2006 Toyota Highlander User Reviews

Pros

Nice looking vehicle-style

Cons

Poor fuel economy, 4 to 5 gallons per m less that the window sticker stated. Motor is under powered

The transmission and motor working together is errartic. The 2006 Highlander 4wd limited lunges at times and is not smooth in taking off. Would not buy this car if I had driven a week before purchase. Also, dealership lied about the price they would charge.

Got 14 to 15 miles to the gallon in the city. Less than 20 on the highway. Will not buy another....read morehide

Pros

Decent fuel economy, very comfortable

Cons

Don't like the feel at higher speeds.

Overall good vehicle but I am used to the handling of German cars so this vehicle is very inferior in the handling and stability.

Pros

Good regular vehicle for everyday use

Cons

Plastic interior and rubber door molding is cheap, under the hood engine heat protector is cheap,

If you really pay attention to the little details of the car the materials like the plastic interior, rubber door moldings, under the hood engine heat protector , below the front bumper plastic dirt protector and the 2 plastic dirt protectors on the front fenders are cheaply made for the asking price. Even my mechanic who changes the oil is afraid to remove the front plastic dirt protector to make it easy for him to change the oil filter because he might break it. Same with my body shop who told me if i have a minor work done on the fender once they remove it i have to buy a new one. Almost all SUV's under the hood protectors are made of metal not plastic....read morehide

Pros

drives like a car

Cons

poor quality plastic interior, hesitates on quick accelartion, brake clanks

They have a recall about the two plastic screws that holds the console box close to the gas pedal that might break. the plastic interior is cheaply made which can get scratch easily, the 2 plastic screws looks like it was made for a toy unbelievable for a $ 30,000 vehicle, for you macho drivers out there who knows what engine power is all about. this is basically a V6 Camry in an SUV body dont expect it will perform like an SUV. get a real one that can climb a mountain, im not trying to be funny but try it....read morehide

Pros

Handles well, good safety features

Cons

Could have environmental controls for rear seat passengers

I downsized from a Ford Expedition (AKA "The Beast") to this delightful small SUV at the prompting of my son ("Toyotas are the best, Mom") and am so pleased that I did. I have the 2006 Limited. It's such a pleasure to drive - handles well around curves, does well on hills and mountains. Plenty of room for passengers with the thrid row seat put easily in place. Anyone who has owned an Expedition knows about THEIR thrid row seat!
I like the sound system and the environmental controls. The only thing I miss is the environmental controls for the rear seat passengers of the bigger SUV.
Sure, there could be a bit more space in the console but if that was an issue, I'd have kept the bigger SUV.
The Highlander is easly for a short person like me to get in and out of and offers good visibility. It's easy to park.
There is a slight hesitation on acceleration but the better control on downhills is more than adequate compensation. The hesitation does not markedly affect acceleration when passing on interstates or inclines.
I like the fact that the airbags are weight controlled. The passenger airbag will automatically turn off if an underweight person (or a doggie) is sitting there. Of course I'd still not advise putting your child's car seat in the front passenger seat...not a good idea.
The only thing I can't rate at this time is how it does in snow as we have had a mild winter so far. It has done well so far in the light morning snows we have had....read morehide

Pros

Powerful V6 engine, smooth drive, the accelaration is hesitant just practice on it.

Cons

interior made of very cheap plastic unbelievable for the price, brakes clank sometimes

We like the vehicle but made a very big mistake dealing with a salesman from one of the Toyota dealers in Souther California. I felt so intimidated when i learned that my wife bought a 100,000 miles power train extended warranty for $ 1990.00 on a 4 year lease w/c has a 48000 miles total limit at the end and the power train warranty comes automatic up to 50000 or 60000 miles plus we made a $3000.00 down payment which made the salesman and finance manager so happy of our ignorance. I just hope it will come to the attention of the General Manager of that dealer one day....read morehide

Pros

smooth ride,good handling,gas milege,reliable

Cons

upholstery material ,

I bought my highlander on july 2005. good smooth ride, quietness,good gas milege,city and highway 24.5- 25 mile.I tested honda crv, highlander is better. pretty similliar to lexuse suv

Pros

Good fuel economy,roomy interior,toyota quality

Cons

Small proportions, poor handling, high step up to cabin,pricey

Our 06 Highlander was comfy and well built. For a V6, it was good on gas- about the same comsumption as our old Mazda 3. The interior was well assembled and the leather was good quality.
Too "nit pick", the car is very slow and lumbers along like an Elephant. But that is the characteristic of a SUV. The dimensions are small compared to other SUV by Honda, Nissan, Ford or GM. Styling is somewhat out dated and conservative.
The all Season tires from the dealership was poor in the snow but the AWD is adequate. The crash worthiness is also exceptional.

For what is offered, the car was quite expensive; but we are none the less still satisfied with the Toyota Product.
More outrageous is the cost of its expensive cousin the Lexus RX 350.......read morehide

Pros

Drives like a sports car.

Cons

I have none.

Traded in my 2004 V6 4x2 for the 2006 Sport V6 4x4 with third row seat. The difference between the two the 04 had more horsepower however i had to turn the O/D off going up hilly areas like the Altamont between Tracy and Livermore and the Sunol grade for that added power. Now the 06 drives more like a car and handles in my opinion somewhat like a sports car in those ruff areas i drives through. The 04 now wasn't quiet as smooth as this 06 its fabulous, i can really feel the difference and being a commuter it means a lot to me. Having the 4x4 nolonger requires the need to turn the O/D off the benefit saving fuel with the O/D off more fuel is used. There are no cons for me since when buying a vehicle you know what your getting or a least you should. Being a commuter i had to pick the safest most reliable all purpose vehicle with gas mileage considered. The Highlander was it for me two years ago upgrading to the 06 got better with time like fine wine. I Love it !!!...read morehide

Pros

very easy to drive

Cons

poor quality interior

had my highlander 5 months and had to replace drivers seat cover, the interior seat covers are not scotch guarded and show wear,very disappointed in my suv.