2004 Toyota Sienna Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Previously we owned a 2003 Sienna and this one-year upgrade (and new model) have made a big difference. The XLE package with DVD is very nice with kids but the controls are all in the back so that is difficult when the parents are sitting in front. We eventually pretty much learned how to reach back and feel the buttons. This XLE model has storage everywhere, we don't really use it all. There's even storage under the armrests on the driver and front passenger doors. The wider wheelbase and the slightly longer 2004 model makes a big difference and the fold into the floor back row seats is very nice when you fold them down and it's nice when they are up because you have the lower floor behind the back seat to store more stuff. The engine is fine for power and has plenty of get-up to pass on the interstate but the we really don't ever average much more than 25 mpg, usually less than 19 in the city. I had to replace both sliding door cable assemblies, which is a pain, (but not worth the $1,400 the dealer will charge you) and I actually wrote up a tutorial on my website on how to do the repair. I had to replace the radiator last year but other than that it's been a good van. Make sure to replace your shocks and struts or you'll ruin your tires!May 21, 2015

The Toyota Sienna is a wonderfully versatile vehicle saddled with the unfortunate label of being called a mini-van. Awful name that should be replaced with something more accurately descriptive like Sport Van or, like the old days, Quadra Van. Because we live in the Sierra, an AWD vehicle makes a huge difference in safety, peace of mind and mobility. Go anywhere, anytime, with just about anything you want to carry. The Sienna is well suited to this duty and does it in style. Although it appears a bit ungainly due to the 17 inch wheels carrying a lot of body and glass, the beauty of the Sienna is that its form follows function. Unlike SUVs with their high blocky hoods, the Sienna's aerodynamic shape helps it achieve pretty decent mileage for a vehicle of this size. And the sliding doors deserve more respect for their practicality and convenience versus SUV's swing doors that are barely functional in today's tight parking spaces. Outside of this DNA common to vans, Toyota has evolved the Sienna into a comfortable place to spend time driving around town or on long road trips. It is quiet, the ride is passenger car like and the interior fit and finish is of high enough quality that it feels like you're driving a vehicle in a different class. Many thoughtful touches are designed into the van to promote suitability for many different life styles. This is evident in the 60/40 split third seat that folds flat into the floor, the adjustable/removable captains chairs in the second row and the myriad of bins and storage spaces. Somebody in Toyota's marketing and design group must have conducted a survey with a thirsty demographic, because cup holders abound in the Sienna. I counted 16 and they are as entertaining to find as Waldo. Overall, the Toyota Sienna equipped with AWD has enough power, handling ability, maneuverability, flexibility, and creature comforts to earn more respect than it gets. It is truly the original Sport Utility Vehicle and one of these days, after the impractical eats into the cachet of pretender SUVs, manufacturers might want to consider the next evolution of a Sienna that is more performance oriented, stylish, and named appropriately.Oct 16, 2014

There isn't much I don't love about my Sienna. I'm only selling it because I need the money. It's one of the best cars I've ever owned. Super safe, which is VERY important to me, so comfortable to ride in (doesn't feel trucky), super quiet, gobs of room, love the third row and that you can take out all the seats and make it a cargo van if you'd like. I've kept up with the maintenance and so I think that's why the car will last and last. It's such a great car. Nov 10, 2011