navigation system -- however it lists my address off by 38 numbers and can’t be corrected. Also the version that came with the car was outdated the day I bought the car and Toyota charges for the updated disk when it is available.
Least favorite feature:
doesn’t get rated gas mileage
Advice to buyer:
Give serious thought to switching to an SUV type of hybrid
Detailed review:
This car is interesting but the mileage is based on a single person of 150 lbs. or less -- not very realistic in the US. The 7 passenger suggests 7 people at 150 lbs. or is it 5 at 150 lbs. and two at less weight.
The best mileage I got was 28.5 mpg and this was while watching the digital read out traveling for about 150 miles mostly level or down hill.
Never -- Ever got above 21 mpg around city, which is where you’re supposed to get 30 mpg.
There are no other gears but drive -- is this true of all hybrids?
Couldn’t make it up a steep hill with one inch of snow while towing about 1,000 pounds! Never experienced anything like it. The gas pedal was down but absolutely nothing happened! Took an hour to go 150 feet! This is not right for a supposed all wheel drive vehicle.
In the first 6 weeks it had computer problems and was in the shop more than in my driveway.
Basically this was not a car that has lived up to expectations.
Toyota has missed the mark on the little things. I was very much surprised to realize that my Trailblazer LTZ was better appointed than this top of the line Highlander Limited. Chevy had much better heated seats -- back & bottom whereas the Highlander is the seat only and it only achieves a mild warmth... the Trailblazer had better heated mirrors, better placement of cup holders... had rain sensor wipers... the list goes on. When did GM pass Toyota on these creature comforts? GM does these things better hands down!
Also considered:
2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
2005 GMC Envoy XUV
2005 Ford Expedition
Vehicle purchased:
2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
About This Reviewer...
Location:
Pearl River, New York
Other vehicles owned:
None
Review submitted:
March 28, 2006
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