2001-2007 Toyota Highlander Pre-Owned

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.

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.

2005 Toyota highlander