2003 Toyota Kluger CV 3.3 V6 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

An excellent choice for a family with three or more children, or a family who go out on dirt roads

Faults:

The morning after we bought the car the battery was flat.

General Comments:

This is a very comfortable car with a powerful engine. It handles very securely on wet roads and brakes well. Engine noise is minimal, acceleration is excellent.

We have the seven seater model. The third row seat are tolerable for a large adult for short distance. Front and middle row seats are very roomy. Armrests and plenty of storage space add to the roomy feel.

With the third row down there is plenty of luggage space.

The trip computer, cruise control, climate control, CD, cassette/radio are first class features.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th July, 2004

2003 Toyota Kluger Grande 3.3 V6 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Excellent all round family car

Faults:

Headlight protector cracked when washing. Replaced with no fuss by spare parts at dealer.

General Comments:

Perfectly sized for those who want a 4WD without all the tank-like qualities of offroaders.

Handles city traffic with ease and not too hard on the gas (13.2L/100km avg).

Plenty of power, understeery, but predictable steering. Some body roll as can be expected from vehicles of this type, however can be negated by judicious power application.

5-speed auto quite intuitive and doesn't hunt around too much.

A very comfortable and well-thought-out interior. Space is utilised to the max. Seats need some extra bolstering to be comfortable on long trips.

Superb navigation system with helpful hints like where is the nearest gas station or hospital. Easy to use interface for map/stereo/trip computer.

Can't think of a thing wrong with it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th April, 2004

2003 Toyota Kluger CV 3.3 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

An excellent wagon-type vehicle

Faults:

The only noticeable fault has been the extremely loud and physically uncomfortable noise level if either of the rear windows is wound down while the car is travelling at highway speed. A solution to this problem is not immediately clear.

The dealer-fitted towbar does not allow a mini-level ride system to be used, except if another hitch insert is purchased. This might be able to be rectified if the dealer is notified before purchasing.

General Comments:

The car seems very well-built, and so far has been a pleasure to drive. The engine has been quiet and willing, and the gear changes have been very smooth.

There is a great amount of useable storage space, which is useful as it is to be used extensively as a tow vehicle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th April, 2004

9th Jan 2005, 04:23

I checked US reports on Highlander. Seems they all expect the car to be quite when the windows are open!

This is an aerodynamic effect - the best sample I have seen in Aus is the Magna station wagon - open a back window and it booms.

3rd Mar 2005, 03:03

Since I wrote the original comments, we have driven the Kluger around Australia towing a Jayco Penguin 13. It towed the van like a dream, and we used about 14 litres per 100k. The trip was very comfortable, and we cannot imagine a better vehicle for the purpose. We have now covered 25000k since new and there has not been one problem with the car. The build quality seems exceptional. This is the first Toyota we have bought, but probably won't be the last!

12th Feb 2006, 05:44

Can you tell me about the tow bar you used to tow the penguin behind the kluger. Was a hitch required? Any other hints.

2003 Toyota Kluger Base 3.5L from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A great AWD for the family

Faults:

Nil.

General Comments:

My new car handles very well and feels like a hovercraft, is an All-wheel Drive (although it looks like a 4WD) 7 seater, spacious inside, yet small. It's brand new, very powerful, and is very light on the accellerator, it's a very relaxing drive.

My husband has a Volkswagen van and is always asking if he can take my car to work! It can handle very rough terrain and has great grip on the road, and it's very aerodynamic.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th November, 2003