2008 Toyota Highlander consumer reviews

I helped my dad purchase this 2008 Highlander. I got a super deal on it. He gave up a 2003 Dodge Minivan for this and gained AWD, better handling, and better reliability. I love driving this suv as it handles well, great pickup, good storage, excellent 3rd row to fit 2 carseats. Instrument displays are well-lit with good ergonomics. Nice large buttons on the dash for radio and temps. Very easy to use. I also like being able to keep the headlights switched on (they turn off automatically after you turn the car off). Wish they had automatic DRL's - you would think a car of this caliber would have 'em. Otherwise, very happy with the purchase and it's good on gas for an AWD.

Great vehicle and got all the right stuff. I bought it with Sport package, decked out like a Limited w/leather and navigation. Lacks a little speed, but it is comfortable and reliable. Great SUV for the family and also got decent mileage. I average 22 mi/gal in rush hour driving conditions.

many have noted the tire issue - i had to order mine online and have them delivered to my home - $952. then i had to take them to a tire shop and pay to have them mounted. NEW shocker - at 63k miles and 3 years of age, my water pump died. the dealer says 3 days labor - 24 hours @ $90 hr + the part, $2400 more or less. supposedly they have to drop the engine and the transmission to get to the water pump on the side of the engine. NOT acceptable TOYOTA! what a worthless design. had i seen this coming i would not have bought the car and would have stuck with honda. my honda element has 240k - and only rountine service. the locks are wearing out - but not the engine... i have the sport with a optional leather interior. LOVE the leather - the black can get hot but kid clean up is almost a breeze and best of all - no stains. i really like the backup camera also. i never use the controls in the steering wheel - dont know why, just old school i guess. i like the center store and go console - seating or cupholders/tray option. with the 3rd row up there is plenty of sports gear room. the 3rd row is not the easiest to get to. the bluetooth is worthless - you cant adjust the volume so the car is "yelling" at you and voice recognition is PATHETIC. my all weather driver floor mat wore through in 2 years. TOYOTA needs to think about the service costs impact on their buyers. i am looking for another car and i dont think TOYOTA will be on it.

This has been the best car that I have ever owned. I rode in a friends 07 Highlander which was the model year just before all the styling changes were made in 08. The difference in interior space is huge. It has great power on the road, and good handling on wet or icy roads. Because it is front wheel drive and all the weight is over the front wheels, the handling in poor weather is very good.

This 2008 Toyota Highlander was a great find. The vehicle has great exterior design, good engine performance, and all the features we have looked for in an SUV. The ability to seat up to 7 passengers makes it very convenient and gives it much more versatility. Great SUV for the price.

This SUV is awesome. It drives like a Camry, but handles snow confidently. There's plenty of room for a family, and the 3rd row seat is actually functional, partially due to the adjustable 2nd row seats. Reliability is top notch. Fuel economy comes in at around 21-22 mpg under mixed driving, but I've seen it pushing 30mpg on the highway. The ipod/accessory connection is handy. There's a ton of cupholders. Sad, but this is a great feature when you're hauling around a large family. Base stereo has great sound. The car heats and cools very quickly. All interior controls seem very clear and easy to use. I do wish that the 3rd row seat would fold as a 60/40 or 50/50 split, not just as one piece. I compared this SUV to the Pilot (both the 08 and 09), and this car feels much more athletic, smooth, and enjoyable to drive. The pilot's just seemed slow and bulky in comparison. If you're deciding between a Highlander and Pilot, PICK THE HIGHLANDER!

No problems at 17,000 miles. Great SUV. Do wish the 3 rd seat would split and not be 1 piece. Great power-good mileage. Would buy again.

This car is awesome! It is the most comfortable car I have ever owned. We have had it for 18 months now and I can't imagine life without it. Previous vehicles we've had the heater on and off, the windows up and down trying to get comfortable. The climate control on the vehicle is great - never touch the windows. The only negative about this vehicle is the tires. We will need new tires soon and the only choice really is Bridgestone. One other company makes these tires (Toyo I think) but they are expensive. With the big wheels you are really limited in tire selection. All in all I cannot say enough good about this vehicle.

I bought the 08, Highlander the day before we were due for a snow storm in the cleveland area. This is a nice, large comfortable SUV, handles extremely well in the snow. It is quite comfortable at highway speeds. The braking is not very good in snow, hence caution should be exercised in driving. Interior features are not very many, and I do not even have a temo guage on a four wheel drive. Overall I am happy with my purchase although I am concerned about the price of gas. I would definitely recommend this excellednt 7 passeneger CUV for anyone out there looking for reliability, space and comfort at an affordable price. Good job Toyota.

Let me tell ya, we've owned the 2007 BMW X5, 2007 ford Sport Trak, and 2008 ford Escape, and this is FINALLY the vehicle we've been looking for. We bought the 2008 Limited Highlander and are SO pleased that we did. This vehicle FAR exceeds expectations and I like it much more than the BMW X5 (pleasant surprise for me). Loads of interior room, awesome 3rd row seating, back up camera, and it runs like a dream in the snow and ice. My children have lots of room and 10 cup holders in all (sadly, a BIG feature for me) is SO handy. Acceleration is awesome (I drive the highway 2 hours every day). By far the quietest ride I've had. I will NEVER buy anything else again. I'll run this one into the ground, then get myself a new one.