof rack, tinted rear glass, tonneau cover, AM/FM/CD/Cassette with 6 speakers, etc.
  • ecotrklvrecotrklvr Member Posts: 519
    Thanks herzogtum71 - another informative post. I've checked the local AutoTrader, and the 4-cylinders are way less expensive. 70-75mph is probably fine for most of my trips, except the OC-San Fran run, and the OC-Las Vegas run. Both of those need to run at 80-85 to keep up with the flow of traffic. I'll get one of the used ones on the local market out on the road for a test.

     

    My '99 CR-V can do the 80-95 mph cruising with its 146HP, but it's a manual trans. I wish Toyota would offer that engine with a stick.
  • lumbarlumbar Member Posts: 421
    Another thanks for an informative post. Unfortunately, my main issue with the 4 cyl (aside from possible resale issues due to their relative unpopularity)is the difficulty of optioning them up to virtually any extent due to Toyota's unfriendly option policies. And I'm not talking about serious add-ons--only, in my case, a higher level of airbag protection, which seems pretty much unavailable. It's a deal breaker.
  • edhedh Member Posts: 246
    last may we got a basic v6 with side air bags

    only 3 in the district/zone

    dealer went and got it from 300 miles away
  • michaelp1michaelp1 Member Posts: 14
    I've also been told that 4 cyl. and side air bags just "don't exist". Furthermore, dealers are telling me that the Limiteds in this area come with come with two options that I do not need - leather / heated seats and the sunroof. I'm getting quotes of $100.00 above invoice, but the price is higher than I would want to pay since I would rather just have it with the options I want. Have others also experienced this option problem? Am I handling the negotiations wrong? While I can order factory installed to my specifics, some dealers are telling me it will take anywhere from 14 weeks to six months!
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    Configurations available in any given sales region are determined at the regional sales level. I don't believe the dealers have any say in what options are on what model, only the quantities of each configuration they want. This approach works because most buyers are able to find a configuration they can live with among the available choices.
  • herzogtum71herzogtum71 Member Posts: 470
    The difference in fuel efficiency between the I4 and what people are reporting with the V6 isn't as great as I had thought. The sticker on my I4 said 27 mpg highway and 22 city, and after 10,000 miles I had averaged 25.7 mpg overall in mixed driving. The FWD V6 apparently isn't more than a few mpg less than this.
  • lumbarlumbar Member Posts: 421
    I have no direct experience with Highlander mpg, but my general experience is that differences in mpg between a 4cyl and a 6 cyl become significant (I realize that's a relative term) when one's driving is mostly of the "city" variety--and conversely that "highway" driving and/or a 50-50 mix often will minimize the differences. If most of the driving is local, I'd expect the difference to be very noticeable percentage-wise. For example, a real world 20 mpg (city) from a 4 cyl is a 25% upgrade from a real world 16 mpg from the 6 cyl if most of one's driving is around town. I suspect those looking at 4 cyl models are more concerned about local mileage numbers in the six.
  • jjrefjjref Member Posts: 3
    Excuse me if this topics has already been covered.

    I'd like a little clarification on the Snow Mode function, please.

    When do you employ it?

    Do you use it just when starting off?

    Do you leave it on and drive with it continuously?

    Can you harm/damage the transmission if left on?

    I'm guessing that it's not intended to be any type of awd system?

    Does it do any good?

    Does it over-ride any other function?

    I've got a 2005 FWD 4cyl -NO awd.

    No explanation exists in owner's manual or on Toyota website.

    Thank you for any help that's out there.

    JJREF
  • typesixtypesix Member Posts: 321
    It is meant for use on snow or any slippery surface, it starts off the car in 2nd gear to minimize wheelspin. It will automatically shut off when engine is turned off. It may help in some slippery situations. If you have a light foot like I do, it does not seem to make a difference in snow.
  • rust1rust1 Member Posts: 13
    Very happy so far with vehicle. V6/AWD will get 24mpg, but less around town. Low pressure light came on and sure enough there was a screw in R/R tire. I run 40psi all around. Changing wasn't bad other than unloading to get spare. The only complaint we have is rain drops on seat when opening front doors.
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    Less (mpg) around town is an understatement. Got only 13mpg on our last tank, all short hops in sub-freezing temps and probably never got over 40mph.

     

    How's the ride at 40 psi? Can you notice increased harshness vs the recommended 31psi?
  • rust1rust1 Member Posts: 13
    16mpg around town, no ice or snow, well above freezing. I don't think the ride is harsh with 40psi. I carry stuff, and want the carrying capacity.
  • slow43slow43 Member Posts: 31
    I am running my tires with 34psi. Should I up the pressure.
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    "I am running my tires with 34psi. Should I up the pressure."

     

    What benefit do you expect to get from higher pressure? I suspect the ride will deteriorate somewhat and the mileage may increase by an immeasurable amount. Unless you are constantly loaded to GVW, there is probably no benefit.
  • rpell46rpell46 Member Posts: 15
    I completely agree with your supicions. I tried varying pressures and had absolutely NO appreciable difference in mileage. However, I did find that I was able to increase traction in snow and slushy ice by increasing to about 35 lbs., without sacrificing ride comfort. The difference was small, but it was discernible.

     

    I have always felt that as long as tire pressures are kept at least at recommended levels for average driving conditions, any differences in wear, ride, traction and mpg's is not going to vary much.

     

    For adverse or extreme conditions, tire pressures will make a difference.
  • rust1rust1 Member Posts: 13
    On your tire sidewall there will be a load rating @ max air pressure. You can experiment with more pressure and check the handling, ride, and mpg yourself. The more weight you haul, weather people or stuff, the closer to max psi you should run for safety.
  • vlanman25vlanman25 Member Posts: 49
    I finally bought a FWD Highlander and have a question about when to use or turn off TRAC Control.

    The owner's manual says never unless you're stuck in mud/snow, however, I seem to get more traction with it off in heavy snow. Does driving with it on in heavy snow (I live in the NE and side streets are often snow covered) damage the drivetrain? I hear a high whine. Does it impact gas mileage? Any info or experiences would be appreciated. By the way the vehicle's too new to comment on yet. I just know it's got to be better than my Oldsmobile.

    Thanks -Ken
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    With it off you can "overspeed" the drive wheels and that sometimes helps get you moving in snow.

     

    With it on anytime the drive wheels turn faster than the rear the Trac system will brake the overspeeding wheel(s) and if the condition persists it will then begin to dethrottle the engine to prevent brake rotor overheating and warping.

     

    It's never a good idea to have the front wheels overspeeding as that indicates a loss of most traction and with that you also lose directional control.

     

    Leave the Trac control enabled as much as is possible on adverse roadbed conditions, it may very well save your life one day.
  • vlanman25vlanman25 Member Posts: 49
    Thanks wwest, I guess it will stay on then. -ken
  • grahampetersgrahampeters Member Posts: 1,786
    G'day

     

    After much hard worrying, I am about to buy a Kluger (Highlander to you folk) here in Melbourne, Australia. They come in three trim levels here so I've passed on the fake wood-grain and Sat Nav (it does not list my address which has been here for 35 years).

     

    The alternative was a replacement for my existing Outback (which haas been a wonderful car) but the kids have reached that age when there always seems to be more children than seats available.

     

    Any last minute things i should check

     

    Cheers

     

    Graham
  • rust1rust1 Member Posts: 13
    @ 5000 miles on my 2005 Highlander. Very pleased so far. V-6 4-wd has good power and gets fair mileage. No kids to haul though. Enjoy your new vehicle.
  • landdriverlanddriver Member Posts: 607
    Overall the HL (Kluger to you) is a great vehicle and so I say go for it. Be sure to do a thorough test drive under the common driving conditions you normally encounter.
  • grahampetersgrahampeters Member Posts: 1,786
    G'day

     

    Thanks Bruno for the tip. I've taken a Kluger out for a lengthy test drive over normal suburban conditions including trying to replicate any hesitation problems on freeway on ramps and searching for the reported wind noise with the rear windows open. Can live with any issues that I have spotted so far. I've also tried it for size with my children and one of their friends to check seating space in the third seat. You wouldn't want to ride there for too long if an adult but it seems fine for early teenagers.

     

    Many thanks

     

    Cheers

     

    Graham
  • 1sttimevolvo11sttimevolvo1 Member Posts: 189
    I searched the forum prior to asking this, and didn't find post relating to it.

     

    My inlaws own a 2001 Highlander V6 AWD. They've been extremely pleased with it and have really put it to good use. 1 trip up to Nova Scotia and throughout the NE of Canada, 1 trip through 10 states out west, and another trip to Canada planned this year.

     

    My question is about the Homelink unit. About 4 months ago, the unit would lose it's memory setting for their garage after about a week or so, yet the link stored for our garage is retained.

     

    I tried storing their garage in the 1 and the 3 slot, but end up with the same result - after about a week, Homelink loses the signal. Ours, however, still remains stored in slot 2.

    I suggested he take it to the dealer, but he fears it'll cost more than he wants to spend, so he uses the unit that came with the opener.

     

    Anyone experience this, and if so, how was it rectified?

     

    Thanks.
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.