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2002 Toyota Sequoia Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
2002 Toyota Sequoia Review
Toyota's biggest SUV is based on the company's full-size Tundra pickup truck; both are assembled in Indiana. With standard seating for eight, Sequoia is larger than Toyota's Japanese-built Land Cruiser and close in size to Ford's Expedition. SR5 and uplevel Limited models continue for 2002, both with Tundra's V8 and automatic transmission. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, 16-inch wheels, and an antiskid system are standard. Sequoia offers rear-wheel drive or 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. Front torso side airbags and curtain side airbags are optional as a package. Remote keyless entry and fog lights are new SR5 options for 2002.
Competition
Though this segment has cooled somewhat with the rise in fuel prices, it's still one of the hottest. Our Best Buys are the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban.

Recommended are the Ford Expedition and GMC Yukon. For a few more bucks you can get the Toyota Land Cruiser. Its high price is the only thing holding back this refined and drivable SUV. We love the size, comfort, and power of these big SUVs but wish they got a few more miles per gallon.
News
Recent events notwithstanding, Sequoia remains in tight supply against strong demand and is thus rarely if ever discounted. Sales totaled 9925 in the closing months of 2000 and another 50,000-plus in the first nine months of 2001. No immediate changes are rumored apart from the usual yearly revisions to colors, trims, and minor features.
2002 Toyota Sequoia Road Test
Pros Cons
Automatic-transmission performance Fuel economy
Build quality Brake-pedal feel
Passenger and cargo room Maneuverability
Instruments/controls
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

SR5 2WD Limited 4WD Class Average
4 4 3.9

Test 4WD Limited did 0-60 mph in a class-competitive 9.5 sec, but high weight blunts midrange passing ability. Silky V8 well matched with smooth, responsive transmission.
Fuel Economy

SR5 2WD Limited 4WD Class Average
3 2 2.1

Test 2WD SR5 averaged 14.3 mpg, 4WD Limiteds 10.4-13.3 in city/suburban commuting. Those are realistic numbers in the long-term, though another 4WD Limited did return 15.9 mpg with more highway miles. Toyota recommends regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality

SR5 2WD Limited 4WD Class Average
4 4 4.8

Long wheelbase helps give a generally flat ride, and suspension copes well with really rough stuff. But small imperfections sometimes register with surprising clarity through the seats, and there's marked jiggle on washboard freeways.
Steering/Handling/Braking

SR5 2WD Limited 4WD Class Average
3 3 2.7

Typical big truck. Stable enough in cornering, despite body lean. Sequoia is a chore to maneuver on twisty roads and to parallel park; a large turning radius doesn't help. Simulated emergency stops are short and true, but brake-pedal action is spongy.
Quietness

SR5 2WD Limited 4WD Class Average
6 6 5.2

One of the most-refined full-size truck-based SUVs, with little engine noise, subdued tire thrum even on fairly coarse concrete, and only modest wind rush--for a blocky wagon.
Controls

SR5 2WD Limited 4WD Class Average
7 7 6.5

Simple, large, handy, and clearly labeled. Wide cabin puts centrally located climate and audio controls a fair reach away from the driver, and we don't like the foot-pedal parking brake. Interior decor isn't fancy, but materials and workmanship are pleasing.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SR5 2WD Limited 4WD Class Average
7 7 8.5

Cabin not that tall, so only adequate 6-footer head clearance, but leg room bountiful, and comfortable seats have long cushions. High ground clearance means some strenuous moves to climb in and out. Commanding visibility to front and sides, but poor view to rear in close quarters.
Room/Comfort (rear)

SR5 2WD Limited 4WD Class Average
9 9 8.3

Three adults have as much space in the 2nd row as in front, but entry-exit is again awkward. Third row has plenty of space for a preteen or younger twosome, but they'll need to crawl past the fold-forward 2nd-row seats to get in or out.
Cargo Room

SR5 2WD Limited 4WD Class Average
9 9 8.8

Not expansive behind 3rd seat for a vehicle this large, but plenty with it folded or removed, even more with the middle seat stowed. Liftgate's handy power window lowers via remote keyfob, but raises only by using the keylock or an inside switch. Cabin has lots of bins and pockets, and 10 cupholders.
Value within Class

SR5 2WD Limited 4WD Class Average
7 8 6

Sequoia exhibits all the usual big-SUV vices, but is nonetheless a strong competitor that merits serious consideration as a refined, well-equipped Toyota. Rivals match it in many ways while typically towing more than Sequoia's 6500-lb maximum. And they carry bigger price discounts, too, so shop our Also Consider choices before deciding.
Total Score

SR5 2WD Limited 4WD Class Average
59 59 56.8
Scores for all Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
48
Average Score
56
High Score
65
2002 Toyota Sequoia Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 10/03/2001
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD SR5 4-door wagon $31,265 $27,824 $510
4WD SR5 4-door wagon $34,795 $30,965 $510
2WD Limited 4-door wagon $39,405 $35,070 $510
4WD Limited 4-door wagon $42,725 $37,811 $510
Price note: Prices are for vehicles distributed by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. The dealer invoice and destination charge may be higher in areas served by independent distributors.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
SR5
Powertrain
4.7-liter dohc V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front air conditioning w/automatic climate control, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front captain chairs, center console, cupholders, second- and third-row split folding bench seats, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, overhead console, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, map lights, visor mirrors, remote fuel-door release, automatic-off headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
245/70R16 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, skid plates, 265/70R16 tires.
Limited adds to SR5:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat, front and rear automatic climate controls, rear air conditioning, heated mirrors w/power fold-in, remote keyless entry, compass, outside-temperature indicator, trip computer, universal garage-door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, JBL sound system, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Running boards, roof rack, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Towing hitch, wiring harness, 265/70R16 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, skid plates.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Preferred Pkg.
SR5
$3,180
$2,508
Leather upholstery, power front seats, JBL AM/FM/cassette w/6-disc CD changer.
Convenience Pkg.
SR5
$255
$204
Heated power mirrors, universal garage-door opener, trip computer, compass, outside-temperature indicator.
Alloy Wheel Pkg.
2WD SR5
$1,535
$1,228
4WD SR5
$1,325
$1,060
Running boards, overfenders (2WD), additional rear privacy glass, tow hitch, 265/70R16 tires (2WD), alloy wheels.
Preferred Accessory Pkg.
Limited, SR5
$320
$207
Floormats, cargo mat, cargo net, door sill protector, first aid kit,
Safety
Front side-impact airbags and curtain airbags
Limited, SR5
$500
$430
Daytime running lights
Limited, SR5
$40
$32
Comfort and Convenience Features
Rear air conditioning w/front and rear automatic climate controls
SR5
$570
$456
Remote keyless entry
SR5
$245
$196
Power sunroof
Limited, SR5
$1,000
$800
Power front seats
SR5
$745
$596
JBL sound system
SR5
$515
$386
AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
Limited
$200
$150
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights
SR5
$110
$88
Roof rack
SR5
$220
$176
Rear spoiler
Limited
$200
$160
Additional rear privacy glass
SR5
$80
$64
Gold Pkg.
Limited, SR5
$349
$215
Gold badging.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Tow hitch
SR5
$380
$304
265/70R16 tires
2WD SR5
$330
$264
Includes overfenders.
2002 Toyota Sequoia Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Toyota Sequoia 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. 5270
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 128.1
Standard Payload, lbs. 1330
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.
Engines
  dohc V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 4.7 /285
Horsepower @ rpm. 240 @ 4800
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 315 @ 3400
Availability Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
 
4-speed automatic 14/17
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Toyota Sequoia 4-door wagon
Front Impact, Driver 4
Front Impact, Passenger 5
Rollover Resistance 3
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%. Side-impact 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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain 5/60,000 --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 5/unlimited --
Free roadside assistance None/-- 3/36,000 on Prius.
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: USA
Drivewheels: 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
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