Used 2001 Toyota Sienna Consumer Reviews
Poor Design, Little Comfort
The rear brakes squeal so bad that the van announces its arrival each time you stop. Toyota has no fix. They've replaced the drums, pad and brake cylinders to no avail. The recessed windshield causes the wiper on the drivers side to compact snow and sleet on the the windshield up against the windshield frame instead of removing it. There is a small 17" wiper on the passenger side that wraps around the corner of the windshield is so small that it will not flatten out in the cold weather leaving the passenger side uncleaned and a blocked view. The seats are overly firm even for leather. Access to the third seat is difficult.
Sludgemobile
My Sienna developed engine sludge at 80,000 miles and is now at the dealer getting repaired. Unfortunately, they aren't replacing the engine so who knows how soon the problem may return. Along with the squealing brakes when you come to a stop, now I have smoke bellowing from my exhaust when I start the engine cold. I'm very disappointed with the way Toyota has handled this - first misdiagnosing the problem then trying to blame me. Fortunately I have my receipts showing changes every 4500-5500 miles so they couldn't get away with that on me. But it didn't stop them from trying. It is enough to make me take my business to Honda or Nissan.
- LE Passenger MinivanMSRP: $4,9001,410 mi away
- LE Passenger MinivanMSRP: $5,8231,441 mi away
- XLE Passenger MinivanMSRP: $3,4991,533 mi away
Putt-Putt still putts
The electric door quite working a year ago. Had to replace the window motors. Took 20 minutes to get the window up in 110 degree heat! Both visors totally wore out. Have to repair brakes a lot, but I do a lot of city driving. Engine light has been on for about 6 years. Same with tire light. Flunked smog test for last 6 years. Cost $1,500 for repairs to pass smog test. Had to replace computer in 2011, cost over $3,000 with the dealer. I think they ripped me off. One by one the door handles quite working, had to be replaced when I couldn't get into the car any longer. Had to fix an oil leak. An axle broke. One morning the steering wheel fell off. Thank goodness I was in a parking lot. But my van survived being rear ended three times in two years, needing major repairs. In spite of all this, I love this van. It is comfortable, reliable, and I raised my kids in it. I would get it again.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Very disappointed
Despite the glowing reviews, our 2001 Sienna XLE is one of the worst vehicles we have owned. Its build quality, interior and exterior, leaves much to be desired. The power doors have stopped working, the transmission is leaking, the front speakers went out, the radio head unit is failing, one of the visors is broken, and the fabric and interior overall are poor. I am so disappointed, and my wife hates this vehicle as she has lost confidence in it; we admit that our 2000 Dodge Caravan was a better vehicle, if you can believe that!
never another toyota
We had high expectations but found that the vehicle was plagued with expensive maintenance issues. We have spent nearly $10,000 on mechanical repairs and maintenance over 9 years. Mountain trips with kids and their gear too much for brakes, several complete rebuilds. We finally had brakes retro-fitted with racing discs and pads. We've replaced 3 alternators, two O2 sensors, 2 overdrive solenoids. Service support has been poor. We live in a large city, but parts are never on the shelf. Each time we have required a repair we have lost use of the car for 2 or more days. Over nine years, not with standing routine service, we have probably lost use of the car for 20 to 30 days.