2003 Toyota Sequoia Review
Fuel Economy
14 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
A thoroughly capable full-size SUV that beats Ford and General Motors at their own game.
Pros
Ultrarefined drivetrain, surprisingly agile handling, versatile and comfortable interior, Toyota reputation for reliability.
Cons
Nondescript styling, comparatively low towing capacity.
What's New for 2003
For 2003, the eight-passenger Sequoia SUV features new 17-inch alloy wheels and tires and an inside rearview auto-dimming mirror as standard equipment on the top-of-the-line Limited grade, and as options on the SR5 model. A rear DVD entertainment system with two cordless headphones, and a load leveling rear suspension are new features available on both Sequoia models.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Nothing but problems
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 1 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Toyota Sequoia SR5 Rwd 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 4A)
Review
Problems with vcs, trac, abs lights coming on and medal grinding noise when making a right turn, it has been taken in several times to the Toyota dealership and they can't figure it out, read all the reviews about this problem and decided not worth the hassle and felt very unsafe driving it, returned it for another vehicle, 2006 gmc Yukon what a shame for being a Toyota; had a Chevy 2003 suburban for 6 years 120,000 miles, not one problem other than fuel pump, should have kept it!
Favorite Features
great looking vehicle
Suggested Improvements
Do a recall about the vcs, trac, abs light, problem.
Still in good shape!!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 4A)
Review
Well, it's true what they say... You get bored with a Toyota before you HAVE to buy one. This car is running great, with routine care. Just changed the serpentine belt, brakes ( sadly more often than I'd like, as this is supposedly a heavy vehicle ) tuned up, and it is ready to go another who knows how many miles. Headlights are frustratingly dim, despite bringing in to the dealer. That is probably the worst thing I could say! It is AMAZING in the Connecticut winters, runs smooth, I don't even worry about reliability. Hauling kids, boats, dogs, this Sequoia handles everything. Almost afraid to think about another car maker. Wouldn't hesitate buying a higher mileage Sequoia!
Favorite Features
reliability
Suggested Improvements
Need to be better with the squeaks and rattles, can't stand the auto locks.
Not bad but having VSC issues at 100K
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Toyota Sequoia SR5 Rwd 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 4A)
Review
Just turned 100K for 2003 sequoia and pretty good truck. Have had a few recent issues with the VSC light and needed sensor replacements as well as timing belt at 90K for about $1500 but other then that, pretty reliable. I have four kids (two in college) and we use for trips back and forth. I hope to drive and put 250K miles...
Favorite Features
Nice ride on highway with fairly decent mileage of around 19/20mpg.
Suggested Improvements
Fix small issues like gas gauge, vsc issues, power outlet covers that are broken.
Toyota's not what they used to be?
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 3 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 1 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Toyota Sequoia SR5 Rwd 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 4A)
Review
Overall the 2003 Sequoia is a very good family car, but lots of issues. Here is a list of problems and you'll see 3 of them are the same type of problem! 1) Inside door handle broke (was replaced while on warranty). 2) Gas gauge on the instrument panel is no longer working and reads empty when it is not. 3) Left rear passenger "Inside door handle" broke (not on warranty) 4) Back door window won't roll down 5) Right front passenger "Inside door handle" broke 6) Back door hatch "Handle" broke and now cannot open the back door at all. These door handles are just cheap plastic and would think Toyota should be replacing them by something stronger?
Favorite Features
Very good family car for a large family. Nice looking car.
Suggested Improvements
Stronger door handles that DO NOT break when a child opens the door. These are heavy doors and Toyota makes them using cheap plastic instead of a metal type door handle. Better gas mileage. Smoother ride and tires that last longer.
Nice reliable vehicle
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 4A)
Review
Great vehicle all around. No issues since the day I bought it. Just regular Maintenance. I would say the tires that came with the truck are junk. Soft rubber the promote smooth ride but they were gone after 28k. Switched to Bridgestone Revos (fantastic tires). Got 60k out of those and now working on the 2nd set.
Favorite Features
Comfort, reliability, looks.
Suggested Improvements
1-Better tires from dealer. 2-I attempted to replace the foam in front cup holders. Toyota makes you buy entire cup holder console ($300+). Foam is not sold separate. Terrible planning from Toyota on this one. Wear items should be replaceable without having to replace parts that don't need it.
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