2002 Toyota Highlander N/A from North America - Comments

We replaced the brake pads at 65,000 miles - brakes were squeaking pretty bad, but the previous owner had put aftermarket pads on (OEM's fixed the problem and it brakes like a dream now).

Had the oil pan gasket and valve cover gasket replaced at 71,000 miles - probably leaking due to my switch to synthetic oil. Leaks were not bad - more like seeping; this repair was mainly preventative. No problems at all since.

I love this car. We previously had an 03 Camry which was leased - we wanted to buy our next car, but as good Clark Howard listeners decided to find a nice used one. Loved the engine on the '03 Camry, just hated the way it drove - felt like a Buick or something - had lost any sportiness! But that engine (the VVT-i 2.4L engine) was awesome - it purred and had great torque - didn't feel like a 4 cylinder, so we saw the Highlander had it and went after one of those.

The car sits high like an SUV, but drives as smooth as a car...it's got a ton of room for storage in the back, although I think newer Highlanders have a 3rd row seat now which blows my mind - this is not a 7 passenger-sized vehicle!!

Anyway, it starts everytime; it drives like a dream; I maintain it and baby it like it's my own kid... I clean the engine probably once a week and wash it probably every 5 days - I'm proud of this car if you can't tell.

Some upgrades I've done on it...

1) I switched to Amsoil oil and filters immediately

2) K&N air filter

3) 4 new Michelin Cross-Terrain tires (the standard Goodyear Integrity tires are the absolute pits) - this was a very good investment!

4) new PCV valve and PCV hose (after cleaning the idle control valve I just wanted to take any precaution to prevent carbon buildup

5) new plugs, coolant flush, brake system flush, tranny flush - all preventative.

Finally, the Highlander is actually built in Japan. My parents have a 1991 Toyota Previa van that was built in Japan. It was 200k + miles on it and other than oil changes and a sunroof motor, the only thing they've ever done on the van was a drive shaft which is common on those. I believe that the build quality of Japanese built Toyotas is unmatched. Toyota also builds all the Lexus models in Japan as well as the Land Cruiser, the Prius and the 4 Runner... how often do you hear about problems with those cars? Case in point.

If the bottom portion of this review doesn't shout BOGUS then I don't know what does...

How is it BOGUS? I have heard of japanese cars running for 250000+ and myself owned a 93 civic that was still running fine at 190000 when I sold it. Unless you have some info on the location of the factories or something that the author got wrong I don't see anything bogus about it.

I think the last comment is bogus and obviously came from an auto worker from Detroit who sits around with members of Exon Mobil and chat on how to use more fuel. I has witnessed Highlanders selling well and I cannot believe someone who have never driven one before can shout foul play. The first commenter needs to get a life and a new job... how about Toyota or Honda or Hyundai? they are hiring.

I'm saying its bogus because it stopped reviewing the vehicle at the end. instead, the author went into ranting about toyota build quality. "case and point" implies that the author's intention was to place toyota above all other auto makers. kind of like an "in your face" statement. I would 100% believe this review if it werent for the few ending lines.

I am the person who posted the review. I added the detail about the Japan thing b/c it's an ATTRIBUTE of the car, thus part of the review. Not all Toyotas are built in Japan. All Highlanders are (although I hear that the next-gen might change that). Sorry you don't approve of my opinion.

I drive a 2002 Highlander with the V6. 106.000km still on the original brake pads front and rear. The front rotors were replaced at 60.000 km by my dealers as they had a slight warp and still under warranty.

I maintain my Toyota more than most people would, and nothing has gone wrong to date. This is why I won't go back to GM.