Undoubtedly, used cars for sale Orange County like the 2006 Toyota Highlander is still the best-selling car-based midsize SUV ever since its launch because it provides a very high level of safety and ride comfort.
The Highlander is one of the eight used cars in Orange County offered by Toyota as a sports utility vehicle. This also includes the new Highlander Hybrid, and all are furnished with the STAR SAFETY SYSTEM that gives the Highlander vehicle control from a bundle of advanced dynamic handling technology.
The Toyota Highlander was designed for individuals who like the thought and versatility of an SUV but put ahead the ride, handling, and comfort of a sedan. Essentially, the Highlander is a bigger version of the Camry wagon that is wearing an outdoorsy camouflage outfit.
Although the 2006 model was in its sixth year on the market, the Highlander remains one of the better value vehicles for families who are looking for a comfortable, an easy drive vehicle that can transport quite a bit of cargo, can handle harsh weather conditions such as snow and ice during the winter (although California is blessed with sunshine), and still delivers respectable fuel economy.
Driving
The Highlander at used cars for sale Orange County is available in two-row and three-row models with a choice between two engines, each available with either front-wheel drive or full-time four-wheel drive.
There are two engine choices for the 2006 Highlander model is between a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that comes with the base Highlander or a 3.3-liter V6 that is optional on the base model and standard on the Sport and Limited trims. The four-cylinder generates 155 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, while the smooth V6 puts out 215 ponies and 222 pound-feet of torque.
A four-speed automatic transmission is standard on four-cylinder models, while V6 Highlanders upgrade to a five-speed unit. Tow ratings are on the light side, the maximum being 3,500 pounds on a properly equipped V6 model. The Highlander comes in both front-wheel-drive (2WD) and all-wheel-drive configurations.
Also, the Highlander at used cars for sale Orange County provides great fuel efficiency with EPA estimates that are 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway with its two-wheel drive and 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway with the four-wheel drive.
An electronic throttle control offers a highly precise engine response, and the Active Control Engine Mount helps to reduce vibrations when idling.
Technology
Standard models receive sixteen-inch six-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with a high gloss finish. If you opt for the Limited model you get the standard 17-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels which give the SUV a more refined appearance and also improves the handling response.
The appeal with Highlander Limited models provide that extra dash of luxury and refinement. Standard features consist of an automatic climate control system with outside temperature gauge, an eight-way power driver seat with power lumbar, a four-way power passenger seat, leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls, a JBL premium 3-in-1 audio system with eight speakers, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (including a full-size aluminum spare wheel), rear privacy glass, a HomeLink® universal remote control system, heated exterior mirrors, anti-theft system with engine immobilizer, burled maple wood-grain style interior trim, and a leather-trimmed shift handle.
Other creature comforts that are available on Limited models include fog lights, door scuff plates, and an auto-dimming mirror with an integrated electronic compass. A leather-trim seat package and heated front seats are also available. Limited models can be equipped with an optional navigation system offering high-speed processing and integrated with a JBL premium audio system with a six-disc CD changer.
Comfort
The Highlander is based on a unibody platform with a four-wheel independent suspension. This kind of build ensures a smooth, quiet ride that is usually expected in a high-ranking passenger car. Also, the higher ride height gives a commanding view of the road, while a tight 37.4-foot turning circle allows the Highlander to easily be maneuvered.
This SUV has interior options that come in Ivory or Ash and leather seat trim is available on the standard and Limited model grades. Additionally, there is an available leather-trimmed steering wheel as well as the shifter handle that provides a very refined appearance. Also, the steering wheel has controls for the audio system when you order the vehicle with the JBL premium audio options. The steering wheel controls are easy to operate and let the driver choose the system mode, radio stations, or CD tracks, along with the ability to adjust the volume without taking your eyes off the road ahead of you.
Standard equipment on the 2006 Toyota Highlander avails you to a lot of comfortable features such as air conditioning with a cabin air filter, UV-reduction glass, power windows and door locks, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, front variable intermittent windshield wipers, rear-window electric defogger and intermittent window wiper, and a deluxe 3-in-1 AM/FM/ETR cassette/CD sound system with six speakers.
If you are looking for more adaptability, the Highlander models also include other standard equipment like roof rails with crossbars, a remote keyless entry system, and a rear tonneau cover.
In and around the 2006 Toyota Highlander, you will notice a few mindful touches such as the multiple interior storage compartments, an illuminated entry system, and a full-size spare tire located under the vehicle to help maximize interior cargo room.
All Highlanders are equipped with four-wheel antilock disc brakes that are outfitted with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, a stability control system, a tire-pressure warning system and whiplash-reducing front seats.
Optional on all models are seat-mounted side airbags for front occupants and side curtain airbags for the first and second rows. In government crash testing, the 2006 Toyota Highlander scored five stars (out of a possible five) for frontal-impact protection. In side-impact tests, it again got five stars for both front and rear passengers. In frontal-offset crash testing carried out by the IIHS, the Toyota earned a “Good” rating which is the best possible rating any vehicle can receive.
Overall
The Toyota Highlander is a mid-size sport-utility vehicle that is based on a car, so it appeals to those who want to drive a rugged vehicle that has those extra comforts, reliability, and cargo space. The 2006 Toyota Highlander definitely has all those features and loads more!