2008 Toyota Sienna Review discusses the top minivan.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

2008 Toyota Sienna Review

The Sienna is a minivan that debuted in 1998 to replace the Previa. The second generation debuted for 2004 with a 60/40 folding third row, backup sensors and a new engine. It's one of the best-selling minivans and has won several awards including being chosen as Car and Driver's Best "Van".

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

The Toyota Sienna is the gold standard of minivans. There are many competent competitors, but none can match the Sienna in pure value. The Sienna offers nice, options, power, comfort and dependability. You should put it at the top of your test drive list.

What's New For 2008:

The Sienna is unchanged for 2008. Four trims are available: CE, LE, XLE, and XLE Limited. The CE and LE can seat up to eight passengers, but the rest are limited to seven.

What is the Predicted Reliability:

J.D. Power's 2007 dependability survey gave the Sienna 4 stars. Problems with the first generation included brake noise, water leaks, poor headlight aiming and failing window switches. It was recalled once for inadequate welds. Problems with the current generation include hard shifting, engine misfires, shuddering hatch doors, failing sensors and vacuum leaks. It's been recalled twice due to weak fuel tanks and binding seatbelts. Expect above average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

The Sienna earned 4.5 stars in government frontal crash tests and 5 stars in side tests. In IIHS testing, the Sienna earned a "Good" for the front and side, and "Poor" for the rear. Anti-lock brakes, full side airbags, and stability and traction control come standard. The XLE Limited includes parking assist that is otherwise optional. The optional navigation system includes a rearview camera.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Well built
+ Spacious
+ Great value

Cons
- Drives like a van
- Can get pricey
- Could have better crash test scores

Head-To-Head Competition:

The Honda Odyssey costs a more, lacks a standard third row, and has 20 less hp. The redesigned Chrysler Town & Country costs a couple thousand less, has a longer warranty, but has less cargo space. The Hyundai Entourage costs the same, but lacks a third row.

What Others Are Saying:

"The champ." - USA TODAY

"After my Memorial Day road trip in the Sienna, I find the devil on my shoulder dreaming up excuses for why I can't return it to Toyota. Um, it was abducted by aliens for motor vehicle research. No, I forgot to put on the parking break and it rolled off a mountaintop in Colorado." - Mother Proof

"The Sienna is a fine vehicle, and should be on the test-drive list of any minivan shopper. When it comes to the sheer choice of option packages and available features, few minivans do it better than the Sienna." - About.com

Read more about the 2008 Toyota Sienna at the Toyota manufacturer web site.

Published on Friday, February 22, 2008 - Email to a friend

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