Toyota Highlander

dshenmdyn · December 2000

stove1 · December 2000

The Highlander will have horizontal instead of verticle bars on the Kluger.

http://mag-x.com/press_index.html

tommy38 · December 2000

Hi guys,
Go to Toyota Canada web site or the link below for a brochure of the coming Highlander. Enjoy!

http://205.150.151.212/NWS/media/pdf/01highlander_e.pdf

coolmatt44 · December 2000

there is no way it will cost 32-35, when it is base on the lexus rx300! the rx300 starts at 34k. just clarification.

gpolt · December 2000

can you believe it? None offered!

What is Toyota thinking?

md2002 · December 2000

That is pretty sad. Since it is expected to be in the mid $30k range you would think they would offer side air bags. I mean it is a new vehicle. Wouldn't it have been cheaper (and pro-saftey) to add side airbags now, rather than 2 years from now.

Oh well, maybe it is just a canadian thing and the US model will have them? Maybe not.

michanth · December 2000

After looking at the pictures from the Toyota Japanese Site (Thanks dshenmdyn) the Highlander looks more like a station wagon than a sports SUV, at little disappointing. However after owning Toyota for several years now and appreciating the reliability in my Avalon, I'll wait for a test drive of the Highlander before I make my final decision, another Avolan or a new Highlander.

Best Wishes and Happy New Year to Everyone

Michael

dichelle · December 2000

I talked to a Toyota salesman tonight--the dealership has 4 Highlanders allocated already, and some are coming with side air bags, so they are available (Canadian vehicles are apparently often differently equipped). But all 4 of these are coming with leather, and the salesman said he thinks it may be months before Toyota builds some without. There were other option package initials listed which he can't yet decode. I'm afraid leather is going to be accompanied by a whole bunch of other stuff (the old "popular option combinations") that I don't want. This guy's going to training on 1/9 and will ask about this--anybody else know anything yet?

tokyomach4 · December 2000

Hello folks I was able to get a look at the Kluger I here in Japan, I would have test drove it but the kids were with me, maybe after holidays. They had 2 models a stripped 4cyl FWD and a fully loaded 6cyl with leather, roof rack, sun roof, AWD. I have to say I looks much better in person than the photos. Having said that, I think it will have a love it or leave it effect on people. I like the looks and believe Toyota has another hit on their hands. Its not for the off road but for my personal needs, city driving and long weekend commutes, it's definitely my vehicle of choice. I can not offer any help has to the side air bag question but it had better have them or Toyota has missed the mark big time. I still can't believe the RAV 4 doesn't have side bags. It's down right tiny. I like the looks though but it's to small for my taste. One more item I find interesting is that the Sequoia has optional side curtain bag. It freaking huge. If thats got a side air bag you would think all Toyota cars and trucks would.. OK Im now rambling Sorry Anyway I like the Highlander and only hope I don't have to pay retail when I return to the good ole U.S.A. in july.
Happy Holidays

deerlake7 · December 2000

I received a copy of the Highlander build schedule (with option codes & descriptions) and see that only 27.9% are to be built with leather (of the 4X4, V6's), the rest are scheduled to be cloth. What I don't understand is that next to the side airbag option is a note that it falls under something called "33% EPA limited." There is one cloth configuration that fits my requirements (side air bags, sun roof, etc.), but it does not have the VSC option. The new car manager said that he would be happy to order one to my exact specs, but it is likely to be a 120 day wait. At this point, my only concern is price and I hope Cliffy's estimate based on the holdbacks is high. Otherwise, I'm ready to go.

dianne4toyota · December 2000

Perhaps a few of you might know me (as well as Cliffy too!) from the other forums as well (Sequoia, Landcruiser, Solara ragtops, etc) and I have 14 of these Highlanders on their way. I am in Southern California, and it appears that right out of the gate, we're being allocated very highly equipped Highlanders. Limiteds, mostly.

I have a lot of varying levels of extras... example:

6914 silver, tan leather, with SR BE TO LL EJ LA CF

6914 white, gray cloth, DR SR TO AG CQ HE CF RF

6914 red met,tan cloth, DR SR TO AG CQ HE CF RF

6914 silver, gray cloth, DR TO AG CQ HE RF CF

6914 red met, tan leather, SR BE TO LL EJ LA CF

6914 gold, tan cloth, SR SR TO AG CQ HE CF RF

6914 green met, tan cloth, SR BE TO LL EJ LA CF

6924 (4wd) white with tan cloth, and DR SR TO AC CQ HE CF RF.

I know from long time experience with Toyota what these codes pretty much mean although I have no definite info yet from Toyota, but I also hope Steve's assessment of the pricing is high vs. low as I expect it to be.

I am not price-gouging, although I expect that right out of the gate, a lot of dealers will want over MSRP. I won't.

I sure wish I had more info. I started pre-selling Sequoias before they hit the ground but it was so highly anticipated and there was a lot more detail about it.

The local ride-drives for the salespeople for January were all postponed, so I suspect the car's debut is pushed back a month. Might not see these cars til February.

--Dianne
dianne@earthlink.net

heyjewel · December 2000

Well, I looked at the pix on Japanese and Canadian sites and I think tokyomach4 is right - it'll be a love/hate thing in looks dept. Personally, I don't like the looks. To me, it's another example of 'typical' Toyota silly overstyling (witness the RAV4 and the Celica for example.)
What the heck is up with those 2 interrupted-by-the-doors body lines up around cowl height? Pretty silly looking IMHO.
The interior looks tasteful, but cheap. The dash seems to have a dual personality - curvy, modernistic center console w/screen and Lexus-like (silly?) shifter position - combined with blah-looking guages.
As for the drivetrain, with the RAV4 and the Highlander, Toyota is continuing a rather disappointing (to me at least) trend away from *real* 4WD systems with low-range gearing. I have heard the stories that few 4x4s ever leave the pavement, but mine is in the minority. I've done serious 4-wheeling with my Cherokee I owned for 12 years and with the Tahoe I presently own. They went places you'd definitely be helicoptering a Highlander out of.
So, for that reason alone, the Highlander is off my shopping list. I think I'll wait to see what the new Cherokee is like next year. And before you start in on me about Toyota reliability etc:
1) What good is it if the car won't do what you want and
2)I had my Cherokee for 12 years and 154,000 miles. It was a very reliable car. Broke down twice in that time and the second time was cause dealer had installed the wrong part to fix the first time. Course, this was when they were made by AMC, who I trusted more than I do DC now. I sold it to a friend and seh's got 175K on it now. She had to replace the thermostat.

I better add that the Highlander will probably suit many peoples' needs and will be another hit for Toyota.

cliffy1 · December 2000

Interesting assessment. You are correct about the 4WD system and you no doubt realize that this thing is not intended for serious off road use. it has no frame and no low gear range. Also the limited slip center differential is more suited to snow and ice than mud and rock climbing. All of this is why we still have the 4Runner for those who need real off road capabilities.

baddestbob1 · December 2000

Your post lists options I can't decipher, please clarify, thanks. I have gotten really close to a buying decision in favor of 2001 PF but have always admired Toyota quality based on great experience with our '81 Celica. Assume Highlander will be direct comp. to Pathfinder, yes?

cliffy1 · December 2000

SR moonroof
BE side air bags
TO tow prep package (not a hitch but an upgrade to the cooling system)
LL Limited pacakge with alloys, roof rack, climate control, keyless entry, DRLs, heated mirrors and a few other minor things.
EJ 6 disc JBL stereo
LA leather
CF floor mats
RF rear spoiler
DR roof rack
AG no idea
HE not sure but probably a package with a moonroof and something else.
CQ convenience pacakge which I don't know what would be included.

I hope this helps. I'll post translations to the others as I find out.

deerlake7 · December 2000

AG - Apearance Package - Aluminum Wheels/Mudguards/Rear Side Window Tint
HE - Preferred Package - Power Driver's Seat/Homelink/Immobilizer
CQ - Convenience Package - Keyless Entry/Tonneau Cover

dichelle · December 2000

Thanks for the option pkg decodes and the examples of what sort of vehicles are going to be coming inlooks like I dont have to get leather or things like a rear spoiler if I dont want them. Does anyone know what the option code is for VSC or how it will be available? E.g., only included as part of the limited package (as in Canada) or just on 4WD models?

Anyone know about other colors--will there be a blue Highlander available? I see the Canadian version come in Bluestone Metallic, and it looks like the Japanese version also comes in a lighter blue.

Speculations on specs:
In the Canadian brochure, the 220 hp engine on 4WD V6 vehicle is said to get 22/29 mpg. They use imperial gallons, and converting to US gallons, that becomes 18/24, which sounds about right.

In one of the Kluger sites, turning radius is listed as 5.6 metersif we multiply by 2 to get diameter and convert to feet, it comes out to be about 37 feetwhich beats the RX at 41. Hope this is true--I figured Toyota could cut that down if they tried.

deerlake7 · December 2000

The option code for the VSD is "VD." Looking at the sheet I have, it is NOT part of any other option groups. The only conflict is with option "LD" limited slip differential (which makes sense). The only problem I see is if you want cloth seats (as we do) and the VSD, you may have to special order the vehicle as the only standard build configuations with option code "VD" I see out of the Chicago area, at least, include the leather package (LA) and the limited package (LL). Good luck.

bporter1 · December 2000

In the first couple of posts inthis topic,someone mentioned the upcoming Saturn VUE SUV. How about the new Buick
Rendezvous? The new Buick will be available sometime in February or March.
It will seat seven people, and the rear seat will fold down flat. The Rendezvous
will be offered in two trim levels, with an AWD system standard in the top trim level, and offered as an option in the base edition. The chassis is GM's minivan platform and uses the 3.4l V6 engine. HP is 185 and torque is 210. Honestly it will probably be a little slow for some people, me included, but with an estimated base price of around $28,000 it may be worth a look.

dichelle · December 2000

Sounds like we may want about the same vehicle. Having good safety equipment (which means the side air bags and VSC) is more important to me than decorative bells and whistles like leather and a rear spoiler. I'd have a hard time living without a power driver's seat, too, so I probably want some of the packages short of the limited. Maybe if enough people want the same thing, Toyota will build it. Wonder what sort of surveys they do to figure out how to option their vehicles? Hope they're reading this forum.

Good luck to you, too, and thanks.

rsharp83 · January 2001

Talked to the Toyota dealer in Kansas City today and he expects to have 3 Highlanders in 2 weeks. I really would like to consider this auto but it may be above what I am willing to spend, especially now that they are new and loaded

dianne4toyota · January 2001

I finanly have pricing on the cars I have coming initially in this first few weeks:

6914 silver, tan leather, with SR BE TO LL EJ LA CF
$32075

6914 white, gray cloth, DR SR TO AG CQ HE CF RF
$29129

6914 red met,tan cloth, DR SR TO AG CQ HE CF RF
$29129

6914 silver, gray cloth, DR TO AG CQ HE RF CF
$28314

6914 red met, tan leather, SR BE TO LL EJ LA CF
$32075

6914 gold, tan cloth, SR SR TO AG CQ HE CF RF
$29129

6914 green met, tan cloth, SR BE TO LL EJ LA CF
$32075

6924 (4wd) white with tan cloth, and DR SR TO AC CQ HE CF RF.
$30529

FYI! Those are MSRP prices.

--Dianne
dianne@earthlink.net

tonychrys · January 2001

How come I can't find info on the this model on Toyota.com? When does it officially go on sale?

Does Toyota make all the dealers "wait" to release it at the same time?

cliffy1 · January 2001

I just got the lastest TVO book from Toyota. This book tells us what vehicles are bieng built for the Central Atlantic Region (137 dealerships) and we are getting more of these than I had hoped. Most will not be here until February but here is the breakdown.

19 2WD, 4 cyl with AW, DR, PE, QO, UZ
19 2WD, V6 with DR, PE, SR, AG, CQ, UZ
33 4WD, 4 cyl with MG, SR, QO, HE
32 4WD, 4 cyl with AW, MG, DR, PE, SR, TO, QO, UZ
135 4WD, V6 with DR, AG, CQ, HE
162 4WD, V6 with SR, BE, TO, UQ, VD, LL, EJ, LA, HD
244 4WD, V6 with SR, BE, TO, VD, LL, EJ

Again, I don't have prices yet like Dianne does and I don't know what is in some of the option packages. I do know that most of our vehicles will be coming with both VSC and side air bags.

Again, these cars represent what we will have in February and March. Our first batch is much smaller and more limited in equipment.

cliffy1 · January 2001

I found a few that have not been posted yet.

CQ keyless entry, ahstray, lighter and tonneau cover
AG Alloys, mud guards and privacy glass
QO keyless entry, privacy glass and tonneau cover
UZ alarm pre-wire

dshenmdyn · January 2001

Hi,

Did anyone notice in the pdf file found at the Toyota Canada site, they spec the Highlander fuel mileage to be (page 15):

FUEL CONSUMPTION RATING (City/Highway)
Engine---------------L/100 km ---------------mpg
I-4------------------10.7/7.9 ---------------26/36
V-6------------------13.0/9.7 ---------------22/29

Can this be true? or just printing error. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

tonychrys · January 2001

I believe Canadian gallons are measured as Imperial gallons, which are different than the U.S. measurement.

dshenmdyn · January 2001

You are right, from the L/100km converted to US gallon, it is about

I-4 ----------- 22/30
V-6 ----------- 18/24

tonychrys · January 2001

I've looked at the Canadian brochure on this vehicle and as far as I can tell, the only thing you can't get on it that you can get on a Lexus are:

Pinch control windows
Driver seat memory
NAV
HID

What's the opinion of the Toyota dealers out there??

rsharp83 · January 2001

My local Toyota dealer told me today that the one Highlander he has inbound for jan delivery is (gulp) $35,000 MSRP. Well that is almost $10,000 more than I am willing to spend and darn near the price of a Lexus RX! In fact I have seen a couple of used RXs for 30ish. I'd sooner buy a used Lexus than spend 35 grand on the Highlander.

Guess I am out of the Highlander market.

dniehus · January 2001

Re message 131:

Toyota has been very tight with information on pricing. I presume that figure of $35,000 is for a loaded "limited" edition, 6 cyl with AWD. That is several thousand dollars more than what a dealer in our area "estimated". Given my past experience with Toyota dealers, when they smell high demand, they automatically start adding $$$ as "additional dealer markuup" (or whatever extra charges they can think of). I doubt that $35,000 is the MSRP as will be set by Toyota. It may be your dealer's asking price. Big difference.

I guess we'll know official Toyota pricing "soon". Should be interesting. I am in same position as you. If the Toyota dealers get greedy, I will also purchase a CPO 1999 Lexus RX300. Probably a better car anyway with a better warranty.

Any reason to buy a Highlander instead of a CPO RX300?

dianne4toyota · January 2001

I suspect that one Highlander at a dealership with a $35000 MSRP ought to mean that you need to shop more. Not decide to switch cars til they land and you have a chance to look/touch/drive and see if there are ones that better suit your budget? Wouldn't you think that a more prudent avenue?

-Dianne

rsharp83 · January 2001

There is only one dealer in my city. I have spoken with the dealer 50 miles away in another city, while he would not give me any pricing he made it pretty clear that the Highlanders he had coming would be loaded and when I asked about pricing and dealing on inbound stock (It was a response to an Autoweb.com inquiry) he just sort of laughed at me. I took that as not a good sign that I can afford their price and I really cannot wait a year or more for the price to come down. My current car is an 87 BMW 325is which is just too small for my needs anymore (kids etc.)

bostnwhalr · January 2001

FYI, here's the first article I could find on the Highlander.

http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=3110&sid=157&n=157

Article states that top of the line is around $30k. Mileage listed at 18/22, same as RX. If $32k buys a loaded vehicle, that sounds pretty good though not cheap. If it is close to $35k, there are other alternatives out there including a discounted RX300 or a base MD-X, which comes very well equipped.

Thinking of having my parents trade in their 98' ML320 with 14k miles. It's been fine, but one year left on warranty makes me a little nervous down the road. I would also seriously consider a MD-X, but this vehicle is for parents with a narrow garage door. The MD-X is 5" wider and they don't need the 3rd row. Otherwise, it would be a good bet vs. the Highlander.

One thing I like about the Highlander is the extra 4" of length. That yields 81 Cu. Ft. vs. 75 Cu. Ft. in the RX. Every little bit counts.

Seeing that the Sequoia is already discounted $2,000 - $3,000 in some markets in a less competitive segment of the SUV arena, I would expect that the Highlander will be discounted in several months, especially if the loaded price is significantly above $32k.

.

tokyomach4 · January 2001

Based on what I saw here in Tokyo a stripped Highlander, fwd, should be about the same cost as a loaded Rav4, $25,000 U.S. With the loaded 6cyl awd costing around $32,000 U.S. The somewhat loaded Kluger V , AWD,PWR windows and doors, moonroof, leather,and side skirts here had a msrp in yen of 3,150,000. using 115.00 as an exchange rate = $27,400 U.S. This is definitely wishful thinking as they are built here in Japan for now. So the price should be lower here than over in the States. But 35,000 U.S. sounds way to high even with a nav. system(just assuming). Anyways time will tell. Oh bostnwhalr are the Sequoias really 2000-3000 under retail now? Is the economy slowing that fast over there. I'll go check the Sequoia board. Out of touch in Tokyo should have been my posting name. Drive safe.
Thanks bostwhalr for the article. I hope the authors right about the pricing.

bostnwhalr · January 2001

You'll see for yourself concerning the pricing. Some markets are still at MSRP and above, but many on the board are reporting below MSRP, some quite significantly.

As for the Highlander, given it's car based routes and target price, it may fare stronger, though there is a great deal of competition in the marketplace. I would think the RX300 would be adversely affected, but some folks will pay extra for the Lexus options and dealer perks, but if $32k buys a loaded Highlander and $41k buys a RX300 AWD, I'll take the Highlander.

ledwidge · January 2001

First off - THANKS - for all the great info.

Does anyone know if there are any Toyota corporate buying plans? Ford has a plan that covers employees, suppliers and selected associations/groups. I'd appreciate any info.

jondough54 · January 2001

Go here http://www.wieck.com/public/index.html
and search for Highlander and 2001.
There is also a 2 page preview article in Feb. Car And Driver this month. Very positive but aren't they always. The article is not on their web site yet. Jon

cliffy1 · January 2001

Toyota has no buying programs like Ford or GM. I wish they did because I would be able to buy them much cheaper. The only thing they do have is true fleet accounts with some rental car companies.

troyy2k · January 2001

I had the fortune to check out a Highlander Limited at the LA Auto Show. They had one Limited on the floor and one on stage.

First off, the Highlander looks much better in person than it does in pics. It has a very sporty-appearance. The model I saw had side-impact airbags. The interior was beautiful, and I prefer it by *far* to the Lexus's. I fit in the Higlander with sunroof well (I am 6 feet tall). It was very comfortable.

The rep. explained that prices and details re: the Highlander will be posted on the Toyota sight on Tuesday. She explained that they will begin to appear in Dealerships in March.

troyy2k · January 2001

Does anyone know if the Highlander takes only Premium Fuel? Also, has this model been relaesed in other countries?

bobcatbob · January 2001

Well, I think the Highlander is an exceptional vehicle, but....I still don't like the shifter mounted on the dashboard. Same goes for the RX 300 and the new Saturn SUV. It leaves too much space between the seats and makes the vehicle seem more like a minivan...

Just my 2 cents though...

lindau · January 2001

I am searching for a new SUV. Have just about decided on ACURA MDX but would like information, if anyone has any, on the new Highlander from Toyota.

canadiancl · January 2001

I think that's precisely why they put it there though - to create a pass-thru a la minivan. Actually I find that same feature quite handy in my CR-V.

bironb · January 2001

The Highlander (Kluger V) in Japan has a centre console; I wonder why the North American version does not. I personally prefer the looks and practicality of a center console to an empty space between the front seats. Kind of looks cheap without one.

houtexan · January 2001

I JUST bought a base Silver MDX. AWESOME! I paid $34,485 including dest charge, tax and lic not included.

The base MDX is better equipped than a Limited Highlander. It’s bigger, stronger, seats more (7) with magic folding seats for 2nd and 3rd rows. It comes with 17” alloys standard, top grade leather and moonroof and power and heated seats.
Has AWD and side air bags. And if the driving characteristic are similar to RX300, then the MDX drives better than the Highlander too.

The 2001 SUV of the year honor from MT is icing on the cake.

Costs more than a SR5 V6 Highlander but you get what you paid for. It’s thousands less than a RX300 AWD with similar equipment.

I looked at the Highlander before and rule it out because of the front end looks and the 5 passenger seating. Now I’m glad because I would not have paid over $30K for non loaded Highlander but that seems to be the going rate.

The longer warranty and the luxury brand is just part of the extras with the MDX.

The only bad part was the wait for my MDX. I ordered in early Oct and only got my MDX on Jan 6th 2001. The wait list is similar in length to MLs when they came out in 98.

BTW, I paid $400 off MSRP and got a few freebees. I know it's not much but it's the best I could do.

PS. I hope you put you name down for the MDX already or it's going to be a LONG wait for you.

houtexan · January 2001

Looks like a "'" is a &#817 if you copy and paste from Word.

Didn't know.

texbean · January 2001

First of all, I want to add my thanks to all of the others who appreciate your helpful info. You're a great resource and I wish you worked at a Dallas dealership so I could buy a car from you. Now, my question - do you think it will really be March before Highlanders hit the dealerships? I'm trying to decide between an Outback LL Bean and a Highlander, and sure would like to see one in the flesh (or in the metal??). From all the info on this board and on other websites, it looks like a bargain RX300, which fits my needs exactly.

My only issue with Toyotas is the amount of junk that is added at the port by Gulf States. It makes me feel like I'm getting taken. Got to take the good with the bad, I guess.

cliffy1 · January 2001

The Highlander will hit the lots before the end of January. We will have a better supply by March but we will have a couple before then. If you want to avoid GST garbage, make a flight to Washington DC and drive one of mine home.

wenyue · January 2001

http://www.theautochannel.com/articles/2001/01/08/012401.html

Priced $23,515 with 2.4 cylinder 4X2 to $26,495 for the top of the line with the Lexus V6. All comes with ABS, Electronic brake-force distribution (?), 16" wheels. VSC and Traction control optional.

So fully loaded with options, it's probably going to be about $4000 cheaper than the MDX. So would you all pay $4000 for 2 more seats and 20 more hp? Just curious.

Toyota Highlander

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