Used 2002 Toyota Highlander Consumer Reviews
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Cool car
Silas Kurz, 09/23/2023
2002 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
275,000 miles, still runs like new
great car/suv
chocolate, 08/07/2002
2002 Toyota Highlander 2WD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had this suv for almost one week, I was looking at the Madza Tribute and the Isuzu Rodeo.This is by far a superior suv to the above two. The ride is incredible and I got a great price, even under the price on Edmunds.This is like riding in the Lexus RX300.
2002 Toyota Highlander for sale near you
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A Highlander in NYC
Len K, 03/24/2002
2002 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love my Highlander. It's comfortable, convenient and reliable. The 6Cyl version has enough kick to get on to the BQE (or any other express way), but the 4 Cyl. needs more power. The ride is smooth even on unpaved roads and NYC beatup highways. Inconvenient elbow rests. They are too close to the driver's body and height is not adjustable. The cup holders without the center console can hold a 1 liter bottle, but the center console has small, inconvenient cup holders. The center console could be higher for more storage space and more functionality. The fog lamps switch (to the left of the steering wheel) is hard to see and use. I would reccomend it to anybody without any hesitation.
Excellent Car
Shark, 06/10/2002
2002 Toyota Highlander 2WD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Very Very good Car!
Great SUV
Nick, 03/17/2008
2002 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Excellent family SUV. Plenty of leg room and storage. Great for the occasional towing of a couple of waverunners. We have enjoyed the ride and comfort this vehicle offers. Highly recommend.
Solid Crossover Vehicle
robert_ca, 03/12/2002
2002 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The HL has pretty well met my expectations; it has a clean classic styling, a powerful smooth V6, great handling/breaking and no noticeable body roll, almost car like ride. The interior is comfortable with high seating positions and good visibility. There is plenty of storage throughout the vehicle with easily foldable rear seats with good cargo space in return. Overall the term CSU (Crossover Sport Utility) applies more to the Highlander than SUV, which is fine by me.
Former Xplorer - Happy Highlander
Ken & Ann, 06/11/2002
2002 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Owned 3 Explorers and driven them a total of 260,000 miles and still going. We bought my wife a Highlander and the three Explorers sit in the driveway on the weekend while everyone fights for the Highlander. Awesome ride for an SUV. We will keep one Explorer for the deep woods hunting trips. Road trips - we will choose the Highlander!
excellent
dalila, 07/25/2003
2002 Toyota Highlander 2WD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
it is very comfortable to drive
A mix of strong and weak points
Dave N., 03/20/2007
2002 Toyota Highlander 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My lease on this Highlander runs out soon and I am undecided whether I should buy it, or turn it in. It's been very reliable, with one odd recurring problem: if you don't tighten the gas cap completely, a light comes on to indicate a problem with the emission controls. To get it reset, you have to take the vehicle to a dealer! It is heavy and feels ponderous. Fuel efficiency (19 mpg) is OK for a two-ton vehicle, but acceleration is mediocre even with the V6. The seats are not very comfortable on long trips. The controls on the steering column are confusing at night. The deep, narrow console between the front seats is horrible; stuff at the bottom is impossible to reach!
better than expected
Easy, 10/15/2004
2002 Toyota Highlander 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Nice car/truck...it rides smooth,intuitive controls,no squeeks or rattles only wind noise at speeds above 50-mph.Overall the quality is so good I wish I could afford a new limited. I had leather installed after market on the seats ,doors and steering wheel,and added a chrome exhast tip and front tinted windows.The original black paint has held up nicely as well as the factory alloys.This is my 3rd Toyota,I traded in an 03 Corolla LE with 45k miles for the Highlander with no regrets .After years of GM product abuse (98 Intrigue-99 Aurora excluded)I will only buy Toyotas until I can afford the Lexus line of cars and trucks...(ps)The Highlander looks great next to my black 02 Camry SE V6
Highlander Review
E Miller, 03/05/2004
2002 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This Highlander has been all we had hoped it would be. We have an SR5 but it is more equiped than the typical Limited. It provides a refined ride with ample interior space, it feels solid and handles responsively. We don't mind making long trips in it, and performs well under harsh wintery conditions. Gas mileage has been very good for an SUV. We are very satisfied.
32K carefree driving miles
dlmoyer, 02/01/2004
2002 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
With winter driving on our new Geolander HT-S tires this SUV/car with all the safety features offered has been worth the $34K price. OEM Bridgestones were very poor in snow. High wind noise with rear windows open; but why open them? Driver side power seat great but manual front pax seat very uncomfortable for this 6 footer. Unlit interior controls a challenge at night, but then this HL just drives itself down the interstate. Very satisfied.
Fun and style all wrapped up in a SUV
Peabody, 03/03/2002
2002 Toyota Highlander Limited 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Lots of fun to drive/Plenty of spunk and handles very well/Not much road noise and the leather seats are very comfortable/Moonroof is big and great/ Plenty of leg room front and back/The optional JBL 6 disc stereo is mind blowing/sound is hard to believe with the voice coils in the upper part of the door/ have not been able to turn volume to max since there seems to be no max with no distortion whatsoever/Short on optional accessories to dress it up but the hood deflector adds a nice touch.
Would Recommend Highlander
J David, 02/08/2003
2002 Toyota Highlander Limited 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Comfortable and Reliable, would recommend a test drive.
Some Bugs - But Good
Highlander Owner, 03/01/2002
2002 Toyota Highlander 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The check engine light kept coming on (Which does not mean much in current automobiles). After three trips to the dealer they finally changed out the entire computer mother board and fixed the problem. Other than that it is an excellent car with great looks and lots of power. After test driving the Highlander all the other SUVs seemed to drive like U-Haul trucks. Definitely get the color coded fender wells, chrome tube step rails, and spoiler, or the truck will look like a minivan.
Solid and durable...
Scottywsly, 01/08/2005
2002 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is a pleasing to drive near luxury car based SUV. Has been 100% reliable. My only wish is that gas mileage was greater, and styling is a bit more sporty.
Highlander: you got to feel the ride...
Mohit, 04/12/2002
2002 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I live in Michigan, one day decided to visit a friend in Virginia. The drive was very comfortable. Didnt even feel that drive was for 16 hours. love the smoothness, style, and quality of the car.
It's a Toyota - no mistake
Toyo Fans, 05/09/2002
2002 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
It's definitely a Toyota. Very comfortable, car-like SUV. Great visibility. Smooth V-6, roomy interior (look small on the outside, extremely roomy inside, especially the rear leg room. Easy fold down rear seats (60/40). Two dislikes (suggest improvement) 1) High speed wind noise at rear seating area and when windows open, 2) and stereo system, sound is too soft for rear passengers, but to using the fader can correct problem and provide even sound front & back passengers.
Excellent, quiet and reliable
RS, 07/29/2010
2002 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Car still rides quiet (make sure to use quiet riding tires), has had very few problems that required any major work. Gives 18 city, 22 highway in Summers at speed limit. Take 10% off in CT winters. My car was built in Japan. Only brakes and scheduled maintenance work have been needed. Had engine check light come on after maintenance, but mechanic reset it at no charge. Battery needed change after 6 years. On the negative side, I the old tires wore out unevenly. Now I get them aligned annually. Great SUV. Will buy again if mileage is improved significantly without too much loss of power. This SUV still looks modern in styling and finish.
Good car
Highlanderfan, 11/02/2003
2002 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Now have over 20,000 miles on our Highlander and still love it. We also own a Lexus LS400 but always take the Highlander on trips. Not sure why, but just seem to prefer the Highlander. Is it perfect? No, but it really is a nice road car. Handles well, power is decent and has plenty of room for the two of us. Negatives: too much road noise for "limited" type vehicle. Should have power passenger seat. Would be nice to have opening rear window. Sound system could definitely be improved.
Used 2002s Are Awesome!!
mechanicsrule923, 02/13/2009
2002 Toyota Highlander 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I currently own two 2002 models - one with 110,000 miles, the other with 170,000. And they're still perfect! Toyota did it right with these models. The interior is still modern by today's standards. And the 3.0L V6 is a beast! It runs so smoothly and quietly; and yet it is extremely powerful and responsive. We've never had a problem - no leaks, no noises, no dysfunctions. I've replaced typical parts: tires, air filters, oil, bulbs, etc. and it runs like new! The parts are easy to find and cheap, too! My other cars are at least $60,000 each; but the $14,000 I spent on each of these Highlanders was much better spent! If you find one, buy it!
So Proud I Picked The Real Winner
NationwideDriver, 07/07/2002
2002 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I'm recently retired at a fairly young age with a goal of trying to see most all areas of our wonderful country. I had the luxury of evaluating and personally test driving 27 vehicles I felt had potential to be the best. The Highlander was chosen. Son of a gun, turns out I made a perfect choice! She's wonderful! She's spectacularly satisfying. A quality and truly reliable trooper, as well proven after many miles of often very challenging driving conditions.
Only paid for consumables, so far
Allen Grayson, 03/03/2022
2002 Toyota Highlander Limited 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I don't have to get up or get down to enter or leave the car. Very high reliability.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Sold
Cody Beilman, 03/08/2017
updated 03/08/2018
2002 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Nice little car. I was pleasantly surprised that it had as much pep as it did. Great off road and in snowy conditions. Smooth ride, ok MPG. Sold it, lost a lot of value in 5 yrars.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
A great Utility vehicle
amukunda, 04/02/2002
2002 Toyota Highlander 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
A really good blend of truck, car and minivan. Best suited for on-road use as a family hauler.
Very Overrated
ggilliom, 01/07/2003
2002 Toyota Highlander 2WD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
We've owned a Highlander for about a year and a half, and overall, I'm disappointed. I hate the soft steering - it's hard to drive straight at highway speeds. And it's not very quiet at high speeds. If you put down *any* window, you get the vibration/roar people talk about. The seats are unsupportive, and the seat bottoms are very short. I'm 6-feet tall, and my back aches after driving for more than an hour. Nearly as bad as my wife's old RAV-4. The stock stereo is TERRIBLE. The back tonneau cover is heavy and badly designed -- must be handled *very* carefully to avoid bumping/scratching the interior or cargo. Lousy dealer, too.
I had the bad one
hong wang, 09/30/2002
2002 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
At the begining, I was really happy with the SUV. And two weeks later, I noticed my garage floor had fluids.Went to the dealer and they found out the transmission fluid was leaking and replaced seal. A few months later, I drove the car with sun roof little open and it was raining. A few hours later, water started dripping from inside right above both driver and passanger windows. Dealer found out the drainage pipe was broken inside of the car. I also installed the hood protector. If I drive the car over 45mph, the wind noise is so high that it hurts your ear. Finally I have to use tape to seal the gap between the protector and the hood.
Great car, not truck
jpark, 02/21/2002
2002 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Test drove the HL V-6 and was very impressed with its car-like features. The V-6 was strong and spunky. Good acceleration and smooth transition. Seats were comfortable and headroom was luxurious. Its eccentric interior design was great. It is unique and unlike any other car that I've seen.
Don't buy for Stereo
PGIL, 08/08/2002
2002 Toyota Highlander 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
Vehicle runs good, but engine noise heard through speakers. Toyota not standing behind audio system. Says good as it gets. $35,000+ auto with upgraded stereo has engine interference? This problem went away in the 80's, now its back? Won't buy another Toyota, based on their unwillingness to stand behind vehicle.
Roomy, reliable, ponderous gas-hog
AZDave, 09/15/2007
2002 Toyota Highlander 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
After five years and 27,000 miles, I have mixed feelings about our 2002 Highlander. Like all Toyotas it has been super-reliable, and maintenance has cost less than $600 including one pair of tires. However, even with the V6 engine this vehicle is fairly sluggish and gets about 16-17 mpg around town and 20-22 mpg on the highway. Handling is secure but feels ponderous. There is a bewildering array of levers protruding from the steering column. The storage compartment between the two front seats is horrible: narrow and deep, with a two-part cover that jams easily. The seats are only semi-comfortable on long trips. OK if you need an SUV, I guess, but nothing to get excited about.
Gas mileage?
donna, 03/26/2002
2002 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
I won a 99 RX300 and 01 Pathfinder.My husband is not very happy with the large blind spot or the gas mileage on the PF and wants to sell it and get possibly a Highlander.What is the mileage you owners are getting? What did you pay for a loaded Ltd edition? I'm in NY. Thanks.
fun to drive if only....
soverdi, 07/09/2002
2002 Toyota Highlander 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
....they offered it with a third seat.
GREAT S.U.V.
robert henry , 03/01/2009
2002 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought this suv brand new in 2002, I just replaced timing belt, did not need too, belts, hoses, fluids, sparkplugs at 90,000, replaced brake pads at 70,000 overall this is the best s. U. V. We bought. My wife will not give this one up.
Testemonial to the rear end !
Nor Cal Highlander , 07/10/2002
2002 Toyota Highlander Limited 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my Highlander 1yr 3 mos, 20,000+ miles & I've loved every mile & every minute ! I was recently Rear- ended at a stop light, the other driver was stopped but decided it was time to go without the green light, he hit us hard enough to throw us a few feet forward. Expecting to get out and see quite a bit of damage, I was surprised to see a few minor scratches. To my astonishment that was exactly ALL that the toyota dealership & the repair shop found ! So KUDOS to the Highlander's fabulous Rear End !
Smooth SUV
cal1951, 04/25/2002
2002 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great first SUV. If you want security of 4WD, but not the rough ride or truck like feel of most of the SUVs on the market, this is the vehicle to test drive. Both my wife & I are comfortable driving and riding in it. Not as much interior storage as some of the other SUVs, but nicely laid out and finished.
Truck or Car
ravenjred, 05/18/2002
2002 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned 2 previous toyotas and loved them both. I had to get out of my Solara due to back problems. When I first drove the highlander I couldn't tell that I was in a truck, it drove so much like a car. I have had the highlander since November and I absolutely love it. It is worth the extra money for the limited, it looks alot nicer and I love the leather. It drives much nicer than the 4-runner and since it is built on a Lexus chassis, it is great for my back. There is nothing I don't love about this truck. Outstanding value, superb ride and Toyota quality. I would buy another one tomorrow.
A Real Winner
Heather H., 07/12/2002
2002 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought one last month and love it. Love the exterior design and the interior design. Did well in the crash test ratings which is important to me as a parent. Love the height and angle at which the radio and controls are. The back doors are full-size; no bonking your head trying to get into the back of this SUV. It is so fun to drive, although I have difficulty seeing past the headrest when backing up. Never had that problem with any vehicle. Just something to get used to.
Pretty sweet ride
Creid102, 05/23/2002
2002 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive with a surprisingly powerful engine
Love this vehicle
Linda Paul, 05/28/2002
2002 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We have owned our Highlander for just over a month. We can honestly say this is the best vehicle we have ever owned. We absolutely love to drive it. It is absolutely a gorgeous looking SUV. Love the comfort and ride and handling. It has wonderful get up and go and great visibilty. My husband is tall and he loves the leg room. We haven't found one single thing wrong with this vehicle - even our gas mileage has been good considering we drive up and down hills all day - 20.5 on first tank - haven't taken it on a real trip yet. Also, Magnussens Toyota is wonderful dealershp to deal with.
Great Car-Rides Smooth
Tiffini, 07/15/2002
2002 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love Toyota cars! This is my third Toyota. The Highlander is a very attractive and smooth riding SUV.
I love it!
jonny, 07/19/2002
2002 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great vehicle, buy two
April 27,2002
Indyboy, 04/28/2002
2002 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just the best car/suv I have ever owned...prior suv's..2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2000 Dodge Dorango. Other car BMW 740IL. Very happy with this pusrchase. The vehicle is a perfect fit for the 2 child family...very good alternative to a minivan.
Simply the Best
Bags, 07/23/2002
2002 Toyota Highlander 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've been looking at purchasing a SUV to replace our family van for the last year. I have test drove and rented most of them to my disappointment. Poor handling, shoddy workmanship, lousy fuel mileage etc. But after trying in vain to purchase a Honda Pilot I came across the Highlander. The best move I have ever made was to test drive and go with the FWD 6 clylinder. Great looks, great gas mileage,handles like a dream and a nice sun roof. Who could ask for anything more.
Oh, what a feeling!!!
raprider, 07/27/2002
2002 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my first Toyota, and my first SUV, but if they keep building them like this, it will not be my last! I haven't a single complaint after about 4 months of ownership.
Another Great Toyota
WAGS, 06/03/2002
2002 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Another great Toyota. A Lexus in blue jeans or a Camry on steroids. The interior layout is great with plenty of front and rear leg room as well as plenty of space side to side. The thing drives spectacularly smooth with good acceleration. A nice addition to our collection of Toyotas.
Sound System Inferior
First Toyota, 08/02/2002
2002 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
All mechanical components seem to be ok. Premium radio system has noticable noise out of driver's side tweeter. Over 5 attempts to fix problem still no solution. Speaker, radio unit, and amplifier have been changed. Toyota has no solution proposed. Speaker noise exists on am, fm and cd settings. Very frustrating.
My Highlander
Nelson, 08/03/2002
2002 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I found the Highlander to be an excellant mid size SUV. I replaced a 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Highlander is far superior than the Jeep in style, comfort & reliability. There is enough room in the back for 2 child car seats & the leather seating in the limited is very comfortable. In the 7500 miles that I have owned the car (7 months) I am very pleased with all aspects of the car.
Loaded Highlander Limited
Tony B., 04/03/2002
2002 Toyota Highlander Limited 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have now had my 2002 Highlander Limited for 1 week and am absolutely impressed with the ride, build quality and performance of this car. Six months ago I traded our '99 Lexus RX300 for another car for my wife. The Highlander is our second car and I see many similarities between it and the RX300. This truely surpised me considering a new RX will cost around $40k and I paid invoice of $29k for my Highlander! I cannot say enough good things about the 2002 Highlander Limited!
Comfort and Security, but....
cageym, 04/08/2002
2002 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Despite careful break-in period, good maintenance and conservative driving, the gas mileage is worse than anticipated. Otherwise the comforts are there, fit an finish great, and winter handling impressive.
Highlander Mom
mom londen, 04/30/2002
2002 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If you are looking for a safe, reliable, smooth handling vehicle that can get you through the occasional snowstorm, this is the car for you!