Overview & Reviews
As the largest SUV in the Toyota lineup, the full-size Sequoia is designed to accommodate families who need three real rows of seating, a fair amount of off-road capability and the ability to tow a boat or other trailer. In reality, we suspect that only a small percentage of Toyota Sequoia owners are especially outdoorsy. But this hasn't prevented the Sequoia from becoming a popular choice due to its refined road manners and comfortable interior.
Throughout its run, the Toyota Sequoia has been notable for its V8 power, choice of two- or four-wheel drive and its roomy interior. Newer and larger Sequoias are spacious enough for large families and offer enough in the way of creature comforts to justify the rather hefty price when nicely optioned. Throw in attractive styling inside and out and until recently, a choice of two powerful V8 engines, and you've got the makings of a very competitive full-size SUV. Earlier Sequoias, though not quite as capable as competing models of the same period, are also a solid pick.
Current Toyota Sequoia
The Toyota Sequoia is a full-size SUV that is based on the Tundra pickup truck. With traditional body-on-frame construction, it is blessed with greater off-road and towing capabilities than its car-based competitors. Fortunately, Toyota has managed to dial out much of the bouncy pickup truck ride qualities, making it quite pleasant to drive on a day-to-day basis. Power comes by way of a 5.7-liter V8 with 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission offered, but buyers can choose between rear- and four-wheel drive.
Toyota offers the Sequoia in three trim levels: SR5, Limited and Platinum. Base SR5 models come with alloy wheels, a 40/20/40 second-row bench seat, triple-zone automatic climate control, iPod connectivity, Bluetooth, the Entune smartphone integration system and full power accessories. The Limited adds leather upholstery, power front seats and an upgraded stereo. The range-topping Platinum tops it off with 20-inch wheels, load-leveling rear air springs, adaptive shock absorbers, a power liftgate, second-row captain's chairs (dropping capacity to seven) and a navigation system. Most of these features are available as options on supporting trims. A rear seat entertainment center is only offered on the top model.
A large SUV, the Toyota Sequoia seats seven or eight, depending on the configuration. Thanks to an independent rear suspension (unlike its Tundra pickup platform-mate), the third-row seat folds flat into the floor, a welcome departure from the previous-generation Sequoia. Fold all the seats down and there are a substantial 120 cubic feet of cargo room.
In our reviews of the current Toyota Sequoia, we've been impressed with its surprising maneuverability, overall refinement and the power generated by the 5.7-liter V8. Other than a funky control layout that puts some knobs closer to the passenger than the driver, we can't find much to fault. For a truck-based, full-size SUV, the Sequoia is an excellent choice.
Used Toyota Sequoia Models
The current Toyota Sequoia represents the second generation that debuted for 2008. Initially, it had a 276-hp 4.7-liter V8 and five-speed automatic as standard. The 5.7-liter V8 was optional. Model-year 2009 was skipped, while the following year saw the arrival of front-seat knee airbags, standard Bluetooth and iPod integration as well as a more powerful 4.6-liter base V8 that produced 310 hp and 327 lb-ft of torque. This base engine was short-lived, however, as Toyota discontinued it for the 2013 model year, leaving the 5.7-liter V8 as the only engine available. Other than lacking the Entune smartphone integration system, these latter Sequoias are identical to the current version.
The first-generation Toyota Sequoia full-size SUV debuted for the 2001 model year. In many ways, this eight-passenger SUV was the first serious import challenge to the large domestic sport-utilities. Initially, its standard 4.7-liter V8 produced 240 hp and was mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. There were two trim levels -- SR5 and Limited -- and each was available with either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Limited models were decked out with luxury items, but even base SR5 models had a decent collection of standard equipment.
If you're shopping for a Sequoia of this generation, bear in mind that there were some notable changes during its production run. In 2005, the 4.7-liter V8 got a power bump to 282 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque and was coupled to a new five-speed automatic transmission. (It was later changed to 273 hp due to a revised rating method, with no impact on performance.) The '05 Sequoia also received an exterior freshening and two desirable new options packages, namely, the SR5's sport package and the Limited's luxury package, both of which included a height-adjustable rear suspension. Finally, '07 models were the first to come standard with front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags.
In our reviews of the first-generation Toyota Sequoia, we praised its well-constructed interior, refined driving manner and smooth V8 engine, although in terms of outright power it fell short of class leaders. We also noted that its relatively narrow width made it feel somewhat less gigantic than competitors in tight spaces, although shoulder room was a bit compromised as a result. We didn't appreciate the 50/50 third-row seats, as they were a bit cozy for adults and couldn't be folded flat. On the whole, though, we liked this Sequoia model and would recommend it to used-car shoppers who want the versatility of a full-size SUV in a not-quite-full-size package.
User Reviews:
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Satisfied Customer - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By Angels Nana - October 16 - 10:00 amI have almost 10 years experience with Toyota products and have been very satisfied with all of the vehicles. I have purchased 1 Corolla, 2 Camrys, a 4 Runnner, and now a Sequoia. The ride of the Sequoia is very smooth and the manuverability of the vehicle is excellent. Highway gas mileage is about what I expected it to be but not disappointing. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone wishing to purchase a full size SUV.
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Toyo Sequoia TRD rules!!! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By BigDog69 - October 16 - 10:00 amI love this vehicle! I contstantly come out of a store and find people peering through the windows. It out performs all of my previously owned vehicles...Ford, GMC, Isuzu.
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sequoia review - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By sym430 - October 16 - 10:00 amLove the cars handling and turning radius.
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Excellent Vehicle - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By LaVonne - October 16 - 10:00 amThe best ride Ive ever had in an SUV. Its comfortable and roomy enough to fit my 66" husband perfectly. Other comparable SUVs couldnt pass that test. It drives wonderfully and performs excellent. Carries full-size adults comfortably. I love this vehicle.
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Love my Toyotas - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By Veronda McQuay - October 16 - 10:00 amThis is my forth Toyota. Ive owned a Corolla, Camry, 4-Runner and now a Sequoia. I have been blessed to not have any problems out of any of the Toyota vehicles Ive owned. I love driving the Sequoia. It drives more like a car instead of an SUV, the ride is very smooth.
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toyota sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By judy hall - October 16 - 10:00 amvery nice, comfortable, colors are nice.
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great suv - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By leejgreer - October 16 - 10:00 amGreat SUV for a big person. seats 8 very well. has one of the best sound systems.
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Great Value - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By Mike Collins - October 16 - 10:00 amIf you plan on keeping your vehicle for the long run you cant go wrong with the Sequoia.
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great vehicle - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By myvette - October 16 - 10:00 ama very fine vehicle....best in its class the safest suv in crash test.. side & curtain air bags a great affordable option very worth the $$$.
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Fantastic Experiance - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By Miguel Rubio - October 16 - 10:00 amWe test drove almost all thats out there and found this to be the best as far as comfort and affordability. Great traveling with the family. We are a baseball family that use to travel 50,000 miles per year.
