Thai
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Part I:
Toyota Revises Highlander SUV for 2004 with More Power, A Third Seat Option and Additional Safety Technology
Toyota has extensively enhanced its popular Highlander midsize sport utility vehicle (SUV) for 2004, increasing power and performance, adding safety features and offering a new third row seat in specific models. Freshened front and rear exterior styling and numerous interior enhancements also distinguish the 2004 Highlander.
Introduced for model year 2001, Highlander continues to be the best-selling car-based midsize SUV on the market, and has also been rated one of the highest quality midsize SUV's by independent sources.
"Toyota Highlander really set the standard for car-based mid-size SUVs, and after just three years on the market, this model meets the growing competition with even more of what made it so popular, including more value," said Don Esmond, senior vice president and general manager, Toyota Division.
The new available third row seat expands Highlander's passenger capacity to seven and includes privacy glass, a rear heater system, and additional cupholders. "Walk-in" steps and second-row sliding seat make it easier to enter and exit the third row seat. The third row seat also folds completely flat into the floor to create added cargo space.
Highlander is available in two-row and three-row models with two engines and a choice of front-wheel drive or full-time four-wheel drive. Highlander gets more powerful engine choices for 2004, including a new and larger V6 that produces 230 horsepower, 10 more than the previous model. The standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine now produces 160 horsepower, five more than the 2003 model. At 22/27 mpg, the two-wheel drive four-cylinder Highlander is expected to continue to have the highest EPA estimated city and highway fuel mileage ratings of any midsize SUV.
A new 3.3-liter V6 engine has replaced the 3.0-liter V6 used previously. The new V6 produces 230 horsepower and 242 lb.-ft. of torque, compared to 220 hp and 222 lb.-ft. for the V6 used in 2003 Highlander models. Teamed to a new five-speed automatic transmission with "snow" mode throttle-control start, the larger, more powerful V6 yields better performance than before. And, with EPA city/highway fuel economy estimated at 19/25 on the two-wheel drive and 18/24 on the four-wheel drive, the Highlander V6 continues to offer outstanding fuel economy. A new electronic throttle control provides more precise engine response and helps reduce emissions. An Active Control Engine Mount helps to reduce vibrations when idling.
Freshened Design
Highlander introduced a classic design to the SUV market, and for 2004, a redesigned front bumper, grill, headlights, fog lamps, rear bumper, and taillights freshen its distinctive look. The front bumper features integrated molding that accentuates its styling. New headlight clusters use overlapping cylindrical elements and a smooth lens for a clean, sporty appearance. The new taillight design likewise uses a cylindrical element and combination of clear and red lenses for a more modern look. Available 16-inch six-spoke aluminum alloy wheels now feature a high gloss finish. Standard 17-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels in the Limited model add to its refined attitude and also enhance handling response.
Family-Ready Interior
Models with a third row seat can accommodate two additional passengers, or the seat can be easily folded flat without removing the headrests when not in use. Third-row seat passengers are also assured of comfort for long trips thanks to 30.2 inches of legroom and a four-step reclining feature.
Highlander combines a roomy and comfortable cabin with generous cargo space and versatility. Cargo volume behind the second-row seat measures 39.7 cubic feet, which expands to 80.6 cubic feet of space with the standard 60/40 split rear seat folded. The rear cargo area provides a 12v accessory power outlet.
Second-row passengers on models with a third seat are assured of comfort for long trips thanks to 36.4 inches of legroom and a seven-step reclining feature that offers 14 degrees of total recline and slides forward nearly five inches. In addition, when there are only two middle row passengers, there is a fold-down center armrest featuring two adjustable cupholders.
An optional rear seat DVD entertainment center that plays movies and audio CD's can also be connected to video game players for second and third row occupants. A rear seat audio system, two wireless headphones, 115-volt AC power outlet and RCA input jacks are also included in the DVD entertainment system.
Designed to exude high quality and attention to detail, the Highlander interior receives further enhancements for 2004, including new seat fabric and a new instrument and door panel trim. The additions improve interior contrasts, particularly when matched to Ivory fabric. In addition, Ivory and a new Ash (gray) leather seat trim are available on both the Highlander and Limited model grades.
An available leather-trimmed steering wheel and shifter lever add to the refined look, and the steering wheel features controls for the audio system when ordered in conjunction with one of the JBL premium audio options. The steering wheel controls are easy to use, allowing the driver to select system mode, radio stations or CD tracks, and to adjust volume without averting eyes from the road. A urethane steering wheel with audio controls is also available.
Toyota Revises Highlander SUV for 2004 with More Power, A Third Seat Option and Additional Safety Technology
Toyota has extensively enhanced its popular Highlander midsize sport utility vehicle (SUV) for 2004, increasing power and performance, adding safety features and offering a new third row seat in specific models. Freshened front and rear exterior styling and numerous interior enhancements also distinguish the 2004 Highlander.
Introduced for model year 2001, Highlander continues to be the best-selling car-based midsize SUV on the market, and has also been rated one of the highest quality midsize SUV's by independent sources.
"Toyota Highlander really set the standard for car-based mid-size SUVs, and after just three years on the market, this model meets the growing competition with even more of what made it so popular, including more value," said Don Esmond, senior vice president and general manager, Toyota Division.
The new available third row seat expands Highlander's passenger capacity to seven and includes privacy glass, a rear heater system, and additional cupholders. "Walk-in" steps and second-row sliding seat make it easier to enter and exit the third row seat. The third row seat also folds completely flat into the floor to create added cargo space.
Highlander is available in two-row and three-row models with two engines and a choice of front-wheel drive or full-time four-wheel drive. Highlander gets more powerful engine choices for 2004, including a new and larger V6 that produces 230 horsepower, 10 more than the previous model. The standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine now produces 160 horsepower, five more than the 2003 model. At 22/27 mpg, the two-wheel drive four-cylinder Highlander is expected to continue to have the highest EPA estimated city and highway fuel mileage ratings of any midsize SUV.
A new 3.3-liter V6 engine has replaced the 3.0-liter V6 used previously. The new V6 produces 230 horsepower and 242 lb.-ft. of torque, compared to 220 hp and 222 lb.-ft. for the V6 used in 2003 Highlander models. Teamed to a new five-speed automatic transmission with "snow" mode throttle-control start, the larger, more powerful V6 yields better performance than before. And, with EPA city/highway fuel economy estimated at 19/25 on the two-wheel drive and 18/24 on the four-wheel drive, the Highlander V6 continues to offer outstanding fuel economy. A new electronic throttle control provides more precise engine response and helps reduce emissions. An Active Control Engine Mount helps to reduce vibrations when idling.
Freshened Design
Highlander introduced a classic design to the SUV market, and for 2004, a redesigned front bumper, grill, headlights, fog lamps, rear bumper, and taillights freshen its distinctive look. The front bumper features integrated molding that accentuates its styling. New headlight clusters use overlapping cylindrical elements and a smooth lens for a clean, sporty appearance. The new taillight design likewise uses a cylindrical element and combination of clear and red lenses for a more modern look. Available 16-inch six-spoke aluminum alloy wheels now feature a high gloss finish. Standard 17-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels in the Limited model add to its refined attitude and also enhance handling response.
Family-Ready Interior
Models with a third row seat can accommodate two additional passengers, or the seat can be easily folded flat without removing the headrests when not in use. Third-row seat passengers are also assured of comfort for long trips thanks to 30.2 inches of legroom and a four-step reclining feature.
Highlander combines a roomy and comfortable cabin with generous cargo space and versatility. Cargo volume behind the second-row seat measures 39.7 cubic feet, which expands to 80.6 cubic feet of space with the standard 60/40 split rear seat folded. The rear cargo area provides a 12v accessory power outlet.
Second-row passengers on models with a third seat are assured of comfort for long trips thanks to 36.4 inches of legroom and a seven-step reclining feature that offers 14 degrees of total recline and slides forward nearly five inches. In addition, when there are only two middle row passengers, there is a fold-down center armrest featuring two adjustable cupholders.
An optional rear seat DVD entertainment center that plays movies and audio CD's can also be connected to video game players for second and third row occupants. A rear seat audio system, two wireless headphones, 115-volt AC power outlet and RCA input jacks are also included in the DVD entertainment system.
Designed to exude high quality and attention to detail, the Highlander interior receives further enhancements for 2004, including new seat fabric and a new instrument and door panel trim. The additions improve interior contrasts, particularly when matched to Ivory fabric. In addition, Ivory and a new Ash (gray) leather seat trim are available on both the Highlander and Limited model grades.
An available leather-trimmed steering wheel and shifter lever add to the refined look, and the steering wheel features controls for the audio system when ordered in conjunction with one of the JBL premium audio options. The steering wheel controls are easy to use, allowing the driver to select system mode, radio stations or CD tracks, and to adjust volume without averting eyes from the road. A urethane steering wheel with audio controls is also available.
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); better acceleration than the highlander (if you pushed up the revs); ridiculous priced acccessories many of which you need from the start (even rear mudflaps are not included and road side assistance is extra (3 yrs Road Side is included with Toyotas here in Canada!!); Honda dealer where every salesman seemed to have "crook" almost written on his forehead
