2007 Toyota Sequoia Review
The Sequoia is Toyota’s first full-size SUV, which they introduced for 2001. Based on the Toyota Tundra platform, the Sequoia is Toyota’s midlevel SUV offering. It has received very few changes, except for a substantial engine boost in 2005. It was nominated for “North American Truck of the Year” in 2001 by automotive journalists at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The Toyota Sequoia is large and in charge. Its size and power make it at home in America, despite its Japanese origins. Unfortunately, its fuel economy is all-American as well. However, if gas mileage isn’t your top priority, the Sequoia is an American SUV with Japanese quality.
What’s New For 2007:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
J.D. Power gives the Sequoia 4 stars for both overall manufacturing and design quality. Problems that have affected it include air-conditioning failure, difficult starting, and accidental activation of power windows. There has only been one major recall for 2002-04 models due to wearing joints that could result in steering control loss. Expect above average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
Government crash test scores are not available, but the 2004 model earned perfect frontal crash ratings. IIHS scores are not available. Standard safety equipment includes anti-lock brakes, brake assist, side airbags that cover the first two rows, and stability and traction control.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Standard third row
+ Big engine
+ Reliable
Cons
– Mediocre gas mileage
– Unknown crashworthiness
– Unprotected third row
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Chevrolet Tahoe LS costs $800 more, but adds navigation, extra payload capacity, and 20 more horsepower. However, it lacks a five-speed transmission, side airbags, and third row seating. The Dodge Durango Limited offers navigation, a CD changer, and leather seats, but costs $1,000 more, lacks traction control and third row seating, and has 40 fewer horses. The Ford Expedition EL XLT has a larger engine with 30 more horsepower, more payload capacity, and a six-speed transmission. However, it costs nearly $600 more, and lacks the Sequoia’s anti-lock brakes and third-row seating.
What Others Are Saying:
“As you travel through the Yosemite of SUVs, Sequoia stands proud. I think it’s the most American of any vehicle in the Toyota lineup. As such, it’s got some serious competition in the full-size SUV market.” – About.com
“True to its name, the Sequoia is one of the big trees in the SUV forest, a natural classification since it is based on the chassis of the full-size Tundra pickup truck. Although Toyota says extensive changes were made to the Sequoia’s design to ‘realize a level of performance better suited to a full-size sport-utility vehicle,’ both are built in the same ultramodern plant in Princeton, Indiana.” – Car and Driver
“With roots in the Tundra pickup, Toyota’s full-size Sequoia SUV is rugged and powerful.” – Forbes
Read more about the 2007 Toyota Sequoia at the Toyota manufacturer web site.
