2004 - 2010 Toyota Sienna review

Overview

Toyota Sienna 2007. Click for larger photo

Toyota Sienna 2007 interior. Click for larger view

Toyota Sienna 2007

Toyota Sienna 2007 cargo area

Introduced in 2003 as a 2004 model, the second-generation Toyota Sienna remains one of the best minivans on the market thanks to stylish look, smooth and soft ride and spacious, comfortable interior.

Available in either seven- or eight-passenger configuration, the 2004-2010 Sienna comes with front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
The only powertrain choice is a transversely mounted V6 engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Models from 2004 to 2006 were offered with the 3.3L V6 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).
The Sienna features MacPherson struts in the front and torsion beam in the rear suspension, front disk brakes and 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. Controls are simple and easy to use. The blue-backlit "Optitron" gauges, available on LE, XLE and Limited models starting from 2006 add a Lexus-like luxury touch. The 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 a bit 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 the 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 the front passenger seat can be folded down for use as a table top.
Both sliding doors are equipped with power windows. There are plenty of cup holders and storage compartments. The list of available options includes the Navigation system with Rearview camera, Rear DVD, Dynamic Laser Cruise Control, power rear hatch and more.

On the road, the Sienna is a pleasure to drive with soft and fairly quiet ride and easy handling. The 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 the NHTSA frontal-impact crash tests, the 2004 Sienna scored five stars for both the driver and the front passenger. The 2005-2010 Sienna received four stars for the driver and five stars for the front passenger in the same tests.
In the NHTSA's side-impact crash tests, the 2004-2010 Sienna earned 5-star ratings for both the driver front seat and the passenger rear seat protection. For more details, visit Safercar.gov.

• Overview • Pros and Cons • Overall • What to look for buying a used Toyota Sienna • Few maintenance tips • Specifications • Resources

Pros

- 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

Cons

- Expensive compared to other minivans
- No spare tire in some models
- Run-flat tires wear fast and expensive to replace

Overall

The second-generation Toyota Sienna remains one of the top-choices among the minivans despite the higher price. The Sienna offers a comfortable and very spacious interior, smooth ride and long list of available features. What's important, the Sienna has above-average reliability.
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, the 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

As a first step, check used car history records. A history report may help you to uncover some of the problems the car might have in the past such as accidents, flood damage, rolled back odometer, etc. 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.
- Before buying a vehicle, have it properly inspected by a mechanic.
Check few vehicles to compare. 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 may 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.
- Take care of any small problem before it becomes a larger issue.
- Have your vehicle inspected, at least once a year, in a 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 fast lube places; the vehicle must be on the lift.
Check more Car maintenance tips

2007 Toyota Sienna (US model) short specifications

Dimensions:
Overall length: Wheelbase: Overall width: Overall height:	201.0 in (5105 mm) 119.3 in (3030 mm) 77.4 in (1965 mm) 68.9 in (1750 mm)
Seating capacity:	7/8
Cargo capacity:
Behind 3rd row Behind 2nd row Behind 1st row	43.6 cu. ft (1.24 m³) 94.5 cu. ft (2.68 m³) 148.9 cu. ft (4.22 m³)
Engine:	3.5-liter V6 DOHC with VVT-i, model 2GR-FE 266 hp @ 6,200 rpm, 245 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm
EPA Fuel Economy (US MPG, L/100km):
Sienna 2WD Sienna 4WD	city: 17 MPG (13.8 L/100km) hwy: 24 MPG (9.8 L/100km) city: 16 MPG (14.7 L/100km) hwy: 21 MPG (11.2 L/100km)
Recommended Fuel:	87-octane unleaded
Fuel Tank Capacity:	20.0 US gallons (79 liters)

Resources