2001-2007 Toyota Sequoia: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2001-2007 Toyota Sequoia and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Automatic-transmission performance
- Instruments/controls
- Passenger and cargo room
- Build quality
Cons
- Brake-pedal feel
- Fuel economy
- Maneuverability
Vehicle Highlights
Joining the familiar and long-lived Land Cruiser, Toyota added a second full-size, four-wheel-drive sport-utility vehicle for 2001. Built at the same Indiana plant as the Tundra full-size pickup, the Sequoia was a spinoff of that truck. The four door wagon rivaled the Ford Expedition for bulk, and was the largest vehicle ever offered in the U.S. by a Japanese manufacturer. Sole engine was the Tundra's 4.7-liter V8, here rated at 240 horsepower and linked to an automatic transmission. Rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive models were offered, in SR5 and upscale Limited trim. The 4WD system had to be disengaged on dry pavement, but included low-range gearing. A dashboard switch allowed shifting between 2WD and 4WD-High. Traction control was standard on both versions. Toyota's Vehicle Stability Control antiskid system was an option. The Sequoia's independent front suspension was similar to the Tundra's, but its rear suspension used coil instead of leaf springs for a smoother ride. Toyota claimed that the Sequoia had 10.6 inches of ground clearance, significantly more than the Expedition or a Chevrolet Suburban. Maximum cargo volume was a claimed 128 cubic feet. All models had standard three-row seating, in a 2-3-3 format. Second-row seats were 60/40 split-folding, while a 50/50 split-folding seat went into the rear. All eight passengers got three-point seatbelts. This was the first Toyota truck with window-curtain side airbags, standard for all models.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Toyota Sequoia Limited 4WD Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 9 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 9 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 53 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2001-2007 Toyota Sequoia. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2001-2007 Toyota Sequoia.
Year to Year Changes
2002 Toyota Sequoia:
Remote keyless entry and fog lights were newly optional for the SR5 in 2002. Front torso side airbags and curtain-type airbags were available as a package.
2003 Toyota Sequoia:
A load-leveling rear suspension became standard for 2003. Models with a moonroof could now be equipped with a DVD-based backseat entertainment system, and rear audio controls were a new option. Toyota's antilock braking system gained full-power assist.
2004 Toyota Sequoia:
The Sequoia is unchanged for 2004.
2005 Toyota Sequoia:
More power, a new transmission, and some trim changes mark 2005 for Toyota's American-built large SUV. Newly optional for Limiteds are 2nd-row bucket seats with center console that reduce seating capacity to seven. Sequoia has a 4.7-liter V8 with 282 hp, a gain of 42 hp over 2004. A 5-speed automatic is the sole transmission and replaces a 4-speed for '05. Front torso side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags are optional and, for '05, are designed to deploy in side impacts and rollovers. Other options include rear self-leveling suspension for SR5 and, new for '05, driver-governed rear height control for Limited. Rounding out the '05 alterations are slightly revised front and rear styling and an in-glass radio antenna to replace a mast.
2006 Toyota Sequoia:
No significant changes for 2006.
2007 Toyota Sequoia:
Curtain side airbags are standard instead of optional for 2007 on Toyota's American-built large SUV. Now standard are front side airbags and curtain side airbags that cover the 1st and 2nd seating rows and include rollover deployment.
Our road test for the 2001-2007 Toyota Sequoia includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2001-2007 Toyota Sequoia and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2001-2007 Toyota Sequoia is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Climbing aboard a Sequoia, its bigness is immediately evident, reflected in performance and fuel economy. A 4WD Limited accelerated to 60 mph in a class-competitive 9.5 seconds, but high weight blunts midrange passing ability. The silky V8 is well-matched by a smooth, responsive transmission. With rear-drive, an SR5 averaged 14.3 mpg, while 4WD Limiteds averaged 10.4 to 13.3 mpg in city/suburban commuting. Those are realistic numbers in the long term, though another 4WD Limited returned 15.9 mpg with more highway miles. Toyota recommends regular-grade fuel. The Sequoia's long wheelbase helps deliver a generally flat and easy ride, and the suspension copes well with rough patches. But small imperfections sometime register with surprising clarity through the seats. You can also expect marked jiggle on washboard freeway surfaces. Handling is typical big-truck. A Sequoia is stable enough in hard cornering, despite body lean. Sequoias are a chore to maneuver on twisty roads. Parallel parking is no pleasure, hampered by a large turning radius. Simulated emergency stops are short and true, but brake-pedal action is spongy. One of the most refined big truck-based SUVs, the Sequoia exhibits little engine noise, subdued tire thrum even on fairly coarse concrete, and only modest wind rush (for a blocky wagon). Instruments and controls are simple, large, handy, and clearly labeled. The wide cabin puts centrally located climate and audio controls a fair reach away from the driver, and the foot-pedal parking brake is no bonus. Interior decor is not fancy, but materials and workmanship are pleasing. Because the cabin isn't all that tall, front head clearance is only adequate for six-footers, but leg room is bountiful. Comfortable seats have long cushions. High ground clearance means some strenuous moves are needed to climb in and out, making available running boards especially helpful. Visibility is commanding to front and sides, but the rear view is poor in close quarters. Three adults have as much space in the second row as in the front, but entry/exit is again awkward. The third row has plenty of space for a pair of preteens or toddlers, but they'll need to crawl past the fold-forward second-row seats to get in or out. Cargo room is not expansive behind the third seat for a vehicle this large, but plentiful with that seat folded or removed--and even more so with the middle seat stowed. The liftgate's handy power window lowers via the remote keyfob, but raises only by using the keylock or an inside switch. The cabin has plenty of bins and pockets, as well as 10 cupholders.
Value for the Money
Sequoia suffers from all the usual big-SUV vices, but is nonetheless a strong competitor that merits serious consideration as a refined, well-equipped Toyota. Still, rivals match it in many ways while typically towing more than Sequoia's 6500-pound maximum. They may also be cheaper.
Sequoia suffers from all the usual big-SUV vices, but is nonetheless a strong competitor that merits serious consideration as a refined, well-equipped Toyota. Still, rivals match it in many ways while typically towing more than Sequoia's 6500-pound maximum. They may also be cheaper.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Toyota Sequoia Limited 4WD Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 9 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 9 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 53 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Toyota Sequoia includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Toyota Sequoia .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
As a result of air-conditioner failures, the manufacturer has released a new low-side (suction) refrigerant line with an inline filter. (2001-02)
Blower motor:
The blower motor may make a squealing noise and an improved motor was made available. (2004-05)
Check-engine light:
The check engine light may come on due to a problem with the air injection system which is covered under the federal emissions warranty. (2005-07)
Fuel odors:
The fuel door may not open when the remote release is pulled because the cable comes off the lever. A new lever is available. (2001)
Hard starting:
Vehicle may fail to start because of a blown fuel-injection fuse resulting from a problem with the fuel pump. A revised pump is available. (2000-02)
Rear axle noise:
Noises from the rear axle due to axle bearing failure caused by water entering the bearing and an improved bearing seal has been issued. (2004-06)
Starter:
Occasional no-start of V8 engine after hot soak due to faulty cam position sensor. (2005-06)
Windows:
The rear power window may mysteriously open or close, but the problem lies in the remote transmitter whose button has since been redesigned with a stiffer spring to prevent accidental activation. (2001)
Windows:
The window on the back door may quit working due to malfunction of the motor. (2001-06)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $720 |
| Alternator | $395 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,125 |
| Brakes | $330 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,890 |
| Exhaust System | $345 |
| Radiator | $530 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,120 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $200 |
Our price chart for this generation Toyota Sequoia details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2007 | |||
| Sequoia Limited | $28,500-32,000 | $26,500-29,800 | $19,400-21,800 |
| Sequoia SR5 | $23,500-26,500 | $21,600-24,400 | $15,300-17,200 |
| 2006 | |||
| Sequoia Limited | $24,500-27,500 | $22,800-25,600 | $15,900-17,900 |
| Sequoia SR5 | $20,500-23,200 | $18,900-21,300 | $13,300-15,100 |
| 2005 | |||
| Sequoia Limited | $21,000-23,500 | $19,300-21,600 | $13,700-15,300 |
| Sequoia SR5 | $17,500-20,000 | $16,100-18,400 | $11,200-12,800 |
| 2004 | |||
| Sequoia Limited | $17,800-20,000 | $16,400-18,400 | $11,400-12,800 |
| Sequoia SR5 | $15,200-17,300 | $13,800-15,700 | $9,600-10,900 |
| 2003 | |||
| Sequoia Limited | $15,000-16,800 | $13,700-15,300 | $9,500-10,600 |
| Sequoia SR5 | $13,000-14,800 | $11,800-13,500 | $7,500-8,600 |
| 2002 | |||
| Sequoia Limited | $12,200-13,700 | $11,000-12,300 | $6,800-7,700 |
| Sequoia SR5 | $11,000-12,500 | $9,900-11,300 | $5,900-6,800 |
| 2001 | |||
| Sequoia Limited | $10,800-12,300 | $9,700-11,100 | $5,800-6,600 |
| Sequoia SR5 | $9,800-11,200 | $8,800-10,100 | $5,100-5,800 |
|
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Toyota Sequoia include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 118.1 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 203.9 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 78.0 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 74.0 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 5370 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 128.1 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 26.1 | |
| Seating Capacity | 8 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 41.1 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.6 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 40.6 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.4 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Only one powertrain has been available in Sequoias; a 4.7-liter dual-overhead-cam V-8 engine that produces 240 horsepower and 315 pound-feet of torque, driving a four-speed automatic transmission. For 2005, Sequoia gets a 4.7-liter V8 with 282 hp, a gain of 42 hp over 2004. A 5-speed automatic is the sole transmission and replaces a 4-speed for '05.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V8 | 4.7 / 285 | 240-282 | 315 | 4-speed automatic: 14/17 5-speed automatic: -- |
4-speed automatic: -- 5-speed automatic: -- |
|
With 2WD, EPA rating is 14/18 mpg. Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Toyota Sequoia include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2002 Sequoia 4WD |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2001-2007 Toyota Sequoia directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2001 2WD with an alloy wheel:
A label identifying the spare tire as a temporary use spare tire was not installed.
2002-04:
Surface of lower ball joint in front suspension might have been scratched; joint may eventually experience excessive wear and looseness, resulting in increased steering effort and possible loss of steering control.
2004-07:
Due to possible improper finishing of the front suspension lower ball joint, some ball joints may experience an incidental deterioration of the internal lubrication. This may cause the ball joint to wear and loosen prematurely, which could result in increased steering effort and possible crash. Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints.
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