2004 Toyota Kluger CV 3.3 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Klugeriffic

Faults:

Oil seal fixed under Toyota extended warranty after 140000 trouble free kms.

Other than regular servicing, car has only required 2 sets of replacement brake pads and rotor machining.

Freakishly reliable (touch wood).

General Comments:

Most reliable, versatile car we've ever owned. With Cooper ATR tyres, it will go places you wouldn't believe.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th September, 2010

2004 Toyota Kluger CV 3.3 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Quality car for the growing family

Faults:

Nothing major.

General Comments:

Great car for the family, as ours is a 7 seater that can comfortably seat 7 (seats children in the third row up to the age of about 9 years old).

We have found the transmission very smooth and fuss free, although I do find it kicks back into first at low speeds (under 20km/hr) if you accelerate a bit too much.

Even my wife has comments on how good it is to drive.

The only real complaint with the car is that the doors do not stay open while the kids are trying to get out, whilst the car is on a bit of a hill.

Fuel economy is about 8 km/litre.

It has the typical Toyota quality, which we really like.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd March, 2010

2004 Toyota Kluger CVX 3.3 V6 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Will be looking at something else next time if the new Kluger has the same traits

Faults:

Two Recalls.

Drivers Seat replaced due to crack in Leather.

Engine and Gearbox removed due to Front Diff Leak (Two days in workshop).

Front right Suspension strut replaced.

General Comments:

Very comfortable and large car let down by bad handling and DREADFUL transmission/throttle response.

Great inside, eats up all the stuff a family can throw at it.

Fuel Consumption over life of vehicle as been 11.5l/100km. Drops down to 8.5 on highway, around 14 in town and 16-17 towing large camper. Tows well.

Engine has more than enough power, and is silky smooth. However, it is seriously let down by that throttle response.

Handling doesn't want to be pressed. Sit back and enjoy the ride.

Servicing has been on expensive side, with a number of warranty claims.

If buying second hand, check that front diff leak otherwise you may be up for a 14 hour labour charge.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th March, 2007

2004 Toyota Kluger CVX 3.3 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A good compromise between 4wd, family car and performance car

Faults:

The left hand front tyre seemed to wear a bit more than the others. I've just got new Toyo OPAT's and they are very grippy, and only slightly noisier than the OEM tyres.

Recently the transmission has started to have some of the problems as described on this forum. I took it to the dealer for a 40,000km service and mentioned the problem. They checked it out and said that they would replace the transfer case under warranty. I will be getting this done in the New Year. The dealer was very good about it. He didn't make excuses for this problem, nor did they try to fob me off.

General Comments:

The car is extremely smooth (until recent transmission problem) and quick. It is comfortable and does everything that I have asked of it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th December, 2006

2004 Toyota Kluger Grande 3.3 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

An excellent cruiser

Faults:

One rear taillight assembly split along a seam. Some stress in assembly I assume.

General Comments:

The instruments have visibility issues, especially the odometer which needs lighting like a Subaru.

I complained to the dealer that the blinker clicker unit was too quiet, but apparently they used to be too loud, now they are too soft so we await till Toyota gets it "just right".

It also annoys me that the unit has a light level sensor for the automatic on headlight feature which is basically useless, but fails to use the information to tell the video screen that it is daytime and yes, I do have my lights on.

All the above are minor quibbles. Some of the good follows.

Excellent fuel economy on trips. I have seen better than 9.5 litres/100 Km on trips. Around town (no trips) the figure tends into the mid 13 s. Strangely, on trips it likes undulating country better than all flat for best economy.

The brakes are excellent. Have had to use the BA because of idiots to good effect.

Some motor magazine testers have complained about the over enthusiastic ESC system. They must really hammer the test cars. I have only managed to kick it in once.

I added +50% light globes to low beam to match the hot spots high beam gave. At my age I would look to a car with HID headlights in future.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th February, 2006