I know there were posts somewhere on this thread about it's safety, but to refresh things, how has the Highlander been rated? Is it one of the troubled tip-over SUV's on the market? I saw a special on a local PBS channel last night going thru the history of the FORD Explorer (from 1991-)and the politics between FORD and the govt.. Opened my eyes again about the safety issues. I know that things have been very positive about the HL, but I also want a objective opinion on the safety of this vehicle. I am thinking of ordering side-airbags on my unit....MAY help give a little piece of mind. I know the HL is on the Camry/car chassis, but still would like to know. Thanks!
Thanks for all of the input everyone. I try not to run the tank down too close to empty, but when I did and the pump cut off at 4 gallons short, I was suprised.
By the way, just turned 10K miles and loving every minute of it. I really am pleased with this purchase. Dealers have been very pleasant and professional. Much better than my ex-Honda dealer(s). The Toyota sales rep even jokes about them giving my Honda S2000 back to me since they can't sell it.
Has anyone installed a trailer hitch by them selves? I'm willing to try it if it's not too difficult. I'm trying to figure out where it gets hooked up. I see there are two bolts on each underside of the rear frame. I don't know if that's where they go and if it does, are there nuts that you have to get to somehow? Thanks for the help.
Here are some sites that are often referenced on the boards that frequently discuss safety issues.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. There is a crash testing link on their main page. Be sure to read through some of the FAQs as 3 stars on front, side or rollovers mean different things (different percentages).
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has crash information and has recently tested a number of SUVs (12/11 story under news releases on their main page.
The rollover information from the NHTSA is based on a static test which has had some criticism. Consumer Reports uses a dynamic test. Their web site requires a subscription but information or their magagine may be available at a local library.
The vehicles in the T.V. shows on rollovers are much less stable than a HL but a HL is still an SUV and driving one does increase the risk of rollover compared to driving a sedan such as a Camry. Keep in mind when looking at statistics in reports that the car-based SUVs like the Highlander are not the same as the more common truck-frame SUVs. It is designed like a car with crumple zones that absorb energy in a crash. Truck-based SUVs have rigid frames that transfer energy to something else such as the vehicles they hit or the occupants.
Hope you find the information you are looking for.
I installed mine by myself in 20 minutes. You must remove the 2 tie down brackets under the frame. These are attached with 4 bolts screwed into weld nuts in the frame. Pop out the rubber plugs in front of these holes to reveal 1 more weld nut per side. Bolt on the hitch. It uses 2 bolts per side. One lines up with one of the tie down bolt holes and the other with the rubber plug you removed. It's a little tricky snaking the hitch around the muffler but not bad. These directions are for the Hidden Hitch 70777. I assume the Toyota hitch is the same. Watch out for other brands. Some do not line up with all the existing holes and require you to drill.
I bought a Reese Highlander hitch from my dealer for $120. I had a fella with a lift install it while I watched. It was easy. Four bolts. The wiring is plug in (just remember to add a fuse). Took 20 minutes. I pull a 17 foot Boston Whaler. The Highlander-V6-towing package-pulls MUCH BETTER than my 85 chevy V8 truck! Much better gas mileage too!
After having the H/L at the dealership twice for this issue, I took it upon myself to try to fix it myself. Here is my very technical fix, it seems the lock itself tends to rattle on the latch inside the door itself(it looks like a "v" and is located on the top of the glovebox when the door is opened)I took 2 small strips of electrical tape about 2" long and wrapped them around the bottom portion of the latch.I did this about 2 weeks ago and not one rattle since!!! This does not impede opening and or closing of the glovebox either. My dealer wanted to tear apart the dash on the passenger side and see if they could find the problem.I told them that we could live with the rattle if that's what it would take. I hope I do not get laughed at or flamed for this but it really does seem to work!!!
After two months my Bluestone Highlander already has four paint chips near the front part of the hood. It appears that the clear coat/paint is very thin compared to my previous 99 Honda Accord paint. Actually that was one of the most impressive aspects of the Accord, how remarkably well the finish stood up to the ravages of the road after three years. I now know that the Highlander will not fare as well in that department and my Toyota touch-up paint stick will get a lot of use as time goes by, unfortunately.
Anyone contemplating purchasing a Highlander, be forewarned that the vehicle’s clear coat/paint treatment chips very easily.
I too, agree with robert_ca, the paint w/clear coat is very thin or not treated with the thickness at the front bumper and hood it ought to be. Have anyone of you had the super thin film coat from I think 3M had the HL treated ? This is supposedly a thin plastic coated applied to varius parts of the HL, its sold as a kit and only applied by professional/custom paint shops. Anyone get this done ? How much does it cost ? Is it worth recommending ? I would appreciate if anyone can shed some light on this. Thanks all.
What real advantage is there to getting the limited version as opposed to the base loaded with options? I'm wondering if the price differrence is really worth it.
I had been considering the Pathfinder LE with leather package - it seems you get more stuff with the Pathy but the HL is much more refined. The seats were more comfortable in the pathy while the HL has the full size spare inside the vehicle - so much less chance of theft.
I had all forward facing surfaces covered by the 3M material. Cost over $400 but haven't had any damage to the paint. I just passed 16,000 miles. Is it worth it? Depends, I guess. I'd have it done again but the installer claims he lost money on the deal so don't know what he would charge the second time around. Maybe the pieces fit better by now and it wouldn't be so big a problem.
Had a Pathfinder SE for 4 years - Just bought and awaiting delivery of HL Limited !
My 2 Cents...
Pathfinder - Durable, great looking,awesome factory Bose,great front seats, dog loved it. Gas Mileage 16 combined.
Highlander - Better ride, more refined, less wind noise, Stereo - a bit whimpy, chincy arm rests, great gas mileage 18-22. Paid $300 over invoice ! John
Pathfinder was one of the first car I looked and crossed of my list. Pathfinder is a great value. Get lots of stuff for the money and looks great. The bronzed gray is an awesome color.
The things that did it in for me was the back seat was not too comfortable and small - I need to put a child seat back there and want to also seat two adults. The climb in was a little too high and what totally did it in for my wife was the low gas mileage.
Anyone have experience with a good one? My main criteria are 1-HL price, 2-getting decent value on my trade in (96 Blazer), and 3-how quick I can get the HL.
I also bought the HL instead of the PF (although I liked the PF's styling better) for many of the reasons noted by other recent posters. However, a more critical fatal flaw (for me) factor for the PF was its poor showings in insurance and government crash tests and ratings. Also (obviously) the PF is truck-based and the HL is car-based so inherent differences in ride quality.
Hey all. I too agree with these comments about the paint. The paint seems "soft" and easily chipped in the front. To combat this, I have waxed my front end with many coats of wax. I don't know if it will help, but at least there's a bit more of a barrier betweeen rocks and the paint. But like all of you, I'm still looking for a solution to this "problem". I didn't know 3M made those clear edge covers on the rear doors of my HL, but I'll look into those as alternatives.
By the way, anyone install aftermarket foglights on their HL? I would like a brand like PIAA to fit in the fog light housing but don't I know the dimensions/place to purchase.
Paint on my 94 Civic($15,000) is MUCH better than on HL($30,000). I guess price does not mean anything. I applied 3M film myself. I bought raw 18" film from X-Pel and cut it with a rasor after applying it. It's not a lot of fun, but it's cheap(approx. $100 for the hood and bumper) and doable (did not come out perfect, but still looks much better than it would if left unprotected in a year of driving in the winter climate).
Looks like we are thinking along the same lines. The PF mileage is a huge minus. Some may argue 4 mpg isn't huge, but I'm dropping from 30 mpg and that is hard enough to justify in my mind.
Running through the options and prices the HL compares very favorably. I suppose the best comparison will be the new Honda Pilot, but the dash configuration is just way to bizzarre for my taste.
Now I have noticed that the paint looks pretty thin and wonder if white may be the way to go, being in FL. Not as good looking but practical.
I'm in the market for a new s.u.v. & am considering a Highlander or an Escape, right now. Is the paint chip problem isolated to the metallic paints or common to all (i. e. black & white as well). If I were to get a Highlander, I would probably get white or silver. Any additional input (good or bad) to help me make a more informed decision would be appreciated. Thanks.
Thought long and hard, drove the HL the same: Long and hard. Decided on the 2002 CR-V EX. Tons of power and torque, sports sedan like handling. And wonderful thought-out features. Brand new design for 2002 - will stick for 5 years. Interior space - no comparison. Rear seat leg room at least 1/3 larger in the Honda. Plus the front seat fold back flat and aligned with the rear seat. Fantastic! No wonder the Honda is so difficult to obtain. No, I do not work for Honda. I just spent a great deal of time on this. My two cents. . .Pete
I would like to hear of anyone who owns a HL that only has FWD and maybe VSC (VD option) and how it has handled for them in snow. I am not interested in getting a 4x4 HL. I have had minivans for 12 yrs. and want to graduate to something different. FWD only V6's are nearly impossible to spot in MN., because Toy thinks we gotta have them here for all the snow we get...we have an inch right now (lol). So, I know I'll be ordering and waiting for a while...if I go with the HL. I have never been stuck with my mini's here in MN., so I don't believe I need 4x4 to survive.
I test drove an 02 MPV tonight for the heck of it, in snowy conditions, and was impressed with it's handling. (FWD only too) Much better than my 95 DC.
Bottom line is the value that a HL holds will be much better than any Mazda...or so people tell me.
i posted this on the accessories page, but it's rarely visited.i have 1 2002 HL(not limited).i like the look of the fog lights, but i'm not really interested in the functionality as i would rarely use them. anyone know if just the lenses are available-if so are they hard to install??
Has anyone purchased and installed the Toyota running boards for their Highlander? If so, was the installation difficult? Did you have to drill or do they mount to pre-determined locations? I just purchased some for my 2001 Limited from Toyotaguys. Thanks.
I wanted to order a 2WD/6Cyl. with many options & was told that Toyota will not make a HL this way. To obtain these options I was talked up to a 4x4 6Cyl. I'm looking for some feedback on the price that we agreed upon.
6 cyl. 4 x 4 CQ-Convenience HE-Preferred,Luggage rack, Heated mirrors, Tow pack, Floor mats, Restraint system, Sun roof, AG Appearance package Fog lights. $29,000 Long Island, New York
Of course the dealer has to find one with these options & with the Bluestone color.
we are considering purchasing a 4 cyl. FWD HL. Does anyone have a 4 cyl and is there any compelling reason to buy a 6 cyl? Does the 4 cyl. have enough power?
1Strider - A response to your request for a source for fog lights for the non-Limited HL. My dealer did inform me that add on fog lights are not available as an accessory package for the HL.
However, I did find some help by contacting Steve at sales@toyparts.net - Burnsville, Mn -. He is shipping me the Fog Lights, grommets, and bulbs. Also, he took the time to look up a wiring harness and switch for this application. Total cost is around $260. The installation for the lights should be a bolt on application. The actual wiring may take some time to figure out.
For those of you concerned with paint chips on the hood, this dealer had an attractive inter net price on a Toyota hood protector.
That sounds like a good price. Are they offering good financing or cash back. I had heard Toyota was offering a 2.9% financing but don't know on what term. I just bought a QX4 and got 2.9% on 60 months. It looked like it would have been about the same payment as a loaded HL with about 7% on 60 months.
Info on a gently off-road experience in the Pine Barrens of Central/Southern NJ. Come on out for a day of adventure, fun, and comradre with fellow SUV/Off-road/Rally/Car Nuts! Info at http://isuzu-suvs.com/events
I have test driven both. The 4 is nice and gets better gas mileage. But when kicking it down at 60-65MPH, it really struggles to get moving. It DOES cruise at 70MPH nicely and runs surprising smooth for a 4banger at most speeds. It idles only slightly rougher than a 6...not bad! The V6 gives extra torque and trailering ability. Mileage isn't that bad either for a 6. I am looking at a FWD V6 with TO (Towing package). If you go with the 4banger, try to get the TO package to enhance towing up to 3Klbs. Otherwise, other than the V6 badge on the back end, there is no difference, unless you ramp up to the Limited. My concern is that if you load the vehicle down for road trips, etc., the 4 may really struggle too much and be shifting more often = more stress on tranny and engine and possibly, shorter life, more maintenance, etc.. Of course, you need to feel comfortable paying $1600 more for a 6 too! Good luck.
Anyone know of good trail road maps or places to look up on the net ? I want to take my HL on a trail not necessaryily a hard core off-road locale but somwhere off the highway or main roads and see little bit of wilderness, etc.. Thanks.
I have a 2002 Highlander limited that has developed a ticking noise which is noticeable at idle. The motor runs fine (very smooth) the ticking is not heard while driving most of the time just when your sitting at idle. The dealer says this is normal for camarys and highlanders and the noise is coming from a single fuel injector. I cannot hear this ticking under the hood only inside the car. Everything else is so quiet, I suppose that is why I hear this ticking.
I have a 2002 Highlander limited that has developed a ticking noise which is noticeable at idle. The motor runs fine (very smooth) the ticking is not heard while driving most of the time just when your sitting at idle. The dealer says this is normal for camarys and highlanders and the noise is comming from a single fuel injector. I cannot hear this ticking under the hood only inside the car. Everything else is so quiet, I supoose that is why i hear this ticking.
Yes, I have the same ticking sound on my 02 HL and it's particularly loud at idle when the engine is cold and less so when warmed up. I was also told that it’s the fuel injectors causing the sound, somewhat strange, as I have never heard this sound from any other manufactures engines. One gets use to it after awhile.
Does anyone know how much weight the roof rack can hold? I need to put two kayaks up there, at other times I may have a rooftop carrier. Am I better off trying to replace it with a Thule rack? Thanks
I'm sure this has been posted before, but I never really heard a solution.
As you know, the cupholders in the 2001 H/L for the front passengers are totally insufficient and were replaced in 2002 by far superior ones integrated in the center console.
Some have asked if the 2002 console can be retrofitted into the 2001 but I haven't seen any answers. Other than this solution, what have other '02 HL owners done to remedy this situation? (And I don't mean hanging 99 cent plastic holders on the windowsills.
I rarely use the cupholders anymore as I now have several stains in the carpet/seats due to spillage and water bottles usually end up on the floor at the first turn.
Just bought a new highlander. When we roll 1 or both rear windows down we get a loud backpressure noise and vibration feeling at anywhere over 30mph. This becomes so intolerable that you can not bear it to continue. We feel this is a safety and health hazard since any child in the rear seat would feel the pressure on the ears. The problem was identified to the Toyota dealer today and they say it is a first to them. No resolution as yet. The only way we could stop the sensation was to open the sunroof, or open a front window. If anyone has experienced this we would like to know.
I'm thinking about getting a Limited with charcoal interior. I've been told that most Limited's have Side Air Bags. Also told that Leather is NOT an option unless installed by the factory because of safety reasons. Does this sound true and has anybody else had Leather installed by a dealer with side air bags???
Yes, others have experienced the issue of driving with only the back windows down and the resulting sound/pressure, etc. There are a number of postings on the subject here on this club, although it has been awhile, so the posts may be hard to find.
Bottom line is that the only solution anyone has, that I know of, is to not drive with only the rear windows down....sounds harse...I don't mean to....but that is indeed the only way that I have seen posted to avoid the noise/vibration. My personal experience is the same...if the back windows are down above any minimal speed, another window or moon roof has to be open, too. In my case, I don't have an issue with that - just one of those things.
Comments
I know that things have been very positive about the HL, but I also want a objective opinion on the safety of this vehicle. I am thinking of ordering side-airbags on my unit....MAY help give a little piece of mind. I know the HL is on the Camry/car chassis, but still would like to know. Thanks!
By the way, just turned 10K miles and loving every minute of it. I really am pleased with this purchase. Dealers have been very pleasant and professional. Much better than my ex-Honda dealer(s). The Toyota sales rep even jokes about them giving my Honda S2000 back to me since they can't sell it.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. There is a crash testing link on their main page. Be sure to read through some of the FAQs as 3 stars on front, side or rollovers mean different things (different percentages).
http://www.nhtsa.org
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has crash information and has recently tested a number of SUVs (12/11 story under news releases on their main page.
http://www.iihs.org
The rollover information from the NHTSA is based on a static test which has had some criticism. Consumer Reports uses a dynamic test. Their web site requires a subscription but information or their magagine may be available at a local library.
The vehicles in the T.V. shows on rollovers are much less stable than a HL but a HL is still an SUV and driving one does increase the risk of rollover compared to driving a sedan such as a Camry. Keep in mind when looking at statistics in reports that the car-based SUVs like the Highlander are not the same as the more common truck-frame SUVs. It is designed like a car with crumple zones that absorb energy in a crash. Truck-based SUVs have rigid frames that transfer energy to something else such as the vehicles they hit or the occupants.
Hope you find the information you are looking for.
Thanks
John
Thanks.
Here is my very technical fix, it seems the lock itself tends to rattle on the latch inside the door itself(it looks like a "v" and is located on the top of the glovebox when the door is opened)I took 2 small strips of electrical tape about 2" long and wrapped them around the bottom portion of the latch.I did this about 2 weeks ago and not one rattle since!!! This does not impede opening and or closing of the glovebox either.
My dealer wanted to tear apart the dash on the passenger side and see if they could find the problem.I told them that we could live with the rattle if that's what it would take.
I hope I do not get laughed at or flamed for this but it really does seem to work!!!
Anyone contemplating purchasing a Highlander, be forewarned that the vehicle’s clear coat/paint treatment chips very easily.
Have anyone of you had the super thin film coat from I think 3M had the HL treated ? This is supposedly a thin plastic coated applied to varius parts of the HL, its sold as a kit and only applied by professional/custom paint shops.
Anyone get this done ? How much does it cost ? Is it worth recommending ?
I would appreciate if anyone can shed some light on this. Thanks all.
I had been considering the Pathfinder LE with leather package - it seems you get more stuff with the Pathy but the HL is much more refined. The seats were more comfortable in the pathy while the HL has the full size spare inside the vehicle - so much less chance of theft.
Anyone else compare the two?
My 2 Cents...
Pathfinder - Durable, great looking,awesome factory Bose,great front seats, dog loved it. Gas Mileage 16 combined.
Highlander - Better ride, more refined, less wind noise, Stereo - a bit whimpy, chincy arm rests, great gas mileage 18-22. Paid $300 over invoice !
John
The things that did it in for me was the back seat was not too comfortable and small - I need to put a child seat back there and want to also seat two adults. The climb in was a little too high and what totally did it in for my wife was the low gas mileage.
Steve
Thx
Q
By the way, anyone install aftermarket foglights on their HL? I would like a brand like PIAA to fit in the fog light housing but don't I know the dimensions/place to purchase.
Running through the options and prices the HL compares very favorably. I suppose the best comparison will be the new Honda Pilot, but the dash configuration is just way to bizzarre for my taste.
Now I have noticed that the paint looks pretty thin and wonder if white may be the way to go, being in FL. Not as good looking but practical.
I test drove an 02 MPV tonight for the heck of it, in snowy conditions, and was impressed with it's handling. (FWD only too)
Much better than my 95 DC.
Bottom line is the value that a HL holds will be much better than any Mazda...or so people tell me.
I keep my vehicles for 7 yrs. on avg..
Thanks.
Also - Has anyone put a pet net in the HL ? I don't see any brackets in the back ?
Thanks !
6 cyl. 4 x 4 CQ-Convenience HE-Preferred,Luggage rack, Heated mirrors, Tow pack, Floor mats, Restraint system, Sun roof, AG Appearance package Fog lights. $29,000 Long Island, New York
Of course the dealer has to find one with these options & with the Bluestone color.
However, I did find some help by contacting Steve at sales@toyparts.net - Burnsville, Mn -. He is shipping me the Fog Lights, grommets, and bulbs. Also, he took the time to look up a wiring harness and switch for this application. Total cost is around $260. The installation for the lights should be a bolt on application. The actual wiring may take some time to figure out.
For those of you concerned with paint chips on the hood, this dealer had an attractive inter net price on a Toyota hood protector.
Info on a gently off-road experience in the Pine Barrens of Central/Southern NJ. Come on out for a day of adventure, fun, and comradre with fellow SUV/Off-road/Rally/Car Nuts! Info at http://isuzu-suvs.com/events
-mike
The V6 gives extra torque and trailering ability.
Mileage isn't that bad either for a 6. I am looking at a FWD V6 with TO (Towing package).
If you go with the 4banger, try to get the TO package to enhance towing up to 3Klbs. Otherwise, other than the V6 badge on the back end, there is no difference, unless you ramp up to the Limited.
My concern is that if you load the vehicle down for road trips, etc., the 4 may really struggle too much and be shifting more often = more stress on tranny and engine and possibly, shorter life, more maintenance, etc.. Of course, you need to feel comfortable paying $1600 more for a 6 too!
Good luck.
Thanks.
John
The motor runs fine (very smooth) the ticking is not heard while driving most of the time just when your sitting at idle. The dealer says this is normal for camarys and highlanders and the noise is coming from a single fuel injector. I cannot hear this ticking under the hood only inside the car. Everything else is so quiet, I suppose that is why I hear this ticking.
Anyone else hear this ticking.
The motor runs fine (very smooth) the ticking is not heard while driving most of the time just when your sitting at idle. The dealer says this is normal for camarys and highlanders and the noise is comming from a single fuel injector. I cannot hear this ticking under the hood only inside the car. Everything else is so quiet, I supoose that is why i hear this ticking.
Anyone else hear this ticking
Thanks
Mine handles 4 snowboards with a Yakima rack pretty well...however, I'm sure a couple kayaks weighs a bit more!
As you know, the cupholders in the 2001 H/L for the front passengers are totally insufficient and were replaced in 2002 by far superior ones integrated in the center console.
Some have asked if the 2002 console can be retrofitted into the 2001 but I haven't seen any answers. Other than this solution, what have other '02 HL owners done to remedy this situation? (And I don't mean hanging 99 cent plastic holders on the windowsills.
I rarely use the cupholders anymore as I now have several stains in the carpet/seats due to spillage and water bottles usually end up on the floor at the first turn.
Please advise.
Thanks
Bottom line is that the only solution anyone has, that I know of, is to not drive with only the rear windows down....sounds harse...I don't mean to....but that is indeed the only way that I have seen posted to avoid the noise/vibration. My personal experience is the same...if the back windows are down above any minimal speed, another window or moon roof has to be open, too.
In my case, I don't have an issue with that - just one of those things.