2004 Toyota Highlander
Should You Buy a 2004 Toyota Highlander?
The 2004 Toyota Highlander is a midsize SUV that offers a blend of practicality and reliability, making it an appealing choice for families and individuals alike. With a 3.3L V6 engine producing 230 horsepower and 242 lb-ft of torque, it provides adequate power for daily driving and occasional road trips. The front-wheel-drive configuration and 5-speed automatic transmission contribute to a smooth driving experience, while the combined fuel economy of 19 MPG is reasonable for its class. The Highlander seats up to seven passengers, making it a versatile option for larger families or those needing extra space for friends and gear.
However, potential buyers should be aware of the vehicle's history, as it has recorded 335 complaints with notable issues related to the powertrain and vehicle speed control, particularly in the early mileage range. While the Highlander boasts a solid reliability score of 93.8/100, the presence of 42 crash incidents and 47 fatalities reported raises concerns about safety. It’s essential to weigh these factors against its strengths when considering this vehicle for purchase.
The 2004 Toyota Highlander is best suited for families or individuals seeking a reliable and spacious SUV for daily commuting and occasional road trips, who prioritize comfort and practicality over off-road performance.
Strengths
- +Spacious interior with seating for seven
- +Strong reliability score of 93.8/100
- +Decent fuel economy for an SUV at 19 MPG combined
- +Smooth and comfortable ride quality
- +Reputable Toyota build quality and resale value
Weaknesses
- -Notable complaints regarding automatic transmission issues
- -Safety concerns with reported crash incidents and fatalities
- -Limited off-road capability due to front-wheel drive
- -Less powerful compared to some competitors in its class
- -Aging design may lack modern features and technology
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 2004 Toyota Highlander has a notable number of complaints, particularly concerning the automatic transmission and vehicle speed control, with issues reported primarily within the first 40,000 miles. While the reliability score is high, the presence of crash incidents and fatalities indicates potential safety concerns that should be taken seriously. Prospective buyers should conduct thorough inspections and consider service history before making a purchase.
Performance
- Horsepower
- –
- Torque
- –
- Engine
- 2.4 L
- Cylinders
- I4
- Transmission
- Automatic 4-spd
- Drive Type
- FWD
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- 22
- Fuel Type
- Regular Gasoline
Dimensions
- Length
- 184.6 in
- Width
- 72 in
- Height
- 68.9 in
- Wheelbase
- 107.1 in
- Curb Weight
- 3,483 lbs
- Ground Clearance
- –
Capacity
- Doors
- 4
- Seating
- –
- Cargo
- –
- Max Cargo
- –
- Max Towing
- –
- Max Payload
- –