I know this is mainly a 4Runner forum but I'll ask this question anyhow.
Knowing that the 4runner has VSC as well.

I'm considering purchasing a '04 AWD V6 Highlander, and I understand the VSC ( Vehicle Stabilty Control) is a standard option now.
I understand how it works with the braking and engine management, but how do you like it controlling your driving? I read a review on epinions, that said when it activates, it flashes a light on the dash and it has an annoying beep.
Is that true? It even mentioned that it will activate on a dry street, or driveway.
Any help would be appreciated.

 

the beep only serves as a warning when there is major slippage. if its just a quick slip, it usually makes a sort of ticking noise, but nothing all that annoyingly audible.

i just hate that it stops you from accelerating. you can slam the gas down as hard as you want, but if vsc is on, it'll stop your progress.

its a nice little safety feature, but i can certainly do without it. it doesnt really bother me all that much though, as i dont tend to skid out, etc by peeling out on ice for example.

 

I think it brakes for you so that you dont spin out. and yes, it makes beeping noise on an intermediate skid to the side. it will not let you accelerate until you gain control back of your vehicle. for anything else other than going sideways it'd just act like a traction control. I find this and occasional ABS check noise to be annoying, it makes a soft-ratteling sound but it centainly makes me feel safer when driving in bad conditions

 

well.. im talking when you need to make a quick maneuver from a dead stop into traffic, and you pull out, but the rear tire slips on sand, so there you are, pedal to the metal, not accelerating, huge truck barreling down on you.

its just unsafe at times, but usually (especially once you know what it will do) its not a problem at all.

 

See that's what I'm afarid of. The Highlander AWD VSC is active all the time and there is no provision to turn it Off. I don't like my vehicle driving me, but me driving the vehicle.
So maybe I should start looking for another vehicle, like the Tacoma.

 

For what it's worth on the Sequoia side of things, starting with the 2003 models, the computer that controlls this was made to be less sensitive than the previous models. Owners have indicated they can't get the VSC to engage in situations as described above, unlike the 2002 models. Some 2002 Sequoia owners have had their computers re-programmed using the 2003 (and now probably '04) specs. Either re-programmed or replaced altogether, I can't remember for sure now.

I don't recall similar outrages by 4th Gen 4Runner folks. My point being, is that the newer Toyota models may not, and probably do not, have the severe issue the 2001 and 2002 4Runners are plagued with. Take it for a test drive, and see if you can get it to kick in. If it weren't for that sole issue with de-throttling, the VSC would be okay to have. As it is, it is more of a safety liability, speaking for the '01 and '02 4Runner owners again.