Toyota Highlander - Opinions?

[DC1]

I need a car that fits me!

I am about 6'3" and even in our Odyssey my knees hit the console at an uncomfortable angle. I put up with it, but I would really prefer a car that fit me.

Looking at a Highlander. Seems to have more legroom, at least on paper.

Any tall guys with Highlanders out there? Good fit?

And in general, how do you like them?


Anyone ever been in a wreck in one? Did you feel it was a safe vehicle?


thanks!

dc

[megatonic]

I'd go for the FJ instead. Great vehicles!

[DC1]

I'd go for the FJ instead. Great vehicles!

I love those!

But they don't carry enough people and the MPG is just too low.

dc

[jcmark611]

Do you have any issues with sedans? I'm 6'1" and there are plenty of them on the market I have no problems with.

[DC1]

Do you have any issues with sedans? I'm 6'1" and there are plenty of them on the market I have no problems with.

I'm pretty uncomfortable in all the ones I tried so far.


dc

[derekd]

I am 6'6", and I don't fit in the Highlander.

[DC1]

I am 6'6", and I don't fit in the Highlander.

Knees or head?

What do you drive?

thanks

dc

[derekd]

Head was so so, but it was the knees to me. I drive a full size chevy for work, and own a 98 Grand Cherokee, though my 17yr old daughter has pretty much taken that over.

[DC1]

Anyone else?


dc

[Atomic Punk]

Highlanders are for women. Get a Tundra Crew Cab.

[Catoogie]

I have a Rav4, I'm 6'5" and my knees to hit but by adjusting the seat you can make it work. I had a 97 Tahoe before this, CRAZY amounts of leg room but it ate gas and it seemed a little self-centered driving it around.

[DC1]

Highlanders are for women. Get a Tundra Crew Cab.

Yeah, my house is full of 'em. Women, that is.

Trucks are worthless for us.


thanks tho...


dc

[DC1]

I have a Rav4, I'm 6'5" and my knees to hit but by adjusting the seat you can make it work. I had a 97 Tahoe before this, CRAZY amounts of leg room but it ate gas and it seemed a little self-centered driving it around.

I'm with ya. I can't imagine paying for 12mpg or whatever...

Hurts just to think about it.


dc

[Rick51]

The Mrs. drives a 2002 Highlander 6 cyl 4x2, almost 150K miles on it. Great car. We average about 21MPG. Good in snow.

I'm 6'-2" and 250 lb. I'm OK in it, but I'm approaching the limits. I can't tell you anything about how comfortable you would be. You should go sit in one yourself, it's the only way you will find out.

[Archtone]

I'd go for the FJ instead. Great vehicles!

waste of metal. No room, ugly, hard on gas. What good is it?? Seriuosly?

[maccampbells]

I've got a 2003 2wd with a 4 cylinder. Last long trip we made with a family of four from west Michigan to NYC we got 27MPG highway. That's awesome IMO. Put a top carrier bag on it maybe twice a year and it holds all our gear for camping trips.

Yes, the styling is a little lacking. That's not why we bought it.

[HeyMrTeleMan]

Highlanders are for women. Get a Tundra Crew Cab.

Dems fightin' woids...:boxer

Like you've been to the tundra in your Tundra. With your crew.:crazyguy

Wuss.

[DC1]

The Mrs. drives a 2002 Highlander 6 cyl 4x2, almost 150K miles on it. Great car. We average about 21MPG. Good in snow.

I'm 6'-2" and 250 lb. I'm OK in it, but I'm approaching the limits. I can't tell you anything about how comfortable you would be. You should go sit in one yourself, it's the only way you will find out.

Will do. Does your right leg hit the center console?

That's what always happens with me.


thanks


dc

[Rick51]

Will do. Does your right leg hit the center console?

That's what always happens with me.

thanks


dc

Lays right against it. It's tolerable, but I can't really shift my position around on a long trip. Immobilized for a couple hours, I'm usually pretty stiff when I stop for a break.

But, on balance it's a great car that does many things very well. Extremely reliable, we've done nothing but PM service by the book. I'd buy another one, for my wife, that is.

I drive a 2005 base model Tacoma 4X4 4 cyl., 5 spd. Lots more front seat room than the Highlander, 23 mpg now.

[urizen]

I'm 6'-2'', not too stocky (170 lbs) and it fits me fine (except for having to readjust the seat every time after my 5'-2'' wife has been driving it). If you're stockier (or beefier, or big-boned , or whatever), it might be different for you. Our '02 V6 has been a great station wagon (that's what we bought it to be ). It's been a reliability champ w/ 130,000 miles on it. It's been comfortable for us and our pups on short and LOOoooooooonng trips.

[HeyMrTeleMan]

I'm 6'-2'', not too stocky (170 lbs) and it fits me fine (except for having to readjust the seat every time after my 5'-2'' wife has been driving it). If you're stockier (or beefier, or big-boned , or whatever), it might be different for you. Our '02 V6 has been a great station wagon (that's what we bought it to be ). It's been a reliability champ w/ 130,000 miles on it. It's been comfortable for us and our pups on short and LOOoooooooonng trips.

In retrospect, since the wife and I both drive our '03 Highlander, and although we opted for the 6 cyl. and a sunroof, we wished we'd gotten the high end version with the nicer sound system, and an electric drivers seat with memory. That'd been handy. Maybe the next one. If there is a next one...:eek: [see below]

I'm not tall but I am big boned (mesomorph, according to my trainer:boxer), and the seat is fine for my needs. The console does cut into the right leg but it's not as bothersome as some cars I've had, like my old Volvo.

My brother has an '02 Highlander and calls it a truck, just to irk me. The Highlander is a "Sport Wagon", according to a famous car magazine. There, I said it. "Sport Wagon". Not a truck. It has been most useful to us, especially wrt my former business, when I had to cart merchandise all over the place.

As to the build quality, I may not outlive this vehicle. It has 95K miles and I don't think it's ever gonna give it up. It just has that feel of no BS quality that I just can't quantify, but it's there. My brother's '02 has also been exceptionally reliable. As to handling, I took it for granted that it wouldn't handle like my sports car, but I recently had newly introduced Michelins put on that make it ride and handle significantly better. It's almost fun to drive now.;)

[Atomic Punk]

Dems fightin' woids...:boxer

Like you've been to the tundra in your Tundra. With your crew.:crazyguy

Wuss.

Sounds like someone's cranky. Did you put your pad in adhesive side up?:D

[DC1]

Thanks everyone. I will try to go sit in one tomorrow.

you guys are great


dc

[HeyMrTeleMan]

Sounds like someone's cranky. Did you put your pad in adhesive side up?:D

Felt a little sticky, now that I think of it. I'll send a report. With pix.

:rotflmao

[maccampbells]

Our insurance company classifies it as a station wagon. That is nice on the premiums.

[Jon C]

I'd go for the FJ instead. Great vehicles!

run away, these things have an apparent major flaw re lack of frame integrity at the front end, a google search should find it easily, I have seen photos where they are literally falling apart from the little I saw (I didn't look far because they have absolutely no appeal to me).

[DC1]

run away, these things have an apparent major flaw re lack of frame integrity at the front end, a google search should find it easily, I have seen photos where they are literally falling apart from the little I saw (I didn't look far because they have absolutely no appeal to me).

Well they are not right for us anyway, so it's a non-issue.

Hey, how was your Riverside trip?


dc

[Jon C]

Well they are not right for us anyway, so it's a non-issue.

Hey, how was your Riverside trip?


dc

FWIW my cousin has a Highlander and loves it but I don't think he's as tall as you so not sure if it's any help as a comparison....

Re Riverside --- I meant to stick a note up --- you will LOVE the Riverside Intl Auto Museum, I think.

I got there late Sat. afternoon and was the only person there so got a 1 on 1 tour. My tour guide is one of the major volunteers/supporters clearly: his father's former Lotus Super 7, an SCCA champ IIRC, is there (his family bought it back a few yrs ago).

Lots of Maseratis, some great Gurney Eagles & related open wheelers, I was there for about 75 mins. and could have spent more (primarily thanks to the wonderful generosity of my guide). Enough racing history there to bring a tear to my eye & a lump to my throat at times.

Definitely worth supporting.

Riverside was actually fun for the weekend, staying at the Mission Inn and getting together w/ family for the wedding helped, but I had a very nice time.

cheers,
Jon

[DC1]

FWIW my cousin has a Highlander and loves it but I don't think he's as tall as you so not sure if it's any help as a comparison....

Re Riverside --- I meant to stick a note up --- you will LOVE the Riverside Intl Auto Museum, I think.

I got there late Sat. afternoon and was the only person there so got a 1 on 1 tour. My tour guide is one of the major volunteers/supporters clearly: his father's former Lotus Super 7, an SCCA champ IIRC, is there (his family bought it back a few yrs ago).

Lots of Maseratis, some great Gurney Eagles & related open wheelers, I was there for about 75 mins. and could have spent more (primarily thanks to the wonderful generosity of my guide). Enough racing history there to bring a tear to my eye & a lump to my throat at times.

Definitely worth supporting.

Riverside was actually fun for the weekend, staying at the Mission Inn and getting together w/ family for the wedding helped, but I had a very nice time.

cheers,
Jon

Thanks. I need to make it out there.

Glad you enjoyed your trip. The Mission Inn is really special.


dc

[DC1]

I'd look at the Ford Escape. The standard model gets 28mpg, and the hybrid gets 34mpg.

I've been looking for something to replace the Ever Thirsty '07 Wrangler, and took a standard Escape for a test drive. I'm 6'2", and had plenty of leg room. Very nice driving vehicle.

Jade

I looked at those. Not right for us.

Thanks

dc

[localmotion411]

My wife and I test drove a Land Rover LR4 that had a ton of extra headroom, and I'm 6'. Absolutely loved the vehicle, too. You can depreciate them faster if you use them for business than you can even a luxury sedan because they weigh over 6k lbs. Great IRS loophole. Expensive, but the tax savings could make it well worth it for you, depending on your situation.

[DC1]

Nice car. Too much money though.


thanks


dc

[localmotion411]

Nice car. Too much money though.


thanks


dc

Oops; I was thinking you were looking at the Sequoia.

[DC1]

Oops; I was thinking you were looking at the Sequoia.

I would buy San Diego real estate long before a pricey car today.

I have friends who love theirs though. I enjoyed riding.


dc

[Mike Duncan]

Get an FJ!! Killer truck and tons of space for the tall! I love mine.

[mojocaster.com]

So, here's my opinion, since it was asked generically...

1. Good: it's a Toyota. it lasts for ever.
2. Bad: it's a Toyota. It looks like crap - remember, it's *my opinion*. It's plastic everywhere, not always great fit. It's never going to excite you as a driver. it may even bore the bejeezus out of you.

Bottom line: make sure you like the darn thing, because you're gonna be stuck with it for 250K miles :)

[DC1]

Get an FJ!! Killer truck and tons of space for the tall! I love mine.

Asked and answered.

I need to carry more than 4 and the MPG is lousy. I like them a lot, but they are not for me...


dc

[DC1]

So, here's my opinion, since it was asked generically...

1. Good: it's a Toyota. it lasts for ever.
2. Bad: it's a Toyota. It looks like crap - remember, it's *my opinion*. It's plastic everywhere, not always great fit. It's never going to excite you as a driver. it may even bore the bejeezus out of you.

Bottom line: make sure you like the darn thing, because you're gonna be stuck with it for 250K miles :)


Sounds like a mother-in-law joke...

:D

thanks for the honesty. I need to drive one.

dc

[Soul Driver]

I'm 6'4 and have a new Toyota Highlander and have plenty of head and leg room. Fuel economy is good (considering the size of the vehicle and its engine). I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a family vehicle that can carry more than four people in comfort.

[DC1]

I'm 6'4 and have a new Toyota Highlander and have plenty of head and leg room. Fuel economy is good (considering the size of the vehicle and its engine). I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a family vehicle that can carry more than four people in comfort.

Thanks!

Does your knee hit the center console while driving?

Can't imagine what those cost in NZ...



dc

[Soul Driver]

Thanks!

Does your knee hit the center console while driving?

Can't imagine what those cost in NZ...



dc

No not at all, there is plenty of space.

[DC1]

No not at all, there is plenty of space.

Ah, thanks! I was hoping you would say that.

It's off to the Toyota dealer for me.


dc

[JB Eckl]

I got a used Highlander Hybrid last year, and I'm digging it. I can haul a ton of gear to the gig, and driving up to Portland and back was a breeze.

BUT: I'm not tall, and more importantly... this thread has made me feel a little shaky on my masculinity for liking my car.

[DC1]

I got a used Highlander Hybrid last year, and I'm digging it. I can haul a ton of gear to the gig, and driving up to Portland and back was a breeze.

BUT: I'm not tall, and more importantly... this thread has made me feel a little shaky on my masculinity for liking my car.

Hah!

I dunno where that comes from in our culture but it sure is silly innit..


If I need a certain vehicle to feel manly, then my self-concept as a guy is pretty thin...


dc

[Motorhed]

But is there room for my sword?

http://shihaku.homestead.com/files/con_ski.jpg

[DC1]

But is there room for my sword?

http://shihaku.homestead.com/files/con_ski.jpg

Aye there is!


:bow


dc

but ye can bring only one!

[Motorhed]

hahahaha, I can never hear "Highlander" without thinking of that movie.

I actually do have that sword hanging on my wall too. Its a cheap version that'd probably break if ever actually used but it looks cool so its good enough for me lol.

[DC1]

hahahaha, I can never hear "Highlander" without thinking of that movie.

I actually do have that sword hanging on my wall too. Its a cheap version that'd probably break if ever actually used but it looks cool so its good enough for me lol.

I've got a friend who is really into it. He can actually slip into the dialog and accent at the drop of a hat.

Should've been an actor...


dc

[maccampbells]

Highlander, there can only be one.