2004 Toyota Kluger Grande review from Australia and New Zealand
"An excellent cruiser"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
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.
Recommended reviews
| An otherwise wonderful car totally ruined by an appalling transmission |
| Am really looking forward to when it is run in |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 2004 |
| First year of ownership | 2005 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.3 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 10 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 30 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 23000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Subaru Liberty |
| Date of Entry | 8th February, 2006 |