NHTSA Takes a Swipe at Toyota Over Recall Claims
Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it Try our car compare tool now

2008 Toyota Sienna Quality Review

November 5, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

tight build quality
Edmunds

soft, quiet ride
Car and Driver

a player in the upscale van market
Kelley Blue Book

perfectly civil and gracious
Automobile

The 2008 Toyota Sienna redeems a lackluster driving experience with Toyota quality and Lexus luxury and refinement.

Up front, ConsumerGuide locates “room aplenty on comfortable seats” and “no-strain entry and exit,” and they appreciate that “standard seat and steering-wheel adjustments cater to most any size driver.” One of Car and Driver’s “testers noted ‘butt burn’ from the driver's seat, the result of a shape that forces a thin person's weight uncomfortably forward on the cushion.”

Of the second and third rows, Edmund was careful to point out that the Sienna is “one of the roomiest minivans available,” and in Car and Driver’s minivan comparison, the Sienna’s optional “second-row captain's chairs were rated highest for comfort.” A bench is standard fare. Kelley Blue Book notes “the Sienna's seats take full advantage of the van's roomy interior, with wide seat bottoms as well as firm back rests.” “Bench or buckets, the 2nd-row seats seem long-haul comfortable,” critiques ConsumerGuide. The Sienna is one of the few minivans to offer true eight-passenger capacity.

Throughout the interior, materials and fit/finish are generally exemplary. “The gauges are clear,” says ConsumerGuide, “and minor controls are guess-free.” Thoughtful features abound, such as “door panels… scooped out to give exceptionally good elbow space” (Car and Driver). In general, the interior wins compliments for its convenience and versatility, but its removable seats are a bit heavier and more difficult to manage than some competitors’. “The various controls are simple to use, storage space is plentiful and the seats are plush,” summarizes Edmunds. Kelley Blue Book notes “the Sienna's rear seat can fold flush into the floor and features a 60/40 split,” and the ever-critical ConsumerGuide mentions “the cabin benefits from high-grade plastics, but some of our testers say the colors and fabrics are drab.”

ConsumerGuide deems its noise levels to be “at least equal to the class-topping Honda and Chrysler/Dodge minivans,” noting that “the main noise source is moderate coarse-pavement tire thrum.”

Conclusion

Smart features, lots of utility, high quality, and plenty of comfort characterize the 2008 Toyota Sienna.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:tight build qualityEdmundssoft, quiet rideCar and Drivera player in the upscale van marketKelley Blue Bookperfectly civil and graciousAutomobile The 2008 Toyota Sienna redeems a lackluster driving experience with Toyota quality and Lexus luxury and refinement. Up front, ConsumerGuide locates “room aplenty on comfortable seats” and “no-strain entry and exit,” and they appreciate that “standard seat and steering-wheel adjustments cater to most any size driver.” One of Car and Driver’s “testers noted ‘butt burn’ from the driver's seat, the result of a shape that forces a thin person's weight uncomfortably forward on the cushion.” Of the second and third rows, Edmund was careful to point out that the Sienna is “one of the roomiest minivans available,” and in Car and Driver’s minivan comparison, the Sienna’s optional “second-row captain's chairs were rated highest for comfort.” A bench is standard fare. Kelley Blue Book notes “the Sienna's seats take full advantage of the van's roomy interior, with wide seat bottoms as well as firm back rests.” “Bench or buckets, the 2nd-row seats seem long-haul comfortable,” critiques ConsumerGuide. The Sienna is one of the few minivans to offer true eight-passenger capacity. Throughout the interior, materials and fit/finish are generally exemplary. “The gauges are clear,” says ConsumerGuide, “and minor controls are guess-free.” Thoughtful features abound, such as “door panels… scooped out to give exceptionally good elbow space” (Car and Driver). In general, the interior wins compliments for its convenience and versatility, but its removable seats are a bit heavier and more difficult to manage than some competitors’. “The various controls are simple to use, storage space is plentiful and the seats are plush,” summarizes Edmunds. Kelley Blue Book notes “the Sienna's rear seat can fold flush into the floor and features a 60/40 split,” and the ever-critical ConsumerGuide mentions “the cabin benefits from high-grade plastics, but some of our testers say the colors and fabrics are drab.” ConsumerGuide deems its noise levels to be “at least equal to the class-topping Honda and Chrysler/Dodge minivans,” noting that “the main noise source is moderate coarse-pavement tire thrum.” ConclusionSmart features, lots of utility, high quality, and plenty of comfort characterize the 2008 Toyota Sienna. 2008 TOYOTA SIENNA STYLING | [6 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: “nothing radical” Edmunds: “spacious cabin is handsomely fitted” MyRide.com: “we find the basic shape…appealing” The 2008 Toyota Sienna is a vehicle that’s rather anonymous and inoffensive. Automotive critics have ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Sienna’s styling looks a bit dated next to the new-for-2008 Chrysler minivans and several other vans that have been redesigned since the Sienna’s last redesign for 2004. But most notably, the 2008 Toyota Sienna has available all-wheel drive, while these rivals do not. Otherwise, they’re quite equivalent in terms of engine power and overall interior space, but seat arrangements present a significant difference between the models and trims. In this group, the Town & Country has the widest range of configurations, from a standard second-row bench arrangement to the innovative Stow ‘n’ Go, which allows the second and third rows to fold fully into the floor, and Swivel ‘n’ Go, which allows the second row to turn 180 degrees. In terms of driving, the Honda Odyssey remains the most enjoyable on a twisty road, but the Entourage has surprisingly good performance, too, as does the Quest. Despite some flaws, such as ride quality and a questionable reliability record, the Quest is the more fashionable choice for those who must have a minivan but don’t want a vehicle that completely blends in with all the other minivan models.

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 Toyota Sienna

Check Financing Rates

for the 2008 Toyota Sienna

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 Toyota Sienna near you

See the Toyota Sienna in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998

Comments (2 total)

  1. By OLU #1, Posted: 9/16/2008

    i need a car

    hell0 am sell.sell a car in nigeria but i don"t know d way 2 get u people pls i need ur help .

  2. By Gina #2, Posted: 10/11/2008

    MS.

    You need to contact someone with the NPA and see what importing a car entails. There are very few people that will assist anyone in Nigeria because of the scamming that goes on. Good luck.

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy