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2008 Toyota Highlander Sport Utility Crossover

FWD 4dr Base (Natl)

Starting at $20,925 | Starting at 18 MPG City - 24 MPG Highway

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$20,925 average Retail
$27,500 original MSRP

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Printable Version

2008 Toyota Highlander Sport Utility Crossover

Summary

Provided by NADAguides.com

With third-row seating offering plenty of room for a full-size family, the 2008 Toyota Highlander remains a top-selling SUV with more power and creature comforts than ever before. Available in Base, Sport and Limited trims, with FWD or AWD, the Highlander features passenger capabilities of up to seven and a solid 270 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 with 249 lbs.-ft of torque and a standard 5-speed automatic transmission. The Highlander comes equipped with front and rear air conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry, full power accessories and AM/FM/CD/MP3/Satellite radio.

Benefits of Driving a 2008 Toyota Highlander Sport Utility Crossover

The new 2008 Toyota Highlander is nearly a half-step larger in size, offering significantly more vehicle and a roomier interior without a major jump in price. The base model is a strong value, especially considering the now-standard V6, while the Sport and Limited can be loaded to the gills with luxury features. Also, the Highlander offers a very robust list of standard safety features, and the most inclusive air bag coverage ever in a Toyota vehicle, with a total of seven air bags.

What's new for 2008?

The Toyota Highlander has been completely redesigned for 2008. The new Highlander is completely new mechanically and significantly larger; it's about four inches longer and about three inches wider, with an inch more ground clearance. A much more powerful 3.5L V6 replaces the former 3.3L engine, the four-cylinder engine is gone from the lineup, and a new set of active and passive safety features are introduced. Also, larger wheels are installed across the line.

Model Strengths

Roomy, versatile interior
seating for seven
surprising acceleration
confident ride
available hybrid
towing ability.

Model Review

Toyota's 2008 Highlander is available in base, Sport, and Limited models, each with either two-wheel or four-wheel drive. A 3.5L V6 engine making 270 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque is offered on all three, but there's also a Highlander Hybrid model, offered in base or Limited trims, that pairs a 3.3L V6 engine with an electric motor-generator system to make 270 horsepower together. The Hybrid now has an EV mode, for driving short distances at low speed on electric power only, and there's also an ECON mode that limits acceleration to conserve energy.

Printable Version

2008 Toyota Highlander Sport Utility Crossover

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Driven: 2008 Toyota Highlander

Source: MSN Autos

The Highlander is all new for 2008, getting fresh styling, more power and an improved ride. Larger in every dimension, the Highlander dwarfs the first-generation model but handles like a smaller, lighter vehicle. Where the original was more wagon-like, the latest model feels more akin to an SUV; the increased size and 8.1 inches of ground clearance obviously contribute to this impression.

Plentiful power from the new 3.5-liter V6 flows out smoothly and effortlessly. Although over-boosted, the precise steering contributes to surprisingly good handling for a vehicle possessing these proportions - better than several smaller crossovers we've tested. On most roads the Highlander provides a smooth, stable, comfortable ride. We averaged an unimpressive 17 mpg in mostly city driving (exactly what the EPA predicts), which seems acceptable for a 4WD vehicle of this size and capability.

With the increased interior space in the Highlander, seating actually works for all seven passengers. Common with vehicles in this class, the third row is rather short on space and headroom is pretty tight, but the second row can slide forward to make the back livable for two adults. Access to the third row is a bit annoying; only the second-row seat on the passenger side is designed to tilt and slide forward. Cargo space is usable for small bags with the third row in use - fold the third row flat and the area is quite spacious.

Up front the controls are intuitive, and a small center-mounted information screen is a nice plus, providing trip computer data as well as a back-up camera display. Setting up a Bluetooth phone is very simple; however, the only way to access the phone menu is via voice commands. Although the system usually understood what I was saying, making a call seemed to be more complicated than it needed to be.

As consumers move to more car-based SUVs, the Highlander proves shoppers can get a vehicle that drives and feels like a passenger car without having to give up the capability and versatility of a larger truck-based sport ute.

Printable Version

2008 Toyota Highlander Sport Utility Crossover

Safety Ratings What do the Safety Ratings mean? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) performs independent crash testing of new vehicles and then assigns them a score based on their performance. The overall crash test rating is based on how a vehicle performs in the following tests: Driver Crash Grade: Measures the chance of a serious injury to a crash test dummy that is placed in a driver's seat and driven into a fixed barrier at 35 MPH. A five-star rating means there is 10 percent or less chance of injury. Passenger Crash Grade: Similar to the driver crash grade, only now the focus is on the passenger. Rollover Resistance: Simulates an emergency lane change to measure the likelihood of a vehicle rolling over. A five-star rating means there is 10 percent or less risk of rollover. Side Impact Crash Test - Front: Focuses on the front side of a vehicle. It simulates crashes that can occur in intersections by striking a 3,015-pound weight against the side of a vehicle at 38.5 MPH. A five-star rating means there is 5 percent or less chance of injury. Side Impact Crash Test - Rear: Similar to the front side impact test only now the focus is on the rear passenger.
Driver Crash Grade	Excellent
Passenger Crash Grade	Good
Rollover Resistance	Good
Side Impact Crash Test - Front	Excellent
Side Impact Crash Test - Rear	Excellent

Safety Features & Equipment

Braking & Traction
4-Wheel ABS	Std
Traction/Stability Control	Std
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	Std

Passenger Restraint
Driver Air Bag	Std
Passenger Air Bag	Std
Side Air Bag	Std
Side Head Air Bag	Std
Rear Head side Air Bag	Std
Child Safety Locks	Std

Road Visibility
Daytime Running Lights	Opt
Intermittent Wipers	Std
Variable Inter. Wipers	Std

Security
Alarm	Opt
Anti-theft System	Opt

Printable Version

2008 Toyota Highlander Sport Utility Crossover

Original Warranty Original Warranty An original warranty is the warranty associated with a vehicle when it is brand new. In addition to the original warranty, select items, like tires, are typically covered by respective manufacturers. Also, an act of Federal law sometimes provides protection for certain components, like emissions equipment. The original warranty is often broken down into multiple sections, including: Basic Warranty: Typically covers everything except for parts that wear out through normal use of the vehicle. Examples of non-covered items are brake pads, wiper blades and filters. Drivetrain Warranty: This warranty covers items the basic warranty does not protect. Wear and tear items such as hoses will not be covered, but key items like the engine, transmission, drive axles and driveshaft often will be. Roadside Assistance: The level of service differs greatly with this warranty, but many manufacturers offer a toll-free number that helps provide assistance in case you run out of gas, get a flat tire or lock your keys in the car. Corrosion Warranty: This warranty focuses on protecting you from holes caused by rust or corrosion in your vehicle's sheet metal. Please check the owner's manual, visit a local dealership or look at the manufacturer's website to learn more about the specifics of the warranties that apply to a vehicle.	Miles	Months
Basic	36,000	36
Drivetrain	60,000	60
Corrosion	0	60

Toyota Certified Pre-Owned Warranty Certified Pre-Owned Warranty To be eligible for Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) status, vehicles generally must be recent models with relatively low mileage. CPO vehicles must also pass a detailed inspection, outlined by the manufacturer, which is measured by the number of inspected points. Warranty coverage can vary from one manufacturer to the next. While most certified pre-owned programs transfer and extend the existing new car warranty terms, others offer a warranty that simply represents an additional year and mileage value. Always check with the manufacturer for the specific warranties they offer. Common features and benefits of Certified Pre-Owned warranties include: Age/Mileage Eligibility To even be considered for certification, a car must be a recent model year and have limited mileage. The exact requirements are established by individual manufacturers. Lease Term Certified Some manufacturers offer certified pre-owned cars for lease. The length of the lease is often shorter than a new car lease, but it will cost you less. Point Inspection These inspections entail a comprehensive vehicle test to ensure that all parts are in excellent working order. The point inspection list is simply a numbered list of exactly what parts of the car are examined. While many inspections range from a 70- to 150-point checklist, most are very similar and are performed using strict guidelines. Ask your local dealer about specific details. Return/Exchange Program Some manufacturers offer a very limited return or exchange period. Find out if you will get the sales tax and licensing/registration fees back should you return or exchange the car. Roadside Assistance Most certified pre-owned programs offer free roadside service in case your car breaks down while still under warranty. Special Financing Reduced-rate loans are available through many certified pre-owned programs. Manufacturer-backed inspections and warranties help eliminate the risks involved with buying pre-owned, so buyers who qualify can take advantage of the great offers. Transferable Warranty When a new car warranty transfers with the certification of the car and remains eligible for the next owner, it is known as a transferable warranty. Once the original transferable warranty expires, an extended warranty takes effect. Warranty Deductible This is the amount for which you are responsible when repair work is performed under the warranty. Some manufacturers require a deductible while others don't, so always ask.
12-month/12,000-mile Comprehensive Warranty¹ 7-year/100,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty² 1-year of Roadside Assistance³ 160-Point Quality Assurance Inspection CARFAX® Vehicle History Report^"⁴ Certified customers are eligible for standard new car financing rates⁵ ¹Whichever comes first from date of Toyota Certified Used Vehicle purchase. The Comprehensive Warranty covers any repair or replacement of components which fail under normal use due to defect in materials or workmanship. (Program not available in Puerto Rico and Hawaii.) ²Whichever comes first from original date of first use when sold as new. See your Toyota Certified Used Vehicles dealer for warranty details. Program not available in Puerto Rico and Hawaii. For AL, FL, GA, NC & SC, warranty coverage differs in the following ways: 7-year or 100,000-mile Toyota Certified Limited Powertrain Warranty coverage begins on January 1st of the vehicle's model year and zero (0) odometer miles and expires at the earlier of seven years or 100,000 odometer miles. ³From date of Toyota Certified Used Vehicle purchase. Covers most services, including flat tires, lockout service, jump starts, fuel delivery up to 3 gallons and towing for mechanical breakdown or collision recovery to the nearest Toyota dealership. Services provided exclude any parts required. Coverage not available in Mexico. See Certified Warranty Supplement for warranty details. ⁴Beginning December 1, 2005 CARFAX® Vehicle History Reports" are a required part of every Toyota Certified Used Vehicle. See your local dealer for details. ⁵Rates mentioned are for standard new car rates, and do not include new car specials or subvented rates. Not all buyers will qualify. Financing available through Toyota Financial Services for qualified buyers only.
Age/Mileage Eligibility	7 years / 85,000
Lease Term Certified	Yes
Point Inspection	All TCUV vehicles must pass a comprehensive checklist that includes a 160-point inspection. This way you can rest assured that your pre-owned Toyota is in perfect condition. To see full inspection list visit http://www.toyotacertified.com/inspection.html
Return/Exchange Program	No
Roadside Assistance	1-year of Roadside Assistance from date of TCUV purchase.
Transferrable Warranty	Yes
Warranty Deductible	$50