2008 Toyota Sienna Consumer Reviews

I'm too tall for this vehicle

Written by: a bit disappointed on 10/25/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Sienna LE 7-Passenger 4dr Minivan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I'm 6 feet tall and my husband is 6'2". This vehicle is designed for much shorter drivers. There is not much thigh support and 3 hour drives are torture. I am looking to find a "booster seat" type of seat for me because I'd planned to have this van for many years. I bought it because I had a used 2000 Sienna XLE that I flipped over on icy roads and no one was hurt although the van was totaled. I am disappointed because I am so uncomfortable driving it. It is currently at the dealership because the radio malfunctioned and one of the tire pressure gauges is broken and shows that we always have a low tire. I love Toyota normally but have been so disappointed with this one.

Favorite Features

I love how easily the seats convert and the amount of room for the kids.

Suggested Improvements

Don't assume that only 5"7" moms are going to drive it.

0 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Get the leather

Written by: sylvia on 08/20/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Sienna XLE 7-Passenger 4dr Minivan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I often have elderly persons in this vehicle and they have all commented on the comfort of the leather seats and the spaciousness of the cabin. When it's empty & the seats are stowed there's plenty of room for hauling. I traded in an 8cyl Jeep which was seriously noisy; Sienna is quiet by comparison, but still loud on the freeway. I've had it just over 18 months and, knock wood, not a think has gone wrong. Mileage exactly as stated by the manufacturer (not to say it has great mileage but I am saying the advertised MPG is truthful).

Favorite Features

The sonar is great - it's kept me out of two fender benders. Leather seats are comfortable & easy to clean, good turning radius, love the automatic side & rear doors. Row 3 seat removal is easy; just stow in the floor. Large trunk area when all seats are up. 6- trac CD player, automatic sunroof.

Suggested Improvements

Would like a quieter cabin while driving freeways.

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Love my Van!

Written by: Anita on 08/14/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Sienna Limited 7-Passenger 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I don't even have any small kids. I have a son playing football 650 miles from home and have driven this van in all kinds of conditions. I haven't had a major problem at all in 40K miles. We got it so loaded up that my friend calls it a "living room on wheels". My dealer is a gem! I developed a little rattle and they took care of it 1-2-3 can gave me a loaner for the day. The car tailgates like a champ. The automatic tailgate is a great convenience when my arms are full. It's the most reliable car (my first Toyota) that I've ever had.

Favorite Features

Lots of comfortable room. Love the auto everything - climate control, seat memory (my husband is 6'4" and I'm 5'2"), rear seat folding, etc. Leather seats have worn very well & still look new. SMOOTH highway driving is great on long trips. It has surprising acceleration when you need it.

Suggested Improvements

It is quite annoying that you can't use the GPS at all when the car is moving. Since the airbag knows there's a passenger sitting in the front seat, why not the GPS? The van leans a little too much for me, but that's the nature of the beast.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Noisy Engine

Written by: watsonk on 07/07/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Sienna LE 7-Passenger 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

The Toyota Sienna LE engine is very noisy in comparison to my 10 years old Plymouth Grand Voyager. I drove my friend's 2007 Sienna CE, the noise level is exactly the same as the LE: LOUD. The highway road noise is higher than expected.

Favorite Features

6-disc CD player; keyless entry; garage door remote; exterior temperature indication and compass.

Suggested Improvements

I own a 2008 Chev Impala LS. It shows tire pressure in each wheel (instead of 1 alarm). It has On-Star and XM radio (none). Keyless entry: 2nd press provides a louder sound and arm the car alarm (sound the same and too low). Keyless trunk release (manual release). Intuitive AC control (confusing).

0 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Next time not Toyota

Written by: No more Toyota fan on 06/12/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Sienna LE 7-Passenger 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I am not happy with this van. Shortly after new - right out of showroom - things started falling off. On cold days the engine sounds like it is going to blow - dealer says this in normal. Cheap plastic bumpers come loose and have to put back in place. Found nuts, clips etc on the floor. Drivers seat uncomfortable on long trips. No automatic head lights. This van is less than a year old and looks and sounds like it is 5. Cheaper than Kia, Honda and Nissan and now I know why! Will Toyota run and hide again when major issues like engine failure - or after class action lawsuit scares them will they "Voluntarilly" fix problems. I have never heard a new engine sound so bad at start up.

Favorite Features

Price - before GM and Chrysler rebates became available.

Suggested Improvements

More attention to details. More interest in consumer complaints instead of "we are Toyota" attitude. Customer follow up for something besides profit makers like service. Step back from yourself and take a look at eerily similar car company and where that company is now. Does GM ring any bells.

2 out 7 people found this review helpful

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2008 Toyota Sienna LE Tire Wear Issue

Written by: watsonk on 05/23/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Sienna LE 7-Passenger 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

At 19,100 miles, and with regular tire rotation, all four Dunlop tire wear are 4/32. There is something wrong with the tires! I avoided buying a AWD just to avoid premature wearing of tires (Consumers Report). It makes no difference!

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Tires!

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Best Minivan out there

Written by: Holajn on 03/11/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Sienna LE 7-Passenger 4dr Minivan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I come from a family of minivan users. Of all, the Toyota Sienna is probably the best one we have driven yet. It was priced cheaper than common competitors like the Honda Odyssey and Nissan Quest. The Sienna has outstanding power, it can get to 60 mph no problem (under 7 seconds to be exact!). Unfortunately, my family was involved in a severe accident in February 2009 with this minivan. We rolled over at 40 mph, thankfully nobody was injured. This car is incredibly safe. The stabilizer bars in the roof and doors kept the car very sturdy during the rollover.

Favorite Features

The Safety, Horsepower, and spacious cabin. If you are looking to buy a minivan, get this one, it is most worth the money. Do not purchase a Honda Odyssey, Dodge Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country or Nissan Quest. The Toyota surpasses those competitors in every category.

Suggested Improvements

Electronic Stability Control (Known as Vehicile Stability Control by Toyota) should be standard on all Sienna models. The transmission sometimes felt like it would slip as well.

7 out 9 people found this review helpful

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2008 Toyota Sienna CE

Written by: billiam on 02/19/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Sienna CE 7-Passenger 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This van is well appointed even for the low end model. However, at low speed, the transmission is very slow to shift with a rev that is unnerving. The sliding doors just a few months after purchase have squeaked even though there have been several visits to the dealer. I will be taking my van back to the shop again soon for this problem. If the simple things not being done right bug you. Avoid this vehicle until there is a major redesign. Also there is the interior noise of the engine. I thought I was driving a diesel.

Favorite Features

Well appointed for low end model. Cruise control is nice. How the lights turn on when entering the vehicle.

Suggested Improvements

Fix the design of the sliding door. Change the transmission and the engine noise.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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So far, an excellent vehicle

Written by: Paul on 12/31/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Sienna Limited 7-Passenger 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

We just completed a 2000 mile trip from VA to FL and the van now has almost 7000 miles. The ride and comfort were excellent. The vehicle tends to exhibit a delayed response from the trans at some points. Not sure what that is all about. Still not sure what mileage we got on the road but the city mileage is as advertised. Lots of room in the van and it is much quieter than our 2001 Grand Caravan. Acceleration is also excellent. The laser cruise is accurate but you need to plan your lane changes to accommodate how it operates. Not at all happy that the navigation is not operable when vehicle moves even by passenger. Almost a waste!!! Other than that, we are very pleased with our first Toyota.

Favorite Features

Sunroof, navigation capabilities (only when stationary - it won't operate by touch), laser cruise, power folding mirrors, quiet ride, audio and entertainment system, household plug outlet

Suggested Improvements

The navigation is our biggest complaint. I can't believe you can't adjust the navigation when the vehicle is moving. Yes, safety is important but what about passenger use? I have a family of 5 to manage on long trips. Please fix this and provide an override feature. The tires don't grip well in rain

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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"Simon the Sienna"

Written by: Paul on 11/05/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Sienna LE 7-Passenger 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

My wife and I had a 2002 Chrysler Town and Country that we traded in for the Sienna. Oh what a power play move!! The Sienna rides way, way better than the Town and Country. Ours is silver shadow pearl. When we bought the Sienna home, our kids went crazy! They immediately fell in love with it. Even our dog fell in love with it. This will be our baby for a good long time. It is kid friendly, family friendly, and dog family. It's like a part of your family. No wonder why many people own these. A lot of our family members own these, and love them too! We absolutely love it. Simon is the minivan's name, and he is truly loved by his family.

Favorite Features

Ride is super! The versatility? Can't beat it! Handling? Super! Gas mileage? Fine. Roominess? Top notch.

Suggested Improvements

These minivans must have back up cameras no matter which model it is. Needs nothing else.

6 out 10 people found this review helpful

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