I am a theater artist with two kids. We bought our Highlander used because we needed better space for our family than just our sedans. What I found out though was not only was this car great for our family, which I'll get into later, but the lay-down seating is great for large bulk order of supplies picked up at Lowes or Home Depot. It also pulls a trailer almost as well as most full-sized trucks. Our first week owning, we hitched a U-Haul up to it to tow an 1860 Chicago upright piano about 30 miles to our location. Then it was a huge help when buying supplies for and lumber for our large musical production, because I could hook up the trailer, lay down the back seats and carry about 3 to 4 times what I would have been able to if just towing a trailer. Don't let the hybrid aspect scare you either. It still has great towing capacity while at the same time not taking too much of a hit on MPG. And our girls couldn't love it more. They like having enough space in the back to stretch their legs, watch a movie or play games. And if more people want to ride with us, the third row of seat provides two more seats in the very back. My wife and I love it because it has been very reliable, and the fact that it one of the mid-sized SUVs out there that is also a low emission vehicle allows for my wife to have chances at better parking at her work, where they have more people working there than they have spaces for cars, but she can park in one of the only 200 or so LEV parking spots.

This is truly one of the best cars I have ever owned. I am nearing almost 200,000 miles, and I have never had an issue with car. I need an SUV as I am a musician and am often transporting gear, so the extra room this car provides is extremely important. There is a ton of space if you put the backseats down. Anytime I've helped someone move with the car, they are surprised and just how much actually fits. That said, it doesn't handle like a mid-size SUV or truck. It has extremely quick acceleration, and I feel confident merging onto a highway or switching lanes that I will beat the car behind me. It never ceases to amaze me how this car can keep up with the sportier BMWs and Teslas around me. Even though it is a 2008, I love the look of the car and still feel it is forward-thinking and relevant. I feel confident when I get into the car, and proud of my purchase. I feel good about myself when someone is watching me go to my car. Most importantly, I feel the car will keep going for as long as I keep proper maintenance. Because this model is a hybrid, I also feel good about it's relationship to the environment. It's a first step towards going green, and the car tells you as you drive if you are using the battery or gasoline. I will not buy another purely gasoline powered car, this car has changed my relationship with gasoline consumption. This car is rugged; I am avidly into the outdoors and so far I have not shown this car a challenge. I've taken it on backroads, gravel, and hiking trails and the car handles beautifully. It feels indestructible in the snow as long as I have good tires on the car. The roof-racks allow me to transport up to two kayaks! In short, this car has really changed my feelings towards car ownership, as well as Toyota, and I will never deviate from this brand.

My husband and I originally decided to buy a Toyota because of their wonderful reputation, particularly the alleged longevity of their vehicles. We were counting on keeping our Toyotas on the road for 10 years, so we would have some time without payments. We also wanted a car with enough space for our large family. We have been very happy with the way the SUV handles, especially in winter. We like the luggage rack on top for large trips and the ability to lay the third row seat down to make a bigger storage area in back if we have fewer passengers.