2002 Toyota Highlander

Pros: Extremely dependable, Radio 6 disc CD player, Enough cup holders
Cons: With option package can be very pricey, Need more space in the hatch area

We purchased our 2002 Toyota Highlander in 2002. Since then we have been able to break it in. With 30,000 miles this vehicle is one of the best we have owned. The ride is comfortable. The front is roomy and the back is enough for our passengers. The features that we enjoy are the extras that we added on that became pricey for this vehicle. Toyota makes a great radio/cd player. We have the 6 disc that I find convenient for long trips. There are enough cup holders for everyone. :)

If we had to purchase another SUV/Car it would certainly be another Highlander.

Pros: Quiet, abundant interior space, 4WD, 4 cylinder economy, car like driving with SUV capabilities, reliability
Cons: Nothing yet.

I have been looking for a vehicle with high praises in terms of reliability and low maintenance, with SUV capabilities for winter driving while providing great fuel economy. This categorization narrows down the playing field greatly and the only vehicle that met these requirements was the Highlander. It's elevated stance and 4WD capability proved itself during a recent winter storm as it handled snow and ice conditions flawlessly. I am used to all wheel drive German sport cars and this Toyota doesn't skip a beat in contrast to those vehicles performance.

Highlander is a quiet vehicle that absorbs various forms of pavement anomalies. We like the fact that rear seating is abundant with the ability to fold rear seats down, which can absorb a lot of anything. So far only several hundred miles on top of the 70k we purchased it at.

Everything about the interior cockpit is where it needs to be, which required no time getting used to. This is a definite buy.

Pros: Comfort of interior and smooth ride.
Cons: Expected a little better gas mileage.

I purchased a 2002 Highlander (4 cyl) and have never looked back! I am only 5'0" tall and finally found a SUV that I don't need a ladder to get into. After owning 2 Corollas, I had the taste for a bigger vehicle. The Highlander was the only one that fit me, literally! I tried the Vue and 4Runner, but found both were a bit tall and rode like trucks. The Highlander provides a car-like ride with the lift of a SUV. The controls are all easy to see and access and even the 4 cylinder has good 'get-up-and-go'. I have taken several long trips well over 500 miles and driving this vehicle made all of my trips enjoyable with the roominess in the seat area and ease of the console use. Probably the first vehicle that I've felt totally safe in, even in our Wisconsin winters.

I've already been looking at the 2004 models!!