2003 Toyota Highlander

The 2001-2007 Toyota Highlander is the first generation of Toyota's unibody mid-size crossover, built on the Camry platform rather than a truck frame. Engines were the 2.4-liter 2AZ-FE four-cylinder and the 3.0-liter 1MZ-FE and later 3.3-liter 3MZ-FE V6, paired with a four- or five-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive was standard and all-wheel drive was optional. A Hybrid version using Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive joined the range for 2006, and a third-row seat was available on V6 models.

The Highlander arrived alongside the body-on-frame 4Runner as a deliberately car-based alternative, offering quieter running, better ride quality, and much better fuel economy at the cost of serious off-road capability. It shared much of its structure with the Lexus RX of the same era. The second generation that followed in 2008 grew substantially and standardized the third row.

For used buyers, the first-generation Highlander is a straightforward and durable family vehicle with low running costs. The 2AZ-FE four-cylinder is known for oil consumption at higher mileages, and stripped cylinder-head bolt threads were addressed under an extended Toyota program on affected engines. The 1MZ-FE and 3MZ-FE V6 engines are generally reliable but require attention to the timing belt on the earlier unit. Rust on rear suspension components and subframes is worth checking on northern examples.