Used 2002 Toyota Highlander Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
One of the best cars I've ever owned
Bought this car new in '02 and have put over 260,000 miles on it and don't regret the purchase ever and would consider buying another '02 Highlander to replace it (with fewer miles, of course, maybe 150,000 if I could afford it). Has never let us down. Vehicles like this justify Toyota's "can't kill 'em" reputation, not to mention the loyalty of long-term Toyota owners (bought my first one in '71). [Update] - At 273,000 miles, my opinion hasn’t changed. Have had to replace a few parts that most cars don’t live long enough to need, but “fair wear & tear” is fair. Still love the car, still think it’s the best ever.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Keeps going
I purchased this car with 72,000 miles on it. I have 130,000 with no major problems. Get around 23 MPG over all. Runs good for only having a 4 cyl. I would buy another.
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $8,99465 mi away
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $10,00078 mi away
- Limited 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,999306 mi away
It finally died at 230K miles
I bought my blue Highlander from the dealership, I was the 2nd owner. I got it at 59,000 miles and it just died on my about a month ago at 230,000+ miles. I absolutely loved this car. I previously owned a Toyota 4Runner (V6) and loved that car too, had it at college and it was a great, safe vehicle that I used to pile my college friends into when we went out. I was constantly on the highway with a lead foot and never had a problem with that. I didn't expect that much from the Highlander but I found out, it was just as reliable at the 4Runner but with a smoother ride. I never had an issue with the engine, but I maintain my cars very well. Also, this Highlander got me through 4 blizzards in the DC/MD/VA area without an issue, and I never hesitated to take it out on the snowy roads, it was actually pretty fun. Car had an awesome amount of get up and go and loved to "race" faster cars who would sleep on me at the light. Lol. My car engine died and I am still not willing to give it up. It just got a brand new battery and four new tires before it died. I plan on finding a new engine eventually and keeping it for my son to drive when he's ready.
- Safety
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
New to toyota
First let me say I didn't want this car but we bought it because it was in our price range. It had 77,000 miles when purchased. I am happy to say it grew on me over the past 2 yrs. Great fuel usage (400+ to the tank), low maintenance cost and reliability. Ours has 135,000 miles and the drivetrain is still strong! I have the 4 cylinder And it drives like a six cylinder Interior is durable and shows very little wear (even with the dogs) easy to clean and the paint still looks good.
200k Miles on Mine!
I bought this car new in 2002 and now have 200,000 miles on it, which to me is amazing. I've owned a couple of Toyotas in the past (Celica, Corolla, Camry), but this one has lasted the longest. No problems except AC knob broke last year and cost $900 to repair/replace (had to remove dash to replace a knob? That doesn't make sense to me). I know it's on borrowed time, so am looking to replace soon....Also own a 2008 HL limited, but I like this "original" better.
Love my Highlander!
We bought our 2002 dark green 4 cyl Highlander new, and it now has 353,800 miles on it! We have replaced the catalytic converters, A/C knob, and just recently, the timing chain. The car still looks great inside and out. When (if!) it ever dies, I'll buy another one. We have always owned Toyotas because they are so dependable and low-maintenance, but this is the best one ever.
Bad Engine!
"We bought our Highlander four years ago and have loved it til now. It seems there are a batch of Toyota 6cyl engines with bad valve seals. Toyota was repairing these engines until 2010. They absolve themselves after a vehicle is 8 years old. We bought our Highlander in 2010 with only 87000mi. It now has 133000mi. Now in the last six months the engine consumes large quantities of oil. The symptom of these engines with bad seals is they consume oil when driven at highway speeds. A service mgr at the local Toyota dealer confirmed this valve seal problem when I described the pattern of oil consumption, a $2700. repair at the dealer if it is still repairable! the six seals cost $6 each!" -I wrote the review above four years ago and we still have our '02 Highlander. We have not fixed the valve seal problem but live with it. It seems only to be an issue on the highway during which it will consume a quart of oil with each tank of gas! Other than that it is a great vehicle.. We have had few maintenance problems and is incredibly reliable and worry free. Fuel economy is not great, high teens around town and barely over 20 mpg on the highway but i believe this is in line with every other suv of this era. i have to praise Toyota for the durability of the suspension which is still firm and tight and holding up much better than other cars I have owned. If not for the valve seal issue I would rate this vehicle 5+stars!
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
4-cylinder Review
This car is pure joy. The 4-cylinder has more than enough power, and you save $1,500 + better gas mileage. The quality is great, same as other Toyotas. At first, I had a hard time spending $26k for this car compared to buying a Camry or Accord, but now I'm glad I did. The utility and extra space this vehicle affords is well worth the difference.
Best Vehicle I've Ever Owned
Originally was going to get an '02 4-Runner but the Highlander had better interior space and ride. Changing my mind was the best purchase decision I ever made. I now have 114,000 miles with ZERO repairs, just maintenance when it's due. The 'check engine' light came on once and it was due to a vacuum hose coming loose. Correct that in about 10 minutes. Replaced that original battery after 8 years even though it was still working fine even at -10 degrees, figured I would really be pushing my luck by going longer than that. Still running with original suspension components and rear brakes. Front brakes have been replaced once and the rotors resurfaced. Wish I had gotten auto-dim mirror
Great car! Original owner
Great car! original owner...Wish it had 3rd row seats...the newer models do. I am looking at upgrading to a newer model of the same car, so that tell you how great of a car. I probably will not trade in or resale this one though.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Problem Solved Early
After owning the car a few years, my check engine light would come on and go off. The service manager recommended that I do the cat. converter because it seemed that it was going out and I only had about 15,000 miles before my warranty was up. I think this is problem with some of the Highlanders. And yes, the heater/air is acting up.
Extremely Reliable, a Little Outdated
I currently own a 2002 Toyota Highlander limited in black. (not 4X4) This by far is the best vehicle I have owned. I made a risk purchasing this vehicle uncertified from a chevy dealer. This vehicle listed for $10,000. They must have wanted to get full market value for it and just get it out of there because they dropped the price to $8,000 With 82,000 miles on it in 2017. After I purchased the vehicle (I advise you never do this.) I showed my highly experienced mechanic What I bought. HE LOVED IT. He said the car was in excellent shape. He told me the only thing I would have to expect to do to the vehicle is the radiator. It was brown but had no minor cracks in it so he said I should check it every time I get an oil change so I can change it when I start seeing cracks. He also told me, AND I RED BAD REVIEWS ABOUT THIS CAR BECAUSE PEOPLE DON'T DO THEIR RESEARCH OR HAVE SKILLED MECHANICS LIKE I DO. That, because this vehicle has a TIMING BELT after 120,000 miles you should have it replaced before it becomes an issue. Now, this vehicle only has 82,000 miles at this point. so that gave me plenty of time to prepare Myself for this expected maintenance. now it is 2020 I saved my money. As soon as I saw minor cracks in the radiator My mechanic retired. So I went to one he referred and I fixed the radiator. By the time the highlander hit 130,000 miles I had traveled only to and from work. the Air conditioner went out. So now I had an ac that I could only blow hot air out of, and the whole center console went dark. I figured this is a great time to get the timing belt done. Why did the AC go out? It is typical of these vehicles to do this. Toyota made a big mistake with the sadering in the center council. this is common and to be expected. so when he fixed the ac he also fixed the timing belt, all of the bushings and my front brakes (I fixed the rear first cuz I was broke and they were squeaky) For only $1,300 I even told him to find anything else wrong with it because I had the money to do it. But he couldn't find anything else. the only problem coming out of the repair is toyota doesn't make the crystal info displays anymore so now its faded. So now my highlander can go another 120,000 miles with NO ISSUES. I love this car because I expected everything that happened to it before it became a bigger issue. So if you need a cheap car you can predict it's maintenance then buy the highlander. If you don't want to do that. buy the newer one with a timing chain. What to expect when looking for one. If the vehicle has more than 120,000 miles on it. ask them if the timing belt has been changed. Than ask a mechanic to inspect weather it has been done properly. Aswell in some the info display may fade. So find one with low miles if you want that info display (its really not important though) as well if the AC goes bad it's most likely the sadering that went bad and it's an easy do it yourself if you can sader. or a pricy fix if you have someone do it. Aside form that I have had 0 unexpected issues with the vehicle. All I have invested in this vehicle is $1,300 I knew I would invest on this extremely reliable Toyota. Outdated wise, would be the 6 disc changer is broken Its still holding on to my Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, and Beyonce CDS. Ugh what will I ever do as a 30 year old gay male! mp3 adapter! I advise you unplug them as soon as you shut off the vehicle. Body style is great! I have a stainless steel step bar and blacked out badges and smoked out tailights. I love the flared fenders! they go great with my fat offroad Hercules tires MMMM... I plan on driving this thing as long as I can. When I'm done with it I'll pass it on to a family member and purchase a new model with a panoramic sunroof, AWD, and captains chairs! My Instagram Garrett47 check it out there.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great SUV
It has 185,000 miles and it Still running good. Obviously his SUV is gonna last me a long time since it’s a Toyota. I just hope it will last me to 500,000 miles.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Excelent SUV
I had Pathfinder, but THIS is something else. You don't expect from exterior the quality of the ride nor the luxurios interior. Limited with leather and V6 is worth every penny, comfort, space and the drive feeling is a pleasure. I bought five new cars and a SUV in the past 18 years and four of them Toyota but is this TOP. Treat yourself...get one. No I'm not a salesmen, I'm a graphic artist. After all it is a TOYOTA. I wish domestic auto makers learn something and bring the honor and the excelence of auto making back to USA.
2002 Highlander
This is my 3rd and last Toyota as the reliability has been just plain awful. I've had constant interior rattles and now my instrument cluster is dead, as are two air to fuel sensors. I'm only 2k out of warranty and the dealer along with Toyota said 'Too Bad', even though it's always been dealer serviced. Having a $1200 repair at just over 3 years of age while being just 2k out of warranty is unacceptable. Who ever heard of an instrument cluster dying at just 3 years of age!
Simply Irresistable!
This is a wonderful car. I bought mine brand new and I now have 79,000 miles on it. It has never needed anything other than a new battery and one new set of tires. I changed my tires to Toyo as I think they handle better. I treat my cars good and have the oil changed every 3,000 miles. It looks great, but better yet it runs great. That's the thing about Toyota's. They just run. I hate cars that break down constantly on the side of the road, and it's never even a consideration with this car. I expect to have some expense around 90,000. Timing chain and anything else it needs. I did have the front brakes done recently. Buy this car! You won't regret it.
160,000 miles - still going strong
Our 2002 has 160,000 miles on it and has been a very reliable vehicle. I do all of my own routine maintenence work, and filers, plugs, etc., are easily accessible. The engine and auto trans still run like brand new - does not use any oil between changes, has never needed any internal engine or trans work - and never had any problems with any major components. We live on a rough gravel road, and the suspension was starting to feel a bit lose at 150,000 miles - I installed new struts, link rods, ball joints, bushings, etc. and it is back to feeling very "tight". The Idle Control Valve became dirty and caused stalling problems, but once I cleaned it problem went away.
One year latter
Typical Toyota product. You can spend thousands more and not get better fit, finish and dependability. The only reason it wasn't rated any higher is that it is still an SUV and can't compare in shear joy of driving with a sport sedan or sports car. For an SUV it comes as close as any I've dirven. Handles as if it were much smaller and lighter. The only preceived weakness is in numb steering feed back, and the crapy tires that come with it.
Solid vehicle
My Highlander has been driven mostly around town, with at least one long drive (1,000+ miles) each year. Other than oil changes and normal recommended maintenance, I have not spent a dime (new tires at 39K miles).
stupendous
It was the most fabulous suv I have ever driven and the people at autofair toyota were the most helpful, knowledgeable, fair priced and best people I have ever had the privledge of doing buisness with.
Best I've Had
We bought this SUV after a lot of research. It seemed to have what we were looking for in a family car. We have had it for almost three years and love it. We use either 89 or 93 octane fuel and consistently get 23-24 mpg in city and highway. The seats are not as comfy as my old Ford Ranger when it comes to long trips (3+ hrs) but they are fine for normal travel. It handles like a nice car. We really love everything about this car and have no major complaints. We would recommend considering one to anyone who asks. We did wish it was a little cheaper at the time of purchase, but we figured we will get what we pay for. Our Highlander is a keeper.
Toyota is a joke
bought new in 12/03, took on trip over 1000 miles to ky and back to va. I was never more happy to get out of the worst seats, I have ever been in, in a car/suv. I always thought Toyota was a great car but now know better, seats are too small and hard as a rock, no support to the side and the lumbar is worthless. The metal in this car is very thin and sounds like a tin can when you hit a bump in the road. I will be happy when we can unload this car on someone that is in love with so called Toyota quality and resale value.
Oops! It's missing a few things
Missing things taken for granted in top trim lines;Auto dim rear view mirror; compass;more features/info on travel computer;tonneau cover vibrates with sun roof open;at price, better tires. Still trying to figure out cruise control;O/D lock-out button engaged accidently;Delivered with drift-left (tire pressure).That's it after 2 mo. GOOD STUFF:Great fit & finish inside/out;excelent paint;Front seats (leather)very comfortable,good adjustment range; very happy with premium radio/cd system.Good gas mileage 21-22 city,31 hwy.Don't need a Town&Country mini-van anymore but like the seating height & car-like drive,'some'extra room for vacationing? This vehicle is just right.
love it!
You can not find a better car / suv than toyota highlander, It's make by lexus, good quality all around. best car /suv i have ener had. Drive one and you'll love it. better than BMW m5.
2002 Highlander Review
We purchased the Highlander 6 years ago after much research. We moved to the city so this is our only car which does it all. It was an excellent buy and have not had a major problem, worst thing to happen was heater switch had to be repaired for $350. Highly recommend. We have a 2WD V6 which we both feel handles great and gets 20MPG in city and 24 on road with 87 octane. Drives just like a car. We buy cars that last and drive them till they die. Our next car will be a Hybrid Highlander but it may be a while before this one quits!
Love my Highlander
Excellent comfort and driving control. Enjoy driving it in town and on the highway. Yes there is typical Toyota wind noise on the highway but can talk above it or turn up the sound system.
Brand New Family Buys the Highlander
Test drove both the 4-cylinder and the V6. Would have liked the V6, but living in Houston (read: FLAT) made the 4-cyl a nice choice, especially with the gas mileage and the $1500 price difference. Also, the 4-cyl is bigger and has more power than you might expect. So far the Highlander has been perfect for our new family of three. VERY roomy, VERY quiet, and VERY comfortable. Haven't had the wind problems that others have mentioned, but its not overly windy down on the Gulf Coast. Even with the carseat in the back row, there is ample space for 2 more adults, plus our 90# Labrador in the cargo area (my advice: buy the cargo mat for the back!).
Love My Toyota
I bought this with 15,000 miles on it and it has 116,000 on it now and never had any problems with it, I guess its time to change the plugs other than that, I will be looking for a newer one soon and getting a nice resale on this one.
Endless Rattling
I had bought this car used at a local dealership with 10k miles on it. After a few months, I had started to notice some minor rattling coming from the trunk area. I had brought it back to the dealership and they claimed to have replaced some clips. Still rattles. A few months later, I bought it to another dealership for the recall and again complained about the rattle. They added some foam, but the noise is still there. Over the years, more rattling started to appear from the dash and trunk. It's beginning to sound like my old 1984 Supra. At least the car is reliable. Hasn't broken down once.
This IS the one!
We Test drove all the Mid-Size SUVs and drove the Highlander last because the Toyota dealer never had any in stock. As soon as I closed the door for the test drive, I knew this was the one. This car/suv is so well built! 4- cylinder is enough if you don't tow.
best car I ever had
Toyota highlander is the best car / suv I had ever had; I had honda accord, vw, mazda, ford, acura integra and TL 3.2; but nothing like highlander; the quilty the drive, the look. It's the lexus make toyota; enjoyed this car very much. if you thinking of buying a car or suv, you owe to you self to check this one out, about 30k!
Comport to drive is below average
I just bought my Highlander few months ago, so far its okey but i am not really satisfied with the "Fun to drive" Toyota is claiming. Its a little sluggish when the motor is cold and the cargo area is not that big for SUV.The back seat is very small for tall person (im 6`3 tall) I will give this car 4 out of 10.Wish i bought a Honda SUV.
Disappointed long time Toyota owner
The vehicle started out OK with no issues. By the time 70,000 miles rolled around we had unending engine light problems which the dealer kept "fixing" by running "calibration". This held for a few months at a time until the emissions warranty ran out. Then a "surprise" quote to the tune of $1,000 for catalytic converter job! At 104,000 miles the vehicle came to a literal "grinding" halt with a $4,000 transmission repair quote from a dealer. Took it an independent reputable tranny shop that found a pinion gear roll pin that had not been installed right at the factory, had backed out and caused damage to the transmission. Claim to Toyota did nothing. I had better luck with my other Toyotas.
Would've been good. Should've.
Good car, but it does have problems. I don't know if we got a lemon, or if this is just the way this car is. We bought this car new, and since then have only put 45,000 miles on it. The engine is very noisy now, which can't be due to a bad driver. The family member that drives this is very gentle with it, making no use of the 200-some hp engine. Gas mileage is pretty poor for a Toyota, even if it is an SUV. Had to replace the blower fan and motor for the a/c 3 times already. It's starting to go out again. Original brakes are still on it and even though they don't need to be replaced anytime soon, they still emit a soft high-pitched sqeal.
don't consider another mid-size suv
We recently bought a 2002 highlander to replace a 4-door car. We wanted reliability and comfort (2 tall people) for long drives between florida and north carolina. After several SUV test drives, there is no competition. i don't ever want another car! we love it.
Toyota missed the mark on this one
The check engine light has been (and still is) on since I think day 2 of ownership. Took it to Toyota several times, the last one they stated the code is generic and represents over 500 possible problems it could be. It took 3 months just to get it to pass PA inspection, brakes/rotors replaced too many times within 70k miles of driving, the stainless steel tube at the power steering resevoir blew out, the seats are the most uncomfortable I have ever sat in, the interior is chincy looking for $26k, the engine is sluggish and noisy, weird wind noise w/ 4 windows down. This is the 2nd and probably last Toyota for us.
Love this vehicle
We went to the Toyota dealership to test the legroom in the Tundra. Not only did my son not fit in the backseat, I did not fit well in the front seat. Well, long story short, we started to leave when my wife saw the Highlander at a price we liked. It turned out to be one of those "one and only" that dealers advertise, then sell the day before the ad comes out. Only -5- weeks old, but it has been a great vehicle. Quiet, roomy, and so far very economical. Was initially hesitant on the 4cyl but really have no complaints. Hard to call it an SUV, I think of it more as a tall station wagon.
Grear Car
Bought my Highlander as certified used with 17k in 2003. Great reliability. Highly recommend if looking for dependable transportation with limited servicing. Would buy another.
Highlander 4 Matrix
The best of all is I can make turn on highway while driving 65 mph without braking and need not to worry about flip over. In the snow just hit the snow button and elec control will take over.
Not for wind
Not a bad vehicle but should come better equipped. For 28K, you only get cloth seats, power driver seat, and a moonroof. I was able to prive a Lexus RX w/ similar features at 33.5K, should have gone for that but the car was for my mom and she didn't want to pay the price difference. For little more, she would have had the leather and a 4 year warranty, oh and wood instead of that fake aluminum looking stuff on the dash.
I thought Toyotas were some of the best
I loved the vehicle. It fit me to a "T". After owning it for about 1 1/2 years I started having problems with skipping. After several mechanics looking at it, I took it to a transmission man and he found a ball bearing had broken and ground up in the transmission so I had to replace it. He said he's has several Toyotas with the same thing. In 2010 it started loosing oil but couldn't find where. The third mechanic found it had a broken oil ring on the #1 cylinder and needs a new motor. So much for Toyota.
wish I was impressed
132K miles and second time it's the catalytic converter. Additionally, for a 4-cyl, I should really get better gas mileage. Need to go back to a different maker. My first and ONLY Toyota.
A winner from Toyota
My wife and I were not happy with the downsized SUV offerings.... until (drum roll please) we decided to "upscale" a tad and try out the Highlander. Comfort and ride are in a whole different class than the aforementioned mini's and with our 2wd v6 drive base model equipped with fender flares, rear spoiler, bug deflector, roof rack, four-wheel discs, reese hitch/wiring, privacy glass, 8-way power seat, keyless entry, Steller alloy wheels, and a few other goodies - well - this baby was a like a glove fit for us. (I've added McNeil WeatherFlectors and taillight covers to "butch-up" the all white Highlander....so far).
Would Recommend Highlander
Comfortable and Reliable, would recommend a test drive.
Used 2002s Are Awesome!!
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!
Some Bugs - But Good
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.
Fun and style all wrapped up in a SUV
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.
It's a Toyota - no mistake
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
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.
So Proud I Picked The Real Winner
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.