2003 Toyota Highlander
The 2003 Toyota Highlander is a mid-size SUV based on the Camry platform
but making a significant mark for itself as a popular versatile family-oriented
vehicle. With all the advantages of the SUV class, that is, visibility,
off-road and adverse terrain capability, roominess and safety, the Highlander
is a popular choice that definitely fulfils an important role for Toyota
in their line-up.
Unlike the 4Runner, with a bias toward rugged work-horse utility, the
2003 Toyota Highlander is like a luxury sedan with more abilities. Based
on a unibody platform with four-wheel independent suspension, this vehicle
also has a tight, quiet ride and the 37.4-foot turning circle makes it
easy to manoeuvre. The Highlander is available in six configurations with
two engines and two drive systems and it has been rated one of the highest
quality mid-size SUVs on the market.
Available Models
The 2003 Toyota Highlander comes in six different forms. First there is
a choice of 4-cylinder or V6 engines and either 2 or all-wheel drive.
Then, on the V6 you can choose between the base or up-level Limited version,
with significantly increased standard content.
Interior Features
A Highlander buyer is looking for sedan comfort with SUV capability and
so Toyota has offered generous standard equipment levels on the base version.
The lengthy equipment list includes defroster-linked air conditioning
with a cabin air filter, UV reduction glass, power windows and door locks,
cruise control, a 3-in-1 AM/FM/ETR cassette/CD sound system with six speakers
and variable intermittent windshield wipers. And these are just highlights.
The 2003 Toyota Highlander Limited models add an automatic climate control
system with multi-function display, a JBL premium 3-in-1 audio system
with eight speakers, a power drivers seat with eight-way adjustment plus
lumbar, a HomeLink® universal remote control system, heated mirrors,
remote keyless entry, anti-theft system with engine immobilizer, chestnut
wood-grain style interior trim, leather-covered shift knob and steering
wheel, color-keyed rear spoiler, and additional amenities.
Exterior Features
The base model 2003 Toyota Highlander is already equipped with bold Highlander
style but an upgrade to the Limited version adds some interesting features
to the exterior. Aluminium wheels (including a full-size aluminium spare
wheel), a roof rack, integrated fog lights and rear privacy glass are
all part of the offering.
Performance
The 2003 Toyota Highlander has a four-cylinder 2.4-liter dohc engine with
variable valve timing (VVT-i) that produces 155 hp at 5600rpm and 163
lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4000. A move up to the V6 gets the same VVT-i
system but it manages a 3.0-liter dohc powerplant with 220 horsepower
at 5800 and 222 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4400.
VVT-i ensures an even and efficient application of power anywhere in
the engine ranges and both have EPA certification as Low Emission Vehicles
and both are teamed exclusively with a four-speed electronic automatic
transmission.
2WD (rear) or AWD platforms are available for either engine. Toyota's
AWD system employs a bevel-gear center differential with a viscous coupling
to divide engine power between front and rear as needed front and rear.
Safety and Security
Four-wheel anti-lock brakes with brake assist, dual front airbags and
daytime running lights are standard equipment. Optional add-ons include
front- and curtain-side airbags.
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2003 Toyota Highlander Highlights
The
Highlander is based on a unibody platform with four-wheel independent
suspension. This type of construction provides a tight, quiet ride
like that expected in a high-quality mid-size sedan. Its higher
ride height provides a command view of the road, and a tight 37.4-foot
turning circle makes it easy to maneuver.
The
Toyota Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) system with traction control (TRAC)
is available as an option with either drive system. The VSC system
helps keep the vehicle going on its intended course by detecting
front-wheel slide and rear-wheel slide during cornering and attempting
to control either condition with torque throttle intervention and/or
by braking individual wheels.
High-value
content is a Toyota cornerstone, and the Highlander lives up to
that reputation. The lengthy standard equipment list includes defroster-linked
air conditioning with a cabin air filter, UV reduction glass, power
windows and door locks, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, a 3-in-1
AM/FM/ETR cassette/CD sound system with six speakers and variable
intermittent windshield wipers.
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either expressed or implied with respect to the data presented here. All
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