Hello from Orange County, CA

[jdw67]

New member here. Wanted to do research on the 2011 Highlander. The vehicle is on my short list for new purchase.

Any insight into the Highlander would be greatly appreciated.

[TrailDust]

Originally Posted by jdw67

New member here. Wanted to do research on the 2011 Highlander. The vehicle is on my short list for new purchase.

Any insight into the Highlander would be greatly appreciated.

Hello, and welcome to Toyota Nation! I'm a fellow Based model 2008 Highlander owner as you can see from my sig pic. I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have. Also, don't hesitate to check out the 2nd Gen Highlander forum and join in on a couple of recent looking to buy threads if you'd like additional opinions from other owners.

[jdw67]

Originally Posted by TrailDust

Hello, and welcome to Toyota Nation! I'm a fellow Based model 2008 Highlander owner as you can see from my sig pic. I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have. Also, don't hesitate to check out the 2nd Gen Highlander forum and join in on a couple of recent looking to buy threads if you'd like additional opinions from other owners.

Thank you for your response. The main thing I'm looking for is what are the particular nuiances of the Highlander. What sets it apart from the other vehicles in the same class.

TIA

[TrailDust]

Originally Posted by jdw67

Thank you for your response. The main thing I'm looking for is what are the particular nuiances of the Highlander. What sets it apart from the other vehicles in the same class.

TIA

After three years of ownership I'd say what sets it apart are:

1. Outstanding mileage (19 city/26 highway @ 70 MPH and 28 highway @ 65 MPH, averaging 22 MPG per tank on a 70/30 split of city/highway)

2. Excellent snow and slick road performance due to the AWD with traction control and stability control systems.

3. Excellent off-road performance (I'm one of the few who actually takes this thing off-road and I'll stick by the statement that it performs as well as a true 4X4 in high range. BTW, I also own a Suzuki Samurai and have owned/driven 4X4s for almost 30 years now so I'm not talking out of my ass.

4. Very comfortable interior. Driving long road trips this SUV is very easy and enjoyable. I own a 2002 Avalon, and as I've told lots of people it's become a garage queen because I enjoy driving my HL so much more.

5. Interior space for hauling. Compared to other SUVs in it's class it's very large. I've hauled as much as a half dozen 4X8 sheets of plywood in this thing, albeit not laying flat but at an angle, but that's still a good sized load.


What are the negatives to the Highlander?

1. This SUV is known to develop a number of interior squeaks and rattles. I've got two myself, a windshield tapping noise when it gets below 50 degrees and an intermittent right-side passenger door rattle, so be forewarned this can happen.

Hope this info helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. BTW, I'm in OC too.

[jdw67]

Originally Posted by TrailDust

After three years of ownership I'd say what sets it apart are:

1. Outstanding mileage (19 city/26 highway @ 70 MPH and 28 highway @ 65 MPH, averaging 22 MPG per tank on a 70/30 split of city/highway)

2. Excellent snow and slick road performance due to the AWD with traction control and stability control systems.

3. Excellent off-road performance (I'm one of the few who actually takes this thing off-road and I'll stick by the statement that it performs as well as a true 4X4 in high range. BTW, I also own a Suzuki Samurai and have owned/driven 4X4s for almost 30 years now so I'm not talking out of my ass.

4. Very comfortable interior. Driving long road trips this SUV is very easy and enjoyable. I own a 2002 Avalon, and as I've told lots of people it's become a garage queen because I enjoy driving my HL so much more.

5. Interior space for hauling. Compared to other SUVs in it's class it's very large. I've hauled as much as a half dozen 4X8 sheets of plywood in this thing, albeit not laying flat but at an angle, but that's still a good sized load.


What are the negatives to the Highlander?

1. This SUV is known to develop a number of interior squeaks and rattles. I've got two myself, a windshield tapping noise when it gets below 50 degrees and an intermittent right-side passenger door rattle, so be forewarned this can happen.

Hope this info helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. BTW, I'm in OC too.

Wow, thank you so much for your write up. It certainly has given me more insight into which vehicle to get next.
I'm currently looking at several vehicles in the same class range such as the Ford Explorer, the KIA Sorrento, Nissan Xterra, Honda Pilot, Chevy Traverse, and of course, the Highlander.
I've never owned a large vehicle as I am partial to two door sports cars having owned several Corvettes and Mustangs. But with a second child coming, it's time to hang up the single guy rides and step up to a vehicle that is more funtional.

Thanks again for your insight.

[Kiwi-Corolla]

to the nation!

You've certainly come to the right place for advice. Looks like TrailDust has helped you out a whole bunch . If you also happen to have any questions about the forums, then just ask he or I

Happy posting!