- suv 90,563
- 11,895 overpriced
- Hialeah, FL
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- autoshopper.com
2004 toyota sequoia review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. Toyota quality in a full-size suv. introductiontoyota sequoia is among the best of the full-size suvs. It's nearly the same size as a ford expedition, and slightly larger than a chevy tahoe. The sequoia is every inch a truck, but it's very comfortable and relatively quiet. the sequoia is a good vehicle for large families, particularly for those who pull trailers. Though big, it's surprisingly maneuverable. It's great for towing. all models are well equipped, and toyota has enhanced value for 2004 by adding equipment without raising the base price. The less expensive sr-5 model adds standard dual-zone front and rear climate control and power front seats. The electronic stability control system can help correct a skid when cornering. Traction control keeps the wheels from slipping when accelerating in slippery driving conditions. Front airbags are standard, as are three-point seat belts for all eight places. Front side-impact and head-protection airbags are optional 500). toyota allows its customers more flexibility with optional equipment than many manufacturers. The sr-5 can be equipped with most of the limited content in several option packages. These include a preferred package 1,770) with the leather and premium stereo with a six-disc in-dash changer. An alloy wheel package 1,835) adds p265/65 r17 tires on 17-inch rims, color-coordinated fender flares and running boards, rear privacy glass, a towing receiver hitch, seven-pin wiring harness converter and high-power alternator. The convenience package 255) includes heated outside mirrors, a trip computer with compass, outside temperature, current and average fuel consumption and fuel range functions, and a homelink universal transceiver. Stand alone options for the sr-5 include the power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade 1,000), roof rack 220), remote keyless entry 245), trailer package 380, the premium stereo with a 6-disc in-dash cd changer 715), rear-seat audio controls 240) and a rear-seat entertainment package with a dvd viewer and the rear audio controls 1,770). options for the limited model are, well, limited. They include the dvd entertainment system, rear-seat audio, in-dash cd changer 200), a rear self-leveling suspension 360), and a rear spoiler 200). walkaroundsequoia's overall look is clean, purposeful and, above all, big. The sequoia takes its styling cues from the toyota tundra full-size pickup. Both are built at the same assembly plant in princeton, indiana. Sequoia may be the most conservatively styled full-size suv available. The rear looks more like a minivan than a truck. sequoia's front and rear doors are nicely integrated and fit proportionally with the rearmost seating and cargo area. They swing open and closed with exceptional lightness, but shut with a nice, secure thunk. The window in the rear liftgate actually rolls down, just like those on the wood-paneled station wagons of the '60s and '70s. That's good, because this is a big vehicle. The liftgate swings so high that it's a long stretch for people five-feet tall, even with the hanging assist strap. sequoia's overhangs, particularly the front, are short, so the approach and departure angles are good for off-roading. The limited model has body colored wheel arches, mirrors and molding, as opposed to black. It's also distinguished by its fog lights, running boards and standard alloy wheels. Running boards are available and are immensely helpful, along with the grab handles mounted just inside the doorframes. A big beast like the sequoia requires some physical dexterity, and that its occupants not be afraid of heights. once in, there's a commanding view from every seat. The big, sumptuous leather seats in the limited model are extremely comfortable, and heated. controls follow toyota's classic, and handy, standard: lights on the left stalk, wipers on the right. Stereo and climate-control buttons and knobs are larger than those in most vehicles and are clustered in a pod in the center of the dash. Indeed, the temperature and fan dials are the largest in the sequoia, and that takes a little getting used to. All switches have a satisfying feel, but we have a couple of nitpicks. The clock is mounted too low in the center of the dash, and obscured from view by the climate-control switches. And not all of us are enamored with the metal-tone trim that adorns the switch clusters on the doors and dash. toyota's attention to detail can be seen everywhere inside the sequoia. The terrifically large bin between the front seats is split into two levels. The top level has a fold-out clipboard and spring-loaded coin slots. The bottom level has a molded, bookshelf-like cd holder to keep up to eight cds from rattling around, but there's enough room left over to hold a six-pack or a moderately sized purse. The door pockets are narrow, but there are two open bins at the front of the console, lined with rubber and deep enough to keep cell phones or wallets from sliding around. An overhead console holds sunglasses. The seat backs recline over a broad range, and the rear audio and climate controls on sequoia's so equipped are prominently placed on the rear of the big center console, within easy reach of all three second-row seating positions, as well as those in front. We say kids because they'll have the most energy and agility to hop over the middle-row to get to the third-row seats. A lever on the curbside of the second seat releases a spring-loaded mechanism that drops the seatback and flips the entire seat forward. It clears a fairly wide path to the rear, and the middle seat is easy to plop back once passengers are aboard. the three-place third row is about as good as they get. Legroom is limited compared to the second row, but the seatbacks recline and there's ample headroom. Further, the entire third row also slides fore/aft over a range of eight inches, to adjust for more legroom or more storage behind the seat. With the third seat up and all the way forward, there's room behind for a large suitcase and a couple of carry-on bags. for more cargo space, the third-row seats are easy to tumble forward, or they can be removed completely with a bit more effort. With them tumbled, we found enough room for a jogging stroller, a baby backpack and all the rest of the gear needed for a day hike. We love the powerful v8 engine. It's a marvel of a smoothness and efficiency, with an ultra-low (ulev) emissions rating. The transmission, too, was impressively smooth, responsive and seamless in operation. With such a long wheelbase and significant overall heft, the sequoia delivers a comfortable ride on all types of roads, even with its heavy-duty, truck-style solid rear axle. sequoia weighs in at a substantial 5300 pounds, and it needs all of the v8's horsepower and 315 pounds-feet of acceleration producing torque. Get-up-and-go is better than adequate in all circumstances, and the sequoia will cruise comfortably at speeds much higher than the state troopers advise. Yet if towing is a priority, sequoia comes up just a little short. Its engine has more power and torque than the standard v8 in either the ford expedition or chevy tahoe, but both of those big suvs offer more powerful engines optional. Nissan's new pathfinder armada tops the class with its standard engine. As a result, all three competitors are r.
11,895 Hialeah, FLHialeah, FL at autoshopper.com