Is the Toyota sienna

[magicaddict]

Had a 2002 with about 95,000 miles on it and loved it - until it was totaled in a car accident.

 

[wallawallakids]

Yes. They are great vans. I almost bought one a few months ago but ended up going with the Honda Odyssey for other personal reasons (And the dealership gave me a steal of a deal when they heard I was looking at a Toyota). I would have been pleased with either one though. You really can't go wrong with a Toyota (or a Honda). Both are great vans.

 

[elsabear]

I have a 2009 AWD version with 88,000 miles - my van has been from PA to TN, SC twice and Canada twice - plus numerous "smaller" trips - I wouldn't hesitate to jump in it and drive cross country. My only complaint- and this is particular to the AWD version - is that it came with run-flat tires and no spare. Run-flats do not wear well at all esp considering the expense. I love the AWD since I live in NEPA. Prior to my Sienna purchase I had a Plymouth and 2 Olds Vans - while they all had nice features, none of them were as reliable or sure footed as my Sienna!

 

[OklahomaTourist]

I have a 2009 AWD version with 88,000 miles - my van has been from PA to TN, SC twice and Canada twice - plus numerous "smaller" trips - I wouldn't hesitate to jump in it and drive cross country. My only complaint- and this is particular to the AWD version - is that it came with run-flat tires and no spare. Run-flats do not wear well at all esp considering the expense. I love the AWD since I live in NEPA. Prior to my Sienna purchase I had a Plymouth and 2 Olds Vans - while they all had nice features, none of them were as reliable or sure footed as my Sienna!

Could be wrong on this, but the general experience with the runflats was so bad that I don't think they're offered anymore on the 2013 Siennas.

To the OP, do keep in mind that minivans in general are pretty hard on tires. Our Sienna is no exception. They generally rate minivans like cars, and recommend a car passenger tire when the vehicle is generally heavier and more loaded. Very important that you keep your tires rotated religiously to maximize treadlife and minimize expense.

 

[CluelessDisFan]

I drove my MIL's 2012 and then test drove the T&C and finally the Honda. The handling is crap on all minivans compared to my Honda Odyssey, that's what helped us make our finally decision. And like PPs said got a great deal when we mentioned the Toyota. My MIL did have her power steering go out on her brand new 2012 Sienna the first week she bought, but other then that no problems so far.

 

[OklahomaTourist]

I drove my MIL's 2012 and then test drove the T&C and finally the Honda. The handling is crap on all minivans compared to my Honda Odyssey, that's what helped us make our finally decision. And like PPs said got a great deal when we mentioned the Toyota. My MIL did have her power steering go out on her brand new 2012 Sienna the first week she bought, but other then that no problems so far.

Now that's pretty interesting, because I remember just the opposite, and that being the primary reason why we ended up choosing the Sienna over the Odyssey. Just shows how two different folks can establish different preferences on things. Think that highlights the importance of driving one for yourself and see which you prefer.

 

[midwestdee]

My 2000 Sienna (got in Aug. 99) has had very few problems - just had to put $$$ into an engine problem - but we were probably due for something. because it will be 14 years old in Aug. - just bought a Honda CRV - still haven't sold the old mini van - believe me - we used it like a pick up truck - hauled TONS of stuff in it - it is like a Timex, takes a lickin and keeps on tickin.

 

[DizMe]

I'm interested in reading the replies here, as I am hoping to get a Sienna soon. I currently have a 2003 Honda Odyssey with 138,000 miles, and while I love driving this van, it has had a number of issues that lead me to want to go in another direction next time. I was one of the unlucky ones who had a model with transmission problems. That cost us $2000 to fix. I also have a sliding door that is messed up and doesn't always open/close. I was quoted $800 to fix it. We seem to need brake work often and the rest is mainly a lot of wear and tear--seatbelts that no longer retract, screws that fell out so trim won't stay on (inside), A/C that doesn't do better than kind of cool, visor that will swing around and bonk me in the head but can't be tightened (quoted $100+ to fix), and things like that. My dh doesn't worry about the wear and tear stuff but I hate it. Our van looks like an old motel room that desperately needs an update. In its defense, it has hauled around my 3 girls and their friends in comfort, has a nice DVD system with wireless headphones, and can hold tons of stuff while still carrying 6 people. I love that the back seat folds down seamlessly but I do like the improved models, Sienna included, that allow you to put down only one side of the rear seat. That would work much better for my family.

 

[Kathi OD]

I know that many people love Toyotas, no matter which model. While I have never owned a Sienna, my sister did. Just after the warranty ended it started to give her tons of trouble, which Toyota could not figure out. She put almost $10,000 into it before giving up and buying something else.

My point is that regardless of make or model, some individual cars are just duds.

 

[Deb & Bill]

We are on Sienna No. 2. First one was a 2000, had 110,000 miles on it when it was totaled in an accident. My son wasn't hurt at all. No.2 is a 2006 (we actually had two Sienna's at one time) with 90,000 miles on it currently. No work needed except tires, oil change. Just got the timing belt changed at 90,000 miles. We love our Siennas.