2001 Sequoia (Reaction) Motorweek Retro

[@davinp]

2000's Toyotas were boring cars, but were built and reliable.

[@mrgurulittle7000]

This car is a good example of how Toyota is a no nonsense car maker. The design of the Tundra is ok, but from a practical and technical standpoint, the Tundra is probably a class leader at the time.

[@jonbrowning6839]

Have worked in the automotive business a long time, these are as close to bulletproof as a complicated vehicle can be. Rarely see one that did not make it to at least 250k.

[@micahbonewell5994]

Yep my parents had one that was going strong for 20 years, it only died when we hit a deer on the highway. Even then it got us to the nearest gas station and none of us were injured.

[@vicaras1]

My friend put another transmission in his at about 220k and it went to 480 k

[@michaelbogdanowicz5059]

I don’t care if it’s boring I would take that over a Gm gamble or ford to big of an investment to gamble on

[@UncleJoeLITE]

Catching up!

[@alabama2uz]

Many of these are still more reliable and will last longer than most new vehicles. Especially "those brands"

[@davinp]

yes, despite being boring, they are popular because they are well-built and long-lasting. Far more reliable then the Americans

[@brentkiely657]

hyundai/kia right ! ? stellantis ! ? right!?

[@johnnymason2460]

Actually, Jon, the Land Cruiser was the first full-size SUV from a Japanese automaker sold in America. The Sequoia is simply a bigger and cheaper one. I do like the Sequoia and wouldn't mind having one. The later V8 versions are what I prefer. The current turbo V6 hybrid one is okay but when I think of full-size SUVs I think V8s.

[@AllCarswithJon]

That's true. Thanks.

[@johnh2514]

At the time, my feelings of this new Sequoia was very “meh”. My preference in the segment was the new GMT 800 Tahoe…which has earned a good reputation in its own right. In retrospect, I’ve learned to appreciate this Sequoia as a bulletproof truck and still see many of these on the road today with 200k+ miles. Frame rot in the salt belt regions appears to be this truck’s main Achilles heel.

[@marcodarko6941]

My thoughts exactly to a "T" for Toyota. Absolutely I currently have the smaller stable mate to the Sequoia in the Highlander, made in the same factory and has the same build quality and refinement. It feels somewhat similar to the Sequoia in some ways, very smooth and quiet but I don't really feel the need for that large size. As far as the new Sequoia goes if I had the choice for a new or an old one I would want like around a 2008 model and at that size of a vehicle I would even consider the similar version in the Lexus behemoth too.

[@keving4304]

If I could only go back in time. If you bought one in 2001, it would be still running today. Ford and Chevy would be dead.

[@hq21]

Next to the Chevy and GMC interiors of the time, sure, it looks a little boring. Next to the iPad screen and as much black as possible interiors we're getting now, it looks downright exciting. Put a hybrid powertrain in this thing and some USB ports and I'd snatch it up.

[@ianperkins8812]

Even now, I frequently see 1st gen Tundras and Sequoias on the road. The 2UZ-FE is pretty bullet proof, even given it has a timing belt, rather than a chain. replace the timing belt and water pump every 100K miles and you're golden. Even though I have no need for a vehicle the size of a container ship, I wouldn't turn it down, if the price was right.

[@nathanstroud2223]

We used to have a Toyota Sequoia mousepad that we picked up one year at our local auto show, so that's what I always associate with this generation. When I think of Toyota designs that bore me to sleep, this is not one that comes to mind. I think it's pretty cool. The trucks can get away with looking a bit basic. I miss the old school Toyota truck look of the first-gen Tundra/Sequoia, definitely compared to the fussiness of today. I would rank the Sequoias this way: 1) the OG 2) 2nd gen 3) the new one 4) 2nd gen facelift

[@LuisUrbieta]

Hi John, I think you review a new car.

[@brandonstclair6530]

I know a guy who had 470,000 miles on one with the original engine and transmission. Still ran great.

[@AllCarswithJon]

wow. that's impressive.

[@tripflycfi]

Absolutely spot on. I just gave my 2006 1st gen Sequoia to my brother. Bought it used during the pandemic to pull a trailer. Wanted a truck but those were out of reach during the recent unpleasantness. This thing was amazing reliable and boring. Prior to going to a 2 Tesla family we had suburban and loved them too. The major difference is that the Sequoia drove better and never broke. The Suburban was way nicer inside. So, what did I replace it with? Another unloved vehicle- the recently discontinued Nissan Titan. I’m telling everyone that there is a lot to be gained by buying boring vehicles that are well made.

[@AllCarswithJon]

I've heard some nightmare stories about the Titan. Any problems with yours?

[@tripflycfi]

@@AllCarswithJonThat’s an interesting story in itself. I run a company owned by a Toyota dealer. (Not automotive related). The Titan was a trade in with a bad motor at 75k miles. He got Nissan to replace the motor under warranty and literally gave me the truck. I would not have bought it myself but it drives well, has good power and is almost as bland as the Sequoia. It’s definitely the Altima of trucks

[@AllCarswithJon]

@@tripflycfi A non-automotive company owned by a dealership... you have me curious (but I won't pry!) And "the Altima of Trucks!". May I suggest you not go into marketing for Nissan? LOL! ;)

[@mtiger5]

Your haircut is wild

[@benzo560]

Yeah, Toyota to me always seemed to be bland. Not bad, at all. But... Ehhhh. You put it best. It is vanilla ice cream. And nothing wrong with vanilla ice cream. It's a flavor that rarely is seem on a "Hate it!* list but also rarely on *Gotta get that flavor favorite* list. But Toyota makes it works. Most car buyers are not *car enthusiasts* and just want something reliable, decently built, decently styled, decently ride quality, decently quiet, decently comfortable, without major quirks. Can't beat Toyota at that. Maybe Honda comes close or just as well. Call Honda...French vanilla. When folk ask me "what car should I buy?" Of course I ask them, "well, what do want in a car? And they say "well I don't know. Just a car. Something affordable but not too cheap feeling to point it feels like punishment, and I don't want to deal with much besides oil change and minor maintenance. But I commute so it must be reliable" "Toyota. Get a Toyota. If you want something of that sort but bit more upscale, Lexus." And I'm a euro car (Mercedes, jaguar, BMW,) guy. Would I buy a Toyota? No. Too bland. But there is no denying, can't go wrong with a Toyota. Like not sure what flavor of ice cream everyone will like. Just get vanilla and call it a day. Ya won't go wrong.

[@marcodarko6941]

As a car enthusiast the reasons you listed really are the reasons I do drive a Toyota. Coming from someone that was strictly domestics, GM mostly all I prefer is Toyota or Lexus they both meet my needs well without much fuss. Until these newer ones that are coming out now I am not very fond of the direction the company is currently taking and if my needs ever arise (which I don't forsee) I will go back to the drawing board and look at other brands. Most likely something gently used too, tried and true.. nothing brand new ever again.

[@stevenswan3642]

See these and GMT800s regularly. Not so much for the expedition, Durango, armada. Had a 2004 Tahoe new. Sequoia was nicer but more expensive. Tahoe was also inexpensive to maintain. 105,000 miles in 5 years no problems other than intermediate shaft would vibrate.

[@weegeemike]

It was obvious who Toyota was aiming at with the first gen Tundra and Sequoia: Ford. Hell, Toyota even faced legal rrouble from Ford when word got out that Toyota was originally going to call the first gen Tundra the T-150. Beyond that, these trucks have the very rounded, bubbly, car-like styling that the Ford trucks of the same era posessed. Even the rounded dash and the oval center radio stack in the dash was similar to the bubbly Ford dash. I remember seeing TONS of these around back in the day, and i still see a lot of them. Im not a Toyota fan but the longevity of these first gen Sequioa rivals that of the GM suvs, which are also very reliable and sturdy, which is very impressive considering this was Toyotas first REAL attempt at entering the full size body on frame truck and SUV market. Dwfinitely reliable and long lasting vehicles but i was never a fan of the styling, or the Fords of the same era the styling was based on.

[@markchandler1130]

Here in Southern California this generation is a very common sight.

[@ljfire100]

I was expecting a tariff video but this is good too 😂 lol not the water slander in the beginning

[@AllCarswithJon]

lol

[@royperry2859]

Here in SoCal these old sequoias still sell for 5 to 10,000 dollars. People want reliable trouble-free transportation for their families and stuff

[@runoflife87]

That was an excellent SUV for sure. Outshines all the competition (and even more) in a long-time driving because, well, Toyota.

[@brentkiely657]

thats why i bought my 2010 toyota camry that has very low kilometers on it 80,000 kilometers now.... it had 71,000 kilometers at the end of november 2023 when i bought it from an 83 year old woman !

[@kc0lif]

i like v8 sequoias.

[@g-mang-man7924]

Jon is the type of guy to absolutely despise Toyota but does give the motor company respect. The 4.7 Tundra and Sequoia have been proven to go the distance

[@AllCarswithJon]

I have nothing but respect for Toyota.... but it doesn't mean I want one. :) I understand fully why people buy them, and those who are true fans of the brand. For me, Honda is more appealing.

[@warrenny]

@@AllCarswithJon Having owned both, I suppose the better choice depends on the person. For style and performance, Honda wins. But under the same conditions, Hondas don't last as long as a Toyota. Toyotas are more comfortable to drive...I have never gotten fatigued from driving a Toyota, but have with Hondas. That said, Hondas are more appealing.....there is a certain sex appeal to a Honda.

[@johnnymason2460]

​@@AllCarswithJon I actually prefer Toyota over Honda. Honda is too much into saving fuel. No real excitement there. Sure, a lot of Toyotas are boring styling wise(Camry, Corolla), but I would rather have them than Hondas or Nissans. Toyota has not been perfect but their vehicles are more interesting.

[@bandit68]

Been waiting all week for your retro review. Thanks

[@AllCarswithJon]

Every Thursday! :)

[@blue_lancer_es]

Jon. About the montero 3rd gen. You are right. Too round. Thats why I went with a sorento instead. (2003 body on frame with a dohc version of the monteros 3.5 )

[@johnnymason2460]

I would pick the Montero way before I pick the first generation Sorento. Bigger SUV. Better off-road capability.

[@blue_lancer_es]

@@johnnymason2460 i actually have a sorento a montero sport and had a 99 montero. Loved all 3. And mechanically they are the same(give or take a sensor or bracket here and there) The sorento being springs all around and rack and pinion steering is my wifes favorite. We dont off road. My fave is the montero sport because of the huge trunk space.

[@johnnymason2460]

@@blue_lancer_es The Sorento is not based on the Montero. I'm sure you already know that. It does have good off-road capability(the first generation does, anyway). I would still prefer the Montero. It's bigger and can carry more people and stuff.

[@blue_lancer_es]

@@johnnymason2460 i meant drivetrain wise

[@johnnymason2460]

@@blue_lancer_es I see. Yeah, the drivetrain was similar to the Montero. Again, I have no problem with the first generation Sorento. I actually prefer that one to the later ones.