2001 Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander is an overrated luxury SUV. The Highlander has all the little pluses that people love, cup holders and heated seats. Many of the complicated high tech systems have faults that can range from annoying to dangerous. Bigger problems include the water pump and computer systems. The computers can be expensive to fix, as well as changing the cheap tires it comes with. The body of the Highlander is clean and not overdone, it scratches easily though. The interior is comfortable, roomy and holds up well. It can easily carry 7 people and has decent trunk space.

2001 Toyota Highlander

Toyota expects Toyota Highlander to appeal to car owners who want the look and versatility of an SUV while retaining car like ride and handling. Both SUVs are built on a modified Toyota Camry platform. Prominent fender creases and squared-off styling instead of slanted rear roof pillars give the Highlander a different appearance.

Like the RX 300, theToyota Highlander will be available with front-wheel drive or permanent all-wheel drive. Unlike the RX 300, which comes only with a 3.0-liter V-6 engine, the Highlander also will come with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder.

Based on the same platform as the Lexus RX 300, Toyota's new Highlander SUV represents the best blend of a station wagon, a minivan and a sport utility available on the market today. Highlander comes standard with four-wheel disc brakes equipped with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and brake assist (which maximizes braking power during a panic stop).

Toyota Highlander is rated to tow 3,500 pounds, when properly equipped. With 7.3 inches of ground clearance (6.9 on front-wheel drivers) and a fully independent suspension front and rear, Highlander isn't designed to tackle tough terrain. Toyota's Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) system, which includes traction control, is optional, and is designed to recognize when the Highlander isn't responding to the driver's steering inputs. In the event it fails (not likely, but possible), Toyota Highlander protects occupants with whiplash injury lessening (WIL) front seats, five three-point seatbelts equipped with automatic and emergency locking retractors (ALR/ELR), front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters and ISO-FIX child seat anchors. Opting for Limited trim gives you JBL sound, automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, wood grain interior trim, alloy wheels with full-size spare, fog lights, privacy glass and other upgraded features. Toyota is planning to sell 70,000 Highlanders in calendar year 2001.