2009 Toyota Venza Consumer Reviews Page 8

Good car spoiled by inferior steering

Written by: leon ospovat on 06/12/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Venza 4dr Wagon AWD (2.7L 4cyl 6A)

Review

Dealership experience good. This very nice car has been spoiled by inferior power steering, which has a "sticks" in the neutral (straightforward) position. I tried another identical model which had the same problem. The dealership said this was due to the "new"electronic power steering, and they and Toyota told me it could not be rectified. My previous car the Lexus Rx had perfect steering. It is a shame that they did not use the same steering on the Venza. As a result I would not recommend the Venza to buyers of this class of car.

Favorite Features

Roomy interior, quiet comfort, and ease of accessibility of spare wheel. Good gas consumption, presently 20 plus in town. With only 2000 miles I am unable to give an opinion on reliability, but expect it will be up to the standards of my old Lexus Rx.

Suggested Improvements

Use the same power steering as on the Lexus Rx 350, or bring out a fix for the unfortunate steering malady.

11 out 14 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

First Impressions

Written by: ceprise on 06/11/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Venza 4dr Wagon AWD (2.7L 4cyl 6A)

Review

My wife drives 20k miles/yr on business. She's put 90K on a Grand Marquis in 4.5 yrs. She likes my 08 Santa Fe, but wanted something more stylish with a high sitting position. She loves the Venza! High style, room of an Avalon for adult business associates and friends, space for occasional hauling projects. An Avalon wagon!

Favorite Features

4 cyl AWD has plenty of power but was thousands LESS MSRP than 6 cyl models; gorgeous leather seats; XM radio; auto down windows; beautiful fit & finish; 23 MPG so far; Blizzard Pearl paint.

Suggested Improvements

Had to search for 4 cyl AWD and get leather seats added by dealer. Didn't see value in any options/packages.

10 out 10 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

A car you will not regret!

Written by: AJ on 06/10/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Venza 4dr Wagon (2.7L 4cyl 6A)

Review

I traded my 2009 Camry for a 2009 Venza. The Venza gave me all what was missing from the Camry in terms of newer look and style, the 4DR sedan image, yet maintained the comfort, quiet ride, the fuel efficiency and reliability of the Camry.

Favorite Features

Interior is well designed. Spacious and very comfortable ride. No blind spots. Quiet ride, much better than the Avalon that I also bought brand new.

Suggested Improvements

Better quality around the dash. Lots of plastic trim, which makes things look cheap, but overall, I did order the base model and I am satisfied.

22 out 23 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Love my Venza

Written by: dozagirl on 06/10/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Venza 4dr Wagon (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

Review

I've had my Venza for 3 months now and I still continue to love driving it. I have the Sunset Bronze Mica and I still get people asking me about my car! The color in the sunshine when it is clean is fantastic! I drive approx 80 miles per day every other week (I carpool into the city every other week) and it is a comfortable drive and ride as my passengers tell me. I am taking it on a 12 hour road trip in the next month or so and am looking forward to trying out the back seat with the reclining seats and the DVD player. I had the Lexus RX300 a 2001 model before I purchased this car. I was looking at the new RX when this car was introduced and I fell in love with it the moment I drove it.

Favorite Features

My favorite feature is the automatic back hatch opening and closing as well as the auto start feature!

Suggested Improvements

I think an automatic tilt/telescoping steering wheel, would be very nice. The kind that remembers where each driver has it. There is a sharp part in the area where you pull the steering wheel down and I cut my finger several times at first.

8 out 9 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Toyota Did It Right

Written by: Mac's Ride on 06/07/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Venza 4dr Wagon (2.7L 4cyl 6A)

Review

Having just retired and buying new cars for over 40 years, we were looking for something that would sum up all the cars we've had before...good ride and handling, fuel efficient, luxury, roominess up front as well as storage, looks beyond on the norm both inside and out, quality, and feeling good after long trips. We have about 3400 miles on it and have no real complaints. One minor issue was the speaker covers on the attached had to be realigned for a better fit and that only took about 5 minutes with the dealer. To date we really like our Venza and this car really has summed up our cars in the past, including Mercedes, Cadillacs, Infinitis, and yes...even a few sport cars.

Favorite Features

Favorite features are ride, handling, interior design, cargo capacity, and fuel economy.

Suggested Improvements

Dash fit components need to be more precise flush fitting during production. While happy with the fuel economy, continue to improve on getting more mpg with future engine designs.

10 out 11 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Car, SUV, or Wagon. Whatever, It Works.

Written by: qs933 on 06/06/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Venza 4dr Wagon AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

Review

I shopped across multiple categories, but in the end, it was between the Venza, Highlander, Nissan Murano and Lexus RX (09 and 10). I didn't need a 3rd row, which is the Highlander's primary advantage. I almost went with the Murano back in '08 when it was released. However, a fully- equipped LE was in the $35-40K range. The RX was the most luxurious, but it wasn't worth the premium over the Venza. YMMV. In the end, the Venza was the right mix of the strengths of each candidate: utility (Highlander); unique style (Murano); and luxury (RX) at a lower relative price- point.

Favorite Features

Style, especially with the 20" wheels; strong performance; JBL Synthesis is top-notch; good value; established and proven platform (Camry/Highlander); tech features (Bluetooth, Smart Key, power liftgate)

Suggested Improvements

Interior build quality needs improvement (I have misaligned interior trim and at least 3 rattles). Fuel economy could be better, but hey -- I knew what I was buying (i.e. not a fuel-sipping subcompact) so I can't complain.

12 out 13 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

My new Venza

Written by: merrel on 06/05/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Venza 4dr Wagon (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

Review

Special ordered- Waited 45 days to include passenger seat with power & lumbar. Traded in '06 RX330 Lexus with no regrets. Added a $400 2pc chrome mesh grille from California. Do miss memory seats and rain sensors. Great ride, quality built. Hood stays up with a stick (ugh!) Very happy.

Favorite Features

Golden Umber color is gorgeous. Shifter mounted in upper console is unique. Not wild about 20 inch wheels. Replacement tires WILL be expensive. Gets 26 mpg on local streets.

Suggested Improvements

Offer memory seats, reduce cost of navi system. Back up camera should be mandatory.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

New Venza, feels like no other vehicle

Written by: John W on 06/02/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Venza 4dr Wagon (2.7L 4cyl 6A)

Review

The 4 Cyl. Venza drives and sounds like no other car that I have ever owned. It glides along like you might imagine an electric car will drive like. It has enough power for safe driving but certainly not enough to satisfy those that are looking for a sports car feel. The exterior & interior design are excellent in my book. The car does get people looking at it, as you drive along. The cabin feels much larger than it actually is due to the very high roof. Bottom Line ...it is a nice vehicle for those tired of owning another SUV.

Favorite Features

Exterior and interior design. 19" wheels. Passenger space. Gadget storage and wiring options. 4 cyl engine and resulting MPG.

Suggested Improvements

Seats could be thicker/softer. Vehicle interior noise could be reduced.

18 out 18 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Love my Venza

Written by: LAL in Charlotte on 06/01/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Venza 4dr Wagon (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

Review

I have been in love with this car since it debuted at the Detroit Auto Show in Jan, 2008. I wanted an upscale car with just two rows of seats, but with the cargo area of an SUV. This fits my needs perfectly. I've got almost 1000 miles on it now and I look for excuses to take it out for a drive. It's easier to get in and out of than my former SUV, but I'm sitting higher than in a car. The front hood slopes so that all you see in front of you is road and I feel like I have good vision all the way around. The transmission is silky smooth and it has more than enough power. Getting ready for a trip this weekend I appreciated the low load-in height in the cargo area. Fantastic car!!

Favorite Features

Bluetooth and Ipod interface, double moon roof, upscale leather interior with piping, power lift gate, backup camera, keyless start, telescoping wheel, way cool lighting on dashboard, HID headlights, information center, dual temperature control, cavernous console, lots of room in the second row.

Suggested Improvements

I'm 5'1" so I would like the drivers seat to raise about an inch more. And always want better gas mileage but don't want to give up the V6 engine!

11 out 11 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Unhappy with I Phone Compatibility

Written by: SCT1023 on 05/26/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Venza 4dr Wagon (3.5L 6cyl 6A)

Review

I have owned this vehicle for less than 2 weeks and have had a major issue with the blue tooth and I Phone (3G) compatibility. While the phone synchs well, recipients of my calls cannot understand my voice. There is a compatibility issue that Toyota is not willing to recognize. I would recommend that all IPHONE users not purchase this vehicle. Absent that, the car is wonderful, but since I paid significantly for this feature, I am most unhappy.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Fix the I Phone compatibility issue with the BlueTooth through the Nav system.

12 out 27 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post