Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size Crossover SUV
Target Audience:
Families, individuals seeking versatility and comfort
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra, Subaru Outback
Vehicle Selling Points:
Reliability, spacious interior, comfortable ride, available AWD, fuel efficiency for its class
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and independent mechanics with factory-level repair and diagnostic capabilities, reducing reliance on dealerships and saving on maintenance costs.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control, engine management
Transmission Systems:
Automatic Transmission (A540E) - diagnosis, repair, overhaul, fluid service
Drivetrain Systems:
Driveshafts, differentials (front and rear), AWD system operation and maintenance
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment, power steering system
Braking Systems:
Front and rear brakes (disc), ABS, EBD, brake fluid service
Electrical Systems:
Charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power windows/locks, HVAC controls, wiring diagrams
Body Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, interior trim, seating, HVAC system components
Safety Systems:
Airbag system diagnosis and servicing, seatbelt mechanisms
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs
Repair Procedures:
Engine component replacement (e.g., spark plugs, belts, hoses), brake pad/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component troubleshooting
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, OBD-II diagnostic codes and procedures
Overhaul Procedures:
Transmission overhaul, engine rebuilding (detailed steps)
Installation Procedures:
Component installation and replacement (e.g., alternator, starter, sensors)
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostics, including interpretation of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and live data
Rebuild Scope:
Complete engine and transmission rebuilding procedures with torque specifications and clearances
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all systems
Engine Configuration:
3.0L V6, 24-valve, DOHC
Bore X Stroke:
87.0 mm x 83.0 mm
Displacement:
2995 cc (3.0 Liters)
Horsepower:
200 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
207 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (minimum)
Firing Order:
1-2-3-4-5-6
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US Quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change (refer to manual for exact capacity)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 (API Certified)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic (5-speed overdrive)
Transmission Options:
N/A for 2001 model year
Transmission Control:
Electronic Control Unit (ECU) managed
Transmission Fluid Type:
Toyota ATF WS (World Standard) or Dexron III compatible (refer to manual for specific Toyota P/N)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 3.6 US Quarts (3.4 Liters) for dry fill, higher for total capacity (refer to manual)
Length:
183.7 inches (4665 mm)
Width:
71.7 inches (1820 mm)
Height:
66.5 inches (1689 mm)
Wheelbase:
104.7 inches (2660 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,700 - 3,850 lbs (1678 - 1746 kg), depending on drivetrain
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 5,200 lbs (2359 kg)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 38.1 cubic feet (1079 liters)
Cargo Volume With 2Nd Row Folded:
Approx. 76.9 cubic feet (2177 liters)
NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact Crash Test Rating:
4-Star (Front Passenger), 5-Star (Rear Passenger)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Standard front dual-stage airbags, optional front side airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, pretensioners and force limiters for front seats
Rollover Protection:
Designed with a lower center of gravity for its class to mitigate rollover risk.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional cassette and premium JBL audio system
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control systems, rear HVAC vents
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Connectivity Features:
Limited for its era; typically basic auxiliary inputs for aftermarket audio upgrades.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (refer to manual for specific conditions)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (refer to manual)
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (refer to manual)
Spark Plug Replacement:
100,000 miles (Iridium tipped plugs)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace approximately every 60,000 miles (refer to manual)
Coolant Replacement:
Initial replacement at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter (Toyota Super Long Life Coolant)
Power Steering Fluid:
Toyota Genuine Power Steering Fluid or equivalent Dexron II/III ATF
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific type)
Common Wear Items:
CV joints, struts/shocks, brake components, serpentine belt
Engine Related Concerns:
Occasional oil leaks (e.g., valve cover gaskets), potential for timing belt tensioner noise (though this engine uses a timing chain).
Transmission Related Concerns:
While generally robust, some instances of rough shifting or transmission cooler leaks can occur. Regular fluid changes are critical.
Electrical Concerns:
Check engine light due to various sensor issues (e.g., MAF sensor, O2 sensors), interior light failures.
Toyota Reputation:
Renowned for reliability, durability, and quality manufacturing.
Highlander Introduction:
The Highlander was introduced as Toyota's first mainstream unibody crossover SUV, bridging the gap between sedans and traditional body-on-frame SUVs.
Platform Sharing:
Shared its platform with the Toyota Camry and Lexus RX.
Manufacturing Location:
Fremont, California, USA (Toyota Motor Manufacturing, California)
Production Years For Model:
2001-2007
Car And Driver Best SUVs:
Recognized by automotive publications for its blend of car-like handling and SUV practicality.
Reliability Rankings:
Consistently ranked high for reliability by organizations like Consumer Reports and J.D. Power.
Safety Certifications:
Achieved high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS for its model year.
