Countless family-oriented used vehicle shoppers are sold on Toyota’s promise of reliability and resale value. If you’re one of them, you might be considering the last-generation Highlander SUV as your next family ride.
This car-based family hauler was sold to us Canadians in the 2001 through 2007 model years, before a complete re-vamp for 2008. The first Highlander generation offered a bit of something for everyone, including available V6 power and four wheel drive.
Like many competitors in its marketplace, Highlander offered flexible seating for five or seven, a tall, commanding driving position, plenty of storage, and a sense of all-weather driving confidence. Four wheel drive was available, though the Highlander isn’t designed for serious off-road use.
Initially, Highlander was offered in a four or six-cylinder model with an automatic transmission. Base models got a 2.4 litre engine, front wheel drive and a four-speed autobox.
A 3.0 litre, 220 horsepower V6 was available with a five-speed automatic and intelligent four wheel drive. Engine output rose for 2004—with 160 horsepower from the four-banger a new 3.3 litre, 230 horsepower V6.
If you’re interested in a four-cylinder Highlander for fuel savings, you’ll have to shop for a pre-2005 model. Additionally, after 2005, the V6 was de-rated slightly to 215 horsepower.
When shopping used, look for features like an upgraded JBL stereo system, leather seating, automatic climate control, a CD changer, wood trim, a digital compass and a rear-seat heater system. Antilock brakes, stability control and a full selection of airbags were also standard or available-- depending on the model in question.
Note that shoppers after all the toys should shop for a Highlander with the ‘Limited’ designation, which was reserved for the top-line models.
Owners typically say they were drawn to the Highlander initially for its promise of reliability and quality. Some years later, most say they’ve enjoyed a comfortable ride, good visibility, decent mileage and plenty of space. One owner online said her Highlander was a ‘just right’ size, easy to manoeuvre, and easy to board and exit.
This car-based family hauler was sold to us Canadians in the 2001 through 2007 model years, before a complete re-vamp for 2008. The first Highlander generation offered a bit of something for everyone, including available V6 power and four wheel drive.
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| 2006 Toyota highlander |
Like many competitors in its marketplace, Highlander offered flexible seating for five or seven, a tall, commanding driving position, plenty of storage, and a sense of all-weather driving confidence. Four wheel drive was available, though the Highlander isn’t designed for serious off-road use.
Initially, Highlander was offered in a four or six-cylinder model with an automatic transmission. Base models got a 2.4 litre engine, front wheel drive and a four-speed autobox.
A 3.0 litre, 220 horsepower V6 was available with a five-speed automatic and intelligent four wheel drive. Engine output rose for 2004—with 160 horsepower from the four-banger a new 3.3 litre, 230 horsepower V6.
If you’re interested in a four-cylinder Highlander for fuel savings, you’ll have to shop for a pre-2005 model. Additionally, after 2005, the V6 was de-rated slightly to 215 horsepower.
When shopping used, look for features like an upgraded JBL stereo system, leather seating, automatic climate control, a CD changer, wood trim, a digital compass and a rear-seat heater system. Antilock brakes, stability control and a full selection of airbags were also standard or available-- depending on the model in question.
Note that shoppers after all the toys should shop for a Highlander with the ‘Limited’ designation, which was reserved for the top-line models.
Owners typically say they were drawn to the Highlander initially for its promise of reliability and quality. Some years later, most say they’ve enjoyed a comfortable ride, good visibility, decent mileage and plenty of space. One owner online said her Highlander was a ‘just right’ size, easy to manoeuvre, and easy to board and exit.
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| 2005 Toyota highlander |