[pagemaster]

I was picking up rear plate bulbs today when I had a chance to take a look at the new 2008 Toyota Sequioa. Dealer only had one model on the showroom floor so no test drive. That will be next. Overall, what a shame on Toyota's part.

First the good.
Outstanding job on overall exterior fit and finish. No complaints about the paint job and. I like the overall evolution of the exterior. The grille is ok in my books thankfully it does not have the fake Tundra black plastic stripe. Decent rims are on the platinum which was the vehicle I looked at.

The inside. Nice size centre console for front and 2nd row...heated seat in the back is a nice touch as well and the climate control and dvd. The preferated leather seats are much nicer and little softer than the Tundra and are on par with the Toyota Landcruiser.

I have to give Toyota solid marks on having all the available features available. Heated/cooling seats, power telescoping steering, dual climate, aux input etc etc they are all there.

Thank you toyota for putting the auto climate control on the wheel. Also nice to see Toyota include a power lumbar for the passenger seat.

The best part of this Sequioa is the fold flat powered rear seats. Toyota went all the way with the fold flat. Nice touch having four locations to lower the seats.

The bad. (if you own a Sequioa don't read)

I do not understand how Toyota can get away with such cheap materials inside and a cheesy dash design. I know the Tundra is bad but this just confirms it. The door panels have no design, feel cheap and sound like the will begin to rattle after two weeks on the road. The centre console shifter does not belong in a $60k SUV.

Why can't Toyota put covers over the seat anchors. Why why why can't they. My 03 tundra has them (note: Toyota cost cut this small plastic cover out of the 05-08 Tundra/Sequoia)

Is this dash really spray painted black because it feels and looks like it.

Overall a good design for the interior is damaged by very poor interior materials

This Toyota looks like is was designed for sales and not customer quality and loyalty.