2004 toyota Highlander Reviews
By
Herman Syah
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Saturday, March 24, 2018
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2004 Toyota Highlander
The four-cylinder engine that comes requirement is much more effective and also the brand-new V6 is bigger and extra effective compared to before. Adding to the boosted responsiveness these changes bring is a new five-speed transmission. The suspension has actually been modified, generating an extremely soft trip quality. And small structural adjustments have been made to enhance room effectiveness inside.
2004 Toyota Highlander Reviews
Even with these revisions, the Highlander stays the easiest of motoring companions. Entering as well as out could not be simpler. Its adaptable indoor makes it very easy to different mixes of individuals and cargo. Seating for 5 comes standard, however 2004 models use an optional third-row seat to lug approximately seven travelers, though they would certainly be constrained. The third row folds level and also the second-row seat folds virtually so, revealing 80 cubic feet of cargo area, greater than a Toyota 4Runner. The Highlander could ingest impromptu flea-markets buys easily, and also lug them home regardless of abrupt worsening of the climate. New airbag systems for 2004 include optional curtain-style airbags and also side airbags developed to safeguard guests' heads and torsos in a side effect or rollover.
The Highlander offers a soft, smooth flight as well as its engines are smooth and also peaceful. The base design, geared up with the revised 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and also front-wheel drive, performs well around community and also on the open highway, providing responsive efficiency when merging right into freeway traffic. Geared up with the larger 3.3-liter V6 and all-wheel-drive, the Highlander provides strong power as well as protected handling in nasty weather condition. Highlander deals a lot of just what made the Lexus RX 300 prominent, yet without Lexus-sized month-to-month settlements.
Version Schedule
The Toyota Highlander is offered in base or Limited trim, each with either front-wheel drive or full-time all-wheel drive. A selection of engines is available: A 2.4-liter inline-4 comes criterion, changed for 2004 and rated at 160 horse power. A brand-new 3.3-liter V6 that creates 230 horsepower is optional on the base Highlander as well as standard on the Limited. All Highlanders have automatic transmissions.
The base four-cylinder, front-wheel-drive version ($ 24,080) includes air conditioning, power windows and door locks, cruise control, towel upholstery, innovative anti-lock brakes, seatsing for 5, and also digital security control (VSC). The all-wheel-drive version ($ 25,480) is in a similar way outfitted. The V6 is optional ($ 1,060), yet if you get it on the 4WD design, after that you need to take the optional third-row seat as well ($ 850).
Highlander Limited 2WD ($ 29,980) and 4WD ($ 31,380) come standard with V6 as well as third-row seat as typical tools. The Limited also obtains automated environment control, an eight-speaker JBL sound system, eight-way power driver's seat with flexible lumbar support, four-way power guest seat, 17-inch light weight aluminum wheels, roof covering rack, fog lights, rear personal privacy glass, warmed mirrors, remote keyless entrance with protection system and engine immobilizer, wood-grain indoor trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel and also shift knob, and various other services.
Leather seating is offered for the Restricted ($ 670) or base design ($ 2,255). Various other alternatives: tilt-and-slide glass sunroof ($ 900), in-dash six-CD changer ($ 595). The optional rear-seat DVD system ($ 1,770) includes two cordless headphones, RCA input jacks for video games, and a household-style 115-volt A/C power electrical outlet. GPS navigation ($ 2,200) is supplied on Limited just. A Towing Bundle ($ 160) includes trailer circuitry plus an updated radiator, transmission oil cooler, and also 130-amp generator.
We suggest the optional side-curtain as well as seat-mounted side-impact air bags ($ 680), which are developed to protect the heads as well as upper bodies of passengers in the very first two rows. Highlander's air bags are a lot more sophisticated for 2004. Sensors in both front seats readjust the frontal airbags to respond appropriately to the seriousness of the accident and the weight of the guests.
Walkaround
The Toyota Highlander looks clever and trim, falling somewhere between the edgy high style of the RAV4 and also the muscular purposefulness of the 4Runner. There's a minor household resemblance in between the Highlander as well as the Lexus RX 330, although the Highlander looks extra dressed down, instead like putting on faded denims and a preferred coat instead of dry-clean-only lunch-with-the-ladies outfit.
Highlander is actually somewhat bigger inside, as measured by complete EPA interior volume, compared to the RX 330, although the Lexus has a little even more cargo quantity.
Highlander's front bumper, light collections as well as grille are brand-new for 2004. The bumper cover has sharper lines built into it, so its shape is better defined compared to previously. The grille's horizontal bars are bolder as well as much better specified, while the numerous elements of the light collections appear to mix together more efficiently. Similar adjustments have actually been made about back. At either end, nevertheless, the difference is so subtle that only the most dedicated Toyota-watcher is likely to see.
The Highlander no more stands for the current in layout, nevertheless. While the Lexus RX 330, which utilizes the exact same basic framework design as the Highlander, is now in its 2nd generation, the Highlander is still in its first generation of design. The Highlander does not have the cutting-edge design of the Nissan Murano, as well as its front as well as rear overhangs are relatively large.
Access, both for freight and for people, is less complicated in the Highlander compared to in truck-based SUVs. With its more car-like step-in and lift-into, the Highlander is also friendly to users of tight skirts. Not so the typical truck-based SUV.
While the Toyota 4Runner is generally a vehicle, the Highlander is essentially an automobile. Like a vehicle, the Highlander utilizes unit-body construction instead of having a different structure. And also, like an auto, the Highlander includes a four-wheel independent suspension, as opposed to a solid rear axle. Two-wheel-drive variations are front-wheel drive, not rear-wheel drive. The 4Runner is the opposite of each of those. The very best selection? It boils down to your game: For pulling and repeling roadway, the 4Runner is much better. For commuting and also transferring the family, the Highlander is the better option. Correctly furnished, Highlander can tow approximately 2,500 extra pounds, not much by vehicle standards.
Inside Characteristics
Couple of automobiles are simpler to get in and out of compared to the Toyota Highlander. Neither climbing up neither stepping down is required. Simply slide in. This makes the Highlander one of the most hassle-free vehicles on earth for running daily duties. The Highlander will certainly not likely ever before annoy you.
Highlander comes with reclining front bucket seats in front. These seats are level as well as lean, yet supportive as well as comfy as well as get used to fit various-size chauffeurs. Part of the charm of SUVs is the convenience of seeing out at every angle. And so it is right here. The sloping hood of the Highlander makes the forward view a lot more including.
The 2nd row seats approximately three travelers, yet is better for two. The center of the second-row seat folds down into an arm rest with cup holders, adding comfort with four aboard as well as the seats recline for included convenience. It's split 60/40 and folds up down with a smartly expressed seat base. It folds up relatively level however not completely level. The second-row seat slides forward to make accessibility to the third row simpler, and to supply more legroom for third-row passengers.
Toyota means for the third row to be utilized only periodically. We located sitting in the 3rd row uncomfortable. Our knees rode high, there's no leg room as well as it's reasonably confined. Legroom is the same, however the Honda Pilot offers substantially even more hip and also shoulder space in the 3rd row. Additionally, the side-curtain air bags do not safeguard third-row passengers as they are created to do in a Toyota Sienna minivan. Bottom line: Take into consideration a minivan if you require the third row frequently. A third-row seat folds level right into the flooring, without should eliminate the headrests. Third-row seats ($ 850) consist of back privacy glass, a rear heating unit system with separate follower controls, and also additional mug owners.
Back up front, you'll find everything in its location. Power window buttons are right there on the doors. Air flow ducts are right where you would certainly expect to discover them. Radio and heating unit controls use basic dials and also amply sized switches as well as run with ease. Instruments are conveniently noticeable with a breathtaking room in the comfy four-spoke steering wheel. The entire format bespeaks thoughtful assessment as well as smart selections. V6 designs feature light weight aluminum interior accents. Inside trim and also textiles in all Highlanders have actually been updated for 2004. 2004 Restricted models feature simulated maple-burl dashboard trim and also door scuff plates, however the phony timber on the center stack looks like fake timber. The common environment control is a single-zone system.
The shifter is distinctly positioned a lot more as a part of the dash compared to on a central console. This opens up the space in between the pole positions. It also offers an open, unconfined air to the cabin. The interior is equipped with dome, door courtesy, glove box as well as cargo-area illumination. Map pockets, visor mirrors, and front as well as back complementary power electrical outlets are supplied. The chauffeur's window has one-touch Auto-down.
Highlander gives a large amount of freight space: 80.6 cubic feet with the second- as well as third-row seats folded up. The 2nd row does not fold completely level, yet the third row folds flat and also does not occupy cargo space. Most people end up riding about with the second-row in position for passengers and the third row folded flat right into the floor, leaving nearly 40 cubic feet of space offered for things. Opening the third-row seat leaves just 10.5 cubic feet behind it for freight. The Honda Pilot supplies even more cargo space, nonetheless. A neat feature: The freight cover stows.
Driving Impacts
The Toyota Highlander is simple to drive as well as operate. It feels promptly accustomed to no messing up for controls. The Highlander is quieter compared to truck-based SUVs both in engine and roadway noise. It flights smoothly on a selection of surface areas, true to the automobile side of its SUV heritage, though some road vibration could be felt with steering wheel.
The conventional front-wheel-drive, four-cylinder Highlander makes a superb wagon for the city as well as suburban areas, specifically since traction control as well as security control are conventional devices. Highlander is much simpler to handle each day compared to a truck-based sport-utility. Though you ride a little taller, you look eye to eye at Volvo wagon chauffeurs.
The four-cylinder engine supplies good power. It's quick, smooth and quiet. Power is up slightly from the 2003 version to 160 horsepower and 165 pounds-feet of torque. We located the four-cylinder variation to be a happy entertainer as well as really did not feel like we were missing out on something by not having the V6. The four-cylinder obtains substantially much better fuel economic climate compared to the V6 (22/27 vs. 18/24 mpg EPA-estimated City/Highway). The four-cylinder Highlander includes a four-speed transmission. It includes a Snow Mode for boosted throttle control when starting up on an unsafe surface area from a grinding halt.
The optional V6 is bigger as well as extra powerful this year, at 3.3 litres as well as 230 horsepower (vs. 3.0 litres and 220 horsepower in 2003). Torque is boosted significantly, to 242 pounds-feet. Torque is that pressure that pushes you away from crossways and up hills. Further enhancing engine level of smoothness are active-control engine mounts that cancel vibration. Toyota suggests utilizing costs fuel for the V6, yet it runs fine on regular. The new V6 is mated to a new five-speed automatic.
Highlander feels at home around community, in the middle of traffic lights as well as car park hunters. It's an excellent dimension for city streets and also soaks up holes and also uneven pavement well. Moving right into suburbia, the Highlander fits right in. It's a natural mall-crawler, maneuverable and fast to nose into a car parking port. It travels well on significant highways, using excellent stability as well as a smooth, quiet ride. It's a solid-feeling framework.
The guiding effort is very light at reduced speeds, so it's very easy to kip down limited quarters. Grasp is rather great for hard cornering, far better compared to anticipated. On winding roadways, however, the guiding felt slow and obscure. The suspension is also soft for tough driving. There's too much body language. The auto indulges edges, the body leans.
Toyota's digital Automobile Stability Control (VSC) with grip control (TRAC) is now basic on all Highlanders. VSC can discover sliding of either the front or rear wheels and also minimizes engine power and/or uses the brakes on private wheels to deal with the Highlander's training course.
Braking is particular and smooth. Standard on all 2004 Highlanders are anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Digital Brake force Distribution (EBD) as well as Brake Assist. ABS helps maintain guiding control while braking hard, while EBD enhances brake force at each wheel under various lots problems, or as the car's weight shifts onward under braking. Brake Help spots emergency braking and also automatically preserves adequate brake pressure to involve the ABS even if the chauffeur makes the mistake of stress-free pressure on the brake pedal.
Four-wheel drive works wonderful in slippery or irregular problems. Snow melt, sloppy ruts, icy spots on shadowed curves were conveniently managed by our AWD V6 Limited. On a twisting alley, the Highlander cut up hills via eight inches of recently dropped snow like a snowplow on a rescue mission. All-wheel-drive Highlanders use a completely involved system that divides torque 50/50 front/rear, as well as depends on TRAC's electronic devices to limit slippage at any kind of wheel. Highlander is intended mainly as a highway and also street car with all-weather capability. It is not indicated for stone bashing a.
Summary
Toyota Highlander is an excellent selection as a no-hassle wagon. Its ease of operation and ease functions make it incomparably very easy to deal with. Highlander lugs 4 individuals comfortably, carries a lot of things, as well as will roll through any kind of storm. Toyota's reputation for top quality, toughness and reliability ought to mean trouble-free ownership and also a solid resale value. Highlander gives what lots of people want from a contemporary, on-road sport-utility.