2004 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2004 Toyota Highlander?
The 2004 Toyota Highlander benefits from more powerful engines. The available 3.3-liter V6 makes 230 horsepower, while the standard 2.4-liter inline-four cylinder engine ekes out five more ponies for a total of 160 hp. Safety is improved with a standard stability control system and a tire-pressure monitor. A DVD entertainment system for rear seat riders is a new option and a fold-flat third row seat is available (standard on the Limited model). Finally, the exterior receives slightly revised styling and the interior benefits from some fresh aesthetics.

Advantages of the 2004 Toyota Highlander:

• Family- and road-friendly manner
• Now accommodates seven with available third-row seating
• Full complement of safety features, and very good crash test scores
• Quality materials and construction

Objections to the 2004 Toyota Highlander:

• Not meant for traversing anything but smooth pavement
• Standard engine power doesn’t match up to its competition

Editor's Advice:
We’ve appreciated the Toyota Highlander since its debut in 2001. It possesses the key attributes that make every mom-and-pop want an SUV for their garages, namely a high seating position and cargo-carrying capacity, while leaving out unnecessary aspects that earn sport-utes so much criticism, such as heavy off-roading artillery, unrefined on-road ride and gas-quaffing characteristics. With the Toyota Camry serving as the Toyota Highlander’s basis, it can’t help but be a model of civility around town. While ladling on the options will dramatically increase the price and many new competitors have improved upon Toyota’s crossover recipe, the Highlander is still a contender. Just make sure to check out its competition, such as the Honda Pilot, Mitsubishi Endeavor and Nissan Murano, before deciding. Any of these vehicles will also serve you well.