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1998
Toyota Sienna

Starts at:
$21,255
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New 1998 Toyota Sienna
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Not rated
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr CE
    Starts at
    $21,255
    18 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr LE
    Starts at
    $23,630
    18 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr LE
    Starts at
    $24,105
    18 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr XLE
    Starts at
    $27,230
    18 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

The good & the bad

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Expert 1998 Toyota Sienna review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

Toyota finally has produced a minivan that could give the domestics a run for their money.

The Sienna is the same sort of rolling jelly bean being produced by Detroit’s Big 3, emulating the spacious front-drive configuration pioneered by Chrysler. As such, it has nearly the same styling, interior setup, driveability and utility of Plymouth Voyager, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture or Mercury Villager.

Toyota’s previous minivans never quite cut it, though the midengine Previa had some style and substance. Unfortunately, a four-cylinder engine was the only power available and didn’t compare well with the powerful V-6s and maneuverable front-wheel drives offered elsewhere.

The Sienna is based on the popular Camry, and is built right next to the sedan in Toyota’s Georgetown, Ky., plant.

Camry’s strong 194-horse V-6 also powers the minivan, providing plenty of oomph for a load of soccer players, big or little. The minivan also gets a modified version of Camry’s sophisticated platform, adding refined driveability to the mix. The ride is smooth and comfortable, with decent handling despite pronounced body sway. Highway manners are impeccable.

Compared with the domestic models, Sienna feels solid and refined, as if Toyota set out to improve the quality of the basic package.

The styling is generic ’90s minivan, pleasantly rounded and streamlined for optimum aerodynamics and space utilization. Only subtle differences, such as the position of the taillights, differentiate Sienna from Voyager, etc.

Sliding rear passenger doors are on both sides, a recent fixation among minivan manufacturers trying to get the latest edge.

The interior takes the same utilitarian approach, comfortably seating seven in a tall, airy cabin with lots of cubbies and cupholders.

The dashboard is solid and straightforward, typical Toyota stuff. The only beef here is that the top of the dash is very deep to accommodate the sharply canted windshield. This makes the Sienna feel somewhat ungainly, like a moving van instead of a minivan.

Another minor complaint is that the center row of captain’s chairs makes it hard to climb back to the rear bench seat, despite the four-door configuration. Hmmm. Maybe six-door minivans will be the next big thing.

Then again, maybe not.

The interior also suffers from the same malaise of every one of this minivan genre: With all the seats in place, the luggage room behind the third seat is skimpy at best. Fortunately, the third seat folds to provide more space, just like those in other minivans.

One of my boys demonstrated how he could incline the rear seat and fold a middle seat into a footstool, allowing him to travel reclined.

Sienna arrives at a time when minivans are not really a hot item in the marketplace, replaced by sport-utility vehicles and the recently rising ranks of small station wagons. And the Sienna has been criticized for its lack of innovation – that Toyota merely copied the successf ul formula of U.S. minivans.

Critics also say Sienna is too expensive, costing thousands more than its U.S. counterparts.

So what does Sienna have going for it that sets it apart? One recent Sienna buyer says the major distinction is that it’s a durable Toyota.

“We bought it for the long haul,” he said, meaning that he and his family were willing to shoulder the extra expense for the Sienna because they wanted a vehicle that, presumably, would last many years. And although he agrees that the Sienna doesn’t do anything very different from the domestic minivans, “what it does, it does very well.”

So despite Sienna’s lack of innovation, it could make a big splash in this small pool of minivan buyers.

If the domestics aren’t worried, they should be.

1998 Toyota Sienna

Vehicle type Seven-passenger, four-door wagon, front-wheel drive. Base price $23,975. Price as tested $27,193. Engine 3.0-liter V-6, 194 h orsepower a t 5,200 rpm, 209 pounds-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. Transmission Four-speed automatic. Curb weight 3,825 pounds. Length 193.5 inches. EPA fuel economy 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway. Highs Air of quality. Refined performance. Versatility. Lows Generic styling. Premium price. Skimpy luggage space.

1998 Toyota Sienna review: Our expert's take
By

Toyota finally has produced a minivan that could give the domestics a run for their money.

The Sienna is the same sort of rolling jelly bean being produced by Detroit’s Big 3, emulating the spacious front-drive configuration pioneered by Chrysler. As such, it has nearly the same styling, interior setup, driveability and utility of Plymouth Voyager, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture or Mercury Villager.

Toyota’s previous minivans never quite cut it, though the midengine Previa had some style and substance. Unfortunately, a four-cylinder engine was the only power available and didn’t compare well with the powerful V-6s and maneuverable front-wheel drives offered elsewhere.

The Sienna is based on the popular Camry, and is built right next to the sedan in Toyota’s Georgetown, Ky., plant.

Camry’s strong 194-horse V-6 also powers the minivan, providing plenty of oomph for a load of soccer players, big or little. The minivan also gets a modified version of Camry’s sophisticated platform, adding refined driveability to the mix. The ride is smooth and comfortable, with decent handling despite pronounced body sway. Highway manners are impeccable.

Compared with the domestic models, Sienna feels solid and refined, as if Toyota set out to improve the quality of the basic package.

The styling is generic ’90s minivan, pleasantly rounded and streamlined for optimum aerodynamics and space utilization. Only subtle differences, such as the position of the taillights, differentiate Sienna from Voyager, etc.

Sliding rear passenger doors are on both sides, a recent fixation among minivan manufacturers trying to get the latest edge.

The interior takes the same utilitarian approach, comfortably seating seven in a tall, airy cabin with lots of cubbies and cupholders.

The dashboard is solid and straightforward, typical Toyota stuff. The only beef here is that the top of the dash is very deep to accommodate the sharply canted windshield. This makes the Sienna feel somewhat ungainly, like a moving van instead of a minivan.

Another minor complaint is that the center row of captain’s chairs makes it hard to climb back to the rear bench seat, despite the four-door configuration. Hmmm. Maybe six-door minivans will be the next big thing.

Then again, maybe not.

The interior also suffers from the same malaise of every one of this minivan genre: With all the seats in place, the luggage room behind the third seat is skimpy at best. Fortunately, the third seat folds to provide more space, just like those in other minivans.

One of my boys demonstrated how he could incline the rear seat and fold a middle seat into a footstool, allowing him to travel reclined.

Sienna arrives at a time when minivans are not really a hot item in the marketplace, replaced by sport-utility vehicles and the recently rising ranks of small station wagons. And the Sienna has been criticized for its lack of innovation – that Toyota merely copied the successf ul formula of U.S. minivans.

Critics also say Sienna is too expensive, costing thousands more than its U.S. counterparts.

So what does Sienna have going for it that sets it apart? One recent Sienna buyer says the major distinction is that it’s a durable Toyota.

“We bought it for the long haul,” he said, meaning that he and his family were willing to shoulder the extra expense for the Sienna because they wanted a vehicle that, presumably, would last many years. And although he agrees that the Sienna doesn’t do anything very different from the domestic minivans, “what it does, it does very well.”

So despite Sienna’s lack of innovation, it could make a big splash in this small pool of minivan buyers.

If the domestics aren’t worried, they should be.

1998 Toyota Sienna

Vehicle type Seven-passenger, four-door wagon, front-wheel drive. Base price $23,975. Price as tested $27,193. Engine 3.0-liter V-6, 194 h orsepower a t 5,200 rpm, 209 pounds-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. Transmission Four-speed automatic. Curb weight 3,825 pounds. Length 193.5 inches. EPA fuel economy 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway. Highs Air of quality. Refined performance. Versatility. Lows Generic styling. Premium price. Skimpy luggage space.

Safety review

Based on the 1998 Toyota Sienna base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
5/5
Frontal passenger
5/5
Side driver
4/5
Side rear passenger
5/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
7 years / less than 85,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12, 000 miles
Dealer certification
160- or 174-point inspections

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Consumer reviews

4.3 / 5
Based on 16 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.5
Interior 4.1
Performance 4.0
Value 4.2
Exterior 4.0
Reliability 4.4

Most recent

  • Just got a well used Sienna, and i love it!

    Starts right up runs great,and awesome gas for a vehicle that has over 300k although it did have a engine rebuild at around 200k overall its in remarkable condition for its age,this vehicle has been well maintained i went through all the service records that the previous owner gave me,not bad at all. If your looking for reliable older mini van definently go with the Sienna
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most dependable car I have ever had.

    This car has the smoothest, most pleasant ride. It also has the coldest air in town, warmest heater. I've had a lot of cars but this is one if the toughest and most reliable cars I've ever owned.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most reliable car I've owned!

    Out of the many vehicles my family has owned, this has been both the most comfortable, the most reliable, and the most cost effective because it's required so few repairs outside of regular maintenance. 20 years and taking the family all over the country later, and it still runs like a charm.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Reliable Driving from A2B Just Needs Some TLC

    One Of A Kind Toyoda Aka MadMax/Demolition Derby Van.Wont See One Anywhere Else. Can't Not Stair At it.🤣 Does Run Not To Bad On It Being A Project Car No Major Engine Issues Love The Truck Horn Extra Kick For Those Annoying Cell Phone Drivers Distracted.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Not what expect from a toyota

    These cars in my opinion are way overrated poor gas miles handeling not so good steering oh well that's not all that grate feels loose you be the judge with yours I'm saying for this one it feel unsafe and I don't have a family hauling around in it you be the judge
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 3.0
    1 person out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Dependable and functional

    This vehicle stayed in our family for 21 years. There were no serious mechanical issues with it over that time. I could not have been more satisfied with the reliability and dependability and this encouraged us to replace it with another Toyota. I expect it to give many more years of service to the next family.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Pretty Reliable Seinna

    This has been a pretty reliable car for me. I have had to do somethings to it. As it was not maintained as good as it could have been. The door handles are a weak spot. Although the engine and transmission are pretty solid on these vehicles. Hope this review was helpful to readers.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • 1998 Toyota Sienna XLE

    In 17 years of our ownership, it has been one of the most reliable auto we have owned. It has 164 k miles currently and can easily do another 100k, 7 years. No Achilles heel noted. Some door rattle by age. Transmission rebuilt, steering rack, one front wheel bearing, D/S CV half axle, outer tie rod replaced. Oil leaks from valve gaskets and lower intake required replacement due to age. Dashboard and cockpit plastics lasting well. Dashboard plastics tend to creak in cold. Interior and roof lining fared much better than other cars we have owned.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • The most reliable, family friendly vehicle I owned

    Bought our Toyota Sienna XLE in 1998. Loved it from the moment we saw it. Have owned it for 19 years, has around 135,000 miles on it. Perfect for transporting or chauffeuring your kids, parents from one place to another. Would absolutely recommend it to a friend with family.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Love my 98 Sienna!

    I bought new. I loved it from the moment I saw it and even more after test driving it. It is the XLE model, fully loaded. I was never sorry I bought it. I sold my 90 Lincoln Town Car, great car also but thought if I was going to use it like a van ,then I should buy one. Other than reg. Maintenance, and new motors for the winged windows (Warrenty), which have broke again. I decided I didn't need them at the price of and repair. It I has 197,+ miles. It is showing wear and tear of course. Still going strong. I was thinking of buying the 2015 but found out it has a timing belt and it has to be changed periodically at a very high cost. So I am rethinking. Otherwise I would own it by now.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Very reliable and a smooth ride

    This is the best vehicle I've ever owned. It now has over 315,000 miles on it. Other than normal wear items, the only things I've replaced are a couple of door handles (easy to replace yourself) and a window motor (had to have a mechanic do that one). So I've owned it for 12 years and driven it 315k miles and spent only around $300 over that entire time on non-wear repairs. And it still gets around 21MPG overall. Only negative that I can think of is that I'd love to have seats that fold into the floor. But no minivan had this feature when I bought this one so its hard to complain.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Reliable but Quirky, not what I expected. But OK

    I have many of the problems in the earlier post. Replaced Front Steering Gear, Components, and rear Suspension due to failure from road hazards. However, Starter goes out at 125,000 miles on the dot. Lost one Firing Unit, Doorhandles are atrociously badly designed and I can't open either rear door from inside. They are absolutely the worst feature of Toyota's van line. I've heard several owners complain. Window sticks open (Weak Motor). On the plus side, Engine, Tranny, A/C and Power Steering and Brakes are all original at 307,000 miles. So it's OK, I guess.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 3.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1998 Toyota Sienna?

The 1998 Toyota Sienna is available in 3 trim levels:

  • CE (1 style)
  • LE (2 styles)
  • XLE (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 1998 Toyota Sienna?

The 1998 Toyota Sienna offers up to 18 MPG in city driving and 24 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 1998 Toyota Sienna?

The 1998 Toyota Sienna compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 1998 Toyota Sienna reliable?

The 1998 Toyota Sienna has an average reliability rating of 4.4 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1998 Toyota Sienna owners.

Is the 1998 Toyota Sienna a good Minivan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1998 Toyota Sienna. 81.2% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.3 / 5
Based on 16 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.5
  • Interior: 4.1
  • Performance: 4.0
  • Value: 4.2
  • Exterior: 4.0
  • Reliability: 4.4

Toyota Sienna history

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