Impressions of the Toyota Highlander for 2008
There’s been a lot of talk about the Toyota Highlander for 2008. As a leading truck in the sport utility market the Highlander (and in this case specically the Hybrid Limited version) has maintained a high standard. The 4-door Highlander is especially appealing to broad audience, making it a perfect truck to help Toyota as a brand in general.
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited Specs
Standard equipment in the Highlander for 2007 and 2008 includes the 3.3 liter engine by Toyota, weighing in at 6 cylinders and twenty four valves. A 4-speed Automatic CVT Transaxle puts the power of the engine to the pavement. The has proven to be a popular configuration for the Highlander.
The Highlander uses power-assisted brakes, with 4-Wheel ABS support. The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are disc. Steering is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The truck uses coil and coil springs front and rear respectively.
For the 2008 Highlander, the fuel configuration is a electronic SFI, using ELECTRIC/GAS for fuel. A fuel-injected MFI configuration. The gas tank holds 19.20 gallons.
Statistics
The dimensions of the Highlander Hybrid Limited are 75.20 inches wide by 188.40 inches long. It sits 69.30 inches off the ground. It seats a standard seven passengers, with 4 doors. The wheelbase of 109.80 allows for extra leg room for the rear passengers.
There is a 36,000 mile, 36 month warranty with this vehicle, including a powertrain warranty of 60,000/60 miles/months. This is normal for this price range.
The original manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) was $31,400 when new, with a dealer invoice cost of $27,946. This price was in line with the industry average price for a 4-door Sport Utility.
MPG Ratings
The 2008 Highlander gets 23 miles/gallon on the highway and only 17 in the city. This is below average for a sport utility truck.
The vehicle is available in Black, Blizzard Pearl, Blue Streak Metallic, Classic Silver Metallic, Cypress Pearl, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Salsa Red Pearl, Sandy Beach Metallic, and Waveline Pearl.
Parting Shots
The 2007 model began the promise of the Toyota Highlander. The 2008 expanded on this success and has proven to be a strong seller in most markets. Even with strong competition from other manufacturers Toyota hopes that the Highlander Hybrid Limited will continue to be a profitable vehicle.
First!
No one is going to think that this is going to be a good buy 10 years from now.