Great car: powerful, roomy, reliable. I have been using Highlander for 7 years already, I am very satisfied. Now the mileage is 225,000 km - oil does not drive, only consumables have changed over the entire time. Excellent visibility, good cross-country ability, inexpensive to maintain. I went to the village for 250 km - you don't get tired on the road, 5 km off-road - no problem. If you need a reliable crossover, I recommend it.
Toyota Highlander, 2011
The Highlander is a good SUV with a large trunk volume, as well as a spacious interior with comfortable seats. Very good for a large family or a large company. there are 7 seats in the cabin, including the driver. Mud, rain, snow - not a hindrance, you will pass. The car is fully automated, it's nice and you want to drive.
7
Toyota Highlander, 2011
Excellent dynamics. The size when parking is not felt, the rear view camera helps a lot. Fast, high-spirited, do not worry when overtaking. A very tall car, you don't worry about curbs, roads, tram ramps and so on. Consumption on the highway is not large at all - 8-10 liters. Convenient ergonomics: the buttons are all right.
Toyota Highlander, 2011
The review will be brief - it was my favorite car, I doted on it. He adequately withstood the trip to the Carpathians to the ski resort, loaded to overload with equipment. On trips to the dacha family is irreplaceable !!! They hijacked my pet after 1, 5 years of operation. I am sad. ((((There is no limit to my sorrow !!! Now I am looking at what to buy instead of him, until I found a worthy replacement in the same price category. I have been without Hai for two weeks - my heart skips a beat when I look at someone passing by on the road!
This mid-size crossover debuted in 2000 in Japan under the name, and a year later the car entered the American market as the Highlander. The name "Kluger" was also used in Australia.
The car, created on the platform of the model, had a monocoque body, independent rear suspension and could not boast of outstanding off-road capabilities. The crossover was equipped with 2.4 (155 hp) and V6 3.0 (220 hp) gasoline engines, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. Buyers were offered versions with front and all-wheel drive, and the car could have five or seven seats.
In 2004, the old six-cylinder engine was replaced with a new 3.3-liter capacity and 225 hp. with. These machines were already equipped with five-speed "automatic". In 2005, a hybrid version of the Highlander went on sale, equipped with a 3.3-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor.
2nd generation (XU40), 2008–2013
In 2007, there was a generational change in the Toyota Highlander model. Its analogue under the name remained only in Australia, sales of the model in the Japanese market were discontinued. In addition to the American market, the Highlander was also sold in Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and China.
The crossover was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a capacity of 270 liters. with. paired with a five-speed "automatic", as well as a hybrid power plant with a 3.3-liter "six" (later replaced by a 3.5-liter) and an electric motor. In 2008, a new basic version appeared with a 2.7 four-cylinder engine (188 hp), front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission.
In 2010, the model was restyled, which gave the car a different "facial expression", at the same time supplies of the crossover to Russia and Ukraine began. We were supplied with a Toyota Highlander with a V6 3.5 engine (273 hp), a five-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive and a seven-seater saloon. Car prices started at about 1.6 million rubles.
In 2013, the production of "Highlander" at factories in Japan and the United States (where the model began to be produced in 2009) ended.
Toyota Highlander is built on the Toyota K platform - common with the Camry V30 and Lexus RX. An inexorable connection can be traced inside. The interior is a mixture of Camry and RX: design, ergonomics and surface textures. All switches are familiar and intuitive.
Large doorways make it easy to get inside. This is one of the few vehicles that can comfortably accommodate 5 passengers. After restyling in 2004, a bench with two additional seats appeared in the trunk. The adults in the gallery are too cramped. The engineers had to reconfigure the fuel tank to retrace the seats to the floor.
The right-hand drive version of the crossover for Japan and Australia was offered under the name Kluger. The assembly of SUVs for all markets without exception was carried out in Japan.
Security
In IIHS crash tests, the Toyota Highlander was rated “good”. It is noteworthy that in reality the Highlander turned out to be one of the safest cars offered on the American market. According to IIHS, among all 2001-2005 vehicles, it had one of the lowest death rates of drivers, and in the SUV category it was second only to the Toyota 4Ranner.
Engines
The base in the lineup is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine (2AZ-FE / 155-160 hp). It was combined with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Interestingly, this combination has quite satisfactory characteristics. Yes, the dynamics are not impressive, but the car obediently reacts to pressing the gas pedal. It's the choice of those who care more about things like fuel economy than thrilling acceleration and refined mechanics.
The SUV with a 3-liter V6 (1MZ-FE / 220 hp) is much faster than the base version. After restyling, the 1MZ-FE gave way to a 3.3-liter V6 (3MZ-FE / 215-230 hp). It runs quietly, provides unobstructed torque flow and does not consume too much fuel.
6-cylinder units have a belt-type timing drive with a recommended first change threshold of 150,000 km and a subsequent replacement interval of 90,000 km. Only the 4-cylinder engine was equipped with a timing chain drive. The chain sometimes stretches after 200,000 km.
All motors use a proprietary variable valve timing system VVT-i. It is very reliable. System malfunctions may occur due to the failure of the VVT-i valve (from 2,000 rubles).
Common ailments include periodically refusing oxygen sensors (from 5,000 rubles) and knock sensors (from 2,000 rubles). In addition, with high mileage, cleaning of the throttle valve is often required.
The "iron" of engines with proper operation and timely oil change will last a long time. Otherwise, expensive repair or replacement is possible. So, after 300,000 km, a 3-liter V6 sometimes starts to consume a lot of oil. Consider lucky if you managed to get off by replacing the valve stem seals. But sometimes the reason is more serious - the occurrence of rings or piston wear. In the latter case, it is easier to replace the engine with a contract engine (70-150 thousand rubles plus 20,000 rubles for work).
The 2.4-liter engine has one unpleasant design defect. During operation in the cylinder block, the threads of the block head bolts are destroyed. As a result, the tightness of the channels is broken, leaks of liquids appear, and overheating is possible. The problem was officially recognized and eliminated only in 2007. There are two options for solving the problem: replacing the engine, or cutting a new thread and installing threaded bushings.
Of the entire line, perhaps only 3MZ-FE does not annoy with congenital defects.
Transmission
Before restyling, the engines were paired with a Toyota / Aisin U140 / U240 4-speed automatic transmission. After restyling, six-cylinder engines began to be aggregated with a 5-speed automatic Toyota / Aisin U150 / U250 - a modified version of a 4-mortar. Many parts of the boxes are interchangeable. Improvements include a reinforced planetary gear set and an updated valve body with solenoids.
A 4-band automatic feels more confident with a 2.4-liter engine. With a V6, especially when driving dynamically, it gives up earlier. Nevertheless, both boxes are very reliable - subject to timely renewal of the working fluid (every 60,000 km).
Often, a faulty engine knock sensor becomes the reason for the gearbox to go into emergency mode. More serious problems can arise after 300,000 km. However, most of the units come for repair only after 500,000 km: the torque converter, planetary gear set, rear cover, clutches and pump bushings wear out. Replacing a faulty unit with a contract unit is advisable when the cost of overhaul exceeds 100-150 thousand rubles.
The symmetrical permanent all-wheel drive system (50:50), of course, is not designed for serious off-road conditions. The Highlander is an outstanding all-rounder, and the drivetrain is designed to provide extra grip on wet or snowy roads, as well as off-road terrain.
Transmission elements are distinguished by enviable longevity. Only the driveshaft crosspieces have to be changed, the resource of which is 250-300 thousand km. Replacing the crosspieces with balancing the propeller shaft will require about 10,000 rubles. By this time, it may be necessary to update the internal (from 3,000 rubles) or external SHRUS (from 1,500 rubles).
Undercarriage
The suspension of the first Highlander is completely independent. MacPherson struts work in the front, and a multi-link design, conditionally similar to the one used in the Camry, is at the back. The smoothness of the ride, the development of irregularities and reactions are reminiscent of a sedan.
The front-wheel drive version feels lighter and more accurate than the all-wheel drive version, where light understeer is felt. The steering provides decent feedback.
Undercarriage components last a long time. The first, after 120-180 thousand km, are the rear silent blocks of the front levers. After 150-200 thousand km, it is the turn of the shock absorbers (from 5,000 rubles), and a little later - the silent blocks of the rear levers. The front wheel bearings have to be changed after 200-300 thousand km (from 2,000 rubles).
After 250-300 thousand km, the power steering pump can howl (from 7,000 rubles). However, more often you have to deal with leaky hydraulic booster hoses (from 6,000 rubles) - they crack from old age.
Typical problems and malfunctions
The Highlander body is not prone to corrosion. Rust is rather a sign of body repair in the past. However, older cars have localized paint swelling on the sills, tailgate, A-pillars, or above the windshield.
Such a trifle as the gasket (O-ring) of the fuel filler cap often leads to errors and the simultaneous lighting of the Check, VCS and TRACK OFF indicators. The gasket loses its tightness after 200,000 km. You can pick up an O-ring, or you will have to replace the cover (1.5-2 thousand rubles).
One of the most common problems with conventional air conditioning machines is the failure of the temperature or airflow regulator. It's all about the broken off cable, which must be soldered.
After 250-300 thousand km, air of different temperatures sometimes starts blowing from the deflectors. The reason is a clogged heater radiator (from 2,000 rubles).
Highlander hybrid
A hybrid version of the Highlander appeared in 2005. The Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain combines a 3.3-liter engine (3MZ-FE / 208 hp) and an electric motor generator. In addition, a continuously variable automatic transmission is used here, and the steering system and water pump are electrically driven.
In hybrid models, the rear wheels are driven by an electric motor, which is prone to overheating in difficult terrain. In addition, with age, transistors in the power switches of an expensive inverter fail. Fortunately, specialized services have learned to change them. In this version, there were problems with the steering rack.
Conclusion
The first generation Toyota Highlander does not cause much passion among buyers. However, this car will amuse its owners with comfort and reliability for many years and even decades. However, do not forget that time takes its toll, and Highlander I is no longer young.
Toyota Highlander is a mid-size crossover, one of a family of cars that are built on the Camry platform. The car enjoys well-deserved popularity and is considered by drivers as a worthy budget analogue of the Lexus RX station wagon. The history of creation begins in 2000.
The model begins its journey with the New York Auto Show, which took place in the early 2000s. In the land of the rising sun, Highlander is known under a different name - Toyota Kluger (translated from German as "reasonable").
The United States is still the most suitable place to sell this model today. Under the name Kluger, the car was sold not only in Japan, but also in Australia. The first generation came in 5-door or 7-door versions. In all countries where the crossover was sold, both options were available. The basic unit for all countries was a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which worked together with a 4-speed "automatic". Since 2003, in America, the car began to be offered already with a six-cylinder engine from the 3MZ-FE series, the volume of which was 3.3 liters and 230 hp.
In Japan, the engine power was reduced - their version came with a 220-horsepower engine. In the fall of 2004, the world saw a hybrid subspecies of Toyota Highlander, which came with a 3.3-liter V6 engine. The hybrid electric motor produced 270 horsepower. Since the launch of the car in production, two versions of the Toyota Highlander have been offered - front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive vehicles were equipped with a special transmission. In the United States, sales broke all records. Between 2000 and 2007, 800,000 copies of the Toyota Highlander were sold.
The emergence of the second and third generation
The second generation Toyota Highlander was again built on the Camry platform, but only with a simplified all-wheel drive. Such a Toyota appeared in front of drivers in 2007 at the Chicago Auto Show. What has changed since the appearance of the long-awaited second generation of "highlanders"? First of all, the dimensions have increased:
- From 4684 mm, the car stretched to 4785 mm;
- Width increased from 1826 to 1910 mm;
- The Highlander has grown in height to 1760 mm;
- The wheelbase is 2790 millimeters (previously it was 2715).
Buyers could choose between a 5-seater or 7-seater Highlander variant. Mono-drive modifications of the crossover have not gone anywhere, as have hybrid versions (from a 3.3-liter six-cylinder engine it was possible to switch to a 3.5-liter unit). The hybrid engine again bypassed the CIS countries and delighted only residents on the other side of the ocean.
A weaker Toyota Highlander with a 2.7-liter engine (power 189 horsepower) and a 6-speed automatic transmission was also sold in the States. And instead of 3.0-liter V6 and V6 3.3 engines on the first generation Highlanders, which produced up to 225 horsepower, a new V6 3.5 engine appeared, which had a capacity of 270 "horsepower". The production of the second generation car was established not only in the homeland of Toyota Highlander, but also in China and in the States, which remained the main market for the model. Over the period from 2007 to 2012, more than 500 thousand Toyota Highlander were sold.
Toyota Highlander II (restyled 2010)
In 2012, Toyota announced a reduction in the cost of the Highlander range for the Russian market. And in truth, the price fell by almost 200 thousand rubles. Such a gift from the Japanese was received thanks to the removal of a number of options from the standard equipment of the Toyota Highlander: three-zone climate control, leather-trimmed seats, third row, roof rails.
Third generation Highlander
The third generation Toyota Highlander was unveiled in the spring of 2013 at the New York Auto Show. The model is equipped with engines with a capacity of 249 and 188 forces, which received a volume of 3.5 and 2.7 liters. Only Highlander gasoline units are presented on the domestic market. Together with the engine, a 5-band automatic transmission works. The maximum speed of the weakest modification is 180 km / h, and the acceleration to 100 kilometers is 8.2 seconds.
Outcome
The car still pleases drivers, it confidently occupies the highest places in the sales ranking. The Japanese are determined to sell 11,000 copies of the crossover this year. And this is quite real, because the Highlander story is not over yet.
Briefly about the car: 2002, 4WD, 3.0 1MZ, equipment Limited, leather interior, black. In short, a brutal rogue.
A little background: for 10 years of official driving experience and 21 unofficial ones, he has owned and traveled on a great variety of foreign cars, starting with simple Audi and Golfs from the mid-80s of production, ending with modern brands of different classes and manufacturers of the 2000s.
As a result, a more favorable attitude towards the Japanese car industry, especially Toyota and Honda, has developed for their high build quality, maintainability and low self-exacting attention. The reliability of the German car industry has sunk into the past, from which bright memories are given to the Audi 80, Golf2, Audi 100 (44), MV 124 (300TD), Passat B3 1.9D (68 hp, drove half a million until overheated), which were produced in the last century, in which they remained. Toyota Carina II (1990) and Honda Prelude (1995) left a good impression. BMW 520 (1992) and 525D (2002), in the process of owning them, evoked a quiet sadness with their lusciousness and cost of maintenance, which nullified the resulting sensations from a pleasant ride. The French are not even worth mentioning, an electrician can drive you crazy with unpredictable and nasty little failures at the most unnecessary moment. Only Laguna I 2.2D somehow lived for about a year, getting off with replacing all the shock absorbers and not remembering anything other than low fuel consumption.
Strengths:
Weak sides:
Review of Toyota Highlander 2.4 (Toyota Highlander) 2002
The car was purchased at a car dealership, I was the first owner in Russia. According to its technical characteristics, the car was quite satisfactory. there was four-wheel drive, a spacious "leather" interior, an automatic transmission 4 steps., with sufficient engine compartment space to replace consumables (for example, candles), good visibility (as it turned out, only on the right), folding rear row seats almost exactly, the presence of glove compartments (2pcs .), recesses for storing bottles in the doors, excellent sound insulation.
After the euphoria from the purchase passed and the car began to look more consumer-oriented, it turned out:
1. The leather interior is not entirely leather. There are leatherette inserts on the sides of the seat and in the armrests. The door trim is also made of leatherette.
Strengths:
- Driver's landing
- Reasonable permeability
- Large salon
- Repairable. For example: an oil change is possible without a viewing hole
Weak sides:
- Non-galvanized body
- Lack of winter package of options
- Body parts only to order
Review of Toyota Highlander 2.4 4WD (Toyota Highlander) 2002
Good day to everyone who reads my review. I hope he will help someone when choosing a car.
In general, my brother and dad chose a car, namely a solid SUV as a gift for the 65th anniversary. Before that, starting in 1995, we had a Cherokee jeep (10 years old), then an Audi weaving, an Opel Vectra B in 98, which at that time was the family car that dad and I drove. In general, they began to choose a car with my brother, the natural choice was the Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V, Nissan X-TRAIL and similar options within the range of $ 25,000. But something didn't go well with us, our soul didn’t fall for anything, it was quite a long time ago, so I’m not going to hate these cars unreasonably, but at that time I remember that I was very disappointed in them :)
As a result of searches, when the mood had already begun to sink below the plinth, and we thought that we would have to take a typewriter on which the soul didn’t lie (it seems, they were leaning towards CR-V), in several salons they drew attention to the used ones that had recently appeared on our market foreign cars highlander. They cost in 2002 in the region of 27-30 thousand dollars, which could be pulled with gritting teeth. It was simply impossible to compare the highlander with the aforementioned cars in terms of dimensions, amenities, sound insulation and other qualities! In those cars, there was no difference, except for natural ones (dimensions, landing height, ground clearance), compared with the same vectrochka, or even frankly inferior ... But having passed on a Highlander, they were simply amazed ... what a vector, it was already stretching in terms of sound insulation, dimensions, luggage compartment, ease of landing both in the front and in the back, etc. to brotherly Taureg, and the difference is 2-3 thousand USD in comparison with those machines! The choice was clear - only Toyota. The engine was needed exactly 2.4, a car for dad ...
