2004 - 2008 Toyota Sienna review

2007 Toyota Sienna

2007 Toyota Sienna LE with Optitron gauges, click for larger view

2007 Toyota Sienna EX

2007 Toyota Sienna

The second-generation Sienna, introduced in 2003 as a 2004 model, remains one of the best minivans available, thanks to stylish look, spacious, comfortable interior, smooth and soft ride and Toyota's reputation for reliability.

Available in either seven- or eight-passenger configuration.
Front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Electronically-controlled 5-speed automatic transmission mated with transversely mounted V6 engine. Models from 2004 to 2006 were offered with the 3.3L engine; the 2007 Sienna comes with the next-generation 266-hp GR-series 3.5L V6 engine with a timing chain instead of a belt (less maintenance).
MacPherson struts in the front, torsion beam in the rear suspension.
Disk brakes in the front, drums or disks in the back. Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) are standard. Vehicle Stability Control with Traction Control is available.

Inside, the Sienna offers plenty of space combined with versatility and comfort. The controls are simple and easy to use. A cool feature, the blue-backlit "Optitron" gauges, available on LE, XLE and Limited starting from 2006, adds a Lexus-like luxury touch. Driver's seat is comfortable, although personally I'd like to have a little more side support. High driving position offers good frontal visibility. Rear window view is limited as in any minivan, but large side mirrors offer some compensation for that.
The 7-seat Sienna offers two full-size very comfy second-row captains chair seats with armrests; the right seat can be repositioned side-to-side, offering either a bench or a bucket arrangement. In eight-passenger configuration, you got three separate second-row seats combining a bench; the middle seat can be moved very close to the front seats, making infants and toddlers in child-seats more accessible. The 60/40 split third row seat folds flat into the floor without removing the headrests; when the seat is in upright position you get a large storage well behind it. In case you need more cargo room, the second-row seats can be removed (although they are quite heavy). In addition, on some models, front passenger seat can be folded down for use as a table top. Both sliding doors are equipped with power windows. Lots of cup holders and storage compartments. Number of high-tech options available on top models: the Navigation system with Rearview camera, Rear DVD, Dynamic Laser Cruise Control, power rear hatch and a lot more.

On the road, the Sienna is a pleasure to drive with soft and fairly quiet ride and easy handling. Steering is light, with tight turning radius. There is some body roll during cornering, but this is not a sports car. The 3.3L engine provides adequate power, while the newer 3.5L engine offers excellent acceleration and agility.

In NHTSA frontal-impact crash tests, the 2004 Sienna scored five stars for the driver and front passenger, while the 2005-2008 Sienna received four stars for the driver and five stars for the front passenger in the same tests. The 2004-2008 Sienna also earned 5-star ratings in NHTSA's side impact crash tests. For more details, visit Safercar.gov.

Strengths

- Very roomy, practical interior
- "Optitron" gauges
- Second row windows can be rolled down
- Smooth ride, good handling
- Tight turning radius
- Comfortable second-row bucket seats
- Available AWD

Weaknesses

- Expensive compared to other minivans
- No spare tire in some models
- Run-flat tires wear fast and expensive to replace
Problems are mostly minor such as check engine light, various rattles and noises - nothing major so far, we will update on this later.

Overall

The second-generation Toyota Sienna remains one of the top-choices in minivan market despite high price. The Sienna offers above-average reliability, comfortable and very spacious interior, smooth ride and long list of available features.
You may want to consider a model without run-flat tires unless you really need this feature, they could be expensive to repair. Look for vehicles after 2004 - as with any car, first year models tend to have more problems. If you are planning to tow a trailer, consider an SUV instead.

What to look for buying a used Toyota Sienna

Definitely check the used car history records to protect yourself from hidden problems, follow this link: How to check used car history
- Check the service records if available - it's important to verify that the vehicle was properly maintained.
- If the "check engine" light is on, have the problem assessed with your mechanic or a dealer before buying a car; in worst cases repair might be quite expensive.
Learn more what to look for when buying a used car
- After you bought a car, check with the dealer if all the recalls have been performed.
- Prior purchase have the car inspected by a mechanic of your choice.
Shop wisely, check few vehicles to compare; it's worth to pay a little extra for a well-maintained vehicle in good condition. Check our step-by-step used car buying guide for more information.

Few maintenance tips

- Wash and wax your vehicle regularly to protect the paint.
- If you live in the area with high humidity, rustproofing will help to protect the vehicle body and chassis from corrosion.
- Regular oil changes are very important to keep your engine in a good shape.
- Change transmission fluid at recommended intervals using only original Toyota transmission fluid.
- In an AWD model, you also have a transfer case and a rear differential; both require periodic oil change.
- Keep the sliding door rails clean and lubricated.
- Stick with original Toyota parts.
- Follow recommended maintenance schedule and keep all the fluids clean and topped up.
- Have your car inspected, at least once a year, in the garage on the lift (e.g. when doing tire rotation) to keep it safe. Many components (e.g. brakes, steering, suspension) cannot be properly inspected by simple visual inspection at one of those fast lube places; the vehicle must be on the lift.
Check more Car maintenance tips

2007 Toyota Sienna (US model) short specifications

Links

by Vlad Samarin