2003 Toyota Highlander 4WD
) Click Photo To Enlarge | PRICING DETAILSEstimated Value for Trade-In: $8,377 Estimated Retail Price: $12,297 |
Safety and Crash Test
The 2003 Toyota Highlander is available in a 2WD or 4WD configuration. A 155-hp 2.4L four-cylinder engine remains as the standard powertrain, while a 220-hp 3.0L V6 engine is optional. All models offer a four-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel disc with four-wheel anti-lock brakes. Standard equipment consists of air conditioning, power windows and locks, cruise control and an AM/FM cassette/CD with six speakers. A Limited trim level features the 3.0L V6 engine, automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver+s seat, and a JBL Premium eight-speaker sound system. Many other options and accessories can be ordered as post production options including a rear seat DVD entertainment system that will be available in Spring of 2003.
| FUEL ECONOMY | CITY / HIGHWAY | |
| 2.4L 4 Cylinder 155 hp Gas Engine | 3.0L 6 Cylinder 220 hp Gas Engine | |
| 4 Speed Electronically Controlled Automatic OD Transmission | 19 / 24 | 18 / 22 |
| Depreciation | $11,425 |
| Financing | $3,140 |
| Insurance | $6,604 |
| State Fees | $306 |
| Fuel | $9,733 |
| Maintenance (Detailed Breakdown) | $3,248 |
| Repair | $1,834 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | TBD |
| Hybrid Tax Credit | N/A |
| Total 5-Year Ownership Costs | $36,293 |
| INTELLICHOICE VALUE RATING | |
| Vehicle Class | Intermediate Utility |
| Total 5-Year Ownership Costs | $36,293 |
| 5-Year Cost of Ownership for Similar Vehicles | $35,196 |
| Difference in Cost of Ownership | $1,097 |
| Overall Value Rating: This Vehicle | Below Average |
Ownership costs are the costs to purchase and operate a vehicle over a period of time. Understanding these costs can save you money and help you make a wiser financial decision when it comes time to select a vehicle.
Regardless of the "value" claims that you may read in car reviews or hear in ads, a vehicle's economic value is based on how much it will cost to own and operate compared to its purchase price. In a sense, purchase price is "what you pay" and the ownership costs are "what you get." The less you pay for what you get the better off you are.
Ownership costs can differ greatly. The cost to own and operate two different vehicles with equal purchase prices can differ by thousands. Of course when evaluating ownership cost for used cars and trucks, a vehicle's condition and mileage will greatly impact ownership costs, therefore it's important to compare similar vehicles in similar condition for an accurate picture.
IntelliChoice releases its final analysis for the current model year, annually each January. For additional comparative information you may wish to review the other Intermediate Utility category winners for this year. The ownership costs for early release new model year vehicles is estimated, with ratings and Best Overall Value winners not available until complete data can be compiled.
IntelliChoice also updates the Best Deals results each month in order to capture the many expiring rebates and ongoing programs, current pricing, and market conditions, giving the consumer the most up-to-date data analysis.
| specifications and dimensions | |||
| Manufacturer Code | 6920 | ||
| Wheelbase | 106.9" | ||
| Overall Length | 184.4" | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,715 lbs | ||
| Gross Vehicle Weight | 4,985 lbs | ||
| Seating Capacity (Std/Max) | 5/5 | ||
| Payload Capacity (Std/Max) | 1270/1,270 lbs | ||
| Towing Capacity (Std/Max) | 3500/3,500 lbs | ||
| Final Assembly Location | N/R | ||
| powertrain | |||
| mfr code |
description | invoice | retail |
| Engines | |||
|
2.4L 4 Cylinder 155 hp Gas Engine | STD | |
|
|
3.0L 6 Cylinder 220 hp Gas Engine
Not available with Quick Order Package |
$1,407 | $1,580 |
| Transmissions | |||
|
|
4 Speed Electronically Controlled Automatic OD Transmission | STD | |
| ABBREVIATION KEY | |||
| Grp | Not available for individual purchase | Ret | Suggested retail price |
| Std | Standard equipment for this model | Dlr | Dealer installed |
| Opt | Optional equipment | N/C | No charge |
| N/R | Status not provided by manufacturer | N/A | Not available |
| Pkg | Available as part of option package | PIO | Port Installed Option |
| SAFETY FEATURES | |
| ABS Brakes | STD |
| Driver Air Bag | STD |
| Passenger Air Bag | STD |
| Side Air Bag(s) | OPT |
| CHILD SAFETY FEATURES | |
| Passenger Air Bag Cutoff Capability | N/A |
| Child Safety Locks | STD |
| Integrated Safety Seats | N/A |
| CRASH TEST DATA | |
| NHTSA Side Impact Rating - Front | N/R |
| NHTSA Side Impact Rating - Rear | N/R |
| NHTSA Frontal Crash Test - Driver | N/R |
| NHTSA Frontal Crash Test - Passenger | N/R |
| IIHS Crashworthiness Rating | N/R |
| ABBREVIATION KEY | |||
| Grp | Not available for individual purchase | Ret | Suggested retail price |
| Std | Standard equipment for this model | Dlr | Dealer installed |
| Opt | Optional equipment | N/C | No charge |
| N/R | Status not provided by manufacturer | N/A | Not available |
| Pkg | Available as part of option package | PIO | Port Installed Option |
| Brakes | |
| Brakes, Power 4 Wheel Disc with 4 Wheel ABS | |
| Convenience | |
| Air Conditioning | |
| Air Filtration System | |
| Ashtray(s) | |
| Assist Handle(s) | |
| Cargo Hooks | |
| Chime, Headlights-On Warning | |
| Cigarette Lighter | |
| Clock, Digital | |
| Cruise/Speed Control | |
| Cup Holder(s) | |
| Entry System, Illuminated | |
| Fuel Door Release, Remote | |
| Headlights, Delay Off | |
| Light, Map/Reading | |
| Locks, Power Door | |
| Mirror, Visor Vanity | |
| Power Outlet(s) | |
| Steering Wheel, Tilt | |
| Window, Driver Side Express Down | |
| Windows, Power | |
| Drive | |
| Drive, 4 Wheel Full-Time | |
| Engine | |
| Engine, 2.4L 4 Cylinder 155 hp Gas |
| Engineering | |
| Brake Assist | |
| Electronic Brake Force Distribution | |
| Gauge, Tachometer | |
| Gauge, Temperature | |
| Gauge, Trip Odometer | |
| Warning Light(s) | |
| Exterior | |
| Badging, Exterior | |
| Bumpers, Color-Keyed | |
| Glass, Tinted | |
| Moldings, Color-Keyed Body Side | |
| Interior | |
| Armrests, Front Center | |
| Armrests, Rear Center | |
| Carpeting | |
| Console, Center Floor with Storage | |
| Map Pockets | |
| Lighting | |
| Lights, Courtesy | |
| Mirrors | |
| Mirror, Manual Day/Night | |
| Mirrors, Color-Keyed | |
| Mirrors, Dual Power | |
| Paint | |
| Paint, Clearcoat Requires Clearcoat Super White or Clearcoat Black | |
| Safety | |
| Air Bag, Driver Side | |
| Air Bag, Passenger Side | |
| Bumpers, 5 MPH | |
| Child Safety Seat Anchors | |
| Crumple Zones, Front & Rear | |
| Defroster, Rear | |
| Defroster, Side | |
| Head Restraint, Adjustable Front | |
| Head Restraint, Adjustable Rear | |
| Headlights, Halogen | |
| Locks, Child Safety | |
| Mirrors, Foldaway | |
| Seatbelts, Height Adjustable | |
| Steering Column, Energy Absorbing | |
| Wiper, Intermittent Rear | |
| Wipers, Variable Intermittent Front | |
| Seats | |
| Seat, 3 Passenger Second Row Fully Reclining 60/40 Split Ben | |
| Seat, Cloth Captain's Chair | |
| Seat, Driver Power Lumbar Support | |
| Sound | |
| Radio, Deluxe AM/FM ETR Stereo with Cassette, CD | |
| Steering | |
| Steering, Power Rack and Pinion | |
| Suspension | |
| Stabilizer Bars, Front and Rear | |
| Suspension, Strut/Coil Spring | |
| Tires | |
| Tire, Full Spare | |
| Tires, 225/70R16 All-Season SBR BSW | |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission, 4 Speed Electronically Controlled Automatic OD |
| Wheels | |
| Spare Wheel, 16-inch Aluminum | |
| Wheels, 16-inch Styled Steel | |
| mfr code | description | invoice | retail |
| Requires 3.0L 6 Cylinder 220 hp Gas Engine Deep Tinted Glass 16-inch Aluminum Wheels Color-Keyed Mud Guards | $728 | $910 |
| Requires Prewire for Alarm Requires 3.0L 6 Cylinder 220 hp Gas Engine Requires Preferred Package Keyless Entry System Cargo Cover | $256 | $320 |
Requires 3.0L 6 Cylinder 220 hp Gas Engine | PIO | ||
Requires 2.4L 4 Cylinder 155 hp Gas Engine | PIO | ||
| Requires Limited Package Leather Captain's Chair Seat Leather Door Trim | $856 | $1,070 |
| Not available with VIP RS3200 Plus Security System Not available with Fender Flares Not available with Interior Molded Wood Appliques Automatic Climate Control Keyless Entry System Luggage Rack Leather Steering Wheel Front Fog Lights Outside Heated Mirrors JBL Premium AM/FM ETR Stereo with Cassette Radio Leather Shift Knob Interior Wood Appliques HomeLink Universal Transmitter Security Alarm Theft Deterrent System Cargo Cover Daytime Running Lights 8-Way Power Driver Seat Rear Spoiler Diversity Antenna System Illuminated Visor Vanity Mirror(s) Auto On/Off Headlights 3.0L 6 Cylinder 220 hp Gas Engine Appearance Package | $4,908 | $5,515 |
| Polished Stainless Steel Tube Side Steps Fender Flares Interior Molded Wood Appliques | PIO | |
| Requires Limited Package Glass Breakage Sensor (GBS) | PIO | |
| PIO | |||
| Requires Convenience Package or Quick Order Package HomeLink Universal Transmitter 8-Way Power Driver Seat Prewire for Alarm Engine Immobilizer Illuminated Visor Vanity Mirror(s) | $516 | $645 |
| Not available with 3.0L 6 Cylinder 220 hp Gas Engine Requires Prewire for Alarm Requires Preferred Package Keyless Entry System Deep Tinted Glass Cargo Cover | $504 | $630 |
| Heavy Duty Alternator Heavy Duty Radiator Transmission Oil Cooler Trailer Harness | $128 | $160 |
| The Options shown here are shown for your reference and were available on the vehicle as a new car. To determine a current value for this model, select the Used Car Valuation link below. |
| mfr code | description | invoice | retail |
| Convenience | |||
| Automatic Climate Control | Pkg | ||
| Cargo Cover | Pkg | ||
| GN | Cargo/Convenience Net (Post Production Option (PPO).) | PIO | |
| Entry System, Keyless | Pkg | ||
| Headlights, Auto On/Off | Pkg | ||
| HomeLink Universal Transmitter | Pkg | ||
| Engine | |||
| Engine, 3.0L 6 Cylinder 220 hp Gas Not available with Quick Order Package | $1,407 | $1,580 | |
| Engineering | |||
| Alternator, Heavy Duty | Pkg | ||
| LD | Differential, Limited Slip Not available with Vehicle Skid Control | $322 | $390 |
| Oil Cooler, Transmission | Pkg | ||
| Radiator, Heavy Duty | Pkg | ||
| Traction Control | Grp | ||
| VD | Vehicle Skid Control Not available with Limited Slip Differential Includes Traction Control | $559 | $650 |
| Exterior | |||
| BN | Badging, Black Pearl Exterior Requires 3.0L 6 Cylinder 220 hp Gas Engine | PIO | |
| BN | Badging, Black Pearl Exterior Requires 2.4L 4 Cylinder 155 hp Gas Engine | PIO | |
| 2F | Fender Flares (Post Production Option (PPO).) Not available with Color-Keyed Mud Guards Not available with Running Boards Not available with Limited Package | PIO | |
| PG | Glass, Deep Tinted | $248 | $310 |
| HP | Hood Protector (Post Production Option (PPO).) | PIO | |
| DR | Luggage Rack | $176 | $220 |
| MG | Mud Guards, Color-Keyed Not available with Fender Flares | $64 | $80 |
| RB | Running Boards (Post Production Option (PPO).) Not available with Fender Flares | PIO | |
| R3 | Side Steps, Polished Stainless Steel Tube (Post Production Option (PPO).) | PIO | |
| RF | Spoiler, Rear (Post Production Option (PPO).) | PIO | |
| SD | Sunroof Wind Deflector (Post Production Option (PPO).) Requires Power Sunroof | PIO | |
| SR | Sunroof, Power Requires 16-inch Aluminum Wheels or Appearance Package or Limited Package | $720 | $900 |
| Exterior Color | |||
| 202 | Black, Clearcoat Requires Ivory or Charcoal Requires Clearcoat Paint | N/C | |
| 8N6 | Bluestone, Metallic Requires Ivory or Charcoal Requires Metallic Paint | N/C | |
| Electric Green, Mica Requires Ivory or Charcoal Requires Mica Paint | N/C | ||
| 8P4 | Indigo Ink, Pearlcoat Requires Ivory or Charcoal Requires Pearlcoat Paint | N/C | |
| 1CO | Millennium Silver, Metallic Requires Charcoal or Ivory Requires Metallic Paint | N/C | |
| 3N8 | Sundown Red, Pearlcoat Requires Ivory or Charcoal Requires Pearlcoat Paint | N/C | |
| 040 | Super White, Clearcoat Requires Ivory or Charcoal Requires Clearcoat Paint | N/C | |
| 586 | Vintage Gold, Metallic Requires Metallic Paint Requires Ivory | N/C | |
| Interior | |||
| 8E | Appliques, Interior Molded Wood (Post Production Option (PPO).) Not available with Limited Package | PIO | |
| Appliques, Interior Wood | Pkg | ||
| 9B | Cargo Mat, Nifty Cargo Logic (Post Production Option (PPO).) | PIO | |
| CF | Carpet/Cargo Mat Set (5-piece set) (Post Production Option (PPO).) | PIO | |
| Door Trim, Leather | Pkg | ||
| Shift Knob, Leather | Pkg | ||
| Steering Wheel, Leather | Pkg | ||
| Interior Color | |||
| 14 | Charcoal (Requires an Exterior Color.) | N/C | |
| Ivory (Requires an Exterior Color.) | N/C | ||
| 04 | Ivory (Requires an Exterior Color.) | N/C | |
| Lighting | |||
| RL | Lights, Daytime Running | $32 | $40 |
| Lights, Front Fog | Pkg | ||
| Mirrors | |||
| Mirror(s), Illuminated Visor Vanity | Pkg | ||
| N1 | Mirror, Auto Day/Night (Post Production Option (PPO).) | PIO | |
| EH | Mirrors, Outside Heated Includes Foldaway Mirrors | $24 | $30 |
| Other | |||
| 9G | Cargo Logic Tote (Made by Nifty Products. Post Production Option (PPO).) | PIO | |
| Engine Immobilizer | Pkg | ||
| V2 | Glass Breakage Sensor (GBS) (Post Production Option (PPO).) Requires Limited Package | PIO | |
| UZ | Prewire for Alarm Requires Convenience Package or Quick Order Package | N/C | |
| Theft Deterrent System, Security Alarm Includes Engine Immobilizer | Pkg | ||
| Paint | |||
| Paint, Metallic Requires Metallic Vintage Gold or Metallic Bluestone or Metallic Millennium Silver | N/C | ||
| Paint, Mica Requires Mica Electric Green | N/C | ||
| Paint, Pearlcoat Requires Pearlcoat Sundown Red or Pearlcoat Indigo Ink | N/C | ||
| Safety | |||
| BE | Air Bags, Side Impact | $215 | $250 |
| 3Z | First Aid Kit (Post Production Option (PPO).) | PIO | |
| V5 | VIP RS3200 Plus Security System (Post Production Option (PPO).) Not available with Limited Package Requires Prewire for Alarm or Preferred Package or Quick Order Package | PIO | |
| Seats | |||
| PE | Seat, 8-Way Power Driver Includes Driver Power Lumbar Support Seat | $312 | $390 |
| Seat, Leather Captain's Chair | Pkg | ||
| HD | Seats, Heated Requires Leather Package | $352 | $440 |
| Sound | |||
| Antenna System, Diversity | Pkg | ||
| EJ | Radio, JBL Premium AM/FM ETR Stereo with Cass., CD Changer Requires Limited Package | $150 | $200 |
| DJ | Radio, JBL Premium AM/FM ETR Stereo with Cassette, CD | Pkg | |
| Special Fees/Credits/Options | |||
| Southeast Toyota Administration Charge (Charge automatically added to invoice. See dealer for exact fee details.) | Dlr | ||
| Towing | |||
| UQ | Tow Hitch and Converter Requires Towing Prep Package | $232 | $290 |
| Trailer Harness | Pkg | ||
| DH | Trailer Hitch (Post Production Option (PPO).) Requires Towing Prep Package | PIO | |
| Wheels | |||
| WL | Wheel Locks (Post Production Option (PPO).) Requires 16-inch Aluminum Wheels | PIO | |
| AW | Wheels, 16-inch Aluminum Includes 16-inch Aluminum Spare Wheel | $416 | $520 |
| ABBREVIATION KEY | |||
| Grp | Not available for individual purchase | Ret | Suggested retail price |
| Std | Standard equipment for this model | Dlr | Dealer installed |
| Opt | Optional equipment | N/C | No charge |
| N/R | Status not provided by manufacturer | N/A | Not available |
| Pkg | Available as part of option package | PIO | Port Installed Option |
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| Package Components | |
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| There is no package component information available for this vehicle. |
The 2003 Toyota Highlander is available in a 2WD or 4WD configuration. A 155-hp 2.4L four-cylinder engine remains as the standard powertrain, while a 220-hp 3.0L V6 engine is optional. All models offer a four-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel disc with four-wheel anti-lock brakes. Standard equipment consists of air conditioning, power windows and locks, cruise control and an AM/FM cassette/CD with six speakers. A Limited trim level features the 3.0L V6 engine, automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver+s seat, and a JBL Premium eight-speaker sound system. Many other options and accessories can be ordered as post production options including a rear seat DVD entertainment system that will be available in Spring of 2003.
WHEELS
Manufacturer Recall Number
Model Affected
HIGHLANDER
Units Affected
176
Defect
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.
Consequences
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 OWNERS MANUAL ADDENDUM.
Notes
OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Manufacturer Recall Number
Model Affected
HIGHLANDER
Units Affected
366,572
Defect
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.
Consequences
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.
Notes
OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER.