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2004
Toyota Highlander

Starts at:
$24,080
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New 2004 Toyota Highlander
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NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr 4-Cyl (Natl)
    Starts at
    $24,080
    22 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 4-Cyl w/3rd Row (Natl)
    Starts at
    $24,930
    22 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr V6 (Natl)
    Starts at
    $25,140
    19 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 4-Cyl 4WD (Natl)
    Starts at
    $25,480
    21 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr V6 w/3rd Row (Natl)
    Starts at
    $25,990
    19 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr V6 4WD w/3rd Row (Natl)
    Starts at
    $27,390
    18 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr V6 Limited w/3rd Row (Natl)
    Starts at
    $29,980
    19 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr V6 4WD Limited w/3rd Row (Natl)
    Starts at
    $31,380
    18 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2004 Toyota Highlander 2004 Toyota Highlander 2004 Toyota Highlander 2004 Toyota Highlander 2004 Toyota Highlander 2004 Toyota Highlander 2004 Toyota Highlander 2004 Toyota Highlander 2004 Toyota Highlander 2004 Toyota Highlander 2004 Toyota Highlander 2004 Toyota Highlander 2004 Toyota Highlander 2004 Toyota Highlander 2004 Toyota Highlander 2004 Toyota Highlander

Notable features

Car-based construction
Four-cylinder or V-6
Available permanent 4WD
Distinctive control layout
Five- or seven-passenger capacity

The good & the bad

The good

Easy to drive
Ride comfort
Handling
Reliability
Resale value

The bad

Lack of Low-range gearing
Midrange acceleration
Uninspired styling

Expert 2004 Toyota Highlander review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

Highlander’s price stings but lives up to quality reputation

Take a good look at the long list of competitors going up against the 2004 Toyota Highlander, a car-based crossover utility vehicle that’s imported from Japan. With that in mind, it’s no wonder that Toyota has added significant enhancements to its mid-size CUV, increasing power, adding safety features and offering a third row in some versions.

We drove a top-of-the-line Limited model, decked out with six options, including a $1,770 rear-seat DVD entertainment system, $650 side air bags and air curtains and a $2,200 navigation system bundled with a JBL sound system with 6-disc CD changer. The bottom line: $39,037.

SHE: I’ve always thought of the Highlander as an excellent compromise vehicle if you feel that you can’t really afford the Lexus RX 330, a Highlander sibling that comes from Toyota’s premium brand. But I guess with a price tag approaching $40,000, you might as well just go ahead and buy the Lexus.

HE: That’s really the only reason I gave the Highlander four stars instead of five — well, that and the fact that it’s considerably homelier than the RX 330. If you can afford the money, buy the Lexus. But the Highlander is a pretty slick vehicle. The fact that it now can be ordered with a third row, unlike the RX 330, should appeal to some parents who need the extra seats, but are desperate to avoid the minivan stigma. Just be forewarned that the third row is difficult to access, there isn’t much room back there, the seat itself is uncomfortable and you wind up having to sacrifice precious cargo space.

SHE: We need to talk about the price issue a little more, especially since I had this argument recently with my sister, Claudia. The Highlander was at the top of her shopping list this spring. But she ended up getting a Ford Explorer. She was angry that the Toyota dealer wouldn’t budge on the sticker price, which was considerably higher, while the Ford dealer offered a hefty discount. I argued that the Toyota was probably a better value, despite the higher price. The workmanship is better. The interior is better looking. It’s more pleasant to drive. These are all factors that would probably make you want to keep the Highlander longer, and they’re not completely obvious if you just compare sticker to sticker.

HE: I agree with your premise, but not necessarily with your conclusion. There are some very good values in the under-$30,000 price bracket in this vehicle category, especially among the American brands. But the fact is that the Highlander is a superior product in many ways, from its workmanship to its performance, and consumers have demonstrated that they’re willing to pay a premium for the Toyota brand and reputation for quality and reliability. But I have to admit this particular vehicle doesn’t much stir my juices.

SHE: If you want to be super critical and really practical, the Highlander lacks the true functionality and space of a minivan and the excitement of a rugged SUV. Even though Toyota “freshened” the exterior, it’s still pretty boring. But the cabin is wonderful. I think the controls are simple and elegant, and our test vehicle’s instrument panel was attractive, with a combination of wood, matte metal and two-tone taupe/beige plastic. There is clever use of cubby space, including a cutout under the console-mounted shifter where you can store a purse or small packages.

HE: I was happy to see Toyota boosted the displacement and output of the twin-cam V-6 engine in the Highlander to 3.3 liters and 230 horsepower. The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic, which is very smooth. I’m a little surprised the engineers were able to squeeze only 18 miles per gallon in city driving and 24 on the highway, but then again, this is a four-wheel-drive version. We should add that the Limited comes with standard antilock brakes, traction control and stability co rol, all of which are critical safety systems for families. Curiously, side air bags and air curtains remain an extra-cost option, even on the top-of-the-line model.

SHE: I think the Highlander drives like a dream, especially if you’re a nonenthusiast who just wants a comfortable, elegant, easy-to-operate vehicle that does a lot of things really well.

Anita’s rating:

Likes: Second-row split seats slide fore and aft. Attractive instrument panel with wood, matte metal and two-tone plastic. Simple and elegant controls and displays. Pop-down headrests in second and third row. Space under console-mounted shifter for purse, small packages. Standard antilock brakes, traction control and stability control on Limited model.

Dislikes: Uncomfortable third-row seat. Limited cargo space with third-row seat.

Pauls’ rating:

Likes: Plenty of zip from DOHC 3.3L V-6. Excellent workmanship. Easy-to-use navigation system. Easy to maneuver. Comfortable, car-like ride.

Dislikes: Our test vehicle was priced like a luxury SUV. Uninspired exterior styling. Limited leg room in second row. Difficult to access third row. Optional side-curtain air bags don’t cover third row.

2004 Toyota Highlander review: Our expert's take
By

Highlander’s price stings but lives up to quality reputation

Take a good look at the long list of competitors going up against the 2004 Toyota Highlander, a car-based crossover utility vehicle that’s imported from Japan. With that in mind, it’s no wonder that Toyota has added significant enhancements to its mid-size CUV, increasing power, adding safety features and offering a third row in some versions.

We drove a top-of-the-line Limited model, decked out with six options, including a $1,770 rear-seat DVD entertainment system, $650 side air bags and air curtains and a $2,200 navigation system bundled with a JBL sound system with 6-disc CD changer. The bottom line: $39,037.

SHE: I’ve always thought of the Highlander as an excellent compromise vehicle if you feel that you can’t really afford the Lexus RX 330, a Highlander sibling that comes from Toyota’s premium brand. But I guess with a price tag approaching $40,000, you might as well just go ahead and buy the Lexus.

HE: That’s really the only reason I gave the Highlander four stars instead of five — well, that and the fact that it’s considerably homelier than the RX 330. If you can afford the money, buy the Lexus. But the Highlander is a pretty slick vehicle. The fact that it now can be ordered with a third row, unlike the RX 330, should appeal to some parents who need the extra seats, but are desperate to avoid the minivan stigma. Just be forewarned that the third row is difficult to access, there isn’t much room back there, the seat itself is uncomfortable and you wind up having to sacrifice precious cargo space.

SHE: We need to talk about the price issue a little more, especially since I had this argument recently with my sister, Claudia. The Highlander was at the top of her shopping list this spring. But she ended up getting a Ford Explorer. She was angry that the Toyota dealer wouldn’t budge on the sticker price, which was considerably higher, while the Ford dealer offered a hefty discount. I argued that the Toyota was probably a better value, despite the higher price. The workmanship is better. The interior is better looking. It’s more pleasant to drive. These are all factors that would probably make you want to keep the Highlander longer, and they’re not completely obvious if you just compare sticker to sticker.

HE: I agree with your premise, but not necessarily with your conclusion. There are some very good values in the under-$30,000 price bracket in this vehicle category, especially among the American brands. But the fact is that the Highlander is a superior product in many ways, from its workmanship to its performance, and consumers have demonstrated that they’re willing to pay a premium for the Toyota brand and reputation for quality and reliability. But I have to admit this particular vehicle doesn’t much stir my juices.

SHE: If you want to be super critical and really practical, the Highlander lacks the true functionality and space of a minivan and the excitement of a rugged SUV. Even though Toyota “freshened” the exterior, it’s still pretty boring. But the cabin is wonderful. I think the controls are simple and elegant, and our test vehicle’s instrument panel was attractive, with a combination of wood, matte metal and two-tone taupe/beige plastic. There is clever use of cubby space, including a cutout under the console-mounted shifter where you can store a purse or small packages.

HE: I was happy to see Toyota boosted the displacement and output of the twin-cam V-6 engine in the Highlander to 3.3 liters and 230 horsepower. The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic, which is very smooth. I’m a little surprised the engineers were able to squeeze only 18 miles per gallon in city driving and 24 on the highway, but then again, this is a four-wheel-drive version. We should add that the Limited comes with standard antilock brakes, traction control and stability co rol, all of which are critical safety systems for families. Curiously, side air bags and air curtains remain an extra-cost option, even on the top-of-the-line model.

SHE: I think the Highlander drives like a dream, especially if you’re a nonenthusiast who just wants a comfortable, elegant, easy-to-operate vehicle that does a lot of things really well.

Anita’s rating:

Likes: Second-row split seats slide fore and aft. Attractive instrument panel with wood, matte metal and two-tone plastic. Simple and elegant controls and displays. Pop-down headrests in second and third row. Space under console-mounted shifter for purse, small packages. Standard antilock brakes, traction control and stability control on Limited model.

Dislikes: Uncomfortable third-row seat. Limited cargo space with third-row seat.

Pauls’ rating:

Likes: Plenty of zip from DOHC 3.3L V-6. Excellent workmanship. Easy-to-use navigation system. Easy to maneuver. Comfortable, car-like ride.

Dislikes: Our test vehicle was priced like a luxury SUV. Uninspired exterior styling. Limited leg room in second row. Difficult to access third row. Optional side-curtain air bags don’t cover third row.

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2004 Toyota Highlander base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
5/5
Frontal passenger
5/5
Side driver
5/5
Side rear passenger
5/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
7 years / less than 85,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12, 000 miles
Dealer certification
160- or 174-point inspections

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Consumer reviews

4.6 / 5
Based on 49 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.6
Interior 4.3
Performance 4.5
Value 4.6
Exterior 4.3
Reliability 4.7

Most recent

  • Great vehicle to have.

    I am the original owner of my 2004 Toyota Highlander purchased with 8 miles on it ( my test drive miles =))... it currently has 419,100 miles. Original engine, transmission etc... Some upkeep throughout the years... but She's still pushing and running smoothly. What's the saying " til the wheels fall off" which shouldn't be anytime soon because I just purchased new tires last year. =))). Best vehicle ever, very reliable, sturdy, and fun to drive....we have been through a lot.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    22 people out of 22 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Best car ever

    I've owned my 2004 Highlander since it was brand new with only 22 miles on it. {220,000 miles} I've since moved on to a Lexus but "blue Betty still belongs to the family. Still has a smooth ride and is very dependable. Both my daughter and son have had the car to drive in high school. I still change the oil every 5,000 miles with 10,000 mile rated synthetic oil. All I've ever done is change tires, batteries, brake pads, alternator and water pump once. Radiator hoses once. Transmission drain/refill only twice.....no flush. Spark plugs 3 times. She still has amazing take off power and is really a joy to drive. See you at 300,000 miles
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    17 people out of 17 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Love this Highlander Would recommend again.

    Love this suv I'm a tall person so comfort in driving is important,always had back pain from my man's ford escape.Also have really nice tech which escape did not have same yr too.For longer drive very roomy to store gear and a dog.Have been in many Toyota and Lexus ,family members own hybrid and love that too.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    6 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Best Car I ever owned for 16 Years!

    I bought a 2004 Toyota Highlander new for just under $30k. Loved the car. Reliable, smooth ride, easy to drive. Only repairs were wear eg tires, belts, etc. Only issue was the a/c. Slow leak that couldnt be detected. 16 years later w 217k miles I transferred it to my twin grandsons. Safe car for them.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    9 people out of 10 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Most reliable car I've owned.

    The Highlander is one of the best selling cars for a reason. I never had any major issues besides changing tires and brakes every few years. I'm definitely going to buy Toyota.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Pleasantly surprised!

    Honestly I started dating a mother of 3 kids who owned the 04 highlander with the V6 engine. The exterior to me was nothing to brag about, and I thought typical mom car. Then I started going places with her at times... Whoa! This car is quick and smooth. I have driven it quite a bit now and being a owner of a Chevy Tahoe, I might think about the AWD version of the highlander next time I need a vehicle. My girlfriend hasn't had many vehicles and she doesn't quite know how lucky she's been. I have a decade of experience on hers , 30 years driving and this is a two thumbs up vehicle all day every day. Perfect for the person who wants some performance but blends in .
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Very reliable and spacious car

    Our 2004 Toyota Highlander is a great car. It has plenty of space for all our transport needs and third row which is really handy if there is just one or two people too many for most other cars. The 4WD helped in snowy conditions in winter in northern Virginia and the easily accessible gear limiting helped in hilly areas to use the engine break. Our Highlander has the larger motor variant (V6 3.3l), which made it more economic for the weight of the car. When well maintained the car is very reliable. We rarely had issues and usually problems were common wear and tear issues. The only minor issues we had, but didn't fix, where a broken off part of the driver mirror cover, a very slow front right power window (esp. when going up) and signs of age of the volume know of the radio (noisy, but okay if turned slowly).
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Best car I have ever owned

    We have owned this 2004 Highlander Limited since 2007. Now 220,000 Km and we still love it. Everything works perfectly. Replaced timing belt and spark plugs per maintenance schedule. One new brake caliper and a heater control vent. That's it in 14 years.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Reliable and have not had major problems!

    This car was a gift from my husband when I was doing travel nursing. It provided me with great travel experiences and plenty of room for all the things I would take on my assignments. It was always reliable and a pleasure to drive!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great fit

    Never had an SUV before but I am loving my suv! It rides great, enough space for my needs, inside very clean and I am loving that I can see out because I am really short.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Love my car. Would have driven it forever.

    I have, and still love the size and styling of this car. Lots of room in the back and it's so nice to have the 3rd row when I need it!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Very reliable vehicle I have owned.

    Had this vehicle for 15 years and still runs great. Couple of minor issues, but is our favorite vehicle to drive. Still going strong at 160,000 miles.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2004 Toyota Highlander?

The 2004 Toyota Highlander is available in 2 trim levels:

  • (6 styles)
  • Limited (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2004 Toyota Highlander?

The 2004 Toyota Highlander offers up to 22 MPG in city driving and 27 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2004 Toyota Highlander?

The 2004 Toyota Highlander compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2004 Toyota Highlander reliable?

The 2004 Toyota Highlander has an average reliability rating of 4.7 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2004 Toyota Highlander owners.

Is the 2004 Toyota Highlander a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2004 Toyota Highlander. 93.9% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.6 / 5
Based on 49 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.6
  • Interior: 4.3
  • Performance: 4.5
  • Value: 4.6
  • Exterior: 4.3
  • Reliability: 4.7

Toyota Highlander history

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