Toyota Highlander

1…6465676970…211

Comments

  • skyrebskyreb Member Posts: 129
    You asked for an opinion. I live in northern New England, and AWD was a necessity due to a steep drive. My advise is to assess your needs, and purchase accordingly. For example, I did not need the Limited package, so I bought an unlimited. I desired the trailer package because I plan to pull a tent trailer (at a future date).
    We drive to Boston every other week. During the winter it was most reassuring to have the AWD and know that we could get home should the weather change. WE will never drive "off road" intentionally!
    We have never gotten below 22 mpg (V6, AWD) but then we do very little "city" driving. We have gotten as high as 26 mpg. Interestingly, we get slightly better mileage locally rather than highway enroute to Boston. The fact is, the HL delivers the best mileage at 45-50 mph. At 65-70 mph, we get a consistent 24 mpg.
    That's my experience.
    I really appreciate the HL: the power, fit, finish, quality, ride, and economy. I do not think you can do better in the price range.
    Happy HL'ing to all.
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    I agree with skyreb. Although I personally don't live where it snows (or at least not more than an inch or two every 15-20 years here in San Antonio!), were I residing in a winter snow area, I would give up my Limited trim package for the AWD and maybe VSC too (if it's available on the AWD). I don't recall the mileage difference being too great and surely the security of having the AWD is worth the difference, especially in a snow climate. Good luck in your decision. 2wd or 4wd, you'll really enjoy the HL.
  • watchmansusawatchmansusa Member Posts: 10
    There is a HL owner’s survey on the Web of 6-Cyl-4WD & 2WD units.

    6-Cyl-4WD Weighted Averages
    City – 18.75 MPG, Range 16 to 23, Most Reported - 18 MPG
    Hwy – 22.2 MPG, Range 18 to 29, Most Reported - Tied 22 & 23 MPG

    6-Cyl-2WD Weighted Averages
    City – 19.08 MPG, Range - 17 to 21, Most Reported – 19 MPG
    Hwy – 22.58 MPG, Range - 21 to 29, Most Reported – 23 MPG
  • alsopalsop Member Posts: 38
    Regarding jamiewinner1's question regarding if anyone else found they purchased their HL with the brake issue already addressed, I have not. However, according to the NHTSA Web page on this recall, the recall affected Highlanders manufactored from August 2000 to May 2001. So, it is conceivable the newest ones on the lots are not affected by the recall. Mine was made in May, and was affected by the Special Service Campaign/recall. Your dealer and/or Toyota national customer service can tell from your VIN if you are affected, if you would like to double check. FYI, here is a link to the NHTSA Web page (once at their site, scroll down on the left side, click on "Recalls" and go from there). Hope this is a bit helpful. http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    I've been out since Wednesday and am trying to catch up. Did I miss anything?
  • elizasmomelizasmom Member Posts: 8
    I have been trying without success to find someone who will install a tether anchor bolt in the middle position of my Highlander. For some dumb reason, Toyota did not put one in the position that is safest for a child. The existing two anchor bolts are on the outer positions on the back of the rear seat. If you purchased your Highlander in Canada, can you please go out to your vehicle and check the back of your rear seat - do you see two anchors or three? If you see three, I am going to be thrilled because that gives me the option of trying to get the dealer to order me a new seat back from Canada. I have a feeling there may be three on the Canadian seats because tethers are the law there.

    Thanks in advance. I hope I get some responses.
  • goldstongoldston Member Posts: 110
    Jamie Winner,
    Our Highlander that we ordered Mar 1st and picked up on June 22 does not have the defect either. I took it in special just to be sure and they looked it up on the computer and assured me that my Highlander safe and sound.
    Best regards,
    Philip
  • edsamedsam Member Posts: 14
    2 tethers in total: one on left and one on right. Nothing in the middle.
  • wongn8rwongn8r Member Posts: 2
    My U.S. spec Highlander also only has two tether anchors in the back .....

    According to post #47 in the "Accessories & Modifications" thread, you can remove the tonneau cover clip in the middle and move one of the tether anchors to that middle position. They claim that it works great.

    I'm just not sure about how sturdy such a modified anchor would be in an accident versus the stock setup ....
  • ltw1ltw1 Member Posts: 22
    I've had my highlander since May and just had the recall done with 3300 miles on it. I do alot of city driving/braking and I didn't really catch the difference until the day after. My brakes when new were touchy then as I drove they got soft and sluggish. Nice to know I have my brakes back. Recall is a definite necessity if applicable as far as I'm concerned.
  • ejay2ejay2 Member Posts: 20
    Just got my hidden hitch today. Emailed the order Friday afternoon, received Tuesday afternoon, extremely timely.

    It took about an hour to install, and the instructions were very straightforward. Just attach using existing holes, no drilling required. The muffler side was a little tricky, just a little tighter work area. Worth it to have the right tools, my ratchet extension could have been a little longer, and I would have done it 20 minutes quicker.

    Overall, looks really nice, a round tube hitch which complements the look of the vehicle. Now off to REI for a Thule bike carrier.

    BTW, U-haul hasn't called back yet, it's only been 4 days....
  • alsopalsop Member Posts: 38
    Regarding the question about the brake pedal occasionally going down a little to the floor while stopped and feeling like the brake lines are being bled: yes, that happens with me, too. I too have had the recall work completed, and I have noticed it did indeed made the brakes feel more sensative. However, I still get the feel of the pedal going to the floor not only while stopped for a traffic light, stop sign, or whatever, but also when I first start the HL and hold down the brakes. I hope this is normal!
  • beachacebeachace Member Posts: 7
    Well it finally arrived! After 145 day of waiting on a Factory order, a new Bluestone Metallic Highlander w/3 mile on it arrived today. This Highlander is loaded with almost every option available. They include BE, EJ, FE, LA, LL, SR, TO and VD. The port installed options included CA1, CD2, CF1, CM2, DM6, FP7, LD2, LG4, PV5, QG9, TG8 and XT3. It was well worth the wait, this is a beauty in a class all by itself. I went over all the concerns that I have learned from this forum with the service Mgr. and made sure that we had an understanding. He assured me that any problems that arose would be taken care of ASAP and a loner car would be provided if the delay were estimated over a couple hours. All the sales staff at King Toyota in Pompano Beach, FL acted in a professional manner during the whole process. I'm really having to restrain myself from going over 55 MPH during the first 1000 miles break in period. Thanks to everyone who provides their input into this forum regardless of what their option is. I've learned a lot and hope to be able to provide some viable information in the future of my own experiences with this great SUV.
  • boulderhlboulderhl Member Posts: 18
    I just read on another forum that a HL owner reported that there is now a Toyota Bulletin # (B0004-99) to fix the sunroof popping noise that involves adding some clips and felt tape to keep the plastic from moving during the temperature excursions. So assuming this is correct, how do we go about getting the fix done...just go down to the dealer and quote the Bulletin number, are the Bulletins distributed nationwide? Thanks,
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    I had not heard of the bulletin, but you have the right idea on the fix. Don't expect a service advisor to be aware of it unless they have had several come in already. Quote them the number and you will not have any problems.

    Were it not for the fact that I am on crutches, I'd go check with my service guys for more details. Sorry about that.
  • ted83ted83 Member Posts: 21
    Question: has anyone here NOT received their brake recall notice yet? My HL was built in April so apparently it should be included according to www.nhtsa.dot.gov. Just wondering if the notices are still arriving or if I'm the only one who has not gotten one. Thanks
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    Even without a notice, you can see if your is covered by contacting your dealer and giving them your VIN.
  • seankat1seankat1 Member Posts: 6
    ted83
    I purchased my HL in April and I haven't recieved my notice yet. I did call the dealer, and they checked my VIN and informed me that my HL will need the work done. I didn't make an appointment because the dealer also told me that they haven't recieved the parts yet.
  • tommyp13tommyp13 Member Posts: 146
    My sister and b-i-l are looking at the HL, and I have some questions (trying to help out):
    are there going to be any major differences between '01 and '02? Is the '02 worth waiting for and getting?
    are dealers dealing on the '01s at all? How much?
    are there any options that they should definitely get or avoid? the limited pkg seems to be pretty expensive to me for what you get. do you agree? They're interested in the v6 awd version, btw.

    Thanks in advance for any helpful info!
  • skyrebskyreb Member Posts: 129
    I own an unlimited, V6, AWD. I am an auto enthusiast, but do not have "inside" information.
    I do not expect any "major differences between the '01 and '02." Somewhere, I even saw the "01 referred to as an "02. Manufacturers do not normally change a brand new model the second year out. I would expect a new color or two, and a price increase.
    Good question about waiting?? One one hand, your investment depreciates immediately, but if you plan on keeping it, the property tax is lowered by one year. American cars usually can be purchased at years end for less, but I doubt the HL (Toyota) will follow that trend. I have not found the dealers dealing much, but is varies in different parts of the country. Personally, I am certain your best "deal" will be for one that is currently in stock.
    Options are predicated on needs and desires. For example, I have AWD because I need it here in New England. I do not have a center console, and would not want one, but others feel that is very important. I have the moon roof, but only because it was on the vehicle in stock, and I got it at no additional cost.
    Good luck.
  • shl72953shl72953 Member Posts: 53
    In message 3319 it said that Bulletin #B0004-99 was about the popping noise is the sunroof. I just took my HL in for the brake recall and ask the service manager to look up that bulletin. He did and it had something to do with seatbelts. He then looked through the bulletins for the 200l models and could find nothing that dealt with the popping sound although one dealt with problems related to opening the sunroof and a problem sound related to that incident. Does anybody have a more accurate bulletin number?
  • jliu_2000jliu_2000 Member Posts: 7
    yesterday I had HL brake cylinder cap recall done at the dealer. Also had glovebox rattle problem fixed. Here is the records:

    "Customer states rattle from glovebox area -check and advise - noise is very constant - if glovebox is opened noise is gone"

    cause :Noice between Glovebox / blower motor
    correction: "Remove glovebox, install foam sponge between glovebox and blower motor - reinstall glovebox-road test-OK"
  • jb0110jb0110 Member Posts: 5
    I took my HL to the dealer last week to have the master cylinder cap recall procedure done. It turned out that they only replaced the cap but did not bleed the brake lines. Is this normal? Should I insist that they bleed the system?

    Your inputs are greatly appreciated!
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    The recall specifically states that a bleed should be done also. The whole point of replacing the cap is because it was not sealing well and could introduce air in the lines. Hence the need for the bleed. I'm not expert but I don't know how they could be absolutely sure that there was no air in the lines if they DIDN'T bleed the system. I would insist that if the cap was required then so is the bleed. On our HL, both were accomplished this morning, eventhough the dumb mechanic overfilled the master cylinder to the point of about 1" ABOVE the "full" mark. Fortunately, it didn't leak out, but boy, do we have to watch these guys or what???!!!
  • little_pogilittle_pogi Member Posts: 149
    for jb0110.
    Can you post what service dealer you went to so other readers may be aware of what kind of job they would be doing. I also want to find out if you went back and requested a brake bleeding be done. Thank you.
  • ltw1ltw1 Member Posts: 22
    Just wondering how you found out they didn't bleed the lines?
  • jb0110jb0110 Member Posts: 5
    It was done at a dealer in Knoxville, TN.

    My HL was pulled in for the safety recall service for only 2 minutes. I questioned the service representive if the break lines had been bled in such a short period of time. He told me that only the master cylinder cap was replaced, and the technician who test drove the car didn't feel it was necessary to bleed the system.

    I will contact them again to try to get it done.
  • wandie109wandie109 Member Posts: 1
    Responding to messages #3218,3225 & 3259 regarding paint problems. My husband recently noticed what appears to be light blue spots on hood as well as front sides. My guess is that it is the color of the primer bleeding through which can only mean that the paint toyota is using is really thin and will eventually fade with time.
    Had 1988 Ford T-Bird with 150,000 miles and never experienced this problem. For a $30,000 car you would expect the paint to be high quality. Although it isn't noticable unless you really look closely it isn't exactly what you would expect from a company with such a reputation as toyota. Will be contacting dealership soon. Expect to hear from other owners with similar experiences.
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    image
  • skyrebskyreb Member Posts: 129
    I have thought about your post and do not want to be insensative to your problem. I examined the paint on my HL, and it appears to be of the finest quality. Knowing blemishes do occur, and mistakes can happen, maybe your paint is defective. That is why there is a warranty period.

    I would point out, however, you said "my guess .... primer bleeding through." And from that, have concluded Toyota's paint "is really thin." You express an expectation of "high quality" paint, then conclude with a negative remark about Toyota's reputation. All on the basis of "your guess."

    I suggest you take it to the dealer, and confirm your "guess" before concluding Toyota's paint, quality and reputation are at fault. I hope you will do this, and some satisfaction will result.

    Reading other forums (I am no longer addressing Wandie's comment) there is so much written about possible manufacturing defects. For example one suggested the accumulation of bugs on the windshield seems to indicate a poor windshield design. Expansion and contraction noise has been asked over and over, always with the question: anyone else experiencing this? is this a defect? Or, my tires make a strange sound on certain pavement ... is this a defect? I go give many more examples, but you all know what they are.

    I suppose the media has convinced us all that there is no quality in anything anymore. I am not buying it! For me, I believe the HL is as fine a vehicle as I have ever owned, and especially appreciate the quality, fit, finish (paint), ride, power, efficiency and comfort.

    Hally HL'ing to all.
  • devymumdevymum Member Posts: 4
    My mom and Dad love their new Highlander. They bought it from Longo Toyota thru the internet sales. Their new highlander is Gold limited with leather package and tilt sunroof, heated seats and traction control. They paid $30,356 considering MSRP was $33,655. If anyone want to have no hassle quote with easy and pleasant person. Please email or call for Kevin Holley.

    longonet1@aol.com
    800 35 Longo
    626 580 6000

    We were very happy with him and would buy another car from him. PS I know all about the car price cause I did all the research and help them buy the car.
  • chip1951chip1951 Member Posts: 8
    Quality of Highlander's finishing may not be that high. One reviewer from the following link reported her HL got badly damaged by a hailstorm while her other three cars parked side by side were intact.

    http://www.carreview.com/reviews/suv/product_71277.shtml
  • tmc1417tmc1417 Member Posts: 11
    I took our HL in for the brake recall and the service person had heard about it but only thought the cap needed to be replaced. I told her the brakes needed to be bled also so she looked it up in the bulletin and guess what, in black and white, it says to bleed the brakes. It does not say do it ONLY IF something.

    Also, we had the oil changed. When we picked up the vehicle, we were told there was some bad news. Apparently, the mechanic was sitting in the front seat trying to write the oil change sticker they put up in the corner of the windshield and the pen did not work, so he shook it and it exploded.....ink all over the 2 front seats. Of course they tried everything to clean it up but only smudged it. So we will be getting 2 new front seats. They have to come from Japan so I think it will be longer than the 2 weeks they told us. We have the ivory cloth seats by the way. Good thing for them it was not leather. It is always an adventure bringing a car in for repair.
  • genghis721genghis721 Member Posts: 53
    Looking at several pseudo-SUV's (V70XC, Escape, MDX), and decided to give the old Toyota HL a try.

    I used to own a 4runner in the early 90's, and despite being poorly "under-horsed", I liked the car.

    I liked the HL, like the handling and the get-up-and go. However, I was disappointed to see the fake wood trim (honestly, do the car companies think we want this crap?).

    Does anyone know if there is a plain plastic or aluminum option? The salesperson had little knowledge either way (he even tried to tell me that the engine was the same as the 4Runner).
  • troyy2ktroyy2k Member Posts: 91
    The Axiom XS current lease promotion is as follows:
    $379 Per Month/48 Month Lease
    $1,473 Due at lease signing.

    How does this compare with a Highlander Limited 4WD lease?
  • jdlynch2jdlynch2 Member Posts: 20
    I just took delivery of my new Highlander. It has the beautiful ivory "cloth" interior. I have been so uptight with the kids about keeping their feet off the front seats, no food, etc. I'm really concerned about keeping it clean.

    I have thought about having the leather installed thinking leather might be easier to maintain and keep clean. Is this true? I felt you could simply wipe off leather, as compared to the felt like cloth that might be more difficult to clean.

    Any comments or suggestions? Should I keep the cloth or would I be better off with the leather?

    In case I decide to keep the cloth, does anyone have any experience with keeping their ivory cloth looking new? how do you do it?

    By the way, I am loving my Highlander.

    Thanks,
    David
  • xcarnutxcarnut Member Posts: 81
    genghis721 - Highlander non-Limited comes without the fake wood option. One of the reasons I chose the non-limited was because of the non-fake wood. It is some plastic but it is somehwere between a faux carbon fiber type look and older early 70's Toyota used in their SR5 models plastic. Overall though it looks really nice and its tolerateable interior.
  • frutigerfrutiger Member Posts: 14
    we're looking at the 4 cyl 2wd HL (mainly for gas mileage and price). any one driven the 4 cyl and 6 cyl 2wd ?? Thoughts on the acceleration power and loaded power of the 4 cyl. adequate or lacking? is 6 cyl needed for the weight of the HL?

    thanks, Cheryl
  • suvshopper4suvshopper4 Member Posts: 1,110
    I've seen one HL buyer (on another site) write that the 4-cylinder was decently-powered, and he was very happy with it. I don't know his power needs or yours, but if I were HL shopping I would check the 4-cyl out, rather than bypassing it and just assuming it is too small for a vehicle of that size.
  • ehl3ehl3 Member Posts: 30
    I also drove both the 4 cyl and V6 for the same considerations. I my opinion, the 4 cyl probably does have enough power for most, if not all applications where towing is not required and is a decent enough engine. However, for what it makes in horsepower, it does lack torque, and you get the sense of winding the engine out big time. We ordered the V6 for the smoothness, extra power and perception that it was better matched to the vehicle, as well as to competiting vehicles. Also, keep in mind the relative scarcity of models with the I-4 engine.
  • brad_22brad_22 Member Posts: 154
    I decided to test the limits of my v6 AWD non-limited HL this weekend in a recently cleared tract of land (soon to be townhouses). It had been raining for three days straight and it was nice and muddy. Plus, there were several small plateaus with varying degrees of approach angles.

    The HL performed admirably. There was some sliding, but nothing I couldn't control. The tires were sunk at least two inches into the mud at all times, but the traction was still solid. The AWD was particularly useful going up inclines. I got stuck only once, but was able to back out and successfully try again. The only complaint was the low ground clearance. The WAAG side steps I installed took another 2-3 inches off, unfortunately. And I would recommend AT tires.

    All in all, it was a fun day. After I left the site looked like a road rally had taken place. : ) However, it took over an hour to wash all the mud of the car....

    Happy HL'ing!
  • svtcobraconvsvtcobraconv Member Posts: 85
    frutiger,
    We have been considering the 2WD, both 4 cyl. and V6, and have driven a few HL's of each configuration. Overall, we were pleasantly surprised with the power of the 4 cyl., and it was quieter than we thought it would be. However, as you may suspect, we found the V6 to be a real gem. You need to assess the pros and cons of each for your own situation. We decided the 4 cyl. to be sufficient for our needs. They were:

    1. We don't tow anything.
    2. We live in a relatively flat area.
    3. Merging into freeway traffic is not a daily situation.
    4. Like the idea of paying about $1500 less initially.
    5. Like the idea of lower compression ratio. (Octane needs have been discussed here.)
    6. Potentially better gas mileage. (Posts seem to indicate not much diff. between 4 and 6)
    7. Not concerned about potential resale value. (Also discussed here.)

    Good Luck!
  • steeph123steeph123 Member Posts: 21
    Come on skyreb you sound like you work for Toyota.
    I like my Highlander and have owned several Toyota cars in the past but lets not get carried away. The highlander is not infallible. I have a glove box rattle and experience wind rush around my front door seals. Granted they may be minor problems that i hope to have resolved soon but there still annoying.
    This forum is supposed to allow people to express there concerns good and bad. Stop slamming people who express their opinions
  • skyrebskyreb Member Posts: 129
    Your comments are fair, and well received. I suppose my point was more to the point that you made an observation, "guessed" the fault, then drew conclusions about quality and the HL. I suggested, and still do, that you take it to someone knowledgable about paint, then form your conclusions. I do not want to supress opinions, good and bad, but I would hope we would have a better basis, good or bad, than a "guess."

    What color is the vehicle?

    I hope you find a happy resolution. I can imagine how upset I would be if I suspected something so serious.

    Good Luck
  • mcdermott2mcdermott2 Member Posts: 68
    My wife and I are about to sign off on a hl v6 2 wheel drive in new jersey. The price we have is $26,000 plus a sliding sunroof for $995. Is this a good deal?
  • xcarnutxcarnut Member Posts: 81
    From reading the message above about the paint, rattle and air coming in by front door seal problem. It sounds to me that your HL may have been involved in small accident either at the dealership or perhaps by the shipping carrier and there was some body damage that may have been repaired somewhere along the way prior to your acquisition of the HL.
    It may be a remote chance but have couple of independant body shop take a look at it. Its just an idea considering so far there haven't been any other complaints of paint on couple of the HL forums.
    Good Luck.!
  • steeph123steeph123 Member Posts: 21
    xcarnut
    My car was not in an accident. I have a glove box rattle and some air noise leaks around the front door seals. These two problems have been reported by several highlander owners. In an earlier post a toyota dealer has been speaking to toyota about a solution for the door seal leaks. My paint is fine.
  • jliu_2000jliu_2000 Member Posts: 7
    it is a problem. I had it fixed by Dealer who dismantle the glove box first, add tape sponge between blower motor and golve box, install the glove box back. the rattle is gone.

    The dealer did it free, together with brake cylinder cap recall.
  • tfuzztfuzz Member Posts: 93
    My dealer called me this morning to report that Toyota told him there will be another delay--30 days--in getting parts to fix the wind howl problem. Oh well. At least they haven't forgotten about it.
  • tnguy1tnguy1 Member Posts: 20
    We just ordered a silver 2001 HL V6 2wd with convenience and preferred package, roof rack, privacy glass, towing package prep, mud guards, and daytime running lights for $26100 and TTL. We wanted just the basic V6 2wd but the salesman told us that %90 of the HL comes to the distributor with the above options. We live in New Orleans, LA. Just wandering if this is a good price and what others have paid for their HL.
Sign In or Register to comment.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.