Inventory Listing

Overview:

This 2001 Toyota Highlander Base 3.0L V6 2WD is a standout choice in the luxury mid-size SUV market, combining reliability, comfort, and practicality. With only 126,000 miles, this Highlander is in excellent condition, backed by a one-owner history, a clean Carfax report, and a consistent maintenance record with 37 service records performed by authorized Toyota dealerships. Finished in the elegant Ice Cap White with an ivory cloth interior, this vehicle offers a well-preserved appearance that highlights Toyota’s commitment to longevity and quality. The clean California title further assures a solid ownership history free from accidents.

NHTSA Safety Ratings:

• Frontal Crash: 4 Stars (Driver), 4 Stars (Passenger)

• Side Crash: 5 Stars (Front Occupant), 5 Stars (Rear Occupant)

• Rollover: 4 Stars (Risk)

The 2001 Toyota Highlander offers a high level of safety with its robust design and airbags throughout the cabin, earning impressive safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Its stellar side-impact and rollover ratings reflect the vehicle’s stability, which is a hallmark of Toyota’s engineering prowess.

Essentials:

• Engine: 3.0L V6 engine with 220 horsepower and 228 lb-ft of torque.

• Transmission: 4-speed automatic transmission.

• Drive Type: Front-wheel drive (2WD).

• Mileage: 126,000 miles – well-maintained with 37 service records.

• Ownership: One-owner car with no accidents, and a clean California title.

• Exterior Color: Ice Cap White – a timeless and clean look.

• Interior: Ivory cloth interior – spacious and comfortable seating.

• Service History: Regular maintenance performed at Toyota dealerships.

• Safety: 4-star NHTSA ratings for frontal crash, 5-star for side crash.

• Vehicle Type: Luxury mid-size SUV with a focus on reliability and longevity.

History of the Generation:

The first-generation Toyota Highlander was produced from 2001 to 2007 and was Toyota’s entry into the increasingly popular mid-size crossover SUV market. It was built on the same platform as the Toyota Camry, which helped the Highlander achieve its reputation for excellent reliability and a smooth ride. The 2001 model introduced Toyota’s “Highlander” nameplate, offering a practical alternative to larger, truck-based SUVs, with more car-like driving dynamics. The first-generation Highlander featured a unibody construction, which contributed to its lightweight feel and excellent handling characteristics.

One of the key differentiators of the first-generation Highlander was its offering of both a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine and the 3.0L V6 engine, which provided a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. The 3.0L V6 engine, specifically, was sourced from the Toyota Camry and was known for its reliability and long-term durability.

Fuel Economy, Horsepower, and Torque:

• Fuel Economy:

  • City: 18 MPG

  • Highway: 24 MPG

  • The 2001 Highlander’s 3.0L V6 engine delivers solid fuel efficiency for a mid-size SUV, especially when compared to its contemporaries. With a combined average of around 21 MPG, the Highlander’s fuel economy strikes a balance between power and efficiency.

• Horsepower:

  • The 3.0L V6 engine generates 220 horsepower, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience for daily commutes and longer trips.

• Torque:

  • With 228 lb-ft of torque, the Highlander offers decent towing capacity and confident acceleration, which is especially useful for highway driving and carrying passengers or cargo.

This combination of fuel economy, power, and torque ensures the 2001 Toyota Highlander delivers a dependable, comfortable ride, making it a solid choice for those looking for an efficient and well-rounded SUV.

Best Features of the 2001 Toyota Highlander:

1. Comfortable Interior:

   • The ivory cloth interior is clean and spacious, with ample legroom for both front and rear passengers. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats enhance flexibility and cargo space, making the Highlander an excellent family vehicle.

2. Proven Reliability:

   • Toyota’s reputation for building reliable vehicles is fully on display with this Highlander. The engine, a 3.0L V6 sourced from the Camry, is known for its durability, and with only 126k miles, this SUV is expected to run well for many more years.

3. Smooth Ride:

   • The Highlander’s unibody construction provides a smoother and quieter ride than traditional body-on-frame SUVs, and its suspension system is well-tuned for comfort.

4. Toyota Safety:

   • Standard safety features include front airbags, side-impact airbags, and anti-lock brakes (ABS). The Highlander’s top-tier NHTSA safety ratings make it a solid choice for families.

5. Low Maintenance Costs:

   • Thanks to Toyota’s reputation for low-cost maintenance, you’ll find that keeping the Highlander in good condition won’t break the bank. Additionally, with 37 service records at authorized Toyota dealerships, this vehicle has been carefully maintained.

Performance vs. Competitors in the Luxury Mid-Size SUV Category:

The 2001 Toyota Highlander holds its own among its competitors in the mid-size SUV category. Unlike many of its rivals, which often feature truck-based platforms, the Highlander benefits from its Camry-based construction, making it more car-like in handling. Its 220-horsepower 3.0L V6 provides sufficient power for everyday driving without being excessive, while its solid build quality and dependability set it apart from other SUVs in its class.

In comparison to its competitors such as the Honda Pilot and Ford Escape, the Highlander is widely regarded as being more reliable and having a smoother ride, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and car-based design. Additionally, its fuel economy of 18/24 MPG is quite competitive for an SUV of its size, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a practical yet comfortable SUV for daily use.

The 1st Gen Highlander’s reliability stems largely from the 3.0L and later the 3.3L V6 engine, both of which were derived from the Toyota Camry’s engine lineup. This powerful engine is known for its longevity and minimal maintenance issues. It complements the transmission options offered in the Highlander, giving the vehicle a smooth, responsive feel without the need for major repairs—something that solidified the Highlander’s position as one of the best options in its class for years to come.

:

The 2001 Toyota Highlander Base 3.0L V6 2WD is an ideal choice for buyers seeking a well-rounded, reliable, and affordable luxury SUV. With its low mileage, one-owner history, clean Carfax, and extensive service records, this vehicle offers exceptional value for those in the market for a used SUV. The Highlander’s strong reputation for reliability, smooth performance, and impressive safety ratings make it a standout choice in the luxury mid-size SUV market.