2003 Toyota Highlander from North America

Faults:

At approximately 3 years of ownership (car was purchased new) and 35000 miles, the cabin became saturated with water. The front and rear mats were flooded. The Toyota dealer said it was a clogged evaporator drain. Dealer said it was clogged with dirt from the road. Mold set in and the seats and dashboard had to be removed and all carpets and padding had to be replaced for a total cost of $2638. Toyota would not cover this cost under the warranty. It would seem to me that this is a faulty design. Have your drain tube checked annually!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 7th November, 2005

29th Nov 2011, 22:32

Just to bring to anyone's attention reading this, any car, no matter what make or model, can have the water leak issue caused by plugged drain tubes. Which is why it's important to check the drain tubes on all cars. Especially if you don't have a garage and park under trees.

My van that had sat up for a while under a tree had the same issue. Seems that you shouldn't have had to replace all the carpet and such just because of that. A shop vac or a steam clean machine to extract the water, and spraying the affected areas with a hydrogen peroxide solution should have prevented the mold issue.

I had a car whose trunk had a leak around the antenna, and since I rarely drove it, I didn't find it out until the windows fogged up on the inside of the car one warm day. Checked inside and the car had a very strong mold smell, and there was even mold on the plastic parts of the door and dash. A good cleaning, a can of Lysol sprayed through the vents, and the carpet cleaned with a 2% hydrogen peroxide solution, and it was as good as new.

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2003 Toyota Highlander Limited from North America

Summary:

Other than the wind noise, it's great!

Faults:

The only thing I am unhappy about with this car is the wind noise that happens when the back windows are opened and none of the front windows are open. It is deafening!

General Comments:

In general, I love this car! It is extremely comfortable, lots of leg room in the front and back.

It has great visibility and is a smooth ride.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th September, 2003

29th Jun 2004, 15:23

I bought my highlander 1 month ago and love it. it's a 2003 limited. I have no faults to comment about. I read some peoples comments about the wind noise, but I don't have any problems with mine. its was worth every cent.

Its roomy, its fast on pick up and space is more than I expected. Its also a good looking car and attracts a lot of attention.

I am getting a lot of exercise because I have to park far away from other cars.

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2003 Toyota Highlander 4x4 3.0 from North America

Summary:

Great value for the money, good ride, 4x4, good power and has towing capabilities

Faults:

Nothing so far.

General Comments:

I just purchased a new 2003 Highlander with V6 and all wheel drive. So far the vehicle is good. I too am tall - about 6'2". The only problem I have is that most of my height is in the legs (35 -36"). When I push the seat back most of the way, I find that the steering wheel is too far forward. When I try to hold the steering wheel at the top or at the 10, 2 position, my arms get tired quickly. I end up holding the wheel at the bottom. Would be great if it was telescoping (should be available is this price range). If I pull the seat up closer to the wheel, I find that the outsides of my knees are pressing against the hard door panel on the left and the center console on the right. Just can't seem to find a comfortable position. One other annoyance is that when the arm rest is down it gets in the way of the seatbelt latch.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th April, 2003