VIEWS AND REVIEWS.(Toyota Motor Corp.'s Sequoia)(Brief Article)

OWNERS

Very quiet ride. Far more solid than the Chevy products I looked at. I wanted the Avalanche at first, but the plastic side panels fit poorly. Also, getting the Midgate down was a pain. I love the electric rear window and extra-large sunroof. The front and rear air conditioning is excellent (another option you could not get with the Suburban when you got the sunroof). The steering is far more responsive than my past Suburbans.

THOMAS HUDOCK, St. Charles, Ill.

My three boys think it's both a jungle gym and a restaurant, my wife drives it in the Bronx, I drive it as if I'm still in my Miata, and it doesn't seem to care. The engine is smooth and powerful. Although 240 hp doesn't seem like much these days, the truck takes off when you get on it. You even get a bit of the classic V8 roar.

The four-wheel-drive system is awesome. We backed out of 18 inches of snow in the driveway to go upstate during a blizzard and felt comfortable on the nearly deserted New York State thruway. When I get the guts, or the truck gets old enough for me not to care, I'm ready for the Rubicon.

JOE McCORMACK, Pearl River, N.Y.

The Sequoia provides unparalleled packaging. Its second- and third-row seating is truly comfortable for my six-foot-six height with the deep seat cushions, ample legroom and reclining backrests. The seats are versatile in their configuration. The ventilation system is excellent for all seating positions. I initially dismissed the value of separate climate zones for the rear passengers but now ...