2004 Toyota Highlander Reviews - Page 2 of 2

Some computer control for the anti-lock brakes or vehicle skid control went out and could not drive over 3 mph--car would vibrate terribly! was replaced under warranty, but was told it was a big job to calibrate.

Love everything about the car, except wish I got closer to the EPA gas mileage estimates--I average 17-18 mpg mixed highway and city (not bad for an SUV though). The car is very comfortable, smooth to drive and has plenty of cargo space or the third row seat. It drives like a car, tows a 17' power boat no problem, and handles great in the snow with its all wheel drive.

The Highlander hesitates or cuts out when the speed goes below a certain level. Originally it was only in the 20 to 30 mph range, but it now hesitates at around 40 mph and even in the passing gear range. This is very dangerous as it slows down at the most critical times.

The power steering and brakes also failed on the car when it was 7 months old. The car was towed in and repaired so I was told.

I have contacted Toyota many times and even went to arbitration about the vehicle. The arbitrator acknowledged there was a problem, but ruled it should be repaired under the warranty even though Toyota disputes there is anything wrong with it and therefore not repairable.

It seems Toyota hasn't been held responsible for this even though they definitely are aware of the problem in many of their vehicles. An American company would never be allowed to get by with misleading the consumer.

I am worried about transmission hesitation problem. There has been recent news articles about Toyota and Lexus trying to fix this, but in the meantime the car has a serious hesitation problem. It happens when you try to accelerate from a low speed, like you do when you merge on an interstate. It can be dangerous in this situation as you gun your engine to merge into traffic and nothing happens. This makes for a very near miss and I am afraid one of these times it will cause an accident. I am told that the transmission has a computer that learns your driving style and that this will go away, but we have had it for a year now and it hasn't learned yet.There are 3 drivers in my family so I am not sure how a vehicle can learn the driving habits of multiple drivers! I will not allow my 16 yr. old to drive in this situation anymore.

Generally, I like the Highlander, but the hesitation issue is giving me serious second thoughts on this.

Nothing has gone wrong with my 2004 Highlander over the 10 months that I have owned it.

This mid size SUV drives like a sedan. I drives equally well on city roads and highways. Gas mileage is 18 city and 27 highway with air conditioner running. I have the V6 cylinder 256 Horse power.