2002 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4X4 from North America - Comments

11th Oct 2002, 15:54

"Over priced, but easy to drive and comfortable"

What things have gone wrong with the car?

The air conditioning in my Sequoia has completely broken 3 times. The most recent attempt to fix the problem at the dealer has improved the A/C's performance (it blows cool air now) but not fixed it. The dealer told us the first time we brought the car in, this was a pretty common problem with Sequoia's and parts were so in demand right now, it could take weeks to get them in and fix the vehicle. He was right-it took 3 weeks. the A/C self destructed again within 5 miles of the dealer, on the way home, and was brought back in for a second replacement. Second replacement blew a week later. Third replacement is not blowing cold air (but at least it's blowing air now).

The biggest concern of mine is that when the A/C stops working (always happens on the freeway), smoke comes pouring out of and in to the car. I have a problem driving a smoking car 65 MPH on 26 gallons of gasoline with two kids in the back seat.

Other minor problems: back windshield wiper needed replacing, headlights needed adjusting, air in the brake lines immediately after purchase, rubber seal around passenger door fell off.

General comments?

Aside from the problems, major and minor, this is by far the most superior full size SUV we have driven. It completely blew the Expedition and Tahoe away in our test drives. We had wanted to buy a less expensive car, but were spoiled after driving the Sequoia and had to have it.

The Sequoia is a good 4X4 performer and drives great in snow and around the mountain trails we take. The Low gear is a big plus for us and while it is not as much a climber as the Land Rover, it is practically twice the size. I would love it if it had some more horse power, but it does well with the 240 it has.

While the vehicle is definitely overpriced compared to the competition, you're paying for the Toyota name, synonymous with reliability (most of the time) and resale value. If they make things right with ours, we would get another one and would recommend it to anyone.


1st Jun 2003, 07:46

I think that this car is a worthless piece of junk (limited 4x4, $40k)! I drive one myself and the car keeps having problems, and it is much too expensive, the dealers are so unfriendly. Here are the problems: left rear power window broke down, the tail light wouldn't work, the air conditioner has broken FOUR TIMES (!) and the radio stopped working three weeks ago. Last week the transmission broke, at 67000 miles and now I have had it! I will never buy a Japanese car again!

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