2009 TOYOTA Highlander

Looking for my third highlander

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: Reliability Rating: Safety Rating: Technology Rating: Value Rating:

This is a solid vehicle. Not overly large but roomy enough for passenger comfort and carrying sport stuff, golf clubs, etc. Don't really have anything bad to say about it

The best bang for your buck for a 4 banger mid size suv

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This car is great, bought used with less than 60K, but in near mint condition at purchase, engine is strong, easy to move seats down for storage and has a lot of nice creature comfort features. Its got decent power for a 4 cylinder and since I'm not towing, and this is primarily a people mover, the gas savings are perfect. Drives like a car, would recommend to anyone looking for a mid size suv that is reliable, fun to drive and very functional.

Highlander SPORT

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

This is my father's car and it is great. The sport suspension does make a difference, it handles better than my 2013 Highlanader. Theres more steering feel. It does well in the snow, haven't had any problems with it. Just doing maintenance on it. The JBL sound system is amazing! Some of my leather Jackets tend to stick to the leather on the seats and make a weird noise when I get out of the seat. It does everything you want it to. I like the huge backup camera as well.

Great!Highlander

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

all people writing a review on this issue about the toyota highlander you need to open your manual owners booklet before you complain regarding the problem of your highlander...first evry 5,000 miles you need to wheel rotation 2nd you need evry 12-18moths wheel alignment 3rd you need to retorque all under chassis evry 36 moths...very important to check your oil and coolant transmission fluid every week...God bless all

Mostly as expected but not everything

Performance: 4 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

Own this SUV for nearly 2 years. Reliability is good. No issue so far. But there are quite a few rattling noises from dash,2nd and 3rd row seats. It's definitely not as serious as mechanical or electrical problem but sometimes is quite annoying. Dealer said it's from under seats and cannot fix due to safety issue. Another problem is the very weird tire size. They're top expensive. Change a set will charge $955 at Costco and $1000 at America Tire. Basically it's a comfortable and fast car but Toyota can make it better.

Great SUV!

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

We love our Highlander I4 with convenience package. This car has all the features I need and nothing you don't need-perfect. We love the space and comfort, ride quality and general feel of this car. The assembly quality is first rate. It had defective water pump after one year but it is one of the first ones that they put together. In any case, it didn't stop in the middle of the road. The 4 cyl engine is great. It is quiet, and powerful enough to pull full load on our 1000 mile trip. It lacks a passing power a bit but it is a great cruiser and plenty of pep around town. Efficiency was as low as 19 mpg and as high as 29 mpg. Road feel is good but 6 spd transmission is too shift-happy but smooth.

Don't by Toyota

Performance: 2 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

At 20,000 km a Whirring sound came from the front right of the Highlander. 2 dealerships say it is unfixable and I quote : to give the vehicles strong gears the downside is at 80 km Toyotas will make a very annoying sound but YOU"LL just have to live with it because there is nothing we can do" end of quote. Unbelievable! The sound will drive you nuts and they cannot fix it,, they said it is in MOST all their vehicles and if they replace the problem which they agree there is, it will just come back because that is the design of th e gear box! Customers, I kid you not, $50,000 for a vehicle like this and even Toyota Canada gives me the Slough off !

Best in Class!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Drove and researched everything. Highlander is #1. The Honda Pilot doesn't handle well, the Pathfinder is way too cramped inside, and the Traverse and Acadia are over 40k with options, not worth $. The Highlander is so super quiet, the transmission is ultra smooth. 270 horses pull quickly and I can still get 25 mpg. Very comfortable driving position with nicely laid out high quality controls. Second row captains chairs are like traveling first class. Third row is cramped and only good for a quick trip. Toyota always was and still is one of best products on the road. Drive the Highlander and you will absolutely be sold.

Great SUV

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought this SUV the end of March 2010 and since then have put 23,000 miles on it. I travel for work and find this vehicle so much more comfortable and versatile than my 07 Chevy Impala LTZ. It gets great gas mileage; best I've ever gotten is 28 mpg, but usually average around 25 per tank. The back seat is extremely spacious, even for me measuring in at 6'5". I find the in dash information center to be very user friendly, even though it could have a bigger display. V6 acceleration is excellent for size and weight of vehicle. Handling is car-like with the sports trim level. Only major complaint is the lack of a compass for the price tag of this model.

Cannot go wrong with Highlander!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

After having researched extensively and test-driven Honda Pilot, Mitsubishi Outlander, Ford Edge, and the new Equinox, I repeatedly returned to Highlander and bought one a few weeks ago. I cannot express how impressed I am with Highlander! The ride is extraordinarily comfortable, quite and smooth. The interior is extremely roomy, well-designed and functional. The second row is exceptional. If you need the third row it is there and not as a joke! If you do not use it just fold it and you have plenty of cargo room! I must also compliment the instant V6 power and above average fuel economy, which is almost the same as 2007 Passat I traded in! It is also very family friendly if you have children

4 cylinder worth consideration

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I have had a pleasant experience owning 4 cylinder base Highlander 2009 model. The city mileage is 24 and highway 28 - could not have asked for better from mid-size SUV. I cruised at 70 while traveling from Boston to NY and never felt the vehicle does not have enough power. Dealers should inform the customers hybrid is not the only way to get decent fuel economy. Also, driving in snow was not bad either.

Dissapointed

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 3

I left GM for Toyota with the expectation of a better vehicle. This hasn't been the case. My Highlander has made eight trips to the dealer to address problems. The problems: defective gas tank, of all things, which had to be replaced; incorrect fuel gauge reading (on its second sending unit and still not fixed); dis- colored dash panels; on its second XM receiver and all within 5,000 miles. The Dealer has been very helpful, but perplexed at times at the Highlander's oddities. Now, I wonder if the unintended acceleration bug will be next! I did not have as many problems with the Buick I traded in on this Highlander. What an unexpected disappointment this Highlander has been for what it cost.

First Toyota - Hoping for Better

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 3

This was my first time owning a Toyota and is going to be my last. I have problems with the idle on the car and they have not repaired (I have video of this issue). I have a problem with mice entering the vents and entering the car because the vents do not close when you shut the car off (Poor Design). The tires are very poor in the snow and only last about 25,000 miles. I put on Michelin tires and what a difference. The car engine has plenty of power and is not to bad on using fuel for a V6. Overall, I will not purchase this car again or another Toyota.

after 1 year, just ok

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 4

mileage as expected. front pass seat needs same controls as driver. seat heat control very cumbersome. Auto climate control generally not comfortable when sunshine, better at night. headliner rattles (!!). Biggest concern that I don't believe the Dealer has dealt properly with is our engine has what sounds like dry piston "clatter" prior to it warming up (Summer and Winter). I have NEVER owned a vehicle with such a sound no matter how cold the engine, yet I have had the dealer check it twice but I am guessing they never took it off the lot. We have been Toyota owners for 24 years. This is the first one we have been dissapointed with.

Bad Tires

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5

Good SUV, weird size tires on Sport & Limited. Goes ok in snow but won't stop. Due to odd tire size there are only 2 tires available. Tires are very expensive and need replaced at 20K.

Most Practical SUV You Can Cuy.

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Toyota has proven that they put a lot of thought into their design with every cubic inch of the inside being carefully thought out. Seat comfort is great, leg room is never an issue, even for a 5'8" adult in the 3rd row. 2nd row recline is much easier to operate than the competitors. The car handles exceptionally, even with 19" wheels in 6 to 8" of snow, with the snow button on it is hard to make the car lose control. Hands free controls and individual climate controls are a plus. I am convinced for the money and the quality of this vehicle, you won't find a better car. From it's lower priced "rivals" from Kia & GM to overpriced imports such as Acura and Lexus, the Highlander is IT!

Solid Toyota

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Safe, reliable vehicle. Transmission optimized for fuel economy. With foot off gas, engine cuts fuel to fuel injectors (engine braking) to save fuel and slow vehicle. Fuel cuts back in around 20 mph, which some complain as a "surge" upon deceleration. Excellent in snow! Handles potholed CO roads exceptionally well. Bland, comfortable ride. (Note Sport and Limited models have lower profile tires which are poor, at best, in snow.)

Bad Tires

Performance: 2 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 1 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 1 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

Found the Dueler OEM tires dangerous in the snow. Tried to find the only good alternative made which is a Toyo HT, but these are on long backorder. Vehicle also developed rattles which I could have lived with despite the tire situation. Traded it out already with only 3800 miles on it. Poor engineering by Toyota to put a poor traction tire on an SUV sold in the upper midwest with no alternatives.

Not My Best Decision

Performance: 3 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

I thought I was making a great informed decision buying this vehicle given the Toyota reputation for quality. This was my first non big 3 SUV. I think the interior is ok in terms of design. The heating/ac panel is complicated to use. The windows make visibility a little more difficult than I would like. The transmission has some interesting options to downshift and upshift, but it is unclear as to the benefits. The performance in snow is awful. I have no idea how this has a good snow rating, worse than most cars I have had. The owners manual is very uninformative as to some of the most important features of the case. Overall it is going to be a quick trade here.

Best SUV in market today

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This is one of the best SUVs out there in the market today. No problem with snow and slippery roads with very comfortable ride on bumpy roads. Great exterior and interior design with reasonable price. Build quality and reliability is excellent so far. Ride is on the soft side but secure. Lots of room in front and back seats, I do not use 3rd row so lots of cargo room.

Goodbye Trailblazer

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Tried a GM product after owning imports...big mistake. $2000 in repairs in 1 2/2 years. We needed 7 passenger ability, 5000 lb towing and I think Highlander is the only front wheel dr SUV to offer that combo? Great highway MPG-24-26. Great build quality. Solid, smooth to drive. Easy readable controls.V6 has plenty of power. We purchased the Base model.

Overall Love it!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

This car is great if you are looking for minimal cargo capacity and good gas mileage. Great to get around town, but not off road. It is easy to handle, but is not suited to carry more than 4 people comfortably and have ample storage. If you plan on driving this in snow, this is not the car for you. The 2wd is useless. My wheels spun. So if you get snow on a regular basis, I would recommend the 4wd.

Solid and fun SUV

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 3

Went from G35 to Highlander Sport 4WD - big change, but surprisingly a nice transition. More pickup and power than I thought it would have, nice ride (although coming from a sport car, a little too soft, especially steering feel). My kids like the 2nd row capt. chairs, and I'm glad the 3rd row folds flat - hauled home a 46" LCD TV, no problem!

Tire change made a big difference

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Too early to say much, just got the car. However, after reading very bad reviews on the OEM tires (Bridgestone Dueler 400 H/L, I ended trading them in on a new set of Brigestgone Dueler Allenza's 255/55/19's (one size larger). WOW! Cleaned up the mushiness; they feel way more tuned to the suspension (at 42 lbs); and the more stable stance at high speed (80 MPH) is a drastic improvement. The Tire Rack rating is way better, and I need this car to perform in snow. The increased diameter is minimal (maybe .4 inch) while the extra width is part of the much improved feel (perhaps 1.5 inches).

Great Ride!

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

After buying my wife a minivan, I needed something bigger than my BMW 335xi for me and the kids. While it's not as fun to drive as a BMW, this is a great vehicle. Surprised at how BIG the interior is of the Highlander. Seats are super comfortable and perfect for fitting car seats in the 2nd row. Does not drive like a truck (like the Honda pilot does). Love the looks and styling and I expect to keep this vehicle for a very long time. I opted for the sport and leather package...the cloth seemed cheap feeling. Grey is a great color - hides the dirt very well.

First Impressions

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Pros: Very sharp looking SUV. Nice lines. Paint and trim seem to be above par. Quiet when driving and it has a great sound system with the JBL 6 Disc. Very smooth shifting vehicle with plenty of power from the V6. Cons: Front seats are not designed for men. I'm 6'1" tall and find it hard to get into a comfortable driving position. Seats are also way too hard and do not offer enough leg support. The Sport model rides rough on uneven surfaces. However, it is very smooth on even highway roads. Currently experiencing an odd shutter at light throttle use. This is a random event and may go away with time once the computer learns our driving habits. Overall: Nice vehicle for my wife.

Comfy family vehicle for all events

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Bought for more than 7 months and like it more every day. Blind spots was a concern at first but big rear mirrors ease the worry. A great highway cruiser as my main purpose to buy. Drive is smooth but not sporty even good power V6. Leans quite a bit in sharp turn but secure with light steering, low road feel and average steering response. The keyless start and power hatch are great plus for every day use. Most materials used are good quality except some textured hard plastic. Better than FORD and GM comparable models. Truck space is tight when 3rd row seat is up, which is not split and has tight leg room. Center on the 2nd row is too small but outside seats are comfy.

Fun to drive

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

It's an amazing upgrade from my 98 Madza MPV all-sport. Drives like a sedan. Sometimes I felt it's even quieter than my wife's 04 Camry. The engine is powerful and quiet even when driving up the Cottonwood canyon mountain resorts. Well designed interior controls, which are large and easy to reach. Storage is plenty with many cup-holders. I consistently get 21 mpg (city/highway combined) for my commute to work. Trip to California in July on highway and gets consistent 24 mpg. View isn't as good as my MPV (maybe I'm still trying to get used to it).

Wonderful Car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I'm very happy about my decision. I was looking for a SUV to replace my VW Passat which is economical and could satisfy my SUV Dreams. I'm happy that I purchased this base model highlander. For my regular commute it give 24 in average and for longer trips it give 26.5mpg. Handling is very good and very very comfortable. Dealer converted the seats to leather for $1099 with heated seats (front and second row). I will recommend this car to anyone without any regret.

Highlander 4cyl with 3rd seat

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I purchased the car this weekend. Hard to find a 4cyl with the third seat. Drove ~300 miles to pick it up, so I got a little highway time and have driven it around town some. I drove both the 6cyl and 4cyl models and really like the balance of the 4 with the 6 speed transmission. Sure, it won't win any drag races, but the performance is very good. If you want a sports car, buy one. I got ~26mpg on a brand new motor driving 75 mph. Mileage will only improve once it's broken in. So far - love the Highlander. Rated reliability high from my experience with my other Toyota products.

BMW traded for Family Car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Well, traded in a 4 year old BMW 3 series for the highlander and I love it. More headroom, baby can actually fall asleep in the plush ride, and change her diaper in the car. Third row is used when grandparents are riding with us. But that means cargo capacity is down and the stroller can't fit with the third row up. Need to get smaller stroller or kick a grandparent out. Wanted a smooth floating boat with lots of room and that is the Highlander. It's fast too, but takes longer to rev up.

Great ride, but noisy engine poor MPG

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Rides like a sedan and accelerates quickly but the engine screams trying. Fit and finish is good as well as good legroom/headroom for a 6'4" guy. I expected better mileage than 22 MPG since my previous Sequoia, with a V8, got 20.5 MPG. The sticker stated 24 MPG on the highway and it doesn't come close.

#3 is the best

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

My 3rd Highlander Limited...each prior vehicle was driven 60,000 miles (Leased)...bought this one...in the first 2 months drove 8,500 miles exploring the country...average 23 MPG at 65-80 mph on Interstates...a real pleasure to drive...10 hour days on the road are very comfortable, especially with heated leather seats...smart key and power tailgate are slick...this one is a keeper!

Nice Wheels - Typical Toyota Part 2

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Almost four months with our new Highlander and no issues since we drove it off the dealer lot. 5000 miles and averaging 19 mpg consistently....22 for hghwy trips. My wife loves the push button start and key fob that unlocks the vehicle for her. Vehicle is still quiet, smooth and has very comfortable seats. The seat heaters feel great on the lower back even during the summer and the JBL sounds great. The rear seat is roomy, comfortable and the rear climate control is as comfortable as the front...nice.

Small & Quick

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

It's new. Rides great. Maneuvers well. Plenty of get up and go. Has all the bells and whistles. Fit and trim are excellent. First non-"big three" we have owned. Center dash w/navigation/CD combined is too delicate and complex. Steering wheel controls good/dash controls unnecessarily confusing. Owners Manual near useless - WAY TOO LONG. More comfortable than competitors especially for someone over 6'2" and 250 lbs. Cargo area is good w/3rd seat down.

Great so far

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Very smooth to drive, interior feels much more spacious than the Explorer we traded in for it. Fuel economy is good for SUV. Engine seems to work a bit harder than the explorer's did when I need to accelerate rapidly on to a highway, but other than that it has plenty of power.

Bumpy ride

Performance: 3 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 1 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

The highlander is a beautiful SUV to look at but very bumpy to ride in. Would have been my dream SUV but now I hate to drive it because it's bumpy like a old 1987 car that need new struts or something. Please test drive it on all kinds of roads before purchasing.

Base V6

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Base V6 is nice, have Value Pack 2, but for the money would have liked rearview to have auto dim and compass, read hatch to open glass, include fuel computer. Bottom line would like some more standard options included for the price, but looks nice and very functional.

Great Product

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I love this car. It is like a fine swiss watch. I am averaging 26 MPG with the 4 cylinder. My car has the trailer towing package. This made it a much stronger vehicle. I had to order the vehicle to get the towing package, but it was worth the wait.

Beware of short-comings

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

After having the Highlander for a few months it is fun to drive and I do like the car. But the biggest trouble is that the Sport and Limited levels (including hybrids) have 19 inch wheels with odd size tires. There is basically 2 tires to choose from, plus a few snow tires. That's the only choice you have, and these tires are scary on snow. I have my tires rotated at the dealer, and from their write up, it'll probably last 20,000 miles in which case will cost almost $1,000 to replace (not easy to find either). Wish the space behind third row was longer as well as split third row to make it more usable. I think the Honda Pilot would be a better choice.

2009 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 3.5L

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5

I was torn between this and the Honda Pilot. The Toyota won out even though it was $3,000 more. The comfort and the ride were just better. It is a very fun vehicle to drive. The fit and finish were what I would expect from Toyota. I do wish the Bluetooth was a little easier to use. I am also unsure about the electronic key. It's nice but I Kayak and worry about getting it wet. I would buy this vehicle again though.

Good Car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

This is my first SUV. Handles, accelerates, rides excellently. Was pleasantly surprised on the ease of which it was to park and maneuver. It allows excellent visibility for the driver. The cabin is quiet and external noise from other vehicles or engine noise is minimal. You can listen to the radio at the same volume on the city streets as on the Highway. Doors close solidly and the 2nd row seats are comfortable for full size adults. Third row seats are small, and should be used for smaller adults/older children. Note: Running the A/C will take off 3-4 miles per gallon.

Great car to drive

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This SUV has it all, style, ride, quiet, and most of all comfort. Being a senior and retired this vehicle will get plenty of use. Having owned a Ford Explorer, a GMC Envoy, both being top of the line models, the Highlander is superior. Gas mileage is not a factor in my case, but 19 MPG local is acceptable. This vehicle was a surprise as I intended to purchase a Toyota Venza.

Great SUV

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This is an excellent SUV for the pricing, I chose Toyota because of the reliability that I have with my Avalon for last 4 years. This SUV exterior is designed very well and with full tank of gas and five family members the 6 cyl never misses a beat in its performance. However, the third row seating could have been designed better with a split 3rd row seat. After a 1000 miles there are no problems to report.

Smooth and Very Quiet

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

The Sport AWD glides down the road. The 270 HP power on the V6 is incredible. Handling is very good and the traction control system is better than found on other similar SUV crossover vehicles. With the premium JBL sound system is very good. The backup camera is a nice safety feature. Our model came with heated outside mirrors which will help during the long Indiana winters. Overall impression is very good for the price. We plan on keeping this vehicle for many years to come.

Try it, you'll like it.

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Go test drive them all, but you will come back to the Highlander if you want an easy to drive SUV with lots of power and feel on the road. There are other things to like about the vehicle as it stands new, but we'll see how it holds up.

A Highlander Fan

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Economic: longer trips: 60 mph - 25 mpg, 65 mph - 24, 70 mph 23-24, around town - 19-22. Like monitoring driving habits with fuel monitoring gauge. Had a 2002 Highlander, may have bought the 2009 sooner but the exterior look was a bit dull due to the boring side door panels. We compromised with side moldings that seemed to break up the monotony. Very comfortable and pleasant to ride and drive in. The front seat ride seems better than the back seat ride. Both are spacious. Rear window washer blades don't lift up for easy cleaning (weird). Interior is very nice but mad that Toyota makes you pay extra on top of the Limited price just to add satellite radio. Overall a great car.

Consider

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Considered Acura MDX and Lexus RX, Toyota highlander was a wise choice. Bit boring inside and out but still is a modern design. Love the ride quality but hate a single headlight config. that functions as day-time-running light, low-beam, and high-beam. Toyota should really consider replacing it with HID system. After all, it cost over 30k and almost 40k for fully load AWD sport model. Nav screen is not clear/vivid, perhaps due to touch screen? Did I mention the ride is awesome? I suggest ordering black leather/cloth interior since other color look cheap. Go test drive MDX and RX. If you need a roomier car, highlander should be your pick. If you care more for styling, then others.

Great Vehicle for the Money

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I am a car buying addict, literally. I have owned a lot of different vehicles in the last 6 years including a CTS, BMW 330i, Jeep Grand Cherokee, RX 330, GS 300, infiniti G35 and now the highlander. I have to say the build quality is not a BMW but it ranks up there with the Lexus and better than Infiniti. I was definitely in the market for an SUV this go around and was seriously looking and comparing and researching so that I might keep this one longer than 2 years! I drove the Volvo XC60, MDX, RX 350, and Audi Q5. I loved the Highlander though and the price was the best. I have a loaded AWD with Nav for 36000. I could not see buying a comparably equipped RX for 11000 more! Good buy!