Used 1998 Toyota Sienna Consumer Reviews
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Good engine/trans, body hardware weak
bought car brand new. did standard maint. car still runs strong and quiet. now at 150K I did do the timing belt/hoses at 75k. The A/C stopped working 3 years ago. Recharged with sealant fixed it! Interior passenger door handle broke twice... cracking AGAIN! Struts seemed okay, but replaced at 120K due to slick salesperson at tire place. Car runs like NEW. The car had LOTS of short trips, and had many hours run time in crazy long traffic. Now giving it to my son to drive until it dies. Best $22K I ever spent on a car. Previous van Dodge caravan sport SE, just about fell apart at 150K, many repairs and extra maint! (But the dodge looked nicer ;-) ).
Excellent Vehicle, Super Reliable
We bought this minivan used from the original owners with 220k kms. When they bought it new, they had a remote starter, class II towing package with trans cooler installed, and the undercarriage was undercoated with rubberized rockguard. We have owned it nearly 7 years and driven 130k kms for a total of just under 350k kms. In the time we have owned it, I have done regular maintenance to it, brakes, tires, engine tune-ups, etc and have only had to replace both rear wheel bearings, all 4 ABS sensors, two inner tie-rods and the original battery. I just completed the 332k timing belt service and the engine runs like a top. It will tow all I need it to and still gets reasonable fuel mileage
- LE Passenger MinivanMSRP: $3,995312 mi away
- LE Passenger MinivanMSRP: $3,995580 mi away
- LE Passenger MinivanMSRP: $2,950687 mi away
Still going strong in 2012
I've owned this Van since 2006. This van has run everyday for me. There are issues with weak door handles, and Rear AC issues, but for a 14 year old van she's still holding up.
350k and still ticking
This van is simply amazing. At 180K received letter from Toyota asking if while driving you hear a humming noise, bring it in. The following week dealer installed a brand new transmission, free of charge. Now going on 350K. Changed radiator, timing belt twice, brakes and oil. Van should be good for another 200k, at least! Extremely satisfied.
Extremely Reliable, Great Value
Overall, the best vehicle I've ever owned in my 30 years of driving. In about 220k miles, I've done oil changes and paid for tires, brakes, and a new timing belt. Otherwise, it has been perfect. The driving condition is comfortable, and the leather seats have held up well. Removing the back seats is easy, if you have a place to put them. If you want to remove the middle row seats, it can be a pain, but that is offset by the fact that they are very comfortable. Overall, the best automotive value I've experienced (and I've owned one of just about every nameplate). Not sexy at all, but if you are looking for that, you don't want a Minivan anyway.
Where do I start?
Shortly after we bought this car the transmission died. We replaced it with another sienna tranny, then that died. So we got another one, and by 170,000 miles it was on its way out, refusing to leave 1st gear until 40mph. As other users have stated, the exterior door handles break off. Our interior handles (backseats) died around 170,000 miles, so I rigged up the trunk to open from the inside. The window motors died by 100,000 miles, and the radio and AC died around the same time. The engine only had about 4 of the 6 cylinders working when it finally died. Despite all of these things, the car held up in my family for 13 years and 4 different drivers, and with care, treated us well.
Solid but not spectacular
Bought this van from elderly lady with 97k. Leather seats were cracked and ripped. Sliding door handles were loose or broken. Stereo buttons were missing as well. Door hinge hardware partially removed (large sized lady). Drivetrain was in excellent condition. Quiet but underpowered v6 (in my opinion) and smooth shifting transmission made driving pleasant. Seats were comfortable (except for rear bench seats). Well designed interior, though a bit cramped. I had to replace window motors and a/c condenser and brakes. Tire pressure monitor/sensor drove me nuts! Don't get me started on rattling doors and those darn dash rattles/squeaks!
Keeps on tickin'
Bought this van brand new in 1998 while pregnant with my second child. Now 2 kids more have been raised with this van, and it continues to run on the original engine. Very few repairs other than things you expect, like shock/struts replaced. Kept up with oil changes and maintenance and it has been the most reliable thing I have ever owned. Once again, as others, have replaced those darn door handles x all four over the years. Just bought a brand new 2011 sienna, but couldn't give up this one.
Exteriors
The Sienna leaves a lot to be desired in the exterior construction - namely door handles that break off. I have had 3 door handles basically disintegrate on this vehicle. They literally break off the door. Poor design and or weak materials. I have never in my life owned a car with door handles that break apart. This is a definite design flaw which they should correct.
DEPENDABLE TOYOTA
I have owned my 98 Sienna for 10 years and am very pleased with it. I drive it to and from work daily (40 miles round trip). Bought it with 60,000 miles on it and currently it has 158,000 and counting. Problems: exterior door handles breaking (common on these models); one interior door handle break; rear intake gasket leak; power window switch. Also had the rack and pinion replaced recently. Otherwise it has been only routine maintenance required. Another dependable toyota product and can't wait to see how many miles I can get out of it.
Long live my car!
My mom bought this car new and I inherited it at 16. I keep saying I'll get a new car when it dies - but it just won't die! The sliding doors stopped working almost immediately (5 years). One won't open at all and the other child locks itself every time it closes. I had them fixed once, but that only lasted about a year before they quit again. At about the 10 year mark, my AC went out. After that things have started to fall apart slowly. I've replaced the battery twice in the last 4 years, had to have a new radiator put in, had an oxygen sensor go out, the thermometer broke, and my armrest regularly breaks. For a 15 year old car though, she's sure still kickin (almost 200,000 miles now)!
A Lemon?
We're now at 135,000 miles and it's simply unraveling. We just had the inner tie rod replaced ($300). A rear hub assembly had to be replaced ($600). We were told that there are leaks in the transmission, engine, power steering and a rear shock. The suspension is awful and it rattles like crazy. We keep leaving puddles of fluids wherever we park. We need to sell it or it's going to burn a deeper hole in my pocket with all the repairs it needs.
First Year Model is no good
Purchased a 1998 Toyota Sienna in 1998 June of 1998. First Transmission failed at 80,000 miles. Rebuilt transmission installed under extended warranty purchased by me. Second transmission failed at 90,000. Oil leak with oil pan, valve cover occured at about 90,000. Rear brake design poor. Original rear braked interior dust cover two pieces. Cover rusted and blistered causing rear shoes to hang. Dealership claimed normal wear and refused to cover under extended warranty. High pressure steering line cracked and leaked at 105,000. Radio buttons falling off at 80,000. Passengervanity mirror fell-off at 95,000.
Over all
Purchased a 1998 Toyota Sienna in 2002. Transmission failed at 140,000 miles. High pressure steering line cracked and leaked at 120,000. 4 out of 5 door handle got broken.
Best decision I made
2004 we bought this used - I knew the only major issue was the sliding door handles *might* break. Yes, they did - and we've had to replace them. We've put on 100k miles in the past 7 years and it's made tons of 24-hour roundtrip roadtrips over the past few years. Great van but we have had to take it in the shop a few times (replaced alternator, other stuff I've forgotten but no transmission/engine major stuff).
Great family minivan very reliable
Can't go wrong with a Toyota, bought this van used with 60,000 miles, been driving it for 5 years and only a few problems with muffler. It now has 14,500 miles and the timing belt just went. Been through 4 kids and lots of trips and always reliable, no brake issues, no transmission problems, very reliable for a family, good gas mileage, too bad American cars can't compare to these Toyotas.
My Best Vehicle Ever
I've owned/drove our 98 Sienna for 10 years, since it was 3yrs old. It has been our best vehicle yet - I've owned 16 others. I've not once had to take it in for a repair. It now has 155K miles and is still a reliable, safe, and most versatile vehicle. The original battery lasted 9 yrs. It still has the original exhaust and timing belt. After our children had grown up and moved on, the removable rear seats came out and I used it for handy man work and pulling a small trailer. City gas mileage is the one complaint, but I've got up to 28 MPG on long trips. The Sienna is by far my best vehicle for vacation trips.
Never, Never Again
I bought this car new. We have had several broken door handles. However, the biggest problem we have had, is an oil leak. We had the rear seal replaced 2 times. Now it stills leaks and we were told that it needs a new engine. We have 111,000 miles on it. I thought Toyotas were made better than this. I would not recommend a Toyota van to anyone who plans on keeping it for longer than 5 years, they do not last long enough.
Hondas now for us
We've owned this for 7 years now after buying it 3 years used with less than 50K. Before 80K we lost the transmission while on a family vacation and opted to replace it with a used trans. Toyota retroactively gave an extended drive train warranty and we were reimbursed. For the next 100K it did very well with only routine maintenance needed (timing belt, brakes, tires). Some interior body issues like broken air vents, power window motors dying, the cloth seats and steering wheel are wearing quickly. The last couple of months though, it is showing its age. New rack and pinion steering system, minor oil seepage from oil pan, and needs major reg. maint. soon. Will be replacing now.
Me own a van? But I am a truck guy!
Where to start... this van has taken us all over. I finally fixed the faulty headlights that died on us on our trip to Ga. from Florida. High beams only on I95 at night was not fun. Had the oil sludged engine got a new used engine. No problems so far. I ditched the carpet from the front seats back. I installed rubber locking gym floor mats and cut holes for the seats. Works great. I keep fixing the stupid door handles and found a site on-line that showed me how I could permanently fix the rear trunk latch. Awesome. I also made an exit latch for my rear hatch. I love this van. It is so reliable and I get 23 mpg.
BEST Car I've Owned Ever
We've owned many vehicles, and this is by far the BEST OVERALL! We'll be torn to part with it someday. Owned 2 other brand minivans previously, that didn't hold up. The Sienna has been incredibly reliable - I don't think we've ever taken it in for repairs, just tune-ups and oil changes. About 140,000 miles now. LOVE the comfy captain chairs and ease to drive. We sorta want a new Toyota, but can't bear to part with this one. I suggest not wasting your money on the "cheaper" brands (there's a reason they're cheaper) if you are looking at this age of vehicle.
Miss my baby
I loved my Sienna. We bought it when it was a couple years old - drove it until July 09 when it was totaled in an accident (not my fault). It had only 147,000 miles on it and we were planning on keeping it for at least another 50,000. I can't say I walked away (standing on the brake gave me a knee injury), but the airbags did their job and other than the knee, I am fine. The only negative maintenance experience we had were the plastic door handles that did not like the desert heat in El Paso, TX. We were replacing them one at a time as they gave out. I was not fond of the location of the radio (too low on the dash), but other than that then layout and comfort were excellent!
Sludge!
Beware of Toyota Sienna 1998 and on. Engine Oil Sludge problem just recently acknowledged (7/02). Lots of warning lights leads to many wild goose chases searching for perhaps non- existent problems and spending lots of money in the meantime...stick to a Honda if you're going to buy a mini- van, post 1999.
Ole van still rolling
The Slider back hatch door handels awful guess have to drive it from the outside have my belongings can't get it inside Access to it pointless to say
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
WILL IT GO 300K
What can I say, this is my 3rd minivan. At 159k miles on the odo, I'm on my third set of brake pads, 3rd set of tires. EVERYTHING else is original, Haven't even changed a light bulb on this baby. I change oil every 5k and xmission fluid every 15k and various other normal maint & wash & wax. NEVER been in the shop except for recalls. I'm going to try to get 300k out of this van. My only maintenance in the next 5k will be timing belt, water pump and tune up (still get 20 city & 27 mpg on hwy). Although I doubt it needs any of them. Still powers like new, shifts like new and is solid! Even the battery is original. I'm sold. Are you?
Maximum Reliability
Hard to believe I'm saying this, but it is the nicest vehicle I've driven. Bought it new because my wife wanted a sporty car and we needed a minivan due to the kid thing: I gave her my RX7. I've changed the oil regularly and the belts (but not the timing belt) once and I'm at 170,000 miles. It runs almost as quietly as when new. New floor mats have made it look like it is only a year or so old. I'm on this site entertaining the thought of a new one.
Never Again
This vehicle had 28000 miles on it when bought from a Toyota dealership. I had to have the transmission rebuilt with 85000 miles on the vehicle at $2300. The transmission service was done at the recommended intervals. However, the service was not done by a Toyota dealership, so Toyota would not reveiw the failure to help with the repair cost. I bought a Toyota to avoid this type of problem!! The vehicle has also had constant problems with rattling noises coming from the sliding doors. I'm ready to try a different vehicle manufacturer!
Close,but not quite
I bought mine Toy Certified and replaced the tranny in the first year under warranty- a $3K fix. Now a year later I have bad seals on the steering- a $2K fix that is not covered. I was expecting more from a Toy, but I am happy with the engine and the interior is excellent. I use the car exclusively for road trips and the range is out of this world - she'll stretch 450 miles on a tank (w/a K&N air filter). Van is quick and agile, roomy & expensive to maintain. Not a chick magnet...
I'd buy one again
We have had no problems with this great minivan. Drives smooth and quiet. Handles very well. excellent duel A/C. Had a couple problems with the sliding door mechanisms. Fixed under warranty. Need to rotate tires often, for some reason the front tires get out of balance often. On my third set of tires at 98,000. This is also the safest car on the road in its class when we bought it, sure its about the safest thing you can buy today as well. We love it, and it gets a lot of abuse from our car load of kids. Great on ling trips. the V6 is very smooth and quit and powerful, wonderful engine. We just change oil and rotate tires. Tuned it up once since I bought it!
Still NO PROBLEMS
I bought this van with 12 miles on it, now at 147000 I am on my second set of brake pads and my third set of wipers and tires. Oil changes every 5000 miles, air filter every 30000 mile, Transmission drain & fill every 15000 miles AND THAT IS IT! I haven'y replaced even 1 lamp or light on this car. It has NEVER been in the shop for problems other than recalls. What a great van. My 2 previous CHRYSLER POS's were money drains from day 1.
Surprise Surprise
We have only had to do routine maintenance up until recenlty. We had the transmission fluid flushed right before a major road trip recently and 12 hours away from home the transmission completely failed. We never expected to need to do this at under 90,000 miles and we never imagined a transmission fluid flush would cause such a catastrophic problem! I am quite dissapointed that this has happened and I hope that it is an isolated problem related to poor care by the previous owner/leaser.
Trouble Free
Sienna has been an excellent vehicle since day one. Toyota quality is no kidding. I have had sliding door rattles. After some online research, I put some grease on rubber door stopper and fix the problem. I wish I had power sliding door and wonder how to add one to my van.
Best vehicle I've ever owned
Sienna is the best vehicle we've ever owned. Bought it when it was 4 years old, and had over 80,000 miles on it. Now has 127,000 miles, and we've never had one problem with it. We've just done the regular maintainence stuff, and the minivan is absolutely trouble free. Routinely goes 430 miles on one tank of gas. Toyota is awesome. Sienna has one of the best crash test ratings ever too.
Love my Sienna
I bought this van new from a dealership - actually I had to order it and wait for it for about a month because it was in such high demand! Have had it for almost 10 yrs now and I still love to drive it! We've traveled in it a bit, and my family and I just love the comfortable ride and its fabulous fuel economy. It has needed NO major maintenance or repairs. We've kept it looking like new (inside and out) and have been timely with oil changes and other recommended tune-ups. Now, I'm thinking about getting a new Toyota SUV (haven't decided which one yet), but I'll really hate to let my Sienna go. Friends and relatives have bought Siennas after we got ours, and they've been very happy with them!
Good value for a versatile family van
Purchased second hand in 2002 with 140 Kkm. Now at 240 Kkm. Replaced battery at about 200 Kkm. Problems with push-button interior latches on sliding doors. Locks on rear hatch and passenger doors now will not open with key. Arm on motorized crank on rear vent window broke. Metal supports under running boards rusted out. 3-CD cartridge in player occasionally displays error and jams. Exhaust train now rusting out piece by piece.
Stay Away from the V6 SLUDGEMOBILE
I had two major engine failures, the last due to sludge. They covered it both times.They are replacing the engine. There were numerous other problems that I encountered. The brakes, the door locks, alignment. A real dog. Not your usual Toyota quality. But I have to give them credit, they stood behind their product. Thats more than alot of companies would do. Anyone want to buy it?. New engine!!!!!
Little things make you wonder
To be fair, I have had no major problems. But, I don't think they build them like they used to. I have had two window motors and four door handles fail. The design of the door handles is obviously flawed, IMO. The paint is peeling, and there are a lot of rattling noises. This makes you wonder what other shortcuts Toyota has taken.
1998 Van
Could use oil change, all Toyota replacement parts.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Sienna hard to beat
During the six years we have had our Sienna, it has proved to be extremely reliable, quiet and easy to drive. The only service has been regular oil changes and brake work required of any vehicle.
Great Vehicle!!
We bought this car in 02 and I've never happier with a car! The vehicle is everything anyone could expect a van to be. We now have just under 100K miles and it still runs just like new. Routine maintenance only, no failures at all. We are totally pleased. My only complaint would be the odd way the windsheild is recessed behind the windsheild posts. This causes water on the windsheild to streek up the glass instead of off the sides of the glass. It also increases the wind noise on the highway. Other than this little oddity, I can't say enough good things about this car. I love it more each time I drive it.
1998 Toyota Sienna Review
Purchased new and has been an excellent vehicle. Storage space in the very rear has been lacking. Otherwise, quiet, smooth and very reliable.
Sienna
Ideal vehicle to buy second hand I bought mine new and 6 years later it looks and works the same. The new one looks too boxy. Ok so the rear seat folds down in the new model but think of the money you will save . Only problem is the low tire pressure light comes on even though they are inflated properly.
Good car
No problems what so ever with vehicle in 5 years, 85000 miles. Recomended highly.
Very happy, with specific probs...
I have always wanted the Hondy Odyssey, but we couldn't turn down a great opportunity to buy our Sienna from a private party in immaculate condition for a great price! As a family vehicle, we've got plenty of room for the kids and storage, and all the extras come in handy. Our only beef with this vehicle is the very poorly crafted door handles. I've had to replace the rear hatch handle, the sliding door handle, and now the driver's side door handle! Come on, Toyota, you could do better! That being said, I've taken this baby on several cross country road trips, and the fatigue factor is very minimal. Larry B, Rio Rico, Arizona
Nice family car
We purchased our Sienna in '98 and it as been very good. Once our transmission broke when we were going 80 on the turnpike but Toyota covered it. Also our door handles broke through the 6 years of use.
Rock and Roll Minivan?!
Never thought I'd rave about a mini van! Afterall, I'm a working musician and a father three girls and two large labrador retrievers. I haul all sorts of things so my vehicle has got to be reconfigurable - to the max! Everything from rock and roll band gear to the kids' soccer, dance and school gear to family outings! Very tactile and intuitive features. Not to mention, it's never failed me nor left me stranded. I've driven lots of others and hands down, I'll take the Sienna. And as far as resale value, again that's a Toyota hallmark. Highest marks for reliability, performance, functionality and resale.
I love my Sienna!
Driven daughter back and forth to college from 1998 to 2002; now is moving here furniture from place to place as she finds jobs in the Northeast. More fun than a truck but has carried all her bedroom furniture plus a mattress several times.
Great car for running kids around
Purchased the car new because we have 3 kids and needeed space for all their stuff when traveling. The transmission went in the first 9 months, was replaced with a new one and haven't had a problem since. Very few repairs besides the usual upkeep.Air conditioning system needed repair after 5 years. Has over 150,000 miles and the ride is still smooth and the kids have grown in 10 years and they all still fit comfortably in the van. We'll keep this until it no longer wants to go.
1998 Sienna Review
I have been happy with the gas mileage (28 mpg!!!). But the config is horrible. Those crazy tumble seats are horrid. But I will say it has not held up that well. The leather is cracking and the paint is chipping. It still is pretty luxurious inside. Also, the seats are not supportive. But hey, all the lemons come out the first year!
Good but some annoyances
We bought our 4dr Sienna LE new 2/98. It has been reliable with a few aggrevations. At 70k, we are on our fourth radio-push button springs wear out - never had this happen with other cars! Rear brakes thumped until 60k brake job. We had it in several times to solve and gave up,then at 60k brake job problem dissappeared. Low tire air pressure light worked for about 1.5 years then came on intermittently. Cost to repair this problem is prohibitive. Dealer has been great about backing warranty items and taking care of things beyond warranty.