3rd Aug 2013, 09:48
I test drove everything. In 2011 when we looked, Highlanders were ranked as the #3 choice on auto reviews like Motor Trend. If you wanted a faster manufacturer with far better suspension, the one to buy was the Mazda CX-9. We have 3 Mazdas in our family. The CX-9 has an astounding array of electronics as well. You may spend a lot of time reviewing the owner's manual to review it all. Also the styling is far more aesthetically pleasing vs a Highlander. That's my suggestion anyway.
I also have not had the recall or paint issues discussed. If I wanted a large SUV, a new GM black Surburban with every conceivable option and then a day at an aftermarket shop with more tint, wheels and other upgrades would be my pick.
25th Aug 2010, 13:30
We test drove 8 SUV's. Of the 8, the worst was the Saturn Vue. The most poorly built was the Highlander (trim pieces falling off, bad brakes) and by far the most powerful, smoothest and best built were the Chevy Trailblazer and GMC Envoy (which we bought). We weren't averse to buying a Toyota until we saw how poorly they were built. We did NOT test drive a Honda due to the huge amount of publicity about their transmission problems.