Toyota Highlander

ilboy

A question dealing with the octane of the gas required for the 3.0L V6 in the Highlander. Did I read a past comment correctly that it needs a higher octane gasoline, like 91 or better? Please, someone fill me in on this.

cmuniz

I use regular (87 0ctane) on my '02 V6 Limited and it runs fine. I have never put anything but regular in 20,000 miles

gfc4us

Toyota salesman told my friend that 3rd seat will be available on 2004 Highlander to compete Pilot.

steveb84

3.3 V6 with 5 speed auto, Vehicle Skid Control and Roof Rack become standard on models....plus Nav available.

jeff186

Good stuff, Steveb84. Any word on HID headlights becoming available? I just read Edmunds' cross-over comparison and the lack of oomph from the 3.0 V6 contributed to the Highlander coming in fourth (last) place. Is '03 ordering closed out? When does the '04 model become available?

stever

2003 Midsize Crossover SUVs Comparison

Steve, Host

jackmick

Owners manual recommends 91 octane, I use 91 because I live in the low desert of So. Cal. My last car was 94 V6 Maxima. When the temp. got over 100 degrees it started pinging badly, so I had to go to 91 octane. That proves to me that in extreme heat higher octane is necessary. In my 03 HL I plan to use 91 all year, I think it will benefit the engine in the long run. Besides, as expensive as these vehicles are, what is a few more bucks a fill up. Happy motoring.

cmuniz

Steve - As you are probably aware of by now the article only gives the intro - the actual comaprisons are not there. What's up??

stever

Look for the blue NAVIGATION bar on the left side of the article. I guess it is a bit hidden among the photos. There's a bunch more there than just the intro!

Steve, Host

tommyg12

Wow, it seems like everytime I read a Toyota review there seems to be more and more complaints about rattles, so it seems like more of than a case of isolated incidences. Motor Trend just finished up a Matrix long term test and rattles were the biggest gripe. After 25K, our HL has been pretty much rattle free. Surely Toyota's CR dept reads all of the trade reports. Speaking as somebody that loves Toyotas I hope the rattle issues are resolved soon.

hlron

Regarding fuel type, like cmuniz I too only use 87 octane, and all is fine with my HL so far (I have just over 36,000 miles on my 2001 V-6). Although, I live and work at generally only 300 - 800 feet above sea level in year 'round moderate climate.

On that subject, the owners manual for my 2001 Highlander reads, in part, for the 1MZ-FE engine (V-6) "Select Octane Rating 87 (Reaseach Octane Number 91) or higher. For improved vehicle performance, the use of premium unleaded gasoline with an Octane rating of 91 (Research Octane Number 96) or higher is recommended."

By the way, for the 2AZ-FE (4 cyl)engine, it reads, in part, "Select Octane rating 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher."

Hope this helps. /Ron

mistere

I don't know if anyone has noticed, but the rear license plate is attached with a fine thread bold into a rivet nut. I don't trust the zinc coating, so if the nut and bolt rust together there will be no way to remove it without damage to the door.
Please! Remove the bolts and coat them with anti-seize, or better yet try to find plastic bolts, use anti-sieze with them as well.

Ed

patmc102

I am thinking of buying a Highlander Limited. I am concern about keeping the seats clean. Car is black with ivory leather seats. I have a German Shepherd that I have to take everywhere with me. Would like to hear from folks who have ivory interiors and if they are able to keep them clean. Thanks.

rqc

gfc4us and steveb64, can you verify the info about the 3rd seat and 3.3 V6 with 5 speed auto, Vehicle Skid Control and Roof Rack in 2004? Motor Trend doesn't show the 3.3 V6 arriving until 2005 MY and I would think the third row seat would take quite a bit of redesigning for the HL. Three dealers and other posts here seem to indicate that there won't be any significant changes in MY2004.

cmuniz

My info says major redesign in 05 not 04.

steveb84

I'm very selective in the things I post. Only when I'm sure about upcoming changes do I post them.

No word on HID's but I don't think they will be available.

04's will arrive in late September/early October.

slow43

On the 2003 Midsize test what were they comparing? The article states, "The lack of a center console created an airy feeling". What were they testing a 2001? The article also states, "2003 Highlander is based on the previous-generation Camry, a car that dates to 1997". I thought the Highlander used the Lexus RX 300 platform.

wwest

For Toyota to keep a 3.0 V6 and a 3.3 V6 in production, cost effectiveness of parts commonality and all that. Plus the 3.0 will always be somewhat tainted by the issue of oil gelling even though Toyota announced that the 3.0 internally was changed to prevent gelling.

Hid has the advantage of lower power and better, brighter, wider spectrum, lighting. I think we will begin to see a movement throughout the industry to HID and LEDs for parking/brake lamps.

AND...most folks will be willing to pay a premium for HID/Leds.

nippononly

I would pay a premium not to have HIDs. They are blinding to other drivers unless they are continually self-adjusting, which has only been applied in some premium brands in the U.S. so far. The Congress is considering a bill to require them all to be (as they are in Europe), and if they do, I hope they require it be retro-fitted to all cars currently having these PITAs.

slow: I noticed the center console thing too...it was standard for '02s and up, right?

HL uses the old Camry platform, as did the RX300, and the editors in the article were somewhat imprecise in not noting that the platform itself dates to 1993 (when the '97 Camry was introduced, they did not change the platform from the previous iteration). '03 HL is now the last model to use the old platform, and the revised version coming out next year will use the new Camry platform.

wwest

quite firmly, that all HIDs supplied as OEM are self-adjusting.

bikerjohn

The Highlander was actually the first Toyota vehicle to use the new midsize(Camry) platform.
The RX300 has the old one & RX330 uses the new one.

nippononly

clarification: I meant self-leveling/aiming. I don't believe thay all do this, and if they do, then HIDs are even more of a menace than I thought, because that means all the times I have been blinded by them they have been properly aimed.

bikerjohn: I believe the current HL still uses the old platform - if it uses the new, that not only contradicts what many diferent professional reviewers have written, but it also means that the HL was using the new platform a whole year before the new Camry was even introduced...(??!!)

slow43

01 was the only year without a center console. That I am sure of.

I am confused about the platform not that it makes any difference for me. The payments to the bank are the same.

Anybody have mud flaps for a 03 you want to sell? If so send me a line be4hasty@hotsheet.com

Slow

stever

Please, no buying and selling on Town Hall. thanks,

Steve, Host

iwse

With engine upgrade and third row seat in store for '04 can we expect price to remain the same or increase?

b717

I was also puzzled by the article. The Highlander and its Japan sibling Kluger V were the first to use the new platform, then the Camry and now the RX330. The RX300 was on the old platform with its shorter wheelbase. The integrated console arrived along with the fold down rear seat armrest in 02, 01's had an optional oddball mini console for port installation, it was borrowed from another Toyota and really was not suitable to the vehicle.

qs933

After checking out that comparison test, you can add me to the list of confused Edmunds.com readers...

Edmunds tested a non-Limited Highlander. Fine. However, if you look at the "Top 10 features" page, the Highlander got dinged for "missing" features that are either included with the Limited package (trip computer, outside temp display) or available as an option. The only two things you can't get are the Navigation system and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.

An AWD Limited with cloth seats, side airbags, CD changer is just over $32K, MSRP, which is within the ballpark of the Pilot, Murano, and Endeavor.

As others have mentioned, the writer mentioned the "lack of a center console." Puzzling, since the Highlander has had a console standard since 2002.

The review of the JBL audio in a Limited was also strange, considering it was the standard audio in a non-Limited that was actually tested. I know the article clearly stated this, but why not review the standard audio system?

Also, I could've sworn reading about the Highlander being based on the "new" Camry chassis, as opposed to the RX300 being based on the 1997-2001 platform.

All this kind of makes me wonder if Edmunds.com actually peformed a "comparison test," or simply pieced together reviews based on old write-ups and press releases...

Granted, probably none of these details would've changed the final rankings. And, if I were to purchase an SUV today, I think I'd have a VERY difficult time deciding between the four vehicles reviewed. However, - being a proud Highlander owner myself -- if the Highlander loses, it should lose fair-and-square.

rqc

OK, steveb84. 3rd seat, 3.3 V6, VSC, roof rack. Can you tell us what source you are getting this from? You're just the first one making such definitive claims... It would be helpful to know how reliable this info is for those of us trying to decide between buying an '03 now and waiting for an '04.

goldston

Frank,

Is it possible for you to provide a link or at least point me in the right direction of where you found the information on 2004 Highlander and the proposed changes that you speak of.

Thanks. Philip

wwest

The factory installed HID headlamps are self-leveling and will continue to self level as you load the car, many will even re-level if you apply the brakes hard.

Regrettably, Lots and lots of folks are buying aftermarket HID bulbs, actual, fake, and 120 Watt stuff with blue tinge.

If you test drive a car at night on a dark back-country road with factory installed HIDs, I believe you will be duly, heavily, impressed. To prevent the blinding and glare to on-coming drivers the HIDs have a VERY sharp upper level cutoff.

I have HIDs on my 99 & 01 911, and the 01 RX, and had them on the 00 GS (sold), I have never been "flashed", but I was sure tempted to flash a few with 120W incandescent imitations and soft cutoff, and probably mis-aimed to boot.

tommyg12

Interesting to compare the comparisons...

http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=15&article- - _id=4345&page_number=1

In one comparison the Mitsu is #1 and in the other comparo the Mitsu is last. Pretty consistent huh:)

lexus_addicted

I agree with the statement that HL's chassis is based on the new Camry platform.

The best proof is that the 2004 Lexus RX330 has the exact same wheelbase measurement as the current HL (2001-2003).

IMHO, the editors of the 2003 Crossover comparison test were wrong when they said that the HL is based on the old Camry platform.

In fact, when the HL was designed, the R&D on the new 2002 Camry has already been completed.

lexus_addicted

Yeah I agree.
Car and Driver summarized the HL as:

"Highs: Creamy ride, smooth powertrain, superb fit and finish.
Lows: Nannyesque stability assist, modest power, Martian wood-grain.
The Verdict: If you miss your old Camry wagon, you'll love this Highlander."
http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=15&article- - - _id=4345&page_number=4

Car and Driver is praising the HL's fit and finish, while another car review site (COUGH...Edmunds...COUGH) is dissing the HL's and its rattles.

lmacmil

Motor Trend compared the HL, Endeavor and Murano a couple months ago. The Murano was their favorite ("irresistable and the clear winner"), the Endeaver "a strong second place" and the HL "as sure to please as flowers and chocolates on Valentine's Day." They also said "when an all-new 2nd generation Highlander makes its debut for the '04 model year..."

iwse

Philip, I was merely responding to posts #8282 and 8295 in my attempt to decide if it's worth waiting for the '04 to arrive, assuming it has these new features at hopefully what would be the same price as the '03. It makes sense to me that Toyota would accelerate (sorry for pun) the introduction of the larger engine to remain competitive in this class, especially since such engine is already well proven in other Toyota/Lexus models...but then I know only what I read on this message board :-)

oz69

Can anyone help me out by posting the lug nut torque spec in ft-lbs for the Highlander wheels?I have alloy wheels on a 2002 Limited if it makes any difference. Thanks in advance!

rqc

>>3rd seat, 3.3 V6 with 5 speed auto, Vehicle Skid Control and Roof Rack become standard on models....plus Nav available.

The more I think about this, the less likely the 3rd seat becomes. The others seem more possible since most of them are just making existing option standard. The 3.3 V6 - don't know. It's not in the new Camry but it is in the new RX330. And although the wheelbases of the Highlander, 2003 Camry, and RX330 are all 107', I think the Highlander is still based off the old Camry platform. Since it was introduced in 2001, all work on it would have been done before the new Camry platform would have been done. Plus, I had heard that the Highlander was using a slightly stretched (103' --> 107' wheelbase) Camry platform, so can they drop the 3.3 V6 into the old platform. Don't know.

But the 3rd seat... On other vehicles with a 3rd seat, the spare is located underneath behind the passenger. That's not where the spare is on the Highlander and it seems unlikely they could move it there without a lot of design work we would have heard about. Plus, how do you get to the third seat? The main two choices are second seats slid forward (unlikely) or second seats tumble forward. Still gotta do some reengineering to do that.

Plus, no one has been able to verify these claims although several requests have been made. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Makes it hard for those of us looking to buy though...
If those with such information can share and verify with links, that would be quite helpful.

goldston

Frank,

I appreciate you taking the time to respond.

I can see where Toyota would integrate the new V-6 that the RX-330 uses into the Highlander being that they roll down the same assemble line in Japan. However, I was having great difficulty seeing how it would be possible to put in third row seating. I even went and took some measurements on our Highlanders (we have both 2001 & 2002) both V-6 Limited 2WD, and came away scratching my head..

We all know that Highlander will go through changes/upgrades/modifications, but IMO I would think it would be 2005 before we see major changes.

And for what it's worth, give yourself the pleasure of enjoying a truly wonderful automobile and go buy yourself a Highlander today. The attention to detail, the fit & finish and the over-all quality that I have enjoyed with both our H/L's will have you asking yourself... "why did I wait"

Best Regards,

Philip

gwkiser

Well, after they overtorqued ours the first time, I made the dealer remove and reinstall all four wheels. The work order states 76 ft/lbs for our '01 Limited with alloys, but you may want to wait for someone with a manual to respond.

nippononly

is now three years old. Based on Toyota's usual habits, it is reasonable to expect a moderate update for the '04 model year, to keep it current until the complete revamp for the '06 model year. That may mean different fascia front and rear, and I would think it perfectly possible they would choose to switch now to the new 3.3L engine. Major engineering changes like a third row seat will probably wait for the next generation in mid-2005, but Toyota has announced it plans to do this for Highlander.

And Highlanders do not "roll down the Japanese assembly line" that RX330 is built on - in fact both are now built in North America. (RX330 is on the Ontario line in Canada).

wwest

For too many years 105 ft/lbs of torque on alloy wheels has been my gospel, and ALWAYS re-torque/check within 24 hours or 50 miles.

105 ft/lbs not factual otherwise.

wwest

Likely do roll down the very same "assembly" line.

goldston

My statement of assembly line on the Highlander was based on my 2001 & 2002, not sure of where the 2003+ year models are built. But the information from here at Edmunds on the Highlander still states... "Built at the Toyota Motor Kyushu Inc. plant in Japan" < copy/paste from Highlander Overview here at Edmunds. If this is bad information, I apologize.

nippononly

I wasn't thinking of HL anyway - I forget where they are built (although I thought NA - will check), but I was thinking of the RX, built in Ontario. Didn't mean to jump down anyone's throat.

goldston

Please, no jumping was construed at all... great open dialog is always appreciated and welcome... this old dog is never to old to learn new tricks.. hehehe

Let me know what you find.

Philip

nippononly

my apologies to all - Highlander is produced in Japan - the new RX is to be produced in Ontario, with its engines to be produced separately from the HL engines at the West Virginia plant:

http://www.toyota.com/about/operations/na-affiliates/index.html#m.

PS: RX is significant in being the first Lexus ever produced outside Japan.

steveb84

I emailed you and gave you details of the info I posted. Sorry that it's not enough for you.

If you look at my history in the Town Hall, the things I post are not hypothetical, they are factual.

The 3.3, 5 speed auto, and 3rd seat (folding into floor) will be on the 2004 HL.

bojack1

In the 2001 owner's manual Page 277 Wheel nut torque states: 76 ft-lbf or 103 N-m. Hope that helps.

wwest

I'm willing to wager that neither the RX nor the HL will have 3rd seat, possibly never.

stever

But my money is on Steveb :-)

Steve, Host