2003 Toyota Sequoia Review
2003 Toyota Sequoia Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
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, 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.
Edmunds says
A thoroughly capable full-size SUV that beats Ford and General Motors at their own game.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Toyota Sequoia SR5 Rwd 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$284/mo for Sequoia SR5
Sequoia SR5
vs
$247/mo
Avg. Large SUV
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Toyota Sequoia.
5 star(77%)
4 star(16%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(0%)
310 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Best money I have spent on a vehicle
Brandon Valentine, 10/25/2015
2003 Toyota Sequoia SR5 Rwd 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 4A)
I bought my 03 Limited with 60k miles. Today I have 175k. I changed the timing belt at 105k (book recommends at 95k). Average 15.7 mpg. It does like to use brake pads, but nothing unexpected from a large SUV. I get it serviced at the dealership and keep the regular maintenance. The rear window motor went $500. It went a year later and I have not repaired it. Other than that this … vehicle is reliable. I am confident taking long road trips with it even at 175k miles. My family of 5 and 2 dogs and all the luggage fit comfortably. My wife wants to replace it with a new one, but I see no need. My heart will be heavy the day I part with this vehicle.
10/27/016, It now has 195k. Took it for a 6k road trip last summer; Phoenix to Michigan and back with much wandering in between. Just last week had to replace the rear gate latch for the second time ($508). This Sequoia is still the best money I have ever spent.
4/27/017, 201k miles. Does not burn oil and does not leak. The seats are beginning to show wear; leather cracked on passenger side front seat. Still the best money I ever spent on a vehicle.
Finally parted with her after 206k. Still the best money I ever spent on a vehicle.
4 out of 5 stars
A good car but less than I expected
M, 12/17/2009
2003 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 4A)
Overall the sequoia has been reliable and comfortable for long trips. But it's not the Toyota quality I've come to expect. Not just the car but also the dealer service. I bought without looking at other suvs - mistake. Quality issues: - glass breakage sensor has never worked - gear indicator lights (D, N) burned out - rear window has been fixed 2 times - rear door handle broke on a … ski trip, making it impossible to open the hatch - OEM tires were awful - causing the car to feel misaligned. Toyota denied issues. Dealer finally admitted others had the same issue. Fixed with a set of duelers. - within the 1st year driver window started sounding like it was going to fall out.
4 out of 5 stars
Excellent Used Vehicle Value
Earle, 12/29/2016
2003 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 4A)
I want to add a review of a used, older vehicle, since I value those reviews. That's also the vehicle market I am in. I generally don't buy new vehicles. Instead, I tend to look for good used vehicles with 100k miles on them that I am confident will get to 200k miles with few problems. As such, I need and value reliable and dependable vehicles. Seems to be for us the most economical … way to go. We are second owners of an 2003 Sequoia, which we bought to replace a Sienna. Bought the Sequoia five years ago with 90k miles on it and we have since added 50k miles. We have five children, ages 12 and under, and we live in rural Montana. The vehicle has performed for us very well. All seven of us fit comfortably. There hasn't been any winter weather conditions it couldn't handle. Feels very safe on the road. It does have the notorious rear door problems and a couple of other minor issues, but overall the vehicle has performed flawlessly. I love 4.7L V8 engine. While not the most fuel efficient, I am satisfied because we are only about 1.5 mpg less than what we were getting on our AWD Sienna. The Sienna was a bit more comfortable and roomy, but it could not handle the rough terrain and winter conditions nearly as well as the Sequoia. I recently looked at a newer generation Sequioa. It is bigger and better but not enough to justify the price. Putting 10k miles on our 2003 Sequoia a year, we hope it will continue to serve us well for several more years until the kids start leaving home and we can then downsize. Thus far, I am very pleased as this seems to have been an excellent vehicle purchase for our family. Great value! UPDATE: I have been asked to provide an update. I don't feel to change anything on my review. We are still very pleased with the Sequoia. It continues to meet our family's needs while handling the rural Montana environment. We've added 10k miles and done some routine maintenance, including the notorious rear door latch. Even so, we feel it continues to be a good value vehicle. Probably our best vehicle purchase we've ever made. No regrets.
4.38 out of 5 stars
I love my truck BUT...
Baron, 10/29/2010
2003 Toyota Sequoia SR5 Rwd 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 4A)
I love my Sequoia. I think it is the best looking of the full size SUVs and I usually get 18-20 mpg which is good for an 8 seat SUV. However, I have not found my Toyota to be as well built as my Honda's. I am constantly replacing interior trim pieces that and have replaced all of my interior door handles. My overall maintenance bill his higher with this vehicle than with my Honda's … too. It it is not an O2 sensor dying or a CV boot splitting it is my bushings for my rack and pinion steering or something else. This thing eats break pads like dessert. Nonetheless, I still like the truck but just have some $ set aside for maint.
2003 Sequoia Highlights
SR5
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $31,625 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 14 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $284/month |
Seating | 8 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 26.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Sequoia include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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