2001 Toyota Highlander Review
Price Estimate: $733 - $1,190





+14
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Roomy interior, car-like ride and handling, spunky V6 engine, predicted reliability.
Cons
- Rear seat is uncomfortably low, goofy dash-mounted gear selector, driver's seat could use more rearward travel for optimum comfort.
What’s new
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. Available only with a V6 and an automatic transmission driving power to the front or all the wheels, Highlander will be sold in one trim level with a Limited package listed on the option sheet.
Edmunds says
An oversized Camry wagon that went equipment- and clothes-shopping at REI.
For sale nationwide
29 listings
- 123,144 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use
- 6cyl automatic
- Urban Motors Green (580 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
- Audio and cruise con...
Close
Located in Lakewood, CO
2001 Toyota Highlander. Automatic. AWD. Sunroof/Moonroof. Cross Bars. Alloy Wheels. New Oil and Filters. Clean Title. This vehicle has been inspect...
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: JTEHF21A410014162
Stock: 71741
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-03-2025- $4,598good price$696 below market
- 194,205 miles
- 2 accidents, 4 owners, personal use only
- 6cyl automatic
- JT Wholesale Auto (700 mi away)
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
- Audio and cruise con...
Close
Located in Broken Arrow, OK
JT Wholesale Auto24855 E Highway 51Broken Arrow, OK 740149**-4**-3***- All Vehicles Have CLEAN TITLES Unless Explicitly Disclosed- All Units Undergo a...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
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: JTEGF21A610002168
Stock: 002168
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 03-03-2025
Vehicle overview
Did you know that one out of every 10 cars and trucks sold in the U.S. is a Lexus or a Toyota? With the new Highlander, Toyota will easily cement itself as one of the best-selling brands in North America. How can we be so sure? Because the Highlander represents an optimum blend of three utilitarian types of vehicles: the station wagon, the minivan and the sport-utility vehicle.
Based on the same platform as the Lexus RX 300, which itself is based on modified Toyota Camry mechanicals, Highlander is longer, taller and wider where the wheels meet the pavement than the Lexus. Despite its greater size, the Highlander is lighter than the RX 300, so acceleration should equal or better its upscale cousin. Braking will likely prove impressive, too. 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).
Highlander is rated to tow 3,500 pounds, when properly equipped. Helping to meet that specification is the same 3.0-liter V6 that resides under the hood of the RX. Making 220 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 222 ft-lbs. of torque at 4,400 rpm, the V6 features Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). The standard engine, also using VVT-i to maximize power and efficiency, is a 2.4-liter inline four making 155 ponies and 163 ft-lbs. of twist. The four-speed automatic transmission provides a "snow mode" for easy starts on slippery surfaces.
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. But it'll work great during heavy snowfalls. 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. VSC will then apply selective braking to bring the truck (car?) back under control.
In the event it fails (not likely, but possible), 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. Daytime running lights and side airbags are optional.
Inside, Highlander delivers 38.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear 60/40 split folding seat in use, and a whopping 81.4 cubes when it's folded. Air conditioning, CD/cassette combo stereo with six speakers, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, bottle holders, and grocery bag hooks are standard. Opting for Limited trim gives you JBL sound, automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, woodgrain interior trim, alloy wheels with full-size spare, fog lights, privacy glass and other upgraded features. Leather upholstery is available on V6 models.
Toyota is planning to sell 70,000 Highlanders in calendar year 2001. We'll bet demand outstrips supply.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 Toyota Highlander 2WD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.15 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota
$181/mo for Highlander Base
Highlander Base
vs
$177/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
See Edmunds pricing data
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Toyota Highlander Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(77%)
4(14%)
3(8%)
2(1%)
1(0%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Love the Car, but prepare for Repairs
3 out of 5 starsTony, 12/30/2015
2001 Toyota Highlander V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
I bought this car used in 2010, came with 116,000 miles. I now have put 62,500 miles on the car and now at 178,500. I love the car and I am a second owner.
Pros
It is very spacious, not too big for an SUV but I've been able to pack quite a number of things in the car. The engine is still pretty strong. I've driven it far distance multiple times and haven't had major issues.
Cons
As … much as I love the car, I'll admit that the cost of repairs and the type of repairs have gotten me. Grant it, I've had to pay quite the number on getting it repaired, I would say most of it was basically 'wear and tear' I am the 2nd owner and most of the original parts lasted well over 110,000 miles so I've been footing the bill. My a/c went out withing 6 months, had to pay $1,200 to repair. Most recently my altenator went bad, along with this other issue (can't remember) but combined that cost me $1,200 and now I'm paying $1,700 to have my 02 sensors (somethign i've read in reviews that go bad (denso brand)), valve cover gaskets, AND fuel injector replaced. On average i've speant maybe $2,000 or so a year on repairs. And I've also had to have my tired changed twice.
Conclusion
With 178,500 miles on the car and it being 2001, it's probably time i get a new car but I've alreay put so much money in it and have quite the number of new parts in it, but i just don't want to pay monthly for a new car. I will eventually. Godd car and reliable but maybe not worth all the repairs. Most of the cost for repairs they charge high for labor. Always get a carfax or somethign so you're not stuck having to repair alot of parts for a high mileage car
Best car I have ever owned
5 out of 5 starsgigmom, 09/13/2010
2001 Toyota Highlander V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
I bought my Highlander with 67,000 miles on it.. It just turned 216,000 miles. Minor repairs like brakes, O2 sensor, but this car is a BEAST in the snow! I live on a mountain top in New England and it goes through a foot and a half of snow on a dirt road climbing a hill like its nothing!! The original Toyota battery lasted for 169,000 miles. The car rocks! I will drive it until it sighs … its last breath then buy another.
Reliable Maintenance Free
4.63 out of 5 stars2001 Toyota Highland, 02/08/2006
2001 Toyota Highlander 2WD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
This is a very sharp looking excellent riding and so far has been very maintenance free. Just don't forget to change your oil and you're in business. Excellent visibility when driving. This is just a 4 cycl and I find that has been more than sufficient for me. Great get up and go, no one usually beats me at the red lights. Excellent gas mpg for a vehicle that looks like an suv. I have … gotten as high as 30 mpg. Usually get from 24 to 27 mpg. Love It. Well I had two or three specks of paint that just seemed to pop off when I 1st got it. Had fixed and everything else excellent.
My views after 19 years owning our Highlander 4WD
5 out of 5 starsPete C, 06/14/2019
2001 Toyota Highlander V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
We bought our Highlander new in March 2001 (yes18 years ago). It is the V6, full-time 4WD model. We have about 160,000 miles on it. We are the original owners. Other than tires, brake pads, oil, etc. we have had to replace one, count them, ONE oxygen sensor that went bad. Of course this vehicle is old enough that there is no Bluetooth, no backup camera, no driver info screen, but it … soldiers on and on and on. We get about 20-21 mpg on the highway. We have taken in on light off-road driving, obviously no rock-hopping. This was the most reliable vehicle we have ever purchased and in July 2019 we purchased a new 2019 Hybrid Limited - Platinum level. We fully expect to obtain the same great performance from our new Highlander as we received with the 2001 model. So far our 2019 Hybrid has most definitely met all of our expectations.
2001 Highlander Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $23,515 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $181/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 38.5 cu.ft. |
front wheel drive | |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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