2003 toyota Highlander

2003 Toyota Highlander: Presented early in the 2001 model year, the car-based Highlander is the fifth-- and also latest-- member of Toyota's sport utility vehicle lineup. It is structurally related to the Lexus RX 300, yet the Highlander is a little bigger as well as has a various squared-off look. Fender folds are prominent on the Highlander, and fewer functions are typical than on the RX 300, which is significantly a lot more expensive. Both versions are supplied with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), but the Highlander could be equipped with a four-cylinder engine or a V-6.

2003 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander is slightly longer and 5 inches broader than the truck-based 4Runner. It assures SUV flexibility with carlike ride and handling. Like the RX 300, the Highlander uses an unconventional gear selector for the transmission, which protrudes from the reduced dashboard. Toyota expected to sell regarding 70,000 systems every year, yet Automotive News reports sales of 86,699 Highlanders during 2001-- that represents quite an excellent debut season. Little is likely to alter for 2003, however Toyota has actually not yet launched details regarding the upcoming version year.

Outside

Despite styling differences between the Highlander and also RX 300, both designs share the exact same standard design. The Highlander flights a 106.9-inch wheelbase and also extends 184.4 inches long generally-- that's 4 inches longer in both measurements than the RX 300. The four-door SUV is fitted with a rear liftgate and actions 71.9 inches large as well as nearly 68 inches high. Along with prominent fender creases, the Highlander showcases squared-off designing instead of slanted roof pillars like those located on the RX 300.

Inside

Sitting for 5 owners includes two front pail seats as well as a split, folding rear bench that holds three. The automatic-transmission lever installs at a strange angle listed below the dashboard, which is really a practical area. The Highlander and also RX 300 dashboards have similar layouts, however the Toyota design has different audio as well as environment controls.

Under the Hood

Both the 155-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and the 220-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 were borrowed from the Camry car and also group with a four-speed-automatic transmission. The Highlander is offered with FWD or completely engaged AWD, which has no Reduced range. A limited-slip rear differential is optional.

Security

Antilock brakes as well as Brake Help are typical. Alternatives include seat-mounted side-impact airbags as well as Car Skid Control, Toyota's electronic security system.

Driving Impressions

An incredibly smooth flight coupled with confident as well as qualified handling are the peaks of the Highlander image. Rarely does this SUV lose its composure, even when the sidewalk gets rather harsh. Body roll is marginal in fairly limited contours-- reasonably. The Highlander is incredibly simple to drive, and also it has simply the ideal guiding feeling and also a well balanced feeling on the highway.

Velocity is strong from a dead stop, yet an additional push on the pedal could be needed at midrange speeds, which can produce some clumsiness or unpleasant sound at times. Similarities to the RX 300 are extra obvious on the Highlander's interior, which is led by the distinctly located gearshift bar.

Tweet