Toyota Sequoia

nvc

Anybody know if the 2003 model will have 5-speed auto?

stever

You can go to the True Market Value tool and click on the "Customized Appraisal" button to get "our" number.

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gedmundsc

I tried to test the Glass Breakage Sensor on the Sequoia as specified in the manual by tapping on the glass with a key. I could not get it to activate. I asked the dealer to check it. The mechanic said the only way to check it is actually break the glass. I find this a bit of a stretch. He stated these are set so they are not too sensitive to outside noise otherwise the alarm will contiously go off.

Anybody have similar issue and/or suggestions to verify the glass breakage sensor actually works?

heatmiser1

To be sure the glass breakage sensor works, you could always sit inside the vehicle when alarm is activated and break a seperate piece of tempered glass to see if the sensor actually picks it up.

Just a thought. Let us know what happens if you decide to try this...

doudoudid

i don't have an answer to that, but one of the dealer told me the system is sensitive to sound not force and you can adjust the sensitivity of the sensor to make it fit your need, but how? who knows...

lutz572

I don't know about the sensor, but my 2001 sequioa was broken into when I was vacationing recently in Mertle Beach, SC. The drivers side window was demolished with a crow bar. I don't know if the sensor activated the alarm, because I found out about it over an hour later. The good thing is that it only took the glass repair shop 30 minutes to fix it.

As a side note, I towed a 28' travel trailer from MA to SC (about 4100 dry weight, probably 5200 loaded) and got between 10 and 11 miles per gallon. This was while traveling 65-70 mph. The vehicle was also loaded with 2 adults, 4 kids and a dog. The sequioa had no trouble towing this.

kinnman

Toyota Sequoia (2002)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver Good (4WD)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger Excellent (4WD)
NHTSA Side Crash Front Occupant Not Tested
NHTSA Side Crash Rear Occupant Not Tested
NHTSA Rollover Resistance Average (2WD w/stability control)
IIHS Offset Not Tested
IIHS Bumper Bash Not Tested

Not bad!!!!! Should be a leader in it's class.

jvkalra

I'm speculating that the Honda Pilot comng out in June could mean good deals for buyers interested in a Sequoia. Kind of like the Odyssey and Sienna. I know the Sequoia is a larger truck based vehicle, but I think for most people, the Pilot/Sequoia will be an apples/apples comparision.

cliffy1

Not a chance. The Pilot will compete with the Highlander and eventually, the new 4Runner. It isn't close to the size class of the Sequoia. That would be like comparing the Avalon to the Civic. The new Runner on the other hand will be more in the class if it comes with the 3rd row seat as rumored.

jvkalra

Obviously this not a scientific survey, but most Sequoias that I have seen on the street usually have no more than 2-3 occupants. My feeling is that the Pilot could satisfy those buyers who think 8 passenger seating is a must have(for some occasional trip), but only want a Toyota or Honda. Plus, comparably equipped, even with dealer markup, the Pilot should be about $5-8K less. As far as the 4Runner goes, I'm guessing that the 7 passenger version will be more expensive than the Pilot, knowing how Toyota plays the options game.

pschreck

If you believe that the Pilot will seat eight ADULTS, then I have a bridge in NY to sell you. Have you sat in the back seat of a MDX? I know, Iknow, the Pilot is a couple inches wider and longer than the MDX. Do you really think that will make it comfortable for eight Marines on leave?

jvkalra

I agree that the Pilot is not going to seat 8 adults, but the Sequoia can. My point is that lots of buyers think they "need" a big SUV for cargo/safety/etc/etc, OR one that can seat 8 adults and children (not 8 Marines) once in a blue moon. The Pilot will satisfy many such buyers, because 99% of the time they will be the sole occupant of the vehicle, or perhaps have 2-3 passengers. Time will tell of course, but I continue to feel that good deals will be had on the Sequoia once the Pilot is out. The rumored 7 passenger 4Runner will also cannibalize some Sequoia sales.

kinnman

I was considering the Pilot, but after comparing the MDX to the Sequioa, it's the Sequoia no question! Wait until you see two of these head to head on the road. "Hey look it's a new Honda CRV-Pilot".
8 seating once in a blue moon? With the Pilot, yes, because you will be taking two cars. With the Sequioa, you will all fit into quite comfortably.
As far as price, the Sequioa is a much better value. Pilots will sell for $2k over MSRP, compared to $3k below MSRP on the Sequoia. So $5k - $8k less for the Pilot? I'm paying $34.5k (SR-5) vs. $30.7k (before Dealer markup) for the Pilot EX with the same equip. see manhonda.com.
Heck, I'd pay the extra $1800 just to have a Toyota.
The Pilot should be the leader in the 4/5 adult + 3 child, Mid-Size, I don't want to drive a minivan and neither does my wife, class.

kinnman

I just saw it in the flesh and disapponted in behind 3 rd row cargo, same as MDX . It would have been a true minivan alternative if an additional 8-10 inches of cargo depth was added. Body style is superior to MDX ( with some imagination looks like an updated old Mazda minivan w/the 4 non-sliding doors). I may still buy,and do luggage on the roof rack when needed

714cut

I appreciate what you're trying to say but the Sequoia is truck based and the Pilot is car based. A towing capacity of 3500 lbs will put off a lot of buyers in this category. As mentioned Honda's are also premium priced in demand vehicles so there will be little advantage there.

pschreck

When I sat in a MDX rear seat I couldn't return the middle seat to the seating position. My legs were in the way. I'm not that tall at 5'10". You might be able to get your kids back there until they are about ten years old.

If I hadn't needed eight passenger seating occasionally, I would have chosen the 4Runner. As nice as the MDX is, it is WAY over priced. I can't imagine that the Pilot will be much different.

I do believe that the Sequoia will be easier to deal on in the future, but I certainly don't believe that it will be because of the Pilot. Now if Honda comes out with a full size SUV, that will be a different story.

strager

Although I have no interest in either a Sequoia or Pilot, in general, I like to follow what Toyota and Honda are doing in the automobile market. The Pilot is Honda's first entry in the 'tank' class of vehicles, huge SUVS that are only sold in the US. The Sequoia is the only other Japanese vehicle in this class.

In my opinion, size differences in the tank class don't matter that much, especially when deciding between Toyota and Honda quality. Customers will instead look at other things such as prices, gas mileage and even things like the turning circle. Should get even more interesting when Nissan comes out with its tank next year.

heatmiser1

Can you fit a 4x8 piece of plywood in the Pilot? Well then it is not in the same class as the Sequoia. Although many will cross shop (as I did with the MDX and Sequoia) these two SUV's there are sooo many differences (some which benefit the Honda/Acura). I have two children and another on the way. The Sequoia fits three across the second row no problem and offers much more cargo space to pack all the things that are needed with a family of five. I owned a Ford Expedition for four years (two of which without any children). I could have gotten away without the large spacious interior, but used it to haul around 9'9": longboards, 4x8 sheets of plywood/drywall/etc.

Besides, I can get a Toyota Sequoia for $500 over invoice and the MDX is untouchable off of MSRP (maybe $500 off). I don't EVER see myself pay a dealer $4K-$5K just for selling me the car. Especially when I buy a reliable vehicle such as a Honda or Toyota because I never plan on coming back. Even if I did, do you think the dealership service department cuts you any slack for letting the sales department gouge you?

714cut

While many people's buying decision will be based on the criteria you have outlined, many others will be selecting for other reasons: V8 power, more size, truck frame, proper 4wd with a low range system, large towing capacities, off-roading abilities. This will eliminate the Pilot from the checklist of people requiring these features.

Agreed it will get more interesting when the Nissan comes out next year.

We should also be aware of the new Expedition, which even in its old design is the top selling single model full size SUV.

Also by next year the Sequoia will be in its third model year, that much closer to an even better redesign and features such as navigation/dvd, and a larger more powerful V8.

pschreck

It's a microminivan. Unibody. No low range. Seats five and two halves. As I understand the MDX and Pilot AWD system, you only get AWD up to 18 mph. Maybe I'm wrong about that and welcome anybody that knows better to elaborate. I'm certain it would be a fine vehicle for it's target market, but I hardly believe it can compete in the full size catagory.

heatmiser1: We also looked at the MDX. The Acura dealer is the same dealer the we got our Outback from. Their attiude completely changed when we started talking Acura. They turned into a bunch of rectums with legs. We might as well have been buying a Porsche while wearing faded jeans and tiedye t-shirts and toking on a bong.

At any rate, once we saw and drove the Sequoia we had little interest in the MDX or the Acura Attitude. I will say the MDX is a nice ride if all you need is a big Subaru with lots of geegaws. It sure isn't a "Tank" though.

trdsctwo

Although I am not interested in buying either the Pilot or MDX, in terms of Canadian dollars
at MSRP they are not overpriced. MSRP for the MDX is $48,000 CDN compared to $49,465 CDN for a 4-Runner Ltd. I have not researched either vehicle in terms of actual market pricing
but the MDX seems to be better priced in terms of vehicle content for the money. Just my
2 cents worth.

714cut

Yeah, the 4Runner Ltd. is nearly as much as an SR5 B package Sequoia as well.

redlenses

Does anyone know if newer safety equipment like advanced airbags will be in the 03 Sequoia?

Cheers

mcmatt

I posted this info a year ago, but it has gone by the wayside.

The GBS has a microphone that is behind the panel under the steering wheel. To test it, close the doors, arm alarm and wait 30 seconds (alarm self test). Then rattle keys close to panel under wheel or clang two bottles together in the same location. DON'T break any glass, not necessary and the technician was wrong.

If the alarm goes off, at least you know the sensor is there.

To make it more sensitive, remove panel under wheel and find the small black box by locating microphone and tracing wires. There will be a small recessed adjustment in the black box. It will probably be on 10. If not, turn it to 10.
Mine wasn't sensitive enough and it was on 10, so I remounted the microphone inside the A/C ductwork that is also under steering wheel. This allowed the A/C ducts near the windows to act like sound tunnels. Now the GBS works as advertised with the key striking the center of a window.

Good Luck! Remember, I am not responsible if you break your own windows. Do the key strike firm, but not real hard and don't do it at all in cold weather.

ibmindless

It's interesting to read about the determining factors folks have mulled over when deciding to buy the Sequoia. I researched & test drove the Benz ML320 & ML430, the Nissan Pathfinder, Infinity QX4, Acura MDX, Toyota Highlander, and Lexus RX300. I wanted quality, reliability, comfort, quiet, seating capacity, performance, and collision protection.

I felt the Benz's were over-priced, under-powered (ML320), and unreliable (I know some folks w/elec. problems). The Pathfinder was too plain. The QX4 was nice, but too small inside. The ride was too truck-ish. The MDX was surprisingly unimpressive and over-priced. I liked nearly everything about the RX300, except the price, interior capacity, and exterior styling. The Highlander handled better, but was very cheap looking unless you piled on the options --- to the tune of nearly $36K.

But once I drove the SEQ - what a difference! Smooth, stable, surprisingly agile & responsive, incredibly roomy, and sophisticated. It exuded a quality that the others seemed to lack. Oh... and of course I never gave anything from Ford or GM so much as a thought. They build the most unreliable, recallable junk in the world.

vader6

Your handle says it all!

paisan

Or any of the other "SUVs" that are claimed to be Trucks out on the Trail in NC this past weekend. Pics here http://isuzu-suvs.com/events/unf-04-26-02/

-mike

corsicachevy

Paisan - I don't see any Sequoias in the pictures you posted either. But, I don't see any Chevy Silverados, Ford F150s, Dodge Rams, Toyota 4Runners or Jeep Cherokees.

It looks to me like a group of Isuzu Trooper enthusiasts - so the lack of Sequoias isn't surprising.

paisan

We ran into Jeeps, Tacomas, Land Rovers, Isuzus (the group I was with so obviously a lot of pics of those) we saw a few cherokees and a 4-runner. Just interesting to not see any of the SMVs out there.

-mike

low_ball_88

I plan to purchase a Sequoia and would like to know if the cargo cover only covers the area behind the third row seats or it could be placed behind the second row seats when the third row is not in use.

I have seen pictures in some of the on-line accessories dealer showing that the cover could be placed behind the second row.

In put anyone?

Thanks in advance for your responses.

lbimike1

My 2002 Toyota Sequoia AC compressor seized causing the belt to begin to burn. Have been speaking to Toyota USA and my dealer. They are now telling me Sequoia AC compressors are on back order until end of May. Obviously there is a problem with the compressors, so beware. I am currently seeking legal action and going through with a "Lemon Law" complaint in my state. In NJ if a vehicle can not be repaired within 20 days for a failure, the manufacturer is responsible to refund the customer. I am writing a letter to Mr Yoshi Inaba, President of Toyota USA and My local dealer GM to notify them that waiting for a part for over a month is unacceptable and I will seek a full lemon law protection if my compressor is not replace
immediately. I will let you know how I make out.

As for the Toyota Customer service center, what a waste. From what was a happy experience with my truck, has done a 180. Toyota has proven that although they build good cars and trucks, they have no customer service. Their arrogance is amazing. At this point I can honestly say I will never purchase one of there products again based on there total lack of regard for the customer. I had own GMC products in the past, and although had my share of problems, they alwasy took care of them quickly.

doudoudid

low_ball_88: last time i saw the cargo cover (factory) for the sequoia is placed right behind second row seats, so it will cover the whole area when the third row is taken out. but i'm not sure if it can also placed behind the third row seats to covered the remained cargo area, but it's really not very useful for that little distance when the third row is in place, especially when windows are blacked and the height of the vehicle.

lbimke1: i agreed the toyota customer service is not very helpful, from my experience, my 02 sequoia has standard alarm system and optioal glass breakage sensor, unfortunately doesn't come with a keyless entry, and i have made a lot of phone calls and every time i mentioned that to a different person, they seems to have no knowledge about that and all they could do is to suggest me to go to good guys to put an after market keyless entry on, because toyota doesn't provide anything for sequoia to solve that problem afterward...

kinnman

Sorry to hear about your compressor problem. I'm curious....if customer service is telling you compressors are back-ordered until May, what more can they do? I'm sure there's more to the story, they obviously got you heated up.
Good luck!

willfl

Has anyone ordered OEM floor mats from an on-line dealer or any other OEM accessory on-line? Trying to find a reputable site to purchase from that others have had a good experience. Thanks

semantics

If you guys like the Pilot, wait til you get a gander at the new 2003 4Runner. Whoa. It's got V8 (small) and third rear seat, loads of neat features like the audio controls in steering wheel, and NAV system as standard. Looks a little like a baby Sequoia with side bulges on fenders.

paisan

No offense to semantics, but the new 4-runner aka GX470 is not at all related to the Sequoia other than Toyota gets the $.

It's based off the Prado sold in australia and is a real truck, boxy, etc. My guess is that they will leave off stuff like the on wheel controls etc from the 4-runner version and leave that for the Lexus. Also it *may* be avaliable with the 4 or 5 liter Isuzu Turbo Diesel engine, which would make it sweet

-mike

cpintucson

"Sorry to hear about your compressor problem. I'm curious....if customer service is telling you compressors are back-ordered until May, what more can they do?"

What more can they do? They can take a compressor from a Sequoia on their lot and see how they like waiting a month for a part that is under warranty, of reputable mfr, etc.

doudoudid

semantics:

are you sure about that? it's too good to be true.

paisan

The Lexus will get the Nav and all the goodies std. they may be optional on the 4-runner, but not likely std.

Compressor: I agree, the factory should send out the units instead of putting them on the ones @ the factory, make the new buyers wait for their cars. But this would never happen since the manufacturer already has your $. Same exact situation happened to my dad 2x on his 94 Plymouth Acclaim, once it was the AC compressor in June had to wait til end of July in NYC heat for a compressor, the other was with rear trailing arms for it. Luckily I had some contacts with a plymouth dealer that serviced the company I worked for's fleet.

-mike

714cut

I went with husky mats in the front, second row and cargo liner. Happy with them all. Great protection (they curve up the sides), good color match and fit. Would recommend.

714cut

Is not based on the Prado as previously posted. While there certainly is a family resemblance, the Prado is a platform that has been around for awhile. The new Lexus and 4Runner are based on a new global platform that was unveiled this year at auto shows.

paisan

That platform is the 2nd generation Prado platform, just an FYI.

-mike

2heeldrive

low ball 88

The cargo cover can be moved to work behind the 2nd or third row. There are square openings that it fits in to. The openings are in all Sequoia's and have little covers over them. My cover is in storage -- took it out because it was always in the way and not necessary with tinted windows.

714cut

"I wouldn't be too concerned about the reliability of the Denali.

According to a survey done by Popular Mechanics (May issue 02) 72.9% of owners of the Yukon series, including the Denali, reported NO trouble, mechanical or otherwise.

Of the 27.1% who reported a problem it breaks down as such:

Loose trim..14.7%
Noise/rattles..8.8%
Leaks..8.8%
Door adjustment..5.9%
OnStar faulty..5.9%
Sound system..5.9%
Starting problems..5.9%
Door Locks..5.9%
Power windows..5.9%

Repairs done under warranty..100%"

This was your post on the Denali forum.

This means that 1 in 4 people had problems with their vehicle. Nearly 10% had leaks and/or rattles. Hardly a glowing report.

I could be proven wrong but I bet the Sequoia would score much higher. The numbers you posted seem consistent with Consumer Reports and the Sequoia scored much higher than the Yukon there as well.

mcmatt

try partznet.com. I got the Highlander full set for only $57. I think they have the Sequoia set also. They were very easy to deal with.

Good Luck.

vader6

Me thinks thou art protests too much!

Any your precious overrated, over priced and under powered Sequoia comes from the factory with zero defects and absolute no nonsense support from the Toyota company? Right? Man, do I have a bridge for sale just waiting for you.

minuteman26

vader6 = heatwave? New Jersey? Denali owner? Posts a lot on Sequoia board for some reason?
Now, let me think...

gedmundsc

Does anyone know if Toyota has plans on the board to develop a serious tow vehicle for hauling 5th wheels and large camping trailers? Currently GM owns this market. I hope they will consider it. I have been pulling a 3K lbs pop camper like a champ with my SR5 Sequoia 2001, previously posted on our cross country trip last year. Eventually I will upgrade to a 5th wheel but will need a reliable tow vehicle.

This Sequoia has been great, just crossed 18K miles, many of it towing. One item repaired by the dealer, the trim by the back window that runs vertical was kinda loose. Asked the dealer what he thought, he said yep, its loose. He ordered a new one and replaced it at no charge.

Sorry to hear others bad experiences, appreciate the heads up on the brakes, I too now, roll the window down occasionally to see if there is any squeaks, especially since I tow a lot.

This site is a great wealth of information, both positive and negative. Too bad Toyota didn't monitor it, they could pickup some free ideas and input. They should put one of their top engineers on it and help out a bit.

paisan

I guess the Tundra would be out? But would it be out due to power or due to chassis? I know in 04 Toyota is supposed to offer Duramax Diesel Engines in their Pickups and/or SUVs.

-mike

stever

Let's keep the comparison fights in the comparison topics, shall we?

Steve
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