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1Gen-SequoiaGeneral discussion forum for the first generation 2001 to 2007 Toyota Sequoia.
This is a discussion thread titled "Sequoia lows - transmission, seats, gas pedal", within the 1Gen-Sequoia forum, part of the SUV Forums category.
With 13K on the odometer, I thought I'd take a minute to note the problem areas in our 2002.
The number one problem is the transmission shifts roughly and erratically. It did not do this when new, and I noticed it after our first road trip in it at about 300 miles. To Toyota's credit, they replaced the transmission and torque converter. The scenario repeated. It shifted smoothly for a hundred miles or so, and then right back to its old habits. I think Toyota has a defect in the software that controls this electronic transmission. The transmission starts with a default program, but then supposedly learns, and adapts shift patterns as you drive. I think it does this incorrectly. Our driving style is fairly conservative.
The second beef is the gas pedal angle is poorly designed. The angle forces one's foot into a position that is too vertical and not comfortable on long trips. I replaced the pedal assembly with one for the Tundra, which is a little different style. Cost was $30. That helped some, but it's still an issue. The shame is there is plenty of room in the foot well to get the pedal angle correct. Perhaps this is less of a problem for shorter drivers.
The last issue is the front seats. We are very disapointed to find they are not comfortable on long trips. The chief culprit seems to be inadequate lower back support. My wife, who is short, complains that the headrests project too far forward and bother her. The have no adjustment for tilt, again disapointing in a truck at this price point. We have an SR5. I have since found out that the seats in the Limited are different, and they have an adjustable lumbar support. People with those seats seem to like them better. I do not think these are Toyota designed seats; I suspect they were sub'ed to an American vendor like Johnson Controls.
Although not serious enough to make the problem list, I feel the steering is too light at speed or when heavily loaded. The light steering is quite pleasant driving solo around town. But with a full load at 75-80 mph on the interstate, it's a different story. The steering is just too light, and the vehicle requires too much attention to control.
The Sequoia has a number of positive attributes we enjoy: spaciousness, very effective A/C, solid construction, good off road performance (with VSC off), quietness, good ride, and resale value.
However, we just looked at a new top of the line Ford Explorer. It was so much more comfortable with its great seats and adjustable pedals. It was roomy, and more practical with seats that fold flat. We will consider another Toyota when it's time to replace this one, but we will also take the time to carefully consider other brands.
IMO, the Sequoia suffers from its American roots. It's a Toyota, but an American designed Toyota. Its does not benefit from the attention to design detail found in the Japanese Toyota models.
My SR5 seats have the adjustable (air pocket) lumbar support.
Also, I've often commented to people about how this truck has the only headrests I've ever found useful. I can actually let my head rest on it while driving, whereas other vehicles are further back. I guess it's just how you look at it!
Originally posted by itwonder ...Although not serious enough to make the problem list, I feel the steering is too light at speed or when heavily loaded. The light steering is quite pleasant driving solo around town. But with a full load at 75-80 mph on the interstate, it's a different story. The steering is just too light, and the vehicle requires too much attention to control...
Have you had your front end alignment checked? From what you describe, it sounds like your caster is set on the low side of optimum. More caster will tend to increase steering stability and effort somewhat but also should require fewer corrections to keep in a straight line. You might want to consider having an alignment done to DJ's specs (Do a search for his specs in the Garage Section - DJ is retired from Hunter Engineering and owns both a Tundra and Sequoia - his specs have fixed many front end problems here). Toyota's recommended alignment specs have too wide of an allowable tolerance. I would not get the alignment done at Toyota, but rather at an alignment shop that specializes in that type of work and has one of the later model Hunter alignment systems and software.
Originally posted by speed25 My SR5 seats have the adjustable (air pocket) lumbar support.
Also, I've often commented to people about how this truck has the only headrests I've ever found useful. I can actually let my head rest on it while driving, whereas other vehicles are further back. I guess it's just how you look at it!
Same here, we have adjustable lumbar in our SR5. I also think the headrests are well designed, near your head where they should be...not too low or too far away like most american vehicles.
__________________
Jeff
Me - 1989 Toyota Pickup SR5 V6 Xtra Cab 4x4 5-speed - SAS, flatbed, 37's, too much to list!
2003 Toyota 4Runner Sport 4x4 V8 - stock, for now
Parents - 2001 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4x4 - Limited fog light install, Sequoia all weather mats, stainless liscense plate frames
steering to light? i have a 03 z66 avalanche. and i hate the steering so much, the toyota heavier steering is one of the things that impressed me the most. i hope i am still pleased when i get my limted next week
Actually, I wasn't completely happy with my steering originally, especially on a windy highway. The increased caster made a BIG difference. Probably the best thing I've done to my truck.
I'm sorry but you have the strangest criteria for vehicle design I've ever seen.
If you dislike the seats, go buy some aftermarket seats. You don't buy a Toyota because it's got a refined interior (unless you haven't done your homework.)
I get the feeling that you never test drove your vehicle. Did you let your wife drive/ride also?
The test drive tells you if something like the "gas pedal angle" is unacceptable so you can go buy something else with a more refined gas pedal (?!)
I recommend you go buy the Explorer. They're known world-wide for their stunning gas pedal design.
Oh and you don't have to pay attention when you're driving them.
Originally posted by m0000 Regarding the original post:
I'm sorry but you have the strangest criteria for vehicle design I've ever seen.
If you dislike the seats, go buy some aftermarket seats. You don't buy a Toyota because it's got a refined interior (unless you haven't done your homework.)
I get the feeling that you never test drove your vehicle. Did you let your wife drive/ride also?
The test drive tells you if something like the "gas pedal angle" is unacceptable so you can go buy something else with a more refined gas pedal (?!)
I recommend you go buy the Explorer. They're known world-wide for their stunning gas pedal design.
Oh and you don't have to pay attention when you're driving them.
In itwonder's defense, a simple test drive will not always tell you if a vehicle is uncomfortable. It took a road trip before I decided that I was not going to put up with the seats in my SR5 Tundra- anymore even after I did some mod's to it. Additionally, my left knee and elbow started to wear the door panel/arm rest fabric in as little as 5000 miles. I know I'm not alone here. I've seen the same area's wearing on Tundra's sitting on used car lots.
As far as not buying a Toyota because it's got a refined interior-WTF?? Toyota's tend to have refined interiors but the just missed some things on this line of vehicles. When you are spending 30K plus on a vehicle it IS a factor!
As far as test drives, I'd say rent the vehicle you want do drive and live with it for a week. Trust me you will learn a lot of good and bad things that a dealership test drive will not reveal.
I rented a Silverado for a week and loved it. So I bought a fully loaded 2003 GMC Sierra and haven't looked back since. I can drive it for hours and still feel great at the end of a trip.
Before you start slamming my purchase, I have had less problems with this GMC than my Tundra in as many miles.
I still own two other Toyotas that meet my comfort needs and have provided me with excellent service. Its just the first generation Tundra does not work for me.
I feel my 2003 silverado is more comfortable on long trips as well. The front sequoia seats are very uncomfortable for sleeping in and the headrest sucks. And my legs kinda fall asleep or start to have pains so every hour or so I have to stop and walk around.
About the gas pedal.....curise controll my good man. I love the controll lever that the sequoia has for the CC.
We have the Lumbar support in our SR5 Sequoia as well. I haven't been in any vehicle that felt comfortable for a long period of time. We took our Seq. on a 10 hr. trip and it was great! I do agree you have to pay attention to the sterring closley, but it's an SUV so I don't expect it have small car sterring.
Everyone is shaped differently. I had a '98 Suburban and I absolutely hated those seats! But many of my friends with the same seats loved them.
I love the seats in the Sequoia. But then again, they are still not as good as the ones in my 2000 Avalon.
Strange thing though, everytime there has been a long trip to take, it seems the Sequoia is always the pick. We have never driven our Avalon farther than 150 miles in any one direction.
I apologize for my sarcasm. Thought was I was getting better - need to try harder.
It just blows me away that people will choose a car based on something like lumbar support, headrest or gas pedal angle. Yes, the Sequoia is lacking some design graces, but I buy cars based on things like reliability, crash tests, resale value etc, not accoutrements.
I saw someone's complaint list on a web board; "Wiper delay knob rotation direction counter-intuitive."
GOOD GRIEF!
Yes, buy a car based on comfort, then notice the complaint list -
"Door fell off at 15,000 miles" "Starter and heater motors failed simultaneously at 20,000 miles"
I had three Exploders and they left me stranded in my driveway with a dead fuel pump. And another occasion left me stranded with a stuck thermostat. And another occasion made me buy four new tires.....My '02 4Runner had a terrible pedal angle and seat position. After about thirty minutes your leg, hip, and shoulder are totally numb. I couldn't live with this torture. It got to the point that I refused to drive my Runner more than 30 minutes. I traded for a '03 Runner with the hope of a new design there would be a new driving position. I love the '03, the seats are big, supportive and the overall ride reminds me of my American iron. Besides the seats in my '02, these two Toyota 4Runners are the best new vehicles I have ever owned (Chevy(2), Ford(5), Nissan(1), VW(1), Honda(1), Subaru(1) and Chrysler(1)).
Sequoia lows - transmission, seats, gas pedal
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