10K Mile update on my Sequoia

Author's Rating:

Pros: ULEV rating, Decent gas mileage for a large SUV, Comfortable, Reliable

Cons: Rear and side vision is less than desirable. The single CD system is weak.

Handling And Control:

The Bottom Line: 
Great MPG, reliability, and comfort at a decent price. The Sequoia is a sure hit for Toyota.

Author's Review
OK, this is my second review on this product and it is a update as I now have 10 thousand miles on the Sequoia. Overall, my wife( whom is the daily driver ) and I really like it for the gas mileage, comfort, size, horsepower, and I have a few complaints.

Basically, the Sequoia is a fantastic SUV with several fantastic qualities. What we really like is the gas mileage and the fact that it is the only ULEV ( Ultra Low Emission Vehicle rating ) that is a full-sized SUV. We really love the fact that we have contributed to helping the environment while still driving a large SUV. The gas mileage is great with fantastic results on freeway trips.
Mileage for freeway trips with just passengers and minimal gear has varied from 18 to 20 mpg depending upon driving conditions( flat or hilly ect.). Fully loaded camping trips have yielded mpg in the 16 to 18 mpg range again depending upon driving conditions. I doubt that few if any large SUV can boast such results.

The comfort of the Sequoia is great. I have yet to have back aches or numb butt from long distance driving. The multiple cup holders are great and they fit almost all size cups except the massive 64 ounce ones. The kids fall asleep in the middle or back seat with out a complaint. The multiple power points are great for cell phones, video game systems and cd players. The AC system (front and rear) is great and it really keeps things cool in the heat and warm in the winter. The defrosting/defogging is also excellent. Vision from the driver and passenger seats is great except when changing lanes or backing up. Looking back or sideways to the rear ( either right or left ) when changing lanes is a chore and this is my major complaint about the vehicle. The rear window could be larger. Another minor complaint is the single CD player that my model ( SR5 ) comes with. The sound quality is not the best and I would recommend a upgrade if music is your thing while driving. Basically it is a fantastic ride and full of comfort and amenities.

The size of the vehicle inside is great and more than enough for any family of 4 or 5 for camping and trips. If your family is larger then you will need a gear rack to carry the required gear. I am able to pile in all the gear for a 2 week trip and it barely reaches the top of the middle seat back. Also while loaded with gear and people it does not ride with a saggy rear end as alot of vehicles do.
The kids do not complain about space and as all parents know this is a major stress relief.

The Sequoia has more than enough power in most driving situations. The 240 horsepower V8 is smooth and when one wants to pass it gets up and moves with ease( even while loaded with gear ). I read one review where the reviewer complained about the horsepower but in the real world it is great and more than enough. I do not tow any items so this may be where the previous complaint arrived.

Finally my wife and I do have a few complaints. I mentioned the single CD systems sound quality above and the visibility problem when lane changing. I really like the vehicle but my wife ( whom is the daily driver ) now does not like it for the simple reason that everyone( well not everyone more like 25+ others) in town now has one as well.
This drives her crazy as she likes to stand out when driving around ( a ego thing I guess ). I do not care so it does not bother me but this is something one should consider as these things are selling like mad.

The Sequoia is a wonderful full-sized SUV with great comfort and it is environmentally responsible with the ULEV rating. The MPG is great and the few complaints I have are things which do not detract from my overall driving experience. I will give another update at 50K miles.
Thanks for the time.

50K Mile Update for my 2001 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4x4

Ok, first off there are no major problems to report. I replaced the factory tires at 35K ( the started to develop bald patches on the outsides ). The stock tires were just standard load range passenger rated they were a bit light for such a large vehicle. I went to a load range E truck type tire and the freeway cornering and handling improved greatly. The ride is slightly rougher but it was worth it to attain better handling. I also had the brake pads changed at 40K at a toyota dealership again no problems and I upgraded to the metallic pads. I have not noticed any difference but they are supposed to last longer.
As for other maintenance I have changed the rear differential fluid twice. One disturbing thing was when I made the first change a large quantity of metallic flakes and wire strands came out along with alot of gray oil( a sign of metallic particles in the oil). I changed it a second time this summer and the oil came out clean so I suspect that it was not cleaned out at the factory during the construction of the vehicle. I have read on other web sites of rear differential failure on sequoias and tundras when used to tow heavy items. I know that toyota now offers a TRD performance heavy duty limited slip rear end for the sequoia. I have also changed the transfer case oil, transmission fluid 3 times, front differential oil, spark plugs, and of course regular 3K mile or less oil changes and greasing the chasis as well. It never burns any oil between changes either.
My other issues with the car would be the rattles inside have increased as the mileage has. I think it comes from the sunroof, the seats, and seatbelt hangers. Another problem area has been the rear cargo storage cubby hole on the driver side of the car. The door keeps coming off as it has a weak latching system. I went to the toyota dealership and they heated the latch and bent it slightly this helped somewhat but it still comes off.
Finally the gas mileage has stayed constant on the freeway trips in that 18mpg area but around town it has dropped to the 13mpg range. The around town driving is bad as you can rarely exceed 25mph in the little town I live in.
The stereo system still stinks as far as sound quality goes and my wife and daughter have reported that some of the burned cds they have will not work in the cd player. A minor issue but it is worth mentioning. The seats are still comfortable and the interior has held up very well with no stains or tears or fabric wear yet.
To conclude my update I am still happy with the vehicle and my wife still does not like the fact that there are alot of them out and about now. I plan on keeping it for the next 50K and will give another update then.