Toyota Highlander

1…100101103105106…211

Comments

  • tccmn1tccmn1 Member Posts: 278
    I test drove both units.
    4Cyl. was a FWD while the only 6 I could test was an AWD. While I thought the 4 WAS a great rig with adequate power, I experienced the acceleration issue you brought up at higher speeds. It tended to dog a little to get moving from 55 or so upward. It still cruised very nice though. I tow a 2100lb boat and load other gear, so I am going with an order of a FWD 6 from Japan and hope to see it by July or so. Make no mistake though, that I would have gone with the 4 banger for value if not for my towing concern...EVEN WITH THE TO package...I thought it may not have the torque I need for ramping and tugging along.
    Happy motoring!
  • dardson1dardson1 Member Posts: 696
    I find wwest's milage post very believable and very similar to what I got in my Sienna. That said, I am neither especially conservative when I drive nor aggressive. I've no doubt one can achieve better milage with consistently conservative driving. I'm not sure what "mixed" driving means. I live in a smallish city with one major freeway that I rarely drive. All my driving is stop and go where the limit is 40mph with a light every mile or so. In this consistently stop and go city, 17.5 was the best I ever got in my Sienna and that's quite a bit short of 19mpg per the window sticker. If "mixed" means half your driving is on freeways at 60+mph I could well imagine an average 20+mpg, but I don't consider that true city milage.
    I traded out of my Sienna for a Chevy Tahoe. Yes, from a very PC Toyota mini to a big gas hog SUV. I'm anal about watching and calculating my milage, fuel/miles after each tank. I averaged right at 17 in the Sienna using premium fuel (per the book). After 5 tanks I'm averaging right at 15 in the Tahoe on regular. Dollar for dollar, my big old gas hog SUV is slightly cheaper to drive than the Toyota minivan. Perception is one thing and reality is another.
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    As pdalpsher said, try this link: http://www.toyotawarranty.com/


    Then go to the dealer with a printout and make them match the price. That's what I did about a year ago and they didn't argue a bit (indicative that they are still making a profit).


    BTW, I would recommend the Platinum Plan also.


    Good luck.

  • brad_22brad_22 Member Posts: 154
    I think I've got just about every single accesory for the HL:
    Fender flares
    WAAG Side step bars
    Snowboard Rack
    Hood protector
    WAAG Frontrunner grill gurad
    WAAG rear bumper guard

    The Frontrunner looks sharp, although it takes a couple inches off your min. ground clearance. I still need to put the rear guard on. Once I do, I'll see if I can post some pics. Next up...new tires!
  • uksuks Member Posts: 5
    bikerjohn, thanks for the info.

    hylndr61, thanks for that interesting bit of info. Do you think I can get free installation if I order from a local dealer? I saw the pics you've posted, and I liked it. I figured bluestore metallic looks much better than what I though it was. In fact, I saw one when I was out in market, but that was in the dark evening, so couldn't appreciate the color and hence bought the universal favorite silver. But, had I seen your pics before, I might have bought the bluestone.

    brad_22, thanks for the list. I guess it'll be interesting to see your car's pics.

    Just as a general poll of opinions from you guys (you're definitely more experienced with the vehicle than I am). What color accessories do you think will look best with the silver car. Shall I go for color keying, or shall I do a contrast of silver-black or silver-steel or silver-chrome. The pics from hylndr61's car show that color keyed accessories look pretty good. But I've seen some 4runners out there with the while-steel and silver-steel contrasts in fender flares and rocker panels, and that makes me think the contrast might be a good experiment too. In addition, since the roof rack is already black, other black parts might add to the overall theme.

    Opinions???
  • uksuks Member Posts: 5
    tccmn1, I agree with you. V6 is preferrable for towing puroses. For all other purposes, the 4cyl is not that bad. And as a matter of fact, toyota made this 4cyl engine specifically for highlander (that's what I read in one of the reviews)... it has all aluminium built with some interesting component layouts that lead to lighter weight.

    Another interesting comparison I did, which lead me into buying the 4cyl model, was the mileage comparison of the 4cyl with a V6 engine. The mileage estimates of the V6 HL is pretty much same as my another car, that is Eclipse Spyder GT. I get a mileage of 18-19 with a mix city/hway driving (I live in NJ). It eats premium fuel, so it takes almost same $ amount to fill my 16 lit V6 tank on eclipse spyder as for the 19+ lit HL I4 tank. Now, with a conservative estimate of 22 miles (city/hway), the 4cyl HL will run for 120+ additional miles for the same $ amount that the V6 car. Isn't it interesting? I guess the same comparison can be applied between 4cyl HL and V6 HL.
  • pdalpsherpdalpsher Member Posts: 136
    Guess you haven't heard about the rain deflectors for the side windows yet...
  • berkeley882002berkeley882002 Member Posts: 5
    Hi there,
    I just got my HL last weekend and loving it.
    One thing that I love and hate at the same time is the cargo
    area. The space is really huge and can load many things there but
    I can't secure the stuff... like when I buy groceries, they tend to
    move and fall when I make sharp turns.
    I don't have a cargo net yet, will it help? Any tips or hints for
    loading things there and have them stay...
    thanks
  • brad_22brad_22 Member Posts: 154
    LOL! I guess I just didn't want to over do-it.

    Anyway, the only ventvisors I saw for the HL used tape to attach it above the windows. I'd rather have something more secure. Do you have them?
  • brupopbrupop Member Posts: 63
    berkeley882002, Congratulations on your new HL!!
    I've got both a cargo net(robbed from my previous leased Buick) and the CargoLogic mat with cargo-holding blocks. I don't use the net much because the CargoLogic system works so well. I bought mine at
    Good luck and Happy HLing!
    GregB
  • bikerjohnbikerjohn Member Posts: 52
    uks,

    I also have a silver Highlander. I originally planned to buy the black flares from the stylinconcepts site.


      http://www.stylinconcepts.com/parts.cfm?categoryid=2&subcategoryid=8&partfamilyid=147


    I was going to try them on and see how they looked. If I didn't like the color contrast, I would have had them painted silver. Black ones are only $280 and painted ones are $495. I'm sure the cost for painting would be no more than the price differnce of $215.


    I've seen silver 4Runners with the black flares and like the contrast. I think the black on silver is a more agressive look.


    The reason I did not get the black ones, is that I decided I liked Toyota's SE region flares better. They come unpainted and are a white/grey color. My dealer painted them silver for me. See pictures of SE flares on this dealer site.


    .http://www.fredandersontoyota.com/frameset4.asp?LINK=NewCars&MAIN=new_vehicle_search


    He has pictures of most of his inventory of Highlanders, and most have flares. Only front flare is different.


    If you do get the black ones, please post a picture. Who knows, I might replace my silver ones for black, in the future.


    Good luck & let us know what you decide.

  • pdalpsherpdalpsher Member Posts: 136
    them. They work fine. The guy in the parts dept said to be sure to apply them on a warm day because he had to redo his after they didn't do so well in the cold. I followed his advice and they work great. My dealer periodically has coupons for the parts dept and I took advantage of them ;-)

    I have a silver HL non-ltd, I've added the hood protector and the side window shields. I'd like to see how the black logos and lettering looks as I'm tempted to do that as there are so many silver HLs...just a touch of individuality needed. Even my neighbor's boyfriend went and bought a silver one after seeing mine LOL
  • llofgrenllofgren Member Posts: 129
    I have a silver unlimited and was wanting to add a hood protector. Which one do you have and where did you get it? Is it the vinyl or leather or is it the smoked colored plastic? Has it kept your hood in shape? I am a little concerned about how the color of the protector might clash with the silver. Thanks!
  • ssufldhckyssufldhcky Member Posts: 16
    Berkeley.. We had same problem... Went to Wal*Mart and bought a large plastic container to throw in the back when we do grocery shopping. Works good for us!
  • deerlake7deerlake7 Member Posts: 176
    I live just north of you in White Bear and looking at the dumping we're getting right now, I don't understand why you're not interested in the AWD. It's great. Although until last week (and today) we haven't needed it much, last year we had a bunch of snow and our Highlander walked through everything and has sold me on AWD. The only problem is that I have to be careful not to become overconfident because although you can go through snow with absolute ease, stopping is no faster.
  • llofgrenllofgren Member Posts: 129
    Couldn't agree with you more. I am loving this current dumping of snow here in Minn. The AWD HL gets through it like nothing. I was at the Twin Cities auto show yesterday and the HL's were getting lots of attention. (BTW, I know some people from WBL!!)
  • pdalpsherpdalpsher Member Posts: 136
    I got the Toyota one from my local dealer (they were running a 20% off coupon) and it is smoked, almost black plastic. It looks better IMO than another brand my neighbor's friend used (I'm doing my best to stay one step ahead of him LOL) because it is shaped to fit the contours of the front end a little bit better.

    I like the looks of the black accents...there is alot of other black trim around the windows and such. Also, my non-ltd came with some black striping along the side...I think this looks better than the plain-sided ltds.

    It has done a good job, I've only been hit by one rock and that just happened. This one bounced over the front-end and landed way back on the hood and then put a small chip in the corner of the windshield. There is so much construction in the areas where I drive so I figured my time was coming! Hope this info helps!
  • bikerjohnbikerjohn Member Posts: 52
    pdalpsher,
    I have the black pearl emblems on my silver Highlander. I like the look better than the chrome colored ones. The Highlander emblems are not as black as other black pearl emblems that I've seen on other Toyota & Lexus vehicles. I'd describe the Highlander's as more of a shiny smoked Chrome.

    brad_22, Is your WAAG side step bar black? I saw a picture of a green Highlander with a WAAG step bar, but there was too much shadow on the picture to see what it looked like. I think I read a post where someone said that the WAAG doesn't stick out as far from the car as the chrome step bar that Toyota offers for the Highlander. Is that true? Can you post a picture of yours? Maybe on the yahoo site, if not here.
  • bikerjohnbikerjohn Member Posts: 52
    For groceries, I get plastic bags instead of paper and put the bags handles over the hooks that are in the back of the Highlander. Stays very secure.

    I also have a bungie cord attached to one of the tie down hooks, that I use for other items, such as my brief case. I also use the bungie cord when I have my bicycle back there. I stretch it across the handle bars over to another tie down hook. The bike doesn't slide forward when I brake, like it did in my old car.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    For groceries, I get plastic bags instead of paper and put the bags handles over the hooks


    I cannot even remember the last time I saw paper bags at the supermarket!

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs
  • megawattbluesmegawattblues Member Posts: 66
    for V6 HL. Anybody happen to know it? Picked up a couple today, and the original oil filter (car has 2K mi) has a different part No.

    The ones they gave me are 08922-02011.

    TIA for any info.
    Glen
  • wainwain Member Posts: 479
    Seems it would be better.
    15 to 17 is not really very good in city traffic. I used to own a 66 Oldsmobile with a huge V8 that got about that much.
    Highlander needs to do better especially since its Camry based.
  • skyrebskyreb Member Posts: 129
    Stopped by my Toyota dealer Wednesday, inquired about a TSB for the subject sound. They made a computer inquiry, and determined mine meets the criteria. He described it as a "A post" door gasket. Parts are on order, and will be installed next week.

    I had somewhat forgotten about tehe sound ... I have not heard it in a while. But last week it was very windy, and the sound was very evident.

    Happy HL'ing to all.
  • hylndr61hylndr61 Member Posts: 51
    The Toyota oil filter I purchased has the same part number as yours: 08922-02011
  • will4271will4271 Member Posts: 187
    I was told that it is not on all the Highlander models.

    Does anyone know which models have it?
  • brad_22brad_22 Member Posts: 154
    My sidebars are black and they have chrome step plates. It looks great, but the chrome reflects against the side of the HL on a sunny day.

    I can't say if it sticks out any more than other versions, although by my impression it fits pretty snug.

    And while I haven't snapped the pics to post on the web yet, check out WAAG.com -> customer picks. There are a couple HL owners who have posted. One in there has side step bars, but without the chrome plates.
  • bojack1bojack1 Member Posts: 23
    The oil filter #08922-02011 is old stock and was used on the Avalon, and this filter was made in the USA.

    They made the 90915-YZZB9 for a short while, then replaced that with the 90915-YZZB1 as the replacement for all. Both made in Japan.The new filters have a 1/8" rasied lip in the center as well did the orginal that I took off the Highlander.This is the information given to me a few months ago from Toyota, they could have changed it all again.Here are some pictures I have taken.

    http://members3.clubphoto.com/bo243652/719103/guest.phtml
  • megawattbluesmegawattblues Member Posts: 66
    Looks like I can use the ones I picked up. Thanks hylndr & bojack for the info!
  • gkoffgkoff Member Posts: 36
    When was the Highlander introduced?
    When is next makeover?
    Is the 4WD like that in CR-V?
    I am thinking of moving up from 5spd 99 CR-V to an auto and have head good things about Highlander. It appears more luxurious than 2002 CR-V. Any other suggested models to consider?

    Thanks
  • bigorange30bigorange30 Member Posts: 1,091
    It was introduced in the spring of 2000 as I remember as a 2001 model. It is not due for a makeover anytime soon since it is such a new model. I was looking at it when I bought the QX4 I just bought. I would have had the same payment on the Highlander so I figured I should just go for the more upscale one that I really wanted. Infiniti is giving a 60 month 2.9% financing that it wonderful and Toyota has not yet matched. I was also very thankful when I started hearing about the Toyota engine sludge problems that they don't cover under the warranty. I also just heard that Consumer Reports April addition has rated the QX4 as the most reliable of ALL vehicles on the road today.
  • tfuzztfuzz Member Posts: 93
    I agree that Highlander's gas mileage could be a little better. Perhaps that is because gas in my town went up from .99/gallon last week to 1.40/gallon today. Over 16,500 miles my '01 HL(V6, AWD) has averaged 19.440 mpg. My '00 Sienna with the same engine has averaged 22.446 over 55,000 miles. I use 87 octane in both.
  • hlronhlron Member Posts: 113
    There is good information here on Edmunds about the Highlander, and other SUVs, that may be helpful to you. In fact, scroll up to the left side bar on this page and there is a box with three links that can provide with some good information. Good luck making your decision! As for me, I'd replace my Highlander with another one tomorrow if something happened to it. I have had it since June, have almost 14,000 miles on it, and it has been great.

    Also, bigorange30, since you brought up "Consumer Reports", for what it is worth you might want to check out page 6 of the April 2002 "Consumer Reports" edition, under the heading of "Top Picks for 2002" and "The Best New Cars and Trucks"...and see what is listed there as the best midsized SUV. I'll give you a hint...you did not buy it, but you looked at it. But, then, there are a number of good SUVs and other vehicles out there.
  • llofgrenllofgren Member Posts: 129
    I heavily cross shopped the CRV and Highlander. I was within 5 minutes of buying a CRV in 1999 but did not. I think both the "old" and the new re-designed CRV's are great. And bigorange30, NO SUV will beat the (old) CRV for reliabilty in Consumer Reports. The new 2002 CRV is not listed yet for reliabilty because it is a new model year. The gas mileage on the CRV is great....typical Honda.
    Having said all that, I went with a Highlander for the following reasons: more room, more power, outstanding quality and reliabilty. The Highlander has a different AWD system. The Honda is "reactive", that is, the AWD engages when slip is detected. The Highlander is in AWD all the time, hence, "proactive". I have driven both and I don't think there is much real world difference.
    I think for the extra $ one pays for the Highlander, one gets more room, more towing capacity, more power, a bigger vehicle and 16" tires. Both vehicles have silky smooth engines and power trains. One thing that I think the CRV needs to lose is the spare tire mount on the back.
  • irishjimirishjim Member Posts: 1
    It seems that 2002's are in very limited supply in my area, does anyone know when the 2003 model will be in the showrooms
  • theyattheyat Member Posts: 4
    Highlander was introduced in late January 2001. It was only introduced at some auto shows in 2000.
  • ssufldhckyssufldhcky Member Posts: 16
    My T tag is about to expire. Means I need to get the real plates put on. I live in one of those stupid states that require front and rear plates. Is there anyway to attached the front plate without putting holes in the front bumper? Any special gizmo you can get? Thanks
  • wainwain Member Posts: 479
    tfuzz posted:
    Over 16,500 miles my '01 HL(V6, AWD) has averaged 19.440 mpg. My '00 Sienna with the same engine has averaged 22.446 over 55,000 miles. I use 87 octane in both.

    Does the Sienna have a different driver?
    Why would it get better mileage?
  • gkoffgkoff Member Posts: 36
    Thanks for response. Since you tried both CR-V and Highlander, I have another question. I like 'quiet'. My 99 CR-V is pretty noisy and 02 model is much improved. What is your opinion of Highlander noise expecially tire, engine and wind?

    Anyone else care to comment?
  • kdubs1kdubs1 Member Posts: 21
    Anyone install an amp to help out the stereo sound?
    Please share your experience.
  • llofgrenllofgren Member Posts: 129
    Autosite does a great job on reviewing vehicles, including noise levels, measured in decibels. They have data on the 2002 Highlander and 2002 CRV. They are comparable. Here is the site:


    http://www.autosite.com/new/subsite6.asp


    Choose the vehicle, then go to technical features and then, performance. It will list noise levels at idle, full throtle and cruising speed. Also, other other performance details.


    My own personal observation is that the Highlander is very quiet with only a little wind and road noise. I love that part of it!

  • mtaylo00mtaylo00 Member Posts: 7
    I want to purchase a Toyota Highlander, limited 2WD 4 dr, white with no options. I am an old lady who wants a reliable, safe car--the last car I will probably buy. I need lots of advice. Also, in reading the messages I saw something about a Costco buying program; what is this? Thanks.
  • bsm48bsm48 Member Posts: 7
    I live in So. California (LA County/Orange County border) and I am seriously looking into buying a 2WD V6 Highlander in white or silver. The limited versions I have seen lately do not come with leather and have a window sticker around 31.8K ... the nonlimited with rear spoiler, sunroof, convenience package, appearance package, and preferred package, tow package has window around 29.9K ... that's almost a 2,000 dollar difference. Since the Limited version does not come with leather, what exactly do you get beside the climate control (which I don't need) and the better stereo for all that extra money?
    Also, is there a particular dealer in this area that anyone could recommend?
  • lott42lott42 Member Posts: 13
    My girlfriend and I just purchased a Silver limited with Charcoal interior. From our searching, you basically can't get a limited in Leather with Charcoal interior but you can with Ivory. Were having leather installed as an add on to our car. From my point of view, there is not much difference between the two too warrant the extra cost. Its mostly cosmetic differences but we felt if were going to keep the car for 6 years you better get what looks better to you. I live in San Bernardino, Ca. and you might try Longo in El Monte. We were quoted a price of 29,028(w/o leather and before tax and license).
  • bsm48bsm48 Member Posts: 7
    Longo's price of 29028 was for the Limited without leather correct? How much were they charging to add the leather?
  • hlronhlron Member Posts: 113
    mtayl, I am not real familar with the Costco buying program, however here is a link to that section of Costco's Web site that may be of interest to you, and so you can take a look at their services for yourself:


    http://www.costcoauto.com/


    As for general advice, if you have any specific or general questions you would like to post here, there are a number of helpful folks on this site who might be able to help answer your questions.

    In general, I have a 2001 V-6 FWD (2WD) that I like a lot. I traded in a 1997 Honda Accord for my Highlander, in order to have the utility value of an SUV yet with at least somewhat decent gas mileage and comfort of a sedan. I bought it in June, have almost 14,000 miles on it, and I am very happy with it.

  • tenn3tenn3 Member Posts: 5
    Two years ago when we were in the market for a new vehicle there were no reliable mid sized suvs, so we bought a honda odyssey minivan. Now we are thinking about selling it and getting a highlander.

    Has anyone else sold a minivan for the highlander and do you miss the third row seat or any other aspect of a minivan? (we are a family of 4)
  • firewalker2firewalker2 Member Posts: 3
    While checking out the sounds coming from my speakers on my Highlander, there appears to be very little sound coming from the small speakers next to the power windows. Anyone else noticed that or do I need to be taking it back to the dealership? Thanks
  • lott42lott42 Member Posts: 13
    bsm48: That was one of the reasons we DIDN'T buy from Longo. They claim that they Won't put leather on their cars. You would have to go elsewhere. What we did was told them that Longo quoted us a price of 29,028 could you match it. They(Claremont) went down to 29,300 plus 1,000 extra for leather. I probably could of done a little better but I figured it was close enough
  • wainwain Member Posts: 479
    What gas mileage are you getting??

    Thanks.
  • bigorange30bigorange30 Member Posts: 1,091
    Hey fellow Tennessean. I just sold my customized Astro minivan and bought an Infiniti QX4 in January. I do miss the third row of seats but was not willing to pay the extra for a SUV with a third row. We wanted a SUV because of the styling and the cargo space. We travel from SC to TN twice a year now and it is an 8 hour trip. Our kids are older now (8 and 10) and it will take some adjustment. We had the dealer install the DVD system that we hope will make the adjustment easier. We had a TV/VCP in the customized Astro. So far, the kids love the vehicle. The headphones for the DVD are extra special since the wife and I can now listen to our music while they watch a movie.
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.