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2002 Toyota Highlander Review
High marks for yet another SUV from Toyota.
2002 Highlander Review Summary & Specifications
The bottom line looms large in the acquisition of a vehicle and not just in the original transaction, but also down the line. What is it worth? The name Toyota has over the years come to mean longevity, absence of problems and an unparalleled ability to hold value. That's not a bad rep to have. This all translates to high residuals at the end of a lease or high trade-in or re-sale value when it's time to buy a new one. This sustained-value state of affairs with Toyota can sometimes confuse buyers because with such vehicles there's often little wheeling and dealing at the front end. A competitor can offer what seems to be a much better buy on a similar rig. Buyers should be reminded that the important figure is what a vehicle will cost for its entire time in their possession - what it costs to bring it into their life, to keep it running and insured and how much it pays back as it exits their employ. Toyota excels in this life-cycle costing. The Highlander, opening with such apparent value for money, should be a champion in that regard. It's worth a top location on your look-at list.
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| Vehicle Category | Sport Utility Vehicles |
| Editor | Denise McCluggage |
| Model Lineup | 4-cyl 2WD ($23,995); 4 cyl 4WD ($25,395); V6 2WD ($25,575); V6 4WD ($26,975) |
| Engines (standard) | 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 4-speed electronically controlled automatic w/ECT-I and Snow Mode |
| Engines (optional) | 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder; 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 |
| Transmissions (optional) | 4-speed electronic automatic w/Snow Mode |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | dual front airbags, ABS |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | side-impact airbags, traction control and skid control (2WD models) |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Kyushu, Japan |
| Manufacturer Phone | 1-800-468-6968 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.toyota.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 23995 |
| Model Tested MSRP | 4WD V6 ($26,975) |
| Standard Equipment | air conditioning, digital clock, mini overhead console, cruise control, electric rear window defroster, power door locks with rear child-safety locks, remote fuel-filler release, automatic off headlights, AM/FM/cassette stereo with six speakers, retained accessory power, dual Illuminated visor mirrors, dual color-keyed power foldaway outside mirrors |
| Destination Charge | |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Limited Package ($3495) includes automatic air conditioning, fog lights, aluminum wheels, mud guards, privacy glass; keyless remote entry, eight-way power driver's seat, HomeLink garage door opener, integrated window antenna, alarm system w/engine immobilizer, chrome/wood interior accents, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, roof rack system, dual heated mirrors, daytime running lights |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Price as Tested | 30470 |
| Layout | four-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 220 @ 5800 |
| Torque | 222 @ 4400 |
| Fuel Economy | 18/22 |
| Wheelbase | 106.9 |
| Length/Width/Height | 184.4/71.9/66.5 in. (+2.2 in. for roof rack) |
| Track Front/Rear | 62/61.2 |
| Turning Radius | 37.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 40.0/55.1/40.7 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 39.8/54.9/36.4 |
| Trunk Volume | 81.4 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | 3500 |
| Front Suspension | Independent |
| Rear Suspension | Independent (MacPherson strut with front and rear stabilizer bars) |
| Ground Clearance | 7.3 |
| Curb Weight | 3880 |
| Stock Tires | P225/70-16R |
| Brakes Front/Rear | disc/disc with ABS |
| Fuel Capacity | 19.8 |
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