2003 Toyota Highlander Review
Price Range: $4,999 - $9,995
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Average price: $6,304
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Roomy cabin, carlike ride and handling, clean styling.
Cons
- Gets expensive quickly, limited towing and off-road ability.
What’s new
There are no changes for the Highlander this year.
Edmunds says
Need SUV utility but don't want any unnecessary bulk or fuel bills? The Highlander could very well suit your needs.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
66 listings
- $4,999good price$1,359 below market
- 178,307 miles
- No accidents, 4 owners, personal use only
- 5 Seats, 17 City / 21 Hwy MPG
- CarsRus (16 mi away)
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
- 3500lb Towing Capaci...
Close
Located in Fairfax, VA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
18 Combined MPG (17 City/21 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JTEGF21AX30114345
Stock: 114345
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 02-14-2026 - $7,999good price$1,930 below market
- 91,499 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, personal use only
- 5 Seats, 16 City / 21 Hwy MPG
- 95 Motors (33 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
- 3500lb Towing Capaci...
Close
Located in Dumfries, VA
It is the consumer's sole responsibility to verify the existence and condition of any equipment listed. 95 MOTORS is not responsible for misprints on ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
18 Combined MPG (16 City/21 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JTEHF21A630099170
Stock: NTY2308
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Owners' Opinions
What Owners Like
Owners consistently appreciate the 2003 Toyota Highlander for its steadfast reliability, even with high mileage. This SUV's longevity is a standout feature, with many users reporting odometer readings well beyond 200,000 miles and some reaching past 300,000 miles with routine maintenance. The Highlander is admired for its comfortable car-like ride, making it well-suited for long trips and daily commutes alike. Its spacious interior is another highlight, offering ample room for passengers and cargo, with the back seats folding flat to maximize space. Users have noted the smooth handling and easy maneuverability, which make it convenient for both open highways and crowded city streets. Additionally, the fuel efficiency is praised, especially considering its category as an SUV, which contributes to its practicality for everyday use. Even decades after its release, this Highlander's impressive durability and user-friendly design continue to win over long-term owners.
Common Issues
Owners consistently report that the 2003 Toyota Highlander faces some costly mechanical issues, particularly involving the engine. A recurring problem involves stripped head bolts, which can lead to coolant leaks and necessitate extensive engine repairs or replacements. Some drivers have experienced significant expenses, with reports of engine replacement costing several thousand dollars due to this design flaw, especially prevalent in the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder models. The vehicle also suffers from issues with its exhaust sensors, which could trigger the check engine light and require attention. Another pain point involves road noise and wind intrusion, which can detract from overall driving comfort, especially on highways. The interior quality, specifically the durability of seat materials and carpets, does not always meet user expectations, with some owners noting wear over time. Lastly, despite its many strengths, the handling can result in a stiff steering experience at higher speeds, causing a feeling of oversteer that can be unsettling for drivers.
Final Takeaways from Everyday Drivers
The 2003 Toyota Highlander proves to be a trusted companion for everyday drivers who value reliability and practicality. Owners find day-to-day satisfaction in its ability to handle long distances without hiccups, often boasting several hundred thousand miles on the odometer with minimal mechanical issues. The Highlander delivers a smooth and comfortable ride, which is perfect for both city commutes and family road trips, while maintaining user-friendly features. Its spacious interior and cargo capacity make it convenient for errands and travel, accommodating families and gear with ease. However, owners should remain vigilant about potential engine problems, particularly with the 4-cylinder version, which may incur significant repair costs. On the bright side, its fuel efficiency and strong reputation for longevity offer assurance for those who prioritize cost-effective operation. Despite some wear and tear over the years, the Highlander remains a vehicle that owners find dependable and sensible for everyday use, equipped to tackle diverse driving needs…
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$225/mo for Highlander Base
Highlander Base
vs
$236/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Reliability
The 2003 Toyota Highlander has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 2 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
2 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 04V181000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- SSC 40B
- Manufactured from:
- 2000-11-17 to 2004-01-29
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 366572
- Defect Description:
- CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE A CHILD PROTECTION LOCK (CPL) SYSTEM ON BOTH OF THE REAR SIDE DOORS. WHEN AN OPERATOR OF THE VEHICLE CLOSES THE DOOR VERY HARD WITH THE CPL LEVER SET TO THE LOCK POSITION, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE LEVER MAY CONTACT THE BODY PANEL, CAUSING THE CPL LEVER TO MOVE INTO THE UNLOCK POSITION.
- Defect Consequence:
- THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW THE DOOR TO BE OPENED WITH THE INSIDE WHILE THE OPERATOR BELIEVES THAT THE CPL WAS ACTIVATED. IF THE DOOR WERE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, AN OCCUPANT COULD FALL OUT AND BE INJURED.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL SHORTEN THE CPL LEVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 7, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
- Recall Number:
- 02V339000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 176
- Defect Description:
- ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FIVE FACTORY ALLOY WHEELS (MODEL 6934 AND 6936), WITH FACTORY LLAT, AND WITH PORT INSTALLED WR4, FOUR ALLOY WHEEL UPGRADE PROCESSED AT THE JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA PORT AND DISTRIBUTED BY SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS IN THE STATES OF ALABAMA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, NORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA, WHEN THE VEHICLES WERE PROCESSED AT THE PORT, AN ALLOY TIRE/WHEEL UPGRADE WAS INSTALLED. THE UPGRADE INCLUDED 4 ALLOY WHEELS. THE ORIGINAL SPARE TIRE/ALLOY WHEEL WAS NOT CHANGED. THE SPARE TIRE REQUIRES THE USE OF A DIFFERENT STYLE OF WHEEL NUT TO ATTACH IT TO THE VEHICLE.
- Defect Consequence:
- IF THE SPARE TIRE/WHEEL IS INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE USING THE WHEEL NUTS PROVIDED FOR THE UPGRADE ALLOY WHEEL, DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL COULD RESULT AND COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A LOOSE WHEEL.
- Corrective Action:
- OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH DIFFERENT STYLE LUG NUTS, A WARNING LABEL FOR THE SPARE RE/ALLOY WHEEL, AND AN OWNER'S MANUAL ADDENDUM.
Warranty
3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 5 years / unlimited miles
Toyota Highlander Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(87%)
4(9%)
3(3%)
2(1%)
1(0%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
New Owner-Wierd Issues
4.75 out of 5 starsmjc333, 11/09/2011
2003 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
I just purchased the Toyota Highlander 2003 and upon purchasing the vehicle I was very happy.
The check engine light came on shortly after purchase and apparently the cause is a bad "ECM" board in the SUV.
I am not sure if this is common but I have experienced this problem.
I love the vehicle otherwise and plan on driving it for a while.
Currently at 82K hope it lasts to 200K without … major repairs.
425k miles still going strong
4 out of 5 starsrazcob, 04/02/2018
2003 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
This has been a very reliable car, and we have only replaced two oxygen sensors, other than normal wear items like brakes, etc. The only negative to this vehicle is the gas mileage. We are getting 18 mpg overall. The interior is holding up well, with a slight tear in the drivers seat. My daughter was in a rear end accident, and the bumper was ripped but the rear structure remained … intact. The other car's front end was totaled, so we rate the safety in this type of crash as excellent.
Update- 295k and it’s still going. This thing has been in a couple of accidents, including a head on collision with a deer. No need to call the insurance on that one. A ball-peen hammer fixed her right up, and a visit to the junkyard for a new light should do it! Yeah, it just keeps running with no mechanical problems. We just drove it loaded from Virginia to Tennessee and it ran great.
320k. I want a new car, but this thing isn’t giving me any reasons or problems to sell it.
Oct 2021- 400k mile. engine burns oil but it keeps running strong.
Former Toyota...stripped head bolts
4.38 out of 5 starsbizmin, 10/06/2010
2003 Toyota Highlander Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
2003 Toyota Highlander 2.4 L 4-cylinder engine, 108,000 miles, perfect service, until it developed coolant leak on the back side of the top of the engine, adjacent to an insulator pad at the back of the engine block. The back 3 head bolts were completely stripped, allowing coolant to leak into the engine. Toyota dealer says the short block or entire engine must be replaced, with no other … option [$5200- $7400+.] Based on the frequency of identical engine failures, faulty factory assembly and/or design assures eventual failure of the engine. 25-year Toyota fan, probably lost forever.
Bought used and loved it for 150000 miles!
5 out of 5 starsD Fig, 04/28/2017
2003 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
It's a great car!! It doesn't have the bells and whistles of today's cars but if you're looking for something reliable with little maintenance that drives like a dream this is the car for you.
2003 Highlander Features & Specs
Base
| MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee | $23,880 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $225/month |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 38.5 cu.ft. |
front wheel drive | |
| Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Highlander include:
- Alarm
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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