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Vehicle Overview:
Vehicle Type: Sport Utility Vehicle
ABS Brakes: Standard
Standard Airbags: 2
MPG: 18-22/24-27 (City/HWY)
Engine Offered:
2.4L I4 155HP
3.3L V6 215HP
Consumer Ratings:
Performance: 4.1
Exterior: 3.8
Interior: 3.9
Overall: 4.0
Review Guide:
5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
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2005 Toyota Highlander
Consumer Car Review Summary
Top 5 Pros of 2005 Toyota Highlander
1. Roomy interior
2. Smooth and quiet ride
3. Responsive
4. Radio antenna in the window
5. Interior and exterior appearance
Top 5 Cons of 2005 Toyota Highlander
1. Wider front seats
2. More rear leg room
3. Update exterior styling
4. Make AC available on 3rd row
5. Larger cargo area
2005 Toyota Highlander Reviews by Consumers
Displaying 10 Reviews - Read More
By GUEST
Submitted May 12, 2012, 02:58pm
Performance: 
Exterior:
Interior: 
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2005 Toyota Highlander?
The sound system is the best I have EVER heard in ANY car, EVER.
The ride is so smooth.
It is an incredibly powerful car (0-70 in 5 seconds).
Nice leather seats.
Overall design is really cool.
Cons: How would you improve 2005 Toyota Highlander?
The inside could be a little fancier.
Gas mileage could be better, but hey, it's an suv.
2005 Toyota Highlander Review:
I absolutely love this car. My friends always insist that we take my car whenever we go places, because it is very fast, and the sound system is beyond perfect. I wouldn't trade this in for any other car on the road, new or used. Absolutely amazing car. Everyone in my family always wants to drive it. My girlfriend once said that she wants to get married in my car.
By GUEST
Submitted Apr 18, 2011, 08:16am
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2005 Toyota Highlander?
Nice smooth ride.
Roomy.
JBL 6 cd player.
Cons: How would you improve 2005 Toyota Highlander?
I wish mine had the Navigation system but in 2005 I don't think that was a option.
I have the Limited with all the options they had on the lot at the time.
Brighter headlights.
I wish the rear glass in the back door would slide ope like the 4 runners.
2005 Toyota Highlander Review:
I love my Highlander Limited!!! It's the perfect right size SUV for me.
The best.
By paula_cox461
Submitted Aug 30, 2010, 08:05pm
Performance: 
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2005 Toyota Highlander?
Handles well in snow and slush.
Since I am short, the driver's seat fits my height.
Drives like a car.
I kept this car because it has never failed to start, it has always gotten me where I needed to go in the worst weather and ice, however there are problems that Toyota has failed to address; consider the cost of this vehicle.
Cons: How would you improve 2005 Toyota Highlander?
Hesitates when pulling out.
Heater fan quit just after the warranty expired; cost $1100.00.
Get rid of the 3rd row seat (no one can sit back there).
Beige colored carpet and seat covers are bad to stain.
Back seats are uncomfortable.
a/c never cools the back seat passengers.
Need fully electric seat adjustment of passenger side.
Needs more leg room for passenger side.
WHAT! No light on vanity mirrors!
The exit port for the windshield washer fluid freezes in the winter, better carry de-icer with you.
2005 Toyota Highlander Review:
I bought my Highlander in Sept of 2005. It had less than 100 miles on it. The first week I had my Highlander I took it back to the dealer because of shaking in the steering wheel. I was told I needed to have the tires balanced at my expense; the car had less than 300 miles on it. I told the dealer the car hesitated A LOT when pulling out and clunked when the vehicle changed through the low gears as well as hesitated when there was acceleration from a hard brake back to normal flow into traffic. I was told it was just me and I expected too much. I have had many people drive my car and they agree it has a delay from the time the gas is pressed to acceleration and it occurs at inappropriate times. This appears to be a safety issue. I took it back to Toyota and was told they couldn't reproduce the problem. Then I found a Toyota Technical Service Bulletin issued in April of 2005 addressing this issue. I took a copy of the bulletin to the dealership with the recommendations on how to fix the problem. Whatever they did, it didn't work. So I took the car back only to be told they couldn't fix the problem because it had something to do with the "string drive" and the "on board computer" and that the computer learned my "driving habits" and was automatically reproducing my usual driving. AND it was somehow my fault the car was hesitating. My suggestion on how to improve the Highlander...find a dealership that knows how to be honest and take responsibility for a true safety issue then find a way to fix it or replace it.
By john_moore
Submitted Feb 18, 2010, 05:17pm
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2005 Toyota Highlander?
Good mileage.
Good handling.
Good tow package.
Good sound system.
Cons: How would you improve 2005 Toyota Highlander?
There seems to be a clunk in the transmission when changing gears at low speeds.
The steering is a little sloppy.
Drive side seat needs to go back further.
2005 Toyota Highlander Review:
My head light covers are melting in front of the high beam/ running lights. I have seen many complaints about this condition but Toyota seems to be unwilling to admit to the problem.
By GUEST
Submitted Dec 21, 2009, 07:48pm
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2005 Toyota Highlander?
I love the interior room. The seats.
It handles like a car!
Cons: How would you improve 2005 Toyota Highlander?
The designs of things in it. The exterior is old looking. The fabrics in the interior stains really easily.
2005 Toyota Highlander Review:
It's a great car!
By GUEST
Submitted Jul 30, 2009, 05:55pm
Performance: 
Exterior:
Interior: 
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2005 Toyota Highlander?
Easy to get into.
Cons: How would you improve 2005 Toyota Highlander?
Jerks going into first gear.
Doors do not automatically lock.
Seats stain with a drop of water.
Arm rest on drivers side to low.
Paint gets scratched when opening door.
2005 Toyota Highlander Review:
Sucks.
By richard_p_guy
Submitted Jun 19, 2008, 11:06am
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2005 Toyota Highlander?
The Mileage per gallon of gas
Cons: How would you improve 2005 Toyota Highlander?
Need to stop the headlight bulbs melting the lens.
2005 Toyota Highlander Review:
My complaint is that I noticed my headlight lens on my 2004 Toyota Highlander were melting. I have 60000 miles on the vehicle. I went into my local Toyota dealership (my Auto Imports in Muskegon) and the service manager didn't think it would be covered under the 36/36,000 warranty. The regional service representative Duane Bristow for Toyota was visiting the dealership and we arranged for him to look at the problem. Mr. Bristow asked me what I wanted Toyota to do for me, and that he was speaking for and representing Toyota. I said replace the bulbs and lens at no charge as they obviously had a manufacturing defect with the bulbs over-heating. When pressed on the problem it turned out that there is a Toyota Technical Service Bulletin #T-SB-0036-08 dated April 15, 2008 that discusses Headlight Lens Discoloration. I have a copy of this form. My vehicle fell into the serial number group. The fix was to replace the headlight lens and bulbs on both sides of the vehicle. The wording discolored was very misleading as the lens is actually melting due to over-heating from the light bulbs. If someone leaned against the lens, they could possibly be burned, as it must be very hot to melt the plastic inches away from the bulb. The service bulletin had a warranty code for the repair and applies to the 36/36,000 warranty. The problem is I just noticed the problem; it may have been there while under warranty. The service bulletin applies to 2004-2007 Highlanders so I am sure other people who do not spot this melting will not be covered if Toyota does not bring it to their attention before 36/36000. The lens melting may also diminish the effectiveness of the headlight and this maybe a safety concern. I very seldom use my headlights I drive as most people do with them on dim. For this melting to occur the bulbs must be producing some intense heat. Finally, when the Toyota representative admitted that it was a manufacturing defect I said, "You have a problem" the reply I got and I quote was "No we don't have a problem. You do. You bought it, You own it, We just make it." They did offer to pay a portion for the repair one-third or just replace the bulbs if the dealership would agree to chip in on the expense, but I would still be about $400-$500 out of pocket. I asked them one more time if they would cover it at 100% as it is clearly a manufacturing defect that is hazardous and that Toyota knew about, and was not prepared to inform it customers unless they spotted the problem. I also spoke to Toyota Customer Service and got the same response. Both occasions I told the people concerned that I really like my Toyota and would buy a new one. However, this incident has lost my confidence in both the dealership and the manufacturer. Unless they resolve it to my satisfaction, I would probably never own one of their vehicles again.
By GUEST
Submitted Apr 26, 2008, 07:15pm
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2005 Toyota Highlander?
Dependability
Cons: How would you improve 2005 Toyota Highlander?
More leg room for rear passengers
By patdante
Submitted Oct 18, 2007, 07:21am
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2005 Toyota Highlander?
Good acceleration. Very roomy and comfortable.
Cons: How would you improve 2005 Toyota Highlander?
Recommend an optional 4 wheel drive. Full time 4 wheel drive negatively effects the gas mileage.
2005 Toyota Highlander Review:
Overall pleased with the 2005 Highlander Limited
By GUEST
Submitted Mar 30, 2007, 10:07pm
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Cons: How would you improve 2005 Toyota Highlander?
i've got appx. 21000 miles on my highlander, and was told at gas station that i was going to need new tires already. they should get a tire that will last a lot longer
Displaying 10 Reviews - Read More
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