2004 Toyota Sienna consumer reviews

This is by far the highest quality mini-van my family has ever owned. Full of luxurious and economical features. Over 21 MPG!!!!!!!!!!! No unexpected repairs with this vehicle and auto sliding with safety stops doors make it so easy with the kids.

We bought a 2004 LE new at the beginning of that year and have had it ever since. It's been 100% reliable. I was shocked at how fast it was off the showroom floor but after 120k it's not quite as quick. Fantastic on the highway but a little harsh over expansion joints. Unexpected problems include the driver's side door catch breaking off the inside of the door. Eventually I'll get it fixed, but for now we just have to remember to hold the door as we open it. The DVD entertainment and JBL sound system are fantastic. Road noise is a little louder in the 2nd and 3rd rows than I expected (maybe an opportunity for a Lexus Minivan, if they can stomach making one.) Interior usability is absolutely amazing. Mileage for such a gigantic car is also off the hook. Installed new rotors at 100k; not sure why other reviewer was complaining about having to do it at 90k. It happens, dude. You also have to replace the pads and tires every so often and change the oil. It's a car, not a painting. One nanny feature the wife and I both hate: don't leave your keys in the car when you close the door; it has a nasty habit of locking you out. Also wish we'd ponied up for the power liftgate; it's pretty heavy.

Like hundreds (thousands?) of other '04 Sienna owners, we have experienced a failure of the passenger side slider door motor -TWICE. Toyota know they have a design flaw on their hands and yet, amazingly, is doing NOTHING about it. The repair costs $1500-2000 each time. We've also had numerous other quality issues - interior trim pieces breaking, Cd player dying JUST after the warranty period expired, and several others. We've purchased a dozen new cars over the years, and the Sienna was easily the WORST. We bought a Toyota largely based on their supposed reliability; but we've learned, like thousands of other owners, that this was a sham.

2004 AWD XLE. Run Flat tires are not a good idea. I now run regulars, and a spare tire kit in trunk. Auto sliding doors freeze in winter, keep a can of silicone handy. If you don't get them closed because of ice, the car beeps because the door is open. Alloy wheels started rusting at 3 years. I have been told the power steering rack is leaking, and I am trying to fix with an additive. Brakes warped at 80,000 miles, right passenger window came off track at 90,000. The kick was driving down the interstate last week, and half the bumper came off and started dragging on the ground while on vacation. We duct taped it together, (fortunately we had some). Had it been more damaged, it would have been $7000, however, we accepted the scraped paint and the body shop was able to put new clips on for $118. But really? The bumper came off while driving. This isn't a 30 year old Ford, it's a 7 year old Toyota.

Purchased car in July of 03 AWD LE model. The price was somewhat steep, but I justified the cost because I was buying a reliable car. The van handles great and is a pleasure to drive on long trips. With that being said, reliability is not as great as expected. The van has the following issues. 1. Run flat tires- Great idea, but they last only 20,000 miles and cost about $1000 to replace. They were put on the AWD model because the drivshaft leaves no room for a spare tire. I resolved this problem by buying regular tires and a can of fix-a-flat. 2. Transmission Falure at 135,000 miles- This vehicle uses the RX 300 transmission, which has a history of failure at about 100,000 miles (google it). We drive mostly highway miles and do not overload the van. Cost to replace over $3000. 3. Other minor items- Outside thermometer failed. Aoutomatic sliding door failed. It will cost over $1200 to fix. Door checks are failing on front doors. Overall maintanence costs are also high. I would still recomend this car. But reliability is not what it should be. Other issues that I have read about are A/C Failure and engine sludge. I would recomend flushing engine when changing oil. But of course this will add to maintenance costs.

very quiet comfortable ride; great safety features; excellent family car (sports, camping, vacation); also great for transporting big items; best investment for a family

Previous Sienna: Survived head on with no injuries @50mph Bought a new one right away. No problems

We traded our Lexus sedan for the Siena in 04' and have been very satisfied with this car. This car handles great and has plenty of power when needed. We have the leather seats which is a must for messy kids - cleans up very easy. The one flaw I see is with the back sliding door. Our car has one power sliding door and one manual. The manual door is tough for the younger kids to shut and as a result, the dome light stays on and drains the battery. Toyota should have had a timer or something that shuts the lights of after a certain amount of time. My advice would be to get both sliding doors with the automatic feature. Other than that, its the best family car we have owned.

This is probably the best minivan currently out on the market. It comes with Toyota's relabiltiy and it does not disappoint in this regard. Yet, despite that, it is made in America. For a 2-ton minivan, it is surprisingly quick, and it passes easily on the highway. I have an 8-pass. LE and it seats all 8 rather comfortably, even in the third row. If you need a minivan that is well-rounded in all regards, this is the minvan for you. Fuel econmy is great for a 230-hp engine, and the only maintinence has been oil changes and tire rotations.

We bought a used 2004 Sienna and love it. Top-notch reliability in every way. We've had zero problems. There are cheaper minivans. But with a Toyota, you pay up front and cry once, then get over it and enjoy the reliability. 6-cylinder engine is peppy enough to get up to speed on freeway. Handling is very Camry-like (safe, not as tight & sporty as a Honda). We have the loaded XLE with the JBL stereo CD changer & DVD player. That's a life-saver on long trips with the kids. It's a minivan... exterior styling isn't sporty, but interior is very nice... nicer than our Lincoln Towncar (though the seats are not as cushy & comfy). This car's a winner in the eyes of every member of the family.