Toyota Highlander

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Comments

  • brad_22brad_22 Member Posts: 154
    I've got aftermarket everything on my highlander, including some potent all-weather tires. However, this didn't stop me from going off the road into a ditch during the snowstorms this winter. : )

    Then again, I kinda drove into the ditch just to see if I could get out. Tires can't cure 'stupid', I guess.
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • nimrod99nimrod99 Member Posts: 343
    I still don't get it - your comment on the feel being heavy?

    V6 2wd is 3660 lbs (220 HP, 222 lb-ft)
    4 cyl 2wd is 3500 lbs (155 HP, 163 lb-ft torque)

    The 4 cylinder is only 160 lbs lighter, at 22.5 Lbs per HP, while the V6 is only 16.6 lbs per HP.

    Come on - 160 lbs - that's about the weight of a passenger.

    Did you get the 4 cyl 2WD or the 4WD?
  • rmui1rmui1 Member Posts: 48
    I had a similar experience about the "heavy" feeling in the V6's handling. I only test drove one 2WD V6, so didn't know if the feeling was typical. I drove three 2WD 4 cylinders, all felt similar to each other, and all felt more nimble in handling than the V6 I drove; but the 4s also felt less smooth riding and their steering wheels transmit more vibration. I couldn't draw any conclusion from that about V6s since I only drove one, and it may have been caused by low air pressure in the tires of the V6 I drove, or just because they have different models of tires (Goodyears Integrity on 4s, Bridgestone Duelers on V6s). As far as I know they have identical suspensions (haven't seen any mention about them being different), but wouldn't be surprised if I'm wrong about that since it's not unusual to firm up the suspension on bigger engined models to handle the extra engine weight.
    Even though the V6 is a little less than 200 lbs heavier than the 4, that weight is right over the front wheels where there's already too much weight for ideal handling.
  • dmuzykadmuzyka Member Posts: 31
    2WD. We really have no need for AWD here in Houston except during downpours, and even then I want my wife off the road (her choice, of course). I understand your being vexed, I really do. My Trooper is 4400 lbs with 315 hp and the HL V6 felt the same as far as front end 'lumbering'. Anyway, the dealer made some changes today in what I thought was our closed negotiations - apparently the main office (Japan? The Port?) now wants a $1000 non-refundable deposit, there would be no guarantee of a rebate, and they couldn't guarantee the same trade value for our Volvo in the 4-5 months it would take to build the HL. Whoa! Talk about trying to discourage us! JUST BUILD THEM ALL WITH SIDE AIRBAGS AND WE WOULD HAVE HAD ONE IN THE GARAGE 3 WEEKS AGO!!! It's only a $250 option. Idiocy.

    Anyway, we're patient people (well, I am, since it's not going to be my car...)...we'll wait. I just hope the rebate will be $2500 by August...and the Volvo doesn't need anymore expensive repairs. Which brings up this point - does anyone know of any major changes to the '04 HL??
  • cfu000cfu000 Member Posts: 10
    >> Goodyears Integrity on 4s, Bridgestone Duelers on V6s

      I just picked up my custom-order HL V6 last Saturday, and it was fitted with Goodyears Integrity, were the Goodyeras and Bridgestone used interchangably or I was ripped off (astonishing!!)

    Thanks.
  • bigdadbigdad Member Posts: 55
    I believe the Limited models come with the Bridgestone duelers, non non limited 2WD comes with Integrity...my non limited came with the Goodyear tires on the alum. wheels. I have the V6 also...
  • landdriverlanddriver Member Posts: 607
    I'm the opposite -- test drove a 4cyl model and bought a V6. When compared with the 4cyl I agree the V6 exhibits a heavy feel in its handling. At first I found this, in combination with the extra weight associated with the AWD, a big turn-off, but after a few weeks, got used to it and actually grew to love its solid feel. When I purchased the vehicle I actually preferred the 4cyl's efficient feel but went with the V6 as I wanted the Limited trim line.
  • nsfdbcnsfdbc Member Posts: 8
    My V6 came with the Goodyears. I found them to be only okay and terrible in snow covered roads here in Michigan. After 200 miles I replaced them
    with Michelin Cross Terrains. Sold old tires for $175. It was like driving another vehicle. Smoother,better traction by far, better steering,cornering. Read some of the other posts on original tires on Highlanders. You won't regret it.
  • lexus_addictedlexus_addicted Member Posts: 24
    It doesn't work that way, Limited don't necesarily get the Bridgestone Duelers and the non-Limited get Goodyear Integrity.
    My 2002 V6 Limited AWD got Goodyear Integrity on them.
    I guess which brand of tires get mounted on the rims depends on which brand the factory has when the car is ready to be shipped off to North America.

    Toyota simply has two tire suppliers for the Highlander.

    But one thing for sure, you won't see the RX300 with Goodyear Integrity, the RX always get the Bridgestone Dueler.
  • bigdadbigdad Member Posts: 55
    I visited several Toyota dealerships in my home state of Tenn and in Florida, where I bought my Highlander....all of the Limited models had the Bridgestones and all of the non limited had the Goodyears..I even asked the Florida dealer if he could swap the Goodyears I had for the Duelers, but he indicated that was the tire for the Limited model & not mine and was a more expensive tire and part of the benefit of the Limited option..This included at least 8 dealer's inventories....so it seemed to me that there was a factory profile for the tires depending on the model....I see you may live in Canada, maybe the Canadian market gets treated differently than US...that is often the case for certain options and build profiles....maybe one of the Toyota guys on the site can enlighten us?
  • bigdadbigdad Member Posts: 55
    I don't know about the last year or two, but at one time (1999 for sure) the Goodyear Integrity WAS the standard tire on the Lexus RX 300....may no longer be so though....I sure don't think much of the Integrity model, but hate to pay double the cost for Michelin (retired and watching the bux!)
  • dougweaverdougweaver Member Posts: 48
    Our new 4Cyl FWD non-limited HL came with the Integrity tires. If I'm not mistaken they say the max tire pressure is 44 psi. Should I use that much for max fuel mileage, or should I use less for a better ride? Thanks dpw
  • cmunizcmuniz Member Posts: 604
    We have Integritys on our Isuzu Axiom and the Duelers on our Highlander and neither tire is very good on snow or wet roads. The duelers have a traction/temperature rating of B/B which is pretty poor and the Integritys are A/B but don't have any better performance in my view.
  • mikey00mikey00 Member Posts: 462
    Integrity vs Dueler on RX300 looks to be about 50/50. Both my RX300s came in with Integritys but I had the dealer swap tires with a another RX on the lot with Duelers. If you go back through old posts on the RX300 board you will see that Duelers are much better than Integritys. This is also reflected in the price of the tire. Better not only for performance and tread life, many RX owners also solved pulling problems by getting rid of there integritys. I have since worn out my Duelers and replaced with Michelin cross terrains which are better than both.
  • landdriverlanddriver Member Posts: 607
    dougweaver:

    The manufacturer's recommended tire pressure for the Highlander is 30 psi (posted inside the driver's door jam); 44 psi is way too high...
  • bigdadbigdad Member Posts: 55
    is the maximum that the tire is designed for...it is not a recommendation to run it at that very high pressure....follow the Toyota recommendation/spec of 30 psi.....
  • dougweaverdougweaver Member Posts: 48
    Recommended tire pressure ... does it take into account what tire you are using? So it makes no difference whether you have Integrity, Duelers, or Michellins? If Toyota is recommending 30 psi ... do you think that is mainly intended for a better ride and not for MPG? I think I'll split the difference and go with about 36 psi. Any problem with doing that? Thanks dpw
  • goldstongoldston Member Posts: 110
    We own an 2001 & 2002 Limited Highlander's, both are 2WD & V6, and both came with Goodyear Integrity tires.

    I have been doing some research as to replacement tires when needed and I'm thinking the Goodyear FORTERA may be a good choice for our type of driving needs.

    Best regards, Philip
  • mikey00mikey00 Member Posts: 462
    What size were you planning on using? The Goodyear website does not list the Fortera in the proper size.
  • goldstongoldston Member Posts: 110
    Mike,

    That's the problem (and research) that I'm doing.
    Someone else posted about using "spacer" to make the next size tire (P235/70R16) fit the Highlanders, but I don't know enough about possible downside of modifying the suspension in any way to be comfortable with adding spacers.

    My thought was to contact Goodyear and ask about making the Fortera in P225/70R16 for the Highlander market. And based on what I'm seeing on the road (other H/L's) that's a BIG market.

    What thoughts do you have?

    Philip
  • tombuchtatombuchta Member Posts: 11
    My experience with the HL AWD is like yours, and I believe everyone else's that I have read in this forum, with 1 exception. So the only thing I would offer is that you change "naysayers", plural, to "naysayer", singular in your post.
  • goldstongoldston Member Posts: 110
    ...about manufacturing a Goodyear P225/70R16 FORTERA as an replacement tire for the Highlanders.

    I'll post any reply that I get.

    Philip
  • mikey00mikey00 Member Posts: 462
    I prefer to use the stock size and skip the spacers. The larger size will cause the speedometer to read slower than what you are actually doing. Also, if you change sizes you should buy 5 tires so your spare matches. I bought Michelin Cross Terrains and am very pleased.
    Mike
  • brad_22brad_22 Member Posts: 154
    The Fortera 235 should fit without spacers. I had Pirelli 235/70-16s on for a while, and the Fortera's have a narrower tread width if I'm not mistaken. The difference in diameter of a 235 vs. a 225 is only about half an inch - that's not enough to offset the speedometer by any noticeable amount. Check a website like TireRack for more accurate comparisons.

    My current tires are 255/65-16s. You a need a spacer for those. :-)
  • johnnieliujohnnieliu Member Posts: 34
    Anyone know or heard rumors on whether the '04 HL will have a GPS Navigation system? I'm almost sold on getting an '03, but could hold out to get an '04 with Navigation.
  • awchan13awchan13 Member Posts: 44
    I have 235/70R16's on my limited highlander - Bridgestone Dueler AT's. They're great, haven't noticed any rubbing at all, and have already rotated the tires once. I've found that my odometer reads 9 miles less every 100 miles. So, when I travel 100 miles, the odometer only reads 91. The speedometer is only off by maybe 1 or 2 mph...really not much of a difference. The ride however is a lot better and so is the traction. With the old Dueler HT's, the anti-locks would always kick in with semi-hard breaking on a wet surface...the AT's have yet to loose grip that easily on a wet surface. I purchased the tires at costco, i think it was around $360 or so plus $60 off a few months ago. Great deal. I left the spare as is, I figure, if I need to use it, it'll just be until I get to a tire center to get the AT fixed or replaced... I think I have some decent pics...i'll post them in the picture section. The AT's fill the wheel well a lot better than the stock tires...
  • gasman1gasman1 Member Posts: 321
    A great tire size calculator is at www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc. It provides a comparison of original and replacement tire size and also provides the speedometer error. As for width (which this site doesn't address), I recall 2.36cm = 1 inch. Tire width increases or decreases by 10mm 215/225/235/245/etc... If I'm correct, then 10mm is equal to about 0.40 of an inch. However, the actual change in width may be slighter less (between 0.25 and 0.40 of an inch).

    My advise is to stay with the original tire size. Michelin X-Terrains are super tires for this vehicle. I have more than 30K miles on a set of them and they're still great in all conditions.
  • brad_22brad_22 Member Posts: 154
    That's a pretty cool site!

    Also keep in mind that tire width is dependent on sidewall length and wheel rim width.
  • goldstongoldston Member Posts: 110
    From: goodyear_cr@goodyear.com on 03/11/2003 10:11 AM

    Sent by: Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
           Consumer Relations 739
           1144 East Market Street
           Akron, OH 44316
           Voice #: (800) 321-2136
           Fax #: (330) 796-3753

    Mr. Goldston,

    Thank you for contacting our website.

    At this time we are not aware of any plans to produce the Fortera in the
    P225/70R16 size.

    We do however make the Wrangler HP in the P225/70R16 size. I have included
    some information on this tire for you to look over.

    Wrangler HP (P)
    P-Metric Light Truck/P-Metric Highway
    High Performance Radial With All-Season Traction
    UTQG:
          Treadwear 340
          Traction A
          Temperature B
    Features ? Benefits
    * Advanced tread pattern ? Excellent on and off-road traction in any
    weather
    * Lower profile sidewalls ? Improved responsiveness and handling
    * Wide outer shoulders ? Quick handling and agility
    * Wide circumferential channels ? Efficient water evacuation at highway
    speeds
    * Numerous strategically placed tread blades ? Enhanced all-weather
    traction and a comfortable ride

    If you would like further information please call us at 1-800-321-2136
    during the hours of 8:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. eastern, Monday - Friday.

    Again, thank you for contacting our website.

    Jodi Bean
    Representative
    Consumer Relations
  • buster36buster36 Member Posts: 2
    In January I purchased a new 2003 Highlander Limited with the leather option (gray). I've always had cloth seats before.

    A few days later I started noticing some details on my leather seats and interior that didn't look right to me.

    I went back to the dealership and pointed out the flaws in my seats and also asked why my leather package didn't include perforated leather on the doors and the front fore/aft head restraints (mine are height adjustable only). The Sales Manager said that my Highlander had the "port-installed" leather option, which consisted of leather seats only. I told him that the Toyota options page, which the sales person gave me, said code LA = leather package: which included perforated leather seats, door panels and front fore/aft adjustable head restraints. He then said there are different codes on the window stickers LA1 = port-installed leather seats only; LAAT = factory installed leather package.

    I felt like I was mislead about the leather code when I bought the HL and also, since I paid even more for seats only, I insisted the installation quality be upgraded to be at least as good as factory.

    The Sales Manager referred me to the Service Department. The rep told me "the stitch man" found no defects in workmanship or quality of the leather. He said that the sections of leather seating that are detached from the seating surface are from the leather seat kit being folded in a box before installation. The folds, he said, would probably go away by themselves after we sat on them for awhile. He also said that the leather should not be tight to the seat because this would cause premature wear and tear. Then why are the factory installed seats nice and tight with no strange wrinkles?

    When I asked for a side-by-side comparison of factory installed leather versus my port-installed leather, the service rep instead went to some other Toyota storage location and got another HL with port-installed seats for comparison. In my estimation, these seats were also sub-Toyota quality. The service rep then said this is what port-installed leather seats look like. I can come back at the 5,000-mile inspection. If the seat leather problems are still there, they will reevaluate the situation.

    Why should I wait for months to have this resolved? Inferior seat installation won't just disappear by itself. Besides, they may then claim the problems are due to wear-and-tear or neglect on my part.

    I also expressed my dissatisfaction to my sales person whose only solution was to take my Highlander in on trade. Gee, what a nice guy):

    I left the dealership angry and frustrated but determined not to let this matter slide.

    I'm hoping other owners can give me some advice on how to resolve my problem.

    Who Should a talk to next?

    How about asking for factory seats and the better front head restraint as replacements for the port-installed seats.

    Can a trade-in be done without paying more for a similarly equipped HL with the factory leather package? After all it does cost less.

    Or, since this whole situation has left me less than enthusiastic with my Toyota dealer, should I trade in the HL and upgrade to something like the Lexus RX330, Acura MDX or Volvo XC 90?

    Thanks in advance for your help!
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    customer_satisfaction_inquiries@toyota.com

    It's a real shame the states have laws preventing direct, mail order/internet vehicle purchases.

    And I'll bet you even signed a document absolving the dealer of ALL warranty matters.
  • runpantherrunpanther Member Posts: 44
    Plain and simple - you got scammed big time!!! When I bought my HL the dealer tried to pull the same stunt by selling me port installed leather (and also at a much higher price). When I asked him about the price being higher than factory, he had no problem coming down to $200 below Factory Invoice. In other words, if I didn't know any better (and done my homework) he would've taken advantage of me and ripped me off!!!!!

    Don't let this slide as this is what they are counting on. I can't stand Toyota dealerships as just about all of them have this pompous holier than thou attitude. GO GET EM!!!
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    Buster, I don't know if you're HL is from the Gulf States Distributor in Houston, but here's the story on ours:

    gwkiser Jul 30, 2001 8:16pm

    Bottom line is that it took two sets of door panels and the problem still was not resolved. Finally, in a rather strong face-to-face with the Service Department Manager, I simply asked him if he were in my place, would he accept that quality on a $30K vehicle. His response was "no" and, after a few phone calls, he allowed me to take it(he offered to take it for me) to their #1 choice, Classic Soft Trim, a specialized auto leather shop, with instructions to "do whatever it takes". A tech there was able to partially remove the top of each panel, clean it, add new foam backing, and stretch and attach it back. Job done.

    My advice to you is to stay cool as long as you can and persue this issue until you're satisfied. Just don't let it completely ruin the enjoyable experience of owning and driving the HL.
  • toledo19toledo19 Member Posts: 119
    Your new HL is too new to trade. You'll take a bath big time if you trade this early. They would probably wholesale this vehicle for low 20's .
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    I would spend some time FORCING the dealer to take your trade in at purchase price. How well have you documented how/why they sold you on port installed leather.

    And by the way I have always felt that "port installed" is simply a method of defusing a customers possible concern if they actually said "dealer installed", which is more actually the case.

    "Dealer installed" got a bad rap, justifiably, back when many manufacturers were taking dealers to task for failed engines as the result of aftermarket A/C installations without engine cooling system upgrades.
  • litzingerlitzinger Member Posts: 10
    I am looking to add a hitch to my v6 2001 Toyota Highlander. HiddenHitch has 2 options...(1) a Class 2 3500lb, and Class 3 5000 lb. I figured I'd go with the Class 3 just in case I need it. I called to dealer to confirm that the factory-installed tow-prep would indeed allow me to tow something 5000lbs. Answer=NO! They say the towing capacity of the v6 with prep is 3500lbs. Sounds like buying a hitch bigger than class 2 doesn't do anything in terms of how much you can tow. Any thoughts?
  • toledo19toledo19 Member Posts: 119
    You are correct. The max tow is 3500lbs. But, I just purchased a class 3 hitch made by valley at the sports rack for $105 after the AAA discount. It's a 2" because of more ability to tow etc in the future. The class 2 was more exensive and seemed a bit flimsy to me. Depends on what you want to do with it.
  • mikey00mikey00 Member Posts: 462
    Another reason for a class 3 is if you ever want to use a bike rack. All of the quality ones are made for class 3 and need an adapter to attach to class 2.
  • toledo19toledo19 Member Posts: 119
    Exactly. Actually, I got the hitch primarlily for a bike rack.
  • cmcardlecmcardle Member Posts: 71
    I prefer to have a little extra capacity - better safe than sorry.

    If I have a 1 lb. painting to hang, and can use a hook that can bear a max load of 1 lb., and one that can bear 1.5 lbs....
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Can the paper surface of the wallboard support the 1.5 hook?
  • scannerscanner Member Posts: 295
    Van Gogh or Walmart? :-)
  • ch1133ch1133 Member Posts: 43
    Did anyone find an aftermarket tail light converter (the one that attaches to wiring harness inside spare tire compartment)

    Toyota wants $175 and that is steep considering that parts stores sell converters for less than $20 but cannot be used - do not have same connector as Toyota
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    Give these guys a shot..they might have what you need:

    http://www.bageco.com/
  • mikey00mikey00 Member Posts: 462
    Try this link. There is probably a lot more info than you want about the subject but 2 of the posts have part #'s and prices.

    http://www.clublexus.com/forums/showthread.php?s=f6f6e34c2852f5e5- 3eeb4e347bb87e7e&threadid=59139
  • crucialcrucial Member Posts: 35
    1 . Since all the "New" Camrys will have the VVTi engines ( 210 hp @ 5,800 rpm, 220 lb.-ft. @ 4,400 rpm) and 5 speed transmission, basically carry over from the Avalon's, will we see any changes like this for the HL's soon? If so when?

    2. The New Rx330 is using the new platform (6 inches longer overall ) ...does it mean the HL will too?
  • hlronhlron Member Posts: 113
    Crucial - Regarding #2 of your post, the HL is already using the same platform as the "new" Camrys...they have been for all three model years the HL has been out, so they actually have been using it the longest. Remember, the current HL is 184.4" long, and the RX 300 is 180.1" long. The HL wheelbase is 106.9", the RX 300 wheel base is 103.1".

    The RX 330's length is 186.2", and the RX 330's wheel base is the same as the current HL, 106.9".
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    already has a more powerful V-6 (with VVT-i) than even the "new" camrys will have, so I don't think the engine will change! As for the 5-speed transmission, I thought I heard someplace they were going to that for the '04 model?

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • heuerheuer Member Posts: 7
    Is there a way to program the remote so that all the doors will be unlock by just pressing the the unlock botton on the remote just once instead of twice? Since the HL is our family car, 99.99% of the time I am using the car with the whole family.
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