Used 2003 Toyota Highlander Consumer Reviews
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It's a Toyota, 161,000 no issues, just keep going
Nancy, 12/27/2016
updated 06/27/2018
2003 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
9 of 12 people found this review helpful
Update, now has 187000 mi. Purchased a 2017 RAV4, but kept the 2003 Highlander. The 14yr old Highlander is yet a better car than the new RAV. More comfort, drives as well, better visibility. We should have taken a better look at the new Highlander. Downside to the 2013 and newer Highlander is it's size. Thought a RAV would be a bit smaller, but turns out the new RAV is a tiny bit larger than the 2003 Highlander. Should have looked at the completion for better comfort that the RAV does not have. This is a great car even for my short wife. Easy to maneuver, good visibility, plenty of room, decent MPG. Note that the 2003 had only a 4 sp transmission. There has been two remakes of the Highlander since each one larger than the last. We are about to upgrade and will go to a RAV 4. The current RAV 4, 2013 > are now about the same size as this earlier 2003 Highlander. In 161000 miles we have only had to have both rear wheel bearings replaced. No other repair. Update, we now are at 183000 miles in Dec 2017 and still only the one issue with the wheel bearings. This SUV just keeps going. We have purchased a 2017 RAV4 and it is not a Highlander! My personal take is that the 2003 Highlander still is my choice over the 2017 RAV. The wife likes the RAV because of the safety features which is a plus. But the seats in the older SUV are better than the newer car. Mind you nether are great, just adequate. The power of the RAV 4cyl is better than the V6 of the Highlander. I am sure this is due to the improved transmission. The visibility over the hood of the RAV is impaired by the ridge over the fenders. the Highlander had a nice smooth taper to the hood which gave better visibility. If your are short this is an issue. And since the driver seat only goes up about 2" plus it tilts forward ejecting you out of the seat. I would look at the other competitors in the RAV4 class next time. But it was the wife's car and in the correct color.
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Neat truck
jake65, 07/18/2008
2003 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
7 of 9 people found this review helpful
The truck was purchased brand new in 2003. So far it has 97,000 miles and runs like it's brand new. Some of the problems I can think of is the paint scratches very easily. And the tires wear out a little sooner than expected. Other than that it is very comfortable and pretty quiet inside. It's also quite powerful for its size and gas mileage. It's a great truck and I plan to drive it for a long time.
2003 Toyota Highlander for sale near you
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It'll live forever
Joy, 04/18/2022
2003 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
If you take care of this vehicle, it will take care of you. 342,000 miles on mine and counting.
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What a pleasure to own for 15 yrs
Rob, 02/21/2018
2003 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
As first owner, I just sold my 2003 Highlander. Got twice as much for it as I was expecting, and the car has been absolutely fantastic in terms of performance and low maintenance cost for its whole life so far. The only negative I would say was a fair amount of wind and road noise. I used the car for towing quite a bit, near its maximum 3500 pound rating. And I have to say it performed and handled tremendously well even doing that, and could climb good size hills no problem with no loss of power. Vehicle had OEM tow package. Price listed is price sold.
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Great SUV
David, 05/18/2010
2003 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Great SUV! I am getting 24-26 mpg 70/30 hwy/city. I got the dreaded P0420/P0430 check engine light. Ran several tanks of the good gas with fuel system cleaner. Cleared codes and everything is fine now. Runs better too! Love the economy with all the space and 4 cylinder has plenty of pep for me. I have been looking for an SUV with plenty of room and economy. Fun to drive and rides nice too!