Toyota launches another salvo
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From: North of Dallas, South of Frisco
Toyota launches another salvo
2008 Toyota Sequoia
Well, as big as the new Tundra is, I knew the new Sequoia would be a monster, and it is.
Key Highlights:
Looks like another nice vehicle from Toyota.
GM Stepped up, Toyota Stepped up, Chrysler messed up (Durango & Aspen, have you ever seen two less attractive SUV/s), Nissan came up (Armada's were selling briskly, but not as fast (ironically) as the more expensive QX56).
Ford put a new grill, and floor shifter on the 2003 Expedition in 2006/2007, and offered it in a lengthened version...
Come on Ford... No wonder GM took the "best selling Full-Size SUV" title back 2003 - Present...
Well, as big as the new Tundra is, I knew the new Sequoia would be a monster, and it is.
Originally Posted by Los Angeles Auto Show
November 14, 2007 - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) U.S.A, Inc., unveiled the second-generation Sequoia full-size sport utility vehicle at a press conference today at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show. Sequoia is completely new for 2008, with a new body, a new interior, a new chassis, an available new 5.7L V8 engine/six-speed transmission combination and an increased focus on efficiency, performance and driver/passenger comfort.
In his efforts to be sure he got the 2008 Sequoia right, Chief Engineer Motoharu Araya immersed himself in American culture for two-and-a-half years as he began his design brief for the Sequoia. He even went so far as to live for a time with an American family that owned a fullsize SUV so that he could better understand the way SUV users relate to their vehicles. He also used the Internet to circulate a questionnaire so that he could acquire detailed information about how Americans use their SUVs and what their preferences are, right down to the side of the vehicle on which drivers prefer their fuel fillers to be located. The result is a class-leading vehicle with the efficiency, performance, comfort and convenience that SUV buyers want.
Engines and Transmissions
An available new DOHC 5.7L V8 engine enables the 2008 Sequoia to provide acceleration performance that is among the leaders in its class, especially while towing. Sequoia engineers developed the new engine to produce 381 hp, one of the highest outputs in this vehicle class. This engine, which is ULEV-II compliant, uses four valves per cylinder and Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) to produce 401 lb-ft of torque.
In his efforts to be sure he got the 2008 Sequoia right, Chief Engineer Motoharu Araya immersed himself in American culture for two-and-a-half years as he began his design brief for the Sequoia. He even went so far as to live for a time with an American family that owned a fullsize SUV so that he could better understand the way SUV users relate to their vehicles. He also used the Internet to circulate a questionnaire so that he could acquire detailed information about how Americans use their SUVs and what their preferences are, right down to the side of the vehicle on which drivers prefer their fuel fillers to be located. The result is a class-leading vehicle with the efficiency, performance, comfort and convenience that SUV buyers want.
Engines and Transmissions
An available new DOHC 5.7L V8 engine enables the 2008 Sequoia to provide acceleration performance that is among the leaders in its class, especially while towing. Sequoia engineers developed the new engine to produce 381 hp, one of the highest outputs in this vehicle class. This engine, which is ULEV-II compliant, uses four valves per cylinder and Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) to produce 401 lb-ft of torque.
- 4.7L iForce v8: 276 HP, Standard
- 5.7L iForce V8, 381 HP, 401 lb./ft. Optional
- Can tow up to 10,000 lbs.
- 6-Speed tranny, with ability to lock-up in 4th, 5th or 6th gear (torque converter).
- Drag coefficient of 0.35 Cd. (Rivaling that of many passenger cars)
- Standard 18" wheels, Optional 20's.
- Fully boxed frame.
Looks like another nice vehicle from Toyota.
GM Stepped up, Toyota Stepped up, Chrysler messed up (Durango & Aspen, have you ever seen two less attractive SUV/s), Nissan came up (Armada's were selling briskly, but not as fast (ironically) as the more expensive QX56).
Ford put a new grill, and floor shifter on the 2003 Expedition in 2006/2007, and offered it in a lengthened version...
Come on Ford... No wonder GM took the "best selling Full-Size SUV" title back 2003 - Present...
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,226
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From: So. Texas
So how many folks can afford to feed one? Toyota has a reputation of building good vehicles but their trucks and SUVs drink gas. My brothers wife drives a new 4 Runner and it gets 19 Hiway. My Supercrew does that and more. Hers has been in the shop far more times than my SCrew and mine is 4 years older. As far as the Bronco goes, Ford has a new concept Bronco that would appear to be an H3 Hummer with a Ford grille. The new Toyota will be like most of the large Toys, sitting on dealer lots waiting for a fool to buy it. Most dealerships around here don't even stock them- order only.
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Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Buffalo NY
Originally Posted by dkstone05
Is it just me or does the wheel look like it's too far over to the left and that the radio/hvac controls seem like they are out of reach for the driver?
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I felt that Ford stepped up to the plate with the Expy. I didn't even know the new body style was coming out until I saw one, and it caught my eye right away. I like the newer style much better. The interior was done up as well. It's sharp IMO, and I almost bought one before getting the F150.
Here's the old bodystyle:
As for the new Sequoia, the interior looks sharp, and the towing capacity and optional power are also impressive. From the outside, it looks like a crewcab Tundra with a covered trunk.
Here's the old bodystyle:
As for the new Sequoia, the interior looks sharp, and the towing capacity and optional power are also impressive. From the outside, it looks like a crewcab Tundra with a covered trunk.
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: CT
Originally Posted by dkstone05
Is it just me or does the wheel look like it's too far over to the left and that the radio/hvac controls seem like they are out of reach for the driver?
Yeah, it was one of the negatives in some of the write ups.
Technical Article Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,636
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From: Vernon, NY
Originally Posted by racerx1307
Yeah, it was one of the negatives in some of the write ups.
Plus, I don't get the silver around the driver's area. Makes it look really terrible.
I also don't like that XXXL arm rest... it is ugly.
Why can't automakers make something decent anymore?!
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,165
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From: Cabot, AR
Lets see, the outside is still uglier than a mud fence, the inside makes my stomach churn and I would bet that the price is nothing to sneeze at.
I did notice that they mentioned "fully boxed frame", but I thought that the "triple tech" used on the Tundra was supposed to be the cat's ***. Methinks that someone realized that they messed up and tried to correct it this time.
I did notice that they mentioned "fully boxed frame", but I thought that the "triple tech" used on the Tundra was supposed to be the cat's ***. Methinks that someone realized that they messed up and tried to correct it this time.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,056
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From: Missouri
I'm sure Toyotas have some good points....but their interiors arent one of them.. How many different colors do you need?? And why are the controls so far away from the steering wheel?? Just my .02