2005 Toyota Kluger CV 3.3 V6 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Brilliant value for money

Faults:

Very little - Batteries, 2 in 4 years, not bad considering.

3 recalls and still counting - A bonus for us I guess, 10 years and it has more new parts than what a Ford of the same year would get.

Thirsty, but it is a V6, what would you be expecting? Loves the snow, likes the sand, but it has a go.

Towing - try not to tow anything bigger than 1500 kg... the bank would love it, but your wife wouldn't...

No issues with the trans, the delay in the accelerator is very minimal, fly by wire tends to be the main factor.

General Comments:

Well made, comfy, the 7 seats work well if you have smurfs, but it's a tad on the small side now that design rules for booter seats have changed.

As reliable as a typical Toyota really.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th March, 2015

2005 Toyota Kluger CV Sport 3.3 V6 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Silky smooth engine, and so versatile

Faults:

Nothing at all.

General Comments:

I bought this car second hand (2005 CV Sports), having just sold my old car - a 2009 Hyundai Getz. I previously owned a Kluger CVX model in 2008-09, which I originally sold due to high fuel prices, however after a year and a half of the Getz, I missed the versatility.

I absolutely love it. I have not experienced the automatic transmission woes that others are talking about, although I do agree that the shift up and down is 'different' to other autos, and occasionally mine has brief moments when it has to think about what gear to go in. My CVX seemed to have it more than my current one, and I test drove another Kluger CVX about 3 years ago that seemed to suffer from it quite badly (going up a hill while turning right).

I have either bought one of the good ones, or have adjusted my driving style so it is not as bad. I tend to drive leisurely and never seem to fang it. I find that when I am in a rush, the transmission isn't as smooth, although I still don't think it is unreasonable. I also use PULP fuel, which may make a difference.

I really like the fit and finish of the Kluger; everything seems solid, and it's nice to hear a thud when closing the doors. The cloth seats are also much better than the leather; my old CVX had cracking in the driver's leather and this is another reason why I was happy with the CV Sports (with cloth trim). The only downside with cloth is that it marks easily, however I am sure a good clean would remove most marks.

The engine is great -- it's such a nice sound when you accelerate from lights, and surprisingly fast for the size. I also get a lot of looks, so the exterior appearance is definitely not outdated.

I highly recommend the Kluger -- the only thing I suggest is a very thorough test drive to ensure you're not buying one with transmission problems. Also use PULP, and see if that helps.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th February, 2011

2005 Toyota Kluger CVX from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Good, aside from the transmission and a few minor design related niggles

Faults:

Usual transmission hesitation issues listed previously. Can I advise DEFINITELY NOT to get the dealer ECU fix done, as the transmission on my vehicle is now worse, and the procedure cannot currently be reversed.

Vehicle is now kicking down to lower gears on relatively shallow inclines when at normal highway speeds; sometimes from 5th to 3rd, and it jerks back into 1st when slowing at the base of a steep driveway or hill, if stopping for traffic lights.

Dealer response poor, albeit sympathetic - they know about this issue. It does seems it's fundamentally a design issue with the adaptive type transmission that is mysteriously not a problem on some cars.

Guess what - I'll be test driving my next new car before accepting it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 22nd June, 2007

2005 Toyota Kluger Grande 3.3L petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Transmission spoils excellent vehicle

Faults:

Parking brake will not hold vehicle on anything more than shallow slope driveway.

General Comments:

Dreadful transmission, completely spoils vehicle.

Rubbish response from Toyota customer service.

Toyota refuse to recognise problem still exists.

Driveability seriously marred by transmisson not responding to accelerator pedal.

Would not recommend this car to anyone.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th December, 2006

6th Aug 2009, 05:49

This is one of the best Toyota cars I have driven. I like its performance on the road so far.