3
0
Minivan; Built in USA
  • 4-door van
  • transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $7,200 – $27,500*


2004 Toyota Sienna


2004 Toyota Sienna


2004 Toyota Sienna


2006 Toyota Sienna

Pros:
  • Available all-wheel drive
  • Passenger and cargo room
Cons:
  • Fuel economy

Sienna blends many good minivan ideas with first-rate refinement, carlike road manners, and solid workmanship. Toyota’s reputation for reliability is a special plus for secondhand shoppers, but it also fuels demand, so Siennas will likely cost more than comparably equipped rivals of the same age and condition. Still, these Siennas earned our Recommended ribbon as new vehicles, and used ones are just as easy to endorse.

Overview

Redesigned Siennas bowed for 2004 with fresh styling, larger dimensions, and more power. Toyota’s minivans also got three first-time options: available head-protecting curtain side airbags, hideaway 3rd-row seat, and all-wheel drive. Against the 1998-2003 Siennas, the new versions were 6.5 inches longer and nearly 4 inches wider on a 5.1-inch longer wheelbase. Curb weight plumped up by about 200 lb. Prices levels expanded from three to four, ascending through CE, LE, XLE and new leather-trimmed XLE Limited. All came with front-wheel drive, and all but the CE were available with AWD that included run-flat tires. A new V6 powerteam offered a 230-hp 3.3-liter engine and 5-speed automatic transmission instead of a 210-hp 3.0-liter engine and 4-speed automatic. The shift lever moved from the steering column to the lower-center dashboard.

All models had antilock brakes, tire-pressure monitor, and a 3500-lb tow package. Limiteds added traction/antiskid control, available for other Siennas. Other linewide standards included remote keyless entry, tilt/telescope steering wheel, and rear air conditioning. Power windows for the sliding rear side doors were also standard-not a minivan first, but new to Sienna. A power right-side sliding door was available for CEs. XLEs and Limiteds included dual power side doors, plus a new power liftgate. All models came with removable 2nd-row bucket seats for seven-passenger capacity. CEs and LEs could carry eight with an available 2nd-row bench seat, also removable, whose middle section was sized for a child safety seat. The new hideaway 3rd-row bench seat folded into a floor well, as on the Honda Odyssey minivan, but one-upped that rival by being split 60/40 for greater versatility.

The new curtain side airbags were standard for Limited, as were front torso side airbags. Other models offered these, again in a confusing array of option packages. Limiteds also came with xenon headlamps, front/rear obstacle detection, and radar-based “smart” cruise control designed to automatically maintain a safe following distance. A navigation system and DVD entertainment were available for XLEs and Limiteds.

Yearly Updates

2005 Sienna
A virtual carryover from 2004, although XLE and Limited models got standard dual power front seats, supplanting a driver-only power seat.
2006 Sienna
The Limited’s front and curtain side airbags were made standard for all Siennas. Limiteds added power-fold door mirrors with integrated turn-signal lamps, plus a power-fold 3rd-row seat as an exclusive option.
2007 Sienna
Toyota’s minivan got more power for 2007. A 266-hp 3.5-liter V6 replaced a 215-hp 3.3 V6 as Sienna’s sole engine.
2008 Sienna
The 2008 Toyota Sienna was largely unchanged.
2009 Sienna
Sienna was again unchanged.
2010 Sienna
The 2010 Toyota Sienna was largely unchanged.

Engines

transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive

The one available powertrain comprised a 230-hp 3.3-liter V6 and a 5-speed automatic transmission. Due to a change in rating method, horsepower was restated as 215 for 2006 models, but no engine changes were made. For 2007, a 266-hp 3.5-liter V6 replaced a 215-hp 3.3 V6 as Sienna’s sole engine.

dohc V61
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.3/202
Engine HP 230
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 242
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed automatic
5-speed automatic 		19/27
18/24
dohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.5/211
Engine HP 266
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 245
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed automatic

 19/26

1. engine re-rated on 2006 models to 215 hp, 222 lb-ft. front-wheel-drive models 19/27, AWD models 18/24.

Road Test

Extra power offsets added bulk, so these Siennas are adequately peppy around town. Highway passing demand full throttle, though, especially with a sizeable load. A test AWD Limited ran 0-60 mph in 8.7 sec. We’ve had no opportunity yet to time a lighter front-drive model, but Toyota’s 8.3-sec 0-60 claim seems credible, based on our experience. Fuel economy is no better than minivan-average. Test XLEs averaged 17.3-18.5 mpg with front drive, 17.7-18.1 with AWD, all in even city/highway driving mixes. Toyota recommends 91-octane fuel, but 87 can be used in exchange for a slight drop in performance.

Ride is comfortably composed, always desirable in minivans. Large humps and dips induce mild bounce, but the supple suspension irons out most rough pavement. AWD models tend to thump a bit more over sharp bumps and washboard surfaces, a penalty of the included stiff-sidewall run-flat tires. Handling is pleasant and competent, with moderate minivan cornering lean. But tire grip seems only adequate, the steering a tad overassisted for our tastes. The turning circle is tight for a minivan, but parking is still hampered by exterior size, though that’s true of most rivals too. When it comes to quietness, though, only the Odyssey and sales-leading Chrysler/Dodge minivans compare. The V6 growls a bit at full throttle, but is otherwise muted. So is wind noise, given the boxy shape. That leaves coarse-pavement tire drone predominating in most situations, and it’s not bad at all.

Clear instrumentation and guess-free minor controls are expected in Toyotas. Sienna has them, but also a few switches scattered out of easy reach. CE and LE models use a straightforward climate system with four simple rotary knobs. XLEs and Limiteds include a more-versatile three-zone system, but it adds button clutter, and the display for settings is almost illegible in certain light conditions. We’ve not had a chance to test the optional navigation system, but it should be as user-friendly as those in other Toyotas.

First-cabin occupants have roomy aplenty on wide, comfortable seats. A standard tilt/telescope steering wheel works with high “command” positioning to help drivers feel in control. Fine all-round visibility helps, though rear headrests and thick roof pillars are minor impediments to the right-rear. The second row offers long-haul space and comfort on bucket and bench seats alike. Either slide fore/aft to apportion space with the 3rd row, but need to be fully back for best leg room. Head room is only OK with sunroof, good otherwise. The bucket seats can form a two-passenger bench, as on the Odyssey, but not by simply sliding together. Instead, they must be repositioned on floor anchors, a cumbersome chore considering they weigh 55 lb apiece. The 3rd-row bench is kid-size and a bit hard, but 2nd-row seats double-fold to provide reasonably easy access. All rear passengers get roof-mounted air ducts, a nice touch.

Cargo space is ample, if not best in class. A 4×8-ft panel lays flat with the 2nd-row seats removed and the 3rd-row stowed. The split 3rd-row seat folds easily into its floor well, which can otherwise carry a dozen or so grocery bags. All models bar the base CE include a fold-flat right-front seat for long cargo. Also serving utility are assorted bag hooks, cargo tie-downs, bins and pockets, plus a liftgate that rises high enough to clear a six-footer’s head. Not useful at all is the space-saver spare on front-drive models that stows below the chassis, forcing a full-size flat to be carried inside, though that’s not a problem on AWD versions with their run-flat tires.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2005 Toyota Sienna XLE

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 5
50%
Fuel Economy - 5
50%
Ride Quality - 7
70%
Steering/Handling - 4
40%
Quietness - 6
60%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Front - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Rear - 7
70%
Cargo Room - 10
100%

Other

Value - 8
80%

Total: 65

Specifications

4-door van
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
119.3 200.0 77.4 68.9
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
148.9 20.0 8
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
42.0 42.0 42.9 39.6
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2005 Sienna 4-door van

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 4
80%
Front Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Rear Passenger Injury - 5
100%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Brake wear
Description: The front brake pads do not last very long on vehicles subject to severe operation. (2004-08)
Cold-starting problems
Description: Engine may not start in freezing weather due to fuel pump failure requiring replacement of the pump assembly. (2004-05)
Doors
Description: The rear hatch door shudders in cold weather due to possible leak in the gas charged support rod (stay). A redesigned support is available. (2004)
Doors
Description: The doors will not stay open because the welds for the door checks break and the company is extending warranty replacement to 5 years/100,000 miles. (2004-06)
Doors
Description: Extra effort my be required to close the rear or sliding side power doors for which there are improved touch sensors. (2004-07)
Engine misfire
Description: Misfires accompanied by the check engine light may be due to problems with one or more of the ignition coils. (2004)
Oil leak
Description: Fluid may leak past the right side oil seal on the AWD transfer case. (2004-06)
Audio system
Description: The voice activated navigation system may add extra words when responding to the driver’s request requiring reprogramming with an updated DVD. (2007)
Seat
Description: If the rear seat won’t stay stowed, a revised striker offers more positive engagement. (2004)
Steering problems
Description: Steering effort increases as corrosion increases on steering column intermediate shaft due to road salt. (2004-06)
Windows
Description: The side windows may rattle or quit working due to problem with the window regulator. (2007)
Transmission problems
Description: The transmission gradually gets harder to shift, requiring installation of an improved cable assembly. (2004-05)
Check-engine light
Description: A check engine light, possibly accompanied by drivability concerns, is likely due to a vacuum leak at the intake air control valve on the 3.3L V6 engine. (2004)
Check-engine light
Description: Check engine light may come on due to failure of the air/fuel ratio sensor(s). (2005-06)

Recall History

2004 Sienna
Description: Some vehicles may have fuel tanks that can be damaged by impact forces in a frontal collision, leading to possible fuel leakage. Dealers will replace the fuel tank.
2004 Sienna
Description: If the retention clip that secures the floor carpet cover is missing, the cover can interfere with the operation of the accelerator pedal, and possibly cause the pedal to become stuck. Dealers will replace the retention clip and floor carpet cover at no charge.
2004-05 Sienna
Description: Some vehicles may have second-row shoulder belts that can bind in a bezel trim piece and possible leave a passenger improperly restrained. Dealers will replace affected seatbelt bezels and clips.
2004-06 Sienna
Description: On vehicles equipped with power rear-liftgate struts, the gas struts used to help lift and support the rear power liftgate could wear out sooner than expected. If not repaired, the gas struts may not be able to support the weight of the liftgate when it is open, and eventually, the liftgate will fall about ten inches after it reaches the fully open position. The power motor will engage and power the liftgate to the fully closed position, increasing risk of injury to those under the liftgate. Dealers will replace the gas struts with newly designed gas struts that have a longer service lift.
2004-10 Sienna
Description: For vehicles manufactured between August 7, 1997 and January 4, 2010 Currently registered in or originally sold in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington District Of Columbia, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The subject vehicles are equipped with the spare tire stowed under the vehicle. If the vehicle is operated in the cold climate regions of the United States where road salt is frequently used, water splashed backwards with high concentrations of road salt can reach the spare tire carrier and corrode the spare tire carrier assembly cable. The cable may break due to excessive corrosion and the spare tire may separate from the vehicle, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
2004-2005 Sienna with 1MZ-FE or 3MZ-FE engine
Description: Inadequate adhesive between outer and inner ring in the crankshaft pulley could lead misalignment, causing noise, illumination of the battery discharge indicator light, and/or loss of power steering.
2006-09 Sienna
Description: The vehicle capacity weight on the tire and loading information label and the GVWR on the certification label is insufficient for certain vehicles. Some vehicles were accessorized through vehicle processing centers and had accessories installed that caused the vehicle to exceed the GVWR value. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, “Tire Selection and Rims,” and 49 CFR Part 567. Toyota will exchange the certification label and the tire and loading information label.
2008-10 Sienna
Description: Due to the manner in which the friction lever interacts with the sliding surface of the accelerator pedal inside the pedal sensor assembly, the accelerator pedal may become hard to depress, slow to return to idle, or, in the worst case, mechanically stuck in a partially depressed position, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will install a reinforcement bar in the accelerator pedal, which will allow the pedal to operate smoothly.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on July 30, 2014.
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