2005 Toyota Highlander
Should You Buy a 2005 Toyota Highlander?
The 2005 Toyota Highlander is a versatile SUV that combines practicality with a robust performance profile. With a 3.3L V6 engine producing 230 horsepower and 242 lb-ft of torque, it offers a solid driving experience, especially with its all-wheel-drive capability. The 5-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth shifts, making it suitable for both city driving and longer road trips. With a seating capacity of seven, the Highlander is ideal for families or those who frequently transport groups. However, potential buyers should be aware of its average fuel economy of 19 MPG combined, which may not be the most efficient in its class but is reasonable for an SUV of its size.
While the Highlander boasts a reliability score of 95.4/100, indicating a generally dependable vehicle, it has received a total of 289 complaints to the NHTSA. Notably, issues have been reported primarily in vehicle speed control and automatic transmission, particularly at lower mileages. Despite these concerns, the Highlander remains a popular choice for those seeking a reliable family SUV with ample space and comfort.
This vehicle is best suited for families or individuals who need a reliable, spacious SUV for daily commuting and weekend road trips.
Strengths
- +Spacious interior with seating for seven
- +Strong reliability score of 95.4/100
- +All-wheel drive capability for enhanced traction
- +Smooth 5-speed automatic transmission
- +Good performance with 230 hp V6 engine
Weaknesses
- -Average fuel economy at 19 MPG combined
- -Reported issues with vehicle speed control and automatic transmission
- -Some complaints regarding steering performance
- -Higher maintenance costs associated with older models
- -Limited advanced safety features compared to newer SUVs
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 2005 Toyota Highlander has recorded a total of 289 complaints to the NHTSA, with notable issues related to vehicle speed control, automatic transmission, and steering. Specifically, many complaints regarding the automatic transmission arise within the first 20,000 miles, while steering issues tend to surface between 40,000 and 60,000 miles. Despite these concerns, there are no significant NHTSA complaints on record regarding severe accidents or fatalities, indicating a generally safe vehicle.
Performance
- Horsepower
- –
- Torque
- –
- Engine
- 3.3 L
- Cylinders
- V6
- Transmission
- Automatic 5-spd
- Drive Type
- FWD
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- 19
- 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
- –