2019 / 2020 Toyota Sienna Reliable, But Is It Relevant?
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Date: 2019-05-30
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Comments and reviews: 10
—TheManInDboX —
They arent that great. first let me start off with saying i owned a base previa with a manual transmission and i loved that thing. it was indestructible. like if it wasnt rear ended i think id still have it. i got rid of it just shy of 1 million miles. next i bought an 03 sienna, i missed my manual transmission and rwd, and size. but, the 03 sienna was like a lexus, it was comfortable, quiet, refined, and the interior felt well made and expensive. the steering rack failed just shy of 400k miles. I figured id buy a new van, so i went to toyota and bought a 2013 Limited Awd sienna. this was garbage. i hated that van. the power door sliders shorted out, and would randomly open while driving, and i couldnt take the motors out as the circuit is closed loop so you lose other things like power windows. crap design, the dash rattled, and the automatic transmission could never find the right gear. it was a beautiful looking van, but man was it junk. i got rid of it asap. I am however in the market for another previa or 03 sienna. because frankly either one with 250k miles plus is still a better vehicle.
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They arent that great. first let me start off with saying i owned a base previa with a manual transmission and i loved that thing. it was indestructible. like if it wasnt rear ended i think id still have it. i got rid of it just shy of 1 million miles. next i bought an 03 sienna, i missed my manual transmission and rwd, and size. but, the 03 sienna was like a lexus, it was comfortable, quiet, refined, and the interior felt well made and expensive. the steering rack failed just shy of 400k miles. I figured id buy a new van, so i went to toyota and bought a 2013 Limited Awd sienna. this was garbage. i hated that van. the power door sliders shorted out, and would randomly open while driving, and i couldnt take the motors out as the circuit is closed loop so you lose other things like power windows. crap design, the dash rattled, and the automatic transmission could never find the right gear. it was a beautiful looking van, but man was it junk. i got rid of it asap. I am however in the market for another previa or 03 sienna. because frankly either one with 250k miles plus is still a better vehicle.
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rizzle razzleuno
Wow. excellent review and presentation. The minivan is one of the most practical designs in automotive history and just right for people that need or want them. For many DYI homeowners, small business or handy-persons the minivan is the best truck they have ever owned. An SUV is big, but nowhere as space efficient as a minivan, and while they may carry up to eight people, the minivan is far more comfortable (& less claustrophobic) for 8. For anyone that wants or needs a minivan and does not need all the flash and bells and whistles, the Grand Caravan is a decent choice and much more affordable or find a gently used one to save even more. The 6-speed transmission is just fine. Each brand has its pros and cons, so buyers should definitely test drive each for an extended time. There are people with 300, 000+ miles on Dodge Caravans/Chrysler T&C with no serious problems, and I have known folks with a Sienna with 60, 000 miles that had all sorts of expensive repairs. I imagine the next version of the Sienna will be quite amazing, but also very expensive. Lets hope it is not ugly.
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Wow. excellent review and presentation. The minivan is one of the most practical designs in automotive history and just right for people that need or want them. For many DYI homeowners, small business or handy-persons the minivan is the best truck they have ever owned. An SUV is big, but nowhere as space efficient as a minivan, and while they may carry up to eight people, the minivan is far more comfortable (& less claustrophobic) for 8. For anyone that wants or needs a minivan and does not need all the flash and bells and whistles, the Grand Caravan is a decent choice and much more affordable or find a gently used one to save even more. The 6-speed transmission is just fine. Each brand has its pros and cons, so buyers should definitely test drive each for an extended time. There are people with 300, 000+ miles on Dodge Caravans/Chrysler T&C with no serious problems, and I have known folks with a Sienna with 60, 000 miles that had all sorts of expensive repairs. I imagine the next version of the Sienna will be quite amazing, but also very expensive. Lets hope it is not ugly.
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SuperIthar
I have had a 2013 Sienna LE since new and have never been very happy with it. Cons: 1. Eats tires. Expect 25k miles per set no matter how much you spend. 2. Creaks and rattles. 3. Fuel economy has always been below what it is supposed to get. We average 17 city and have never seen better than 23 on the highway. 4. The drivers power seat failed at about 65k miles and would have been a 1000 repair at the dealer if not for the extended warranty we purchased. 5. Not as quiet as I would have liked. Pros: 1: It has been very reliable other than the power seat failure. 2. Plenty of power. 3. Handles a trailer fairly well. 4. Very comfortable second and third row seats. Average in the front I would say. 5. Lots of cup holders. 6. Very effective for hauling building materials. One other thing of note is that while the second row seats are more difficult to get out of the way than they are in the Chrysler, I find them to be much more comfortable than the Stow-N-Go seats.
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I have had a 2013 Sienna LE since new and have never been very happy with it. Cons: 1. Eats tires. Expect 25k miles per set no matter how much you spend. 2. Creaks and rattles. 3. Fuel economy has always been below what it is supposed to get. We average 17 city and have never seen better than 23 on the highway. 4. The drivers power seat failed at about 65k miles and would have been a 1000 repair at the dealer if not for the extended warranty we purchased. 5. Not as quiet as I would have liked. Pros: 1: It has been very reliable other than the power seat failure. 2. Plenty of power. 3. Handles a trailer fairly well. 4. Very comfortable second and third row seats. Average in the front I would say. 5. Lots of cup holders. 6. Very effective for hauling building materials. One other thing of note is that while the second row seats are more difficult to get out of the way than they are in the Chrysler, I find them to be much more comfortable than the Stow-N-Go seats.
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David Martin
I own a 2017 honda odyssey and I had to run with a toyota Sienna 2018 for 2 month and well, both are reliable car. The main 2 differences I, d say are the seats/suspensions and the motor, transmussin coupling. honda seats are firm and same for the suspension. It feel a little more sporty. I personaly dont anjoy the toyota seats, they are too soft for my taste but the suspension is nicely balanced I, d say. Not to soft but not so stiff so road bump are almost not a concern on the sienna. But I just hated how the gas pedal works on the sienna. It is not a linear as the Honda ones. Despite beeing faster on the 0 to 60mph when you drive it its just feel slower. You are constantly reminded that you are driving a minivan in the sienna while the odyssey really feel like it is ready to accelerate at anytime. Get the Sienna if you prefer the boat like ride that is confortable and the odyssey if you want some good driving feeling Id say.
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I own a 2017 honda odyssey and I had to run with a toyota Sienna 2018 for 2 month and well, both are reliable car. The main 2 differences I, d say are the seats/suspensions and the motor, transmussin coupling. honda seats are firm and same for the suspension. It feel a little more sporty. I personaly dont anjoy the toyota seats, they are too soft for my taste but the suspension is nicely balanced I, d say. Not to soft but not so stiff so road bump are almost not a concern on the sienna. But I just hated how the gas pedal works on the sienna. It is not a linear as the Honda ones. Despite beeing faster on the 0 to 60mph when you drive it its just feel slower. You are constantly reminded that you are driving a minivan in the sienna while the odyssey really feel like it is ready to accelerate at anytime. Get the Sienna if you prefer the boat like ride that is confortable and the odyssey if you want some good driving feeling Id say.
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naveenthemachine
I really like the sienna. Sure its very dated, albeit very dated is an understatement. But it still does its job. It has class leading 3rd row cargo space, 2nd row ottomans that are very comfortable and limousine reminiscent, the only van to offer available AWD, and now for 2019, CarPlay. Plus, Toyotas reliability reputation is just that icing on the cake. Sure the Pacifica hybrid may be better than the sienna, but I dont know how reliable some of the interior components may be. The drivetrain looks like its very solid in the Chrysler so Im not worried on that. The odyssey may be good but it has that awful ZF 9 speed, and no ottomans and no AWD. Plus, only mid trims and up offer active safety while its standard on all siennas.
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I really like the sienna. Sure its very dated, albeit very dated is an understatement. But it still does its job. It has class leading 3rd row cargo space, 2nd row ottomans that are very comfortable and limousine reminiscent, the only van to offer available AWD, and now for 2019, CarPlay. Plus, Toyotas reliability reputation is just that icing on the cake. Sure the Pacifica hybrid may be better than the sienna, but I dont know how reliable some of the interior components may be. The drivetrain looks like its very solid in the Chrysler so Im not worried on that. The odyssey may be good but it has that awful ZF 9 speed, and no ottomans and no AWD. Plus, only mid trims and up offer active safety while its standard on all siennas.
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Nutritional Chemistry
This van is much older than the last 2011 redesign. The guts of this van outside of the powertrain are still the K-body, which is what debuted in 2004. Only things that changed were the engine and transmission, but the suspension, frame, and design are basically 16 years old. These vans were dead reliable back in 2004, as they go over 300K normally today, and there is no reason that a 2019 cant do the same thing. Amazing how Toyota can stretch their engineering and design dollars so damn far. It is a basically a 2003 model with just powertrain and cosmetic updates, and it is still the best minivan on the market bar none in my view. The 2021 model is going to kick ass Im sure
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This van is much older than the last 2011 redesign. The guts of this van outside of the powertrain are still the K-body, which is what debuted in 2004. Only things that changed were the engine and transmission, but the suspension, frame, and design are basically 16 years old. These vans were dead reliable back in 2004, as they go over 300K normally today, and there is no reason that a 2019 cant do the same thing. Amazing how Toyota can stretch their engineering and design dollars so damn far. It is a basically a 2003 model with just powertrain and cosmetic updates, and it is still the best minivan on the market bar none in my view. The 2021 model is going to kick ass Im sure
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Jeff Adams
If this isnt TSS-P 2. 0, does that mean that adaptive cruise stops working at 28 mph (like the 2018 Avalon and the 2017-2019 Highlander) If so, that makes it useless for stop and go traffic: -( And what is the minimum cruise set point? 28 mph? To me, this really makes the Toyota system unsuitable for me (I have neuropathic foot pain and require full speed range ACC with a minimum set point of 25 mph. I dont know of an ACC system that lets me turn on cruise as slow as 15 mph except for the 2015/16 Mazda CX-5. Alex, what is your experience? Any other adaptive cruise control systems that can be engaged at 15 mph? Our local schools have changed the speed limit to 15 mph recently.
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If this isnt TSS-P 2. 0, does that mean that adaptive cruise stops working at 28 mph (like the 2018 Avalon and the 2017-2019 Highlander) If so, that makes it useless for stop and go traffic: -( And what is the minimum cruise set point? 28 mph? To me, this really makes the Toyota system unsuitable for me (I have neuropathic foot pain and require full speed range ACC with a minimum set point of 25 mph. I dont know of an ACC system that lets me turn on cruise as slow as 15 mph except for the 2015/16 Mazda CX-5. Alex, what is your experience? Any other adaptive cruise control systems that can be engaged at 15 mph? Our local schools have changed the speed limit to 15 mph recently.
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Malifestro
You put that old 6 speed transmission on the con for the Grand Caravan, but that is not true. The 9 speed in the Pacifica just plain sucks. The 6 speed on the other hand is much better And while the styling might be old, I dont find it bad. You can get smooth and curvy with the Pacifica, or boxy with the Grand Caravan. I honestly think that if you are going to get a Pacifica it has to be hybrid to keep away from the 9 speed. The problem with the 9 speed is really shift logic. Drive it up a decently steep hill very slowly, say around 20-23 mph and you will find it goes for a higher gear and then it will slow down and then shift again and it will do this over and over again.
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You put that old 6 speed transmission on the con for the Grand Caravan, but that is not true. The 9 speed in the Pacifica just plain sucks. The 6 speed on the other hand is much better And while the styling might be old, I dont find it bad. You can get smooth and curvy with the Pacifica, or boxy with the Grand Caravan. I honestly think that if you are going to get a Pacifica it has to be hybrid to keep away from the 9 speed. The problem with the 9 speed is really shift logic. Drive it up a decently steep hill very slowly, say around 20-23 mph and you will find it goes for a higher gear and then it will slow down and then shift again and it will do this over and over again.
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Daniel Robbins
I think the Sienna drives so much better than other minivans. It feels light and agile, compared to the Pacifica and Odyssey which feel boring and overly heavy in front. And its 6-cyl is nice and torquey. Another option to consider when looking at minivans -- Subaru Ascent. Ignore the lack of sliding door and its basically a minivan. This one drives well too with its torquey turbo 4-cyl and has a minivan-like interior. Definitely drive the vehicles and see if you agree w/ me that the Sienna has a more solid ride. The heavy front-bias and minivan-like ride of the Pacifica and Odyssey make me a bit nauseous -- it just feels yucky and unpleasant.
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I think the Sienna drives so much better than other minivans. It feels light and agile, compared to the Pacifica and Odyssey which feel boring and overly heavy in front. And its 6-cyl is nice and torquey. Another option to consider when looking at minivans -- Subaru Ascent. Ignore the lack of sliding door and its basically a minivan. This one drives well too with its torquey turbo 4-cyl and has a minivan-like interior. Definitely drive the vehicles and see if you agree w/ me that the Sienna has a more solid ride. The heavy front-bias and minivan-like ride of the Pacifica and Odyssey make me a bit nauseous -- it just feels yucky and unpleasant.
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Buknoychii Fiocchii
Sienna, Odyssey, Caravan, Pacifica or Sedona are all Piece of Trash gas eating useless Wagons and another thing that Clogs Freeways. They cant even Tow What the Heck? Id rather Buy a Full-size Heavy Duty Van I either get a Ford Transit T-150, Chevrolet Express 2500 or The Nissan NV3500 HD. All of the three Choices have 12 Passengers, Good Engine Displacements and power for Max Hauling and Towing needs. AWD Sienna? The heck with that a 4WD Top of the line Tacoma truck still get Stock in the Snow and Ice how much more this little sienna for crying out loud.
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Sienna, Odyssey, Caravan, Pacifica or Sedona are all Piece of Trash gas eating useless Wagons and another thing that Clogs Freeways. They cant even Tow What the Heck? Id rather Buy a Full-size Heavy Duty Van I either get a Ford Transit T-150, Chevrolet Express 2500 or The Nissan NV3500 HD. All of the three Choices have 12 Passengers, Good Engine Displacements and power for Max Hauling and Towing needs. AWD Sienna? The heck with that a 4WD Top of the line Tacoma truck still get Stock in the Snow and Ice how much more this little sienna for crying out loud.
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