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Toyota Highlander 2003

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Toyota Highlander 2003: Introduced early in the 2001 version year, the car-based Highlander is the 5th-- and also latest-- participant of Toyota's sport utility vehicle lineup. It is structurally pertaining to the Lexus RX 300, but the Highlander is a little larger and has a various squared-off look. Fender creases project on the Highlander, and fewer attributes are common than on the RX 300, which is significantly more pricey. Both models are provided with front-wheel drive (FWD) or four-wheel drive (AWD), yet the Highlander may be geared up with a four-cylinder engine or a V-6.


Toyota Highlander 2003


The Highlander is slightly longer as well as 5 inches larger compared to the truck-based 4Runner. It guarantees SUV adaptability with carlike flight and handling. Like the RX 300, the Highlander makes use of an unconventional gear selector for the transmission, which sticks out from the reduced dashboard. Toyota expected to offer about 70,000 systems annually, but Automotive News reports sales of 86,699 Highlanders during 2001-- that signifies quite an excellent launching period. Little is likely to alter for 2003, yet Toyota has not yet released details about the upcoming version year.

Exterior

Despite styling distinctions in between the Highlander and RX 300, both models share the same standard style. The Highlander flights a 106.9-inch wheelbase and also stretches 184.4 inches long generally-- that's 4 inches much longer in both dimensions compared to the RX 300. The four-door SUV is fitted with a rear liftgate as well as actions 71.9 inches vast and also almost 68 inches high. In addition to noticeable fender creases, the Highlander showcases squared-off designing instead of slanted roofing system pillars like those located on the RX 300.

Inside

Seatsing for 5 occupants includes 2 front pail seats and also a split, folding back bench that holds 3. The automatic-transmission lever installs at an odd angle below the dashboard, which is really a convenient area. The Highlander as well as RX 300 dashboards have similar designs, however the Toyota layout has various sound and climate controls.

Under the Hood

Both the 155-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine as well as 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 available with FWD or permanently involved AWD, which has no Reduced range. A limited-slip back differential is optional.

Security

Anti-skid brakes as well as Brake Help are typical. Options include seat-mounted side-impact airbags and also Automobile Skid Control, Toyota's electronic security system.

Driving Perceptions

An exceptionally smooth trip combined with confident and also qualified handling are the high points of the Highlander photo. Rarely does this SUV lose its calmness, even when the sidewalk gets rather rough. Body roll is very little in fairly limited curves-- within reason. The Highlander is exceptionally very easy to drive, and it has just the ideal steering feeling and a balanced feeling on the highway.

Velocity is strong from a standstill, however an additional push on the pedal could be essential at midrange speeds, which can produce some awkwardness or unpleasant sound sometimes. Resemblances to the RX 300 are much more evident on the Highlander's interior, which is led by the distinctively located gearshift bar.