Toyota Highlander

landdriver · September 2003

Cool pics of the Kluger (Japanese version of the Highlander) third row seats. I'm almost positive the US version of the third-row seats will be the same as I don't see any reason why Toyota would spend time and money coming up with a different design for the US market when they already have a working one.

The photo of the third-row seat looks to be a composite indicating both the position with the seat up and folded down. With it folded down, it appears that the floor of the cargo area is in the same location as that of the current, non-third row seat Highlander, as evidenced by the fact the bottom of the cargo area is close to flush with the bottom of the rear hatch, as it is now with current Highlanders, and thus my guess is that the cargo capacity hasn't changed.

Looks as though the third-row seat takes-up the space currently occupied by the spare tire. Either the spare is now located under the vehicle, or is under the base of the third-row seat itself.

Also, in one of the pics it appears the second-row seat has moved forward perhaps 5" from its current location to allow leg room for the third row seat, while in another pic the second row seat is further back, close to its current location.

landdriver · September 2003

You can put those Japanese translation books away; Toyota just posted specs for the U.S. 2004 Highlander:

http://pressroom.toyota.com/photo_library/display.html?kw=Highlan- der

Subtle enhancements to the exterior, changes to interior accents, and third-row / 3.3 5-speed V6 as promised by steveb84. No changes to cargo volume. Be sure to check-out the publicity pics.

akasrp · September 2003

Looks as though the third-row seat takes-up the space currently occupied by the spare tire. Either the spare is now located under the vehicle, or is under the base of the third-row seat itself.

from the press release:

"Toyota's attention to real-life vehicle usage shows in thoughtful touches such as multiple interior storage compartments, an illuminated entry system and a full-size spare tire located under the vehicle to prevent impingement on cargo room."

hlfan · September 2003

I'm so glad I waited, it has everything I wanted changed, and some ! Cliffy, can you ship one of these inter state ? :-)

bigdad · September 2003

My Acura Legend and NSX both had leather (one was black leather the other tan) and would burn you if you sat on them in shorts....I specifically opted for the the cloth in the Highlander for that reason....perforated leather may breath a little better when you are seated on it....the other solid leather lets you sweat and everything stick to you...In winter, just the opposite,,,,leather is cold and cloth is much better...no question that cloth is a better choice in my humble opinion....

carfinder123 · September 2003

Today dealer told me that Highlander 2003 is using 2003 Camery's chasis.

I argued that HL was released in 2001 and should be keeping using the 2001 Camery's chasis.

Dealer told me that Camery keep its chasis unchanged for its new generation (from 2001 to 2002/2003).

I doubt that. Somehow I have the impression that the HL is based on old Camery model's chasis and hasn't followed Camery's model change.

Could any HL expert confirm?

Thanks,

carfinder123 · September 2003

Dealer told me that Toyota practically only provide leather seat for limited mode. If any base mode (V4 or V6) has leather, the seat must have been replaced by distributor/dealer through local car factory.

If I don't make a special order, can I possibly find a base model HL with Toyota's original leather seat?

I observed that the after-market leather is not perforated and may have problem like biddad said.

reklawc · September 2003

Re: Toyota web site - 2004 HIghlander. I was dissapointed to see Toyota recommends premium fuel (91 octane) in the new V6 engine. Can this be correct? If you have to use premium, you loose all the gas mileage improvement and more. I may have to start looking at the RAV4.

steveb84 · September 2003

I remember when not many people were trusting what I had posted. Thanks for remembering me

lvannicola · September 2003

New to the board, I'm in the process of leasing a HL, when signing the contracts, the dealership hits me with this gap ins. In case of an accident ( the car has to be totaled), or stolen car, this ins. is supposed to cover the difference between the book value, and what you would owe on the lease. I'm coming off a lease with Ford, and have never heard of this. Is this just a gimmick from toyota, or is this ins. necessary? The cost is $495, any help on this matter, would be appreciated.

Thanks,

stever · September 2003

Almost all cars are underwater when you drive them off the lot, since they are depreciating assets. Some lose a lot more value right away than others. The True Cost to Own tool is one way to figure how much a car will depreciate the first (and subsequent) years.

If you have a wreck in your second month of ownership, your insurance company will offer fair market value for your new car. That may not be enough to cover what you owe on the remaining lease and gap insurance fills in that gap.

Just what you said in other words :-) Rates vary, so you may be able to shop around.

Steve, Host

stever · September 2003

While I agree that "aftermarket" warranties are rarely worth it, extended factory warranties can work out well for many folks.

Well, if I had been uncovered for my 3 head gaskets on my '89 Voyager, I would have been hurting. A huge factor in buying that van was the extended factory warranty (7/70).

One reason I looked at my Quest and not the twin Villager was that the Quest had a 5/60 drivetrain warranty and the Villager only went 3/36. I didn't need it, but it helped me sleep better.

I guess an aftermarket warranty can be a profit maker or a sinkhole for the dealer. It depends on the driver, conditions, vehicle and is really an individual choice for peace of mind or insurance. It is buying an option, good or bad, on the future, as Bigdad says.

I think the ten year Hyundai warranty is great. Maybe all the manufacturers should just go that direction. I'm a lot more amenable to paying up front for a longer warranty if it's rolled into the car invoice and not stuck on as an afterthought.

Oh well, just my opinion. ymmv.

Steve, Host

cliffy1 · September 2003

It is worth it if you don't put any money down or worse, are upside down in your trade. It is the one financial product I have on my personal vehicle loan. I have seen far too many hard luck situations when a vehicle is declared a total loss. For $10 per month, I think it is worth it but like anything discussed here, you've got to weigh the cost to benefit for your own situation.

Oh yeah... if you put 20% down, you don't need it and yes, I do tell my customers that.

cliffy1 · September 2003

Factory leather is only available on the Limited on the 2003. New for 2004 is the option of leather on all models. I doubt many will be shipped like this, but it will be technically available.

lvannicola · September 2003

Thanks to Steve and cliffy1, for your responses.

To cliffy1 - I am leasing, so isn't the 20% down a mute point, or does it apply to leasing also?

cliffy1 · September 2003

More important than on a buy. At least on a buy, you stop being upside down about half way into it. That is rarely the case on a lease.

One more hint: If you buy GAP on a regular finance deal, cancel it when you reach the point where your payoff is less than the current wholesale value. That is generally 2.5 to 3 years into a 5 year loan if you didn't put money down. The balance is credited toward your principal, thereby reducing your term and interest.

hlron · September 2003

Lvannicola, have you checked with your own regular car insurance company? I don't have my records for the cost through my insurance company (a large, nationwide company) when I first bought my 2001 V-6 FWD in June 2001, however on my insurance bill for a six month period from October 1, 2002 - April 1, 2003 (when the car was paid down a bit since new, of course, so much less of a gap left), the "Loan/Lease Gap Coverage" cost me $11.80. Which, of course, comes out to less than two dollars a month, although I don't know if that was a big reduction from the inital policy, when the HL was new. Anyway, just a thought, to check with you own insurance company. /Ron

b717 · September 2003

2001 Highlander was the first to use the newest Camry underpinnings, the Camry then followed and now this year the RX330. The Highlander got it before all the others.

robnao · September 2003

My wife is Japanese, so I had her translate the Japanese pictures for me. As previously mentioned, no change in cargo space, the second picture is a small loop, this is the 3rd seat release, the second seat is a 60/40 split (that center piece is actually part of the right side) and only the left side of the second seat slides forward to allow easy access to the 3rd seat. I was previously stationed in Japan and used the Kluger to decide to order a Highlander before returning, all design feature were identicle except steering wheel side (of course) and some small options. Hope this helps.
Mine is a '02 with 20K and I absolutely love it, very fine vehicle and I highly recommend it to anyone, even more so with the new features.

mykeytea · September 2003

If the engine is the same as the sienna (I believe it is) premium fuel is a recommendation, not a requirement. If you use regular you will not get full Horsepower/torque. Check the book when you get it.

skyreb · September 2003

I agree premium fuel is a recommendation, not a requirement, however, I have always and only used the lower octane fuel in my 01 HL. I also own a 92 Acura, again, always used the lesser fuel. It has 167,000 miles on it, and I cannot detect any harm to the engine. I am not encouraging anyone to use the lower fuel, but I am completely satisfied with the performance of both vehicles using the lower fuel.

Unrelated, but my confidence in the fuel supply industry is completely void. I live in a rural area, and have talked with the delivery drivers. The fuel all comes from the same barge. How can the fuel cost vary .15-.20/gallon in 70 miles (same State/same taxes). They can never make me believe the cost is not driven by greed. Same for octane. I am not certain there is a difference in the low and high test gasoline either..... except for the cost. I have been unable to tell any difference in the performance of either vehicle using different fuels. I have, on the other hand, noted that when I use the corn blend my fuel efficiency drops, as it does in the winter when the refiners blend the oxygenated fuel dictated by the Government.

Happy HL'ing to all.

wheelz4 · September 2003

With the 3rd seat option, this is just about the perfect vehicle now, although still a little pricey. I doubt they'll offer the 3rd seat in the 4 cyl. version. W.r.t. the styling modifications,
I wonder why they bothered......talk about subtle!
I actually think the old headlights look more distinctive. As the Highlander is fairly bland-looking overall, you'd think Toyota could've spiced things up a little more. Anyone know how much the 3rd seat option will cost?

reklawc · September 2003

The Toyota web site states that the HL 2004 V6 uses "91 octane or higher". There is no reference to 87 octane or the use of the word "recommended". However, it is interesting that the same web site states that the Lexus RX330 (same engine) uses "87 octane unleaded (91 octane recommended)". I find it hard to believe there would be a difference. I am very interested in buying a new Highlander but will not if it absolutely requires Premium fuel. I currently own a 1992 Camry V6 which uses, according to the manual, "91 octane or higher for optimum performance". I have been using Regular for the last 100,000 miles with no problem.

akasrp · September 2003

FWIW:
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2003-07-30-premiumgas_x.htm

srp

bbouch57 · September 2003

I have an 02 Highlander and cannot believe anyone would want to sit in the new third seat for any amount of time. I went back there last night to pretend and came to the conclusion that it would be big enough for kids, but for me, no way. This is not an area I would want to find out the hard way if another car would strike from the rear or side. All the air bags are up front but in the back where they could be needed there are none. I know someone who was rear ended in a Highlander and the third seat area was completely crushed as it was designed to do which protected the second seat occupants. I would not want myself or my kids to be part of the crumple zone. There is virtually no space between the hatch door and the new third seat. A better bet would be to buy a Honda Pilot which has more room and the third seat is 60/40. Also the Pilot is a much better dollar value for the equipment you get standard. People wanting the Highlander with the third seat should really think thru what they are really getting with this option.

wheelz4 · September 2003

I don't think it's meant to replace a minivan, if that's what you really need. We're a family of 3 but have occasional need to carry 3 or 4 extra passengers, so it'd be perfect for us. I don't think it would be any less safe than any of the minivan's out there......especially the short-wheelbase ones.

bbouch57 · September 2003

I also have a short wheelbase Caravan and there is no comparison to its third seat and area it is located to that little jump seat and space it is located in in the 04 Highlander. Take a look at that little undersized, under padded, two seat thing in the pictures. It is no where like the second row. I still have room behind the third seat in van and the seat moves back and forth for adjustment to suit who is back there. Also, it is a fully padded real three person seat.

lexus_addicted · September 2003

Toyota bowed to the competition and crammed a 3rd row into the Highlander.

When I saw the 3rd row picture in Toyota's Japanese website about the 2004 KlugerV, the 3rd row seats remind me of the tiny seats onboard an airplane for the flight attendants to sit on during take-off and landing.

Honda Pilot and Acura MDX's 3rd row looks much better than Highlander's. The HL simply doesn't have enough length for a 3rd row. If adults sit in there and the HL gets rear-ended, they can get serious whiplash neck injury. You definitely don't want your loved-ones sit there.

In a word, Toyota crammed one more row of seats into a car not designed for 3 rows. Oh, this reminds me that it is the first time an automaker adds more seats into the same vehicle as part of a mid-cycle update.

donx · September 2003

Talking about comfort and safety issues for 3rd seat, it is something to do with the purpose of having 3rd row seat for all Mid-size SUVs, they are not minivans, and are just for casual usage. I have tried to sit in the 3rd row seats for Pilot, MDX, ML, XC90, none of them are comfortable for adults and for long trip. If you don't like the 3rd row seat, don't order the option, or simply fold it down.

For me, 3rd row seat for Highlander is what I have dreamd of the first day Highlander was released. Now Toyota makes my dream come true!

donx · September 2003

Even with this array of enhancements for 2004 the base MSRP for the Highlander V6 4x2 with two rows of seats is only $25,140, a decrease of $420, or 1.6 percent from last year. The base MSRP for the Highlander four-cylinder 4x2 with two rows of seats is $24,080, an increase of only $200, or 0.8 percent over last year. The base MSRP for the Highlander four-cylinder 4x4 with two rows of seats is $25,480, also an increase of $200, or 0.8 percent.

Base MSRP for non-Limited grade Highlander's with the new third-row seating range from $24,930 for the four-cylinder 4x2, to $27,390 for the 4x4 V6.

The premium Limited grade adds a power front passenger seat, electrochromic rearview mirror with compass, 17-inch alloy wheels, steering wheel audio switches, and third-row seating, all as standard equipment. With all of these enhancements, the base MSRP for the Limited 4x2 is $29,980, an increase of $285, or 1.0 percent. The base MSRP for the Limited 4x4 is $31,380, an increase of only $285, or 0.9 percent.

Now I am wondering when the pricing for Canada will be released.

donx · September 2003

According to Toyota's website, "Third-row seat passengers are also assured of comfort for long trips thanks to 30.2 inches of legroom and a four-step reclining feature." I think it is not bad at all.

wsibi04 · September 2003

I was excited about the news about the new third row option for the Highlander too but when I looked at the specs, I couldn't believe that there's only 32 inches of head room back there! That's less than in the back of an Eclipse or Prelude and 30 inches of leg room is not very much, unless you are under 5 feet tall. I hope those numbers are wrong. I doubt that any adults will be happy in the third row for long trips but it should be ok for short trips like around town though. Anyone know when the '04s will be at the dealers and any other new pics available? Thanks

donx · September 2003

Though Highlander is smaller than MDX and Pilot, MDX has only 29.3 inch and Pilot has the same legroom for 30.2 inches, XC90 has 30.1 inches. Also, I am not sure about ML, and it can't be better. This is quite generous for Highlander considering its relatively smaller size.

94supra · September 2003

I am one of the people that just sees the extra seat as an added source of rattles and weight with little utility value. Can the Limited V6 be ordered without the 3rd row seat?

skyreb · September 2003

In the minds of many, the HL seems to be competing against the Pilot. When the HL was introduced in 2001, the Pilot did not exist. The HL'ers competition was the Escape/Tribute .... and it clearly is a better value than either of those. In my mind, the HL's appeal was (and still is) it's comfortable size, outstanding quality, and fuel economy. I traded a Ford Explorer to get the smaller size HL, and I seriously considered the Escape. Now, many, maybe including Toyota, is forcing it into a market that quite frankly, I am not sure it fits.

Is it fair to compare the HL to the Pilot? The Pilot is larger, and I think more expensive vehicle. I am not trying to make an argument, just wondering. What do you think?

wheelz4 · September 2003

I'm sure it's meant mainly for kids, or if adults, for short trips only. Like I said, if you regularly need to carry alot of passengers, buy a minivan. I think it's great for its intended use. Like donx said, if you have a problem with it, don't order it.....it's your choice. BTW, while the 3rd row of a Caravan (or any minivan)may be more accomodating leg-room-wise, 3 adults will not be comfortable for anything more than a short trip due to the width(3 passenger seat is between the rear wheel wells, the narrowest part of the interior). To be truly comfortable for 7, a minivan's seating should be arranged 2-3-2.

bbouch57 · September 2003

Simply put, the third seat is a marketing gimmick to try and hang with the competition. Wait for the next generation and it will be done right. I would highly doubt knowing how Toyota packages options, that this seat will be available in quantity unless it is a limited model, no matter what they say about options available. With that in mind, the Limited is way over priced for what you get. This is a good car, but there are a lot of other good cars out there that are priced better. I own one and find it a nice vehicle but thats it. I have the 4 cylinder 2wd and find that configuration to be somewhat reasonably priced if a decent discount is given, but beyond that all other models are over priced. An example, is that on the 03 model, you cannot even get the engine immobilizer on the 4wd v6 standard model costing close to 30 grand.

wwest · September 2003

My kids loved the small & "tight" 3rd row seats in our C210.

prajapati · September 2003

I think third row seat is a good optional feature especially when that seat folds down flat to the floor. As for safety, probably third row seat is the safest place if there is a front collision - as long as three point seat belts are available and used. Im sure third row is the worst place to be if there is a rear end collision. I guess the rear bumper and the spare tire will protect to some extend if they get the hit, which won't be a case if a bigger truck runs into a smaller highlander. Besides, the side curtain airbags don't extend up to the third row. Unfortunately, the Honda pilot, while a bigger vehicle with better engine and ride, does not have the side curtain airbags.

So, Decisions...decisions...decisions...2004 Honda Pilot or 2004 Toyota highlander ?!

donx · September 2003

With the information for MDX 2004, it DOES come with side curtain air bags for ALL three rows. But the legroom is so tight for the 3rd row in MDX.

Decisions...decisions...decisions...2004 Acura MDX or 2004 Toyota highlander ?! : )

wwest · September 2003

always put your inlaws in the 3rd row.

lawit · September 2003

I've read all the press releases Toyota has made so far on the 2004 Highlander but I haven't seen anything about any new colors. Does anybody know if there are, aren't, or when we should know for sure?

pjaatpdx1000 · September 2003

I notice a light green color on the toyota website (news releases) that was quite attractive

pjaatpdx1000 · September 2003

I neglected to say that the color was noticed in the pictues available on the website.

pjaatpdx1000 · September 2003

In reviewing the pictures on the Toyota website, it looks like the second seat does not fold flat to the floor, although the third seat does. Is this correct?

landdriver · September 2003

From the pictures it indeed does appear that the second row seats do not fold flat. In the current Highlander ('03 and earlier), the seats do not fold perfectly flat, but they fold significantly flatter than is indicated in the pictures. Perhaps this is a result of the addition of the sliding mechanism to the second-row seats which allows access to the third row.

steveb84 · September 2003

040 - Super White
1C0 - Millennium Silver
202 - Black
3Q3 - Salsa Red Pearl (replaces Sundown Red)
4R3 - Sonora Gold Pearl (replaces Vintage Gold)
6T5 - Oasis Green Pearl (replaces Electric Green)
8N6 - Bluestone Metallic
8P4 - Indigo Ink Pearl

cmcardle · September 2003

As the owner of both vehicles, I'll give you my impressions. I have an 02 AWD Limited HL and an 03 AWD Pilot EX-L... major difference in the trim levels is the Pilot has a DVD player.

I bought the HL last February as my wife was about to have our first baby, and the 2 Civics we were driving obviously weren't going to cut it as cargo vehicles. I thought the HL was a good compromise between the big SUVs I liked (Sequoia in particular) and my wife who wanted the elusive "smaller car that holds a lot of stuff".

We drove it, and I was told "this is the biggest car I ever want to drive, but it's nice." OK, the HL it is. We have really liked the vehicle, but there are times when I wished it was a little bigger.

Then the Pilot came out, and in my opinion, they shamelessly copied the HL, but just made everything 5% to 20% bigger. A couple inches longer, wider and taller, little bigger motor, one more gear in the tranny, etc.

This summer we went to test the Pilot, and I fully expected to hear "this is too big", since the HL was "the biggest car...", but she liked it. I liked the extra room, and the fact that it has the 3rd row. We don't use it that often, but the 3 or 4 times we have, it's been a very nice bonus.

I would make the analogy between the Camry (HL) and the Avalon (Pilot). They are similar animals, but the one is just a little bigger in every respect. As for options, features and trim, there are differences... it's just a matter of what's important to you. Both have my unqualified recommendation, just go check 'em out.

kazoo3 · September 2003

Is there a new engine in both the 2004 V6 and the 4 cylinder? If there is, does that eliminate the need for concern about oil gelling for both of them?

michaellno · September 2003

....100+ posts, just to get a feel for what is being said on this board.

Here's our situation. We've got an '02 Explorer that is coming off lease next May. We feel that we need to have a vehicle with 4WD or AWD, and the wife likes the "high-up-ed-ness" (don't ask) of an SUV. Minivans are out.

We're looking at pretty much everything under $40K. She tends to gravitate towards "macho" looking SUV's (think Xterra, Durango), while I think that something more car-like would be a better fit for her. She sat in a HL once and commented that the interior seemed "too minivan like".

Have been encouraged by the changes mentioned for the '04 HL (the 3.3L engine and 5-speed tranny, specifically). But, when I heard that the 3rd row seats would be standard with the Limited model, my enthusiasm waned considerably. Our Explorer has the 3rd row option, and while it's nice to have about twice a year, we really don't think we need it for our next vehicle.

So, as asked in a post above, will it be possible to get an '04 HL Limited V6 withOUT the 3rd row seat?

Toyota Highlander

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy