2008 Toyota Sienna Consumer Reviews
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
This is probably the best vehicle I have owned. At 325,000 kms in 10 years, it has performed extremely well. Much of my driving was done on the highway, across the country in all seasons. When I bought the vehicle, I got rid of the run-flat tires and replaced them with Michelin (part of the purchase deal with the dealer). Mine was the basic CE model but the AWD. It has always been a comfortable drive. I also sleep in the van often because of the work I do. I always did the regular maintenance at my dealer's with a trusted mechanic and mostly just had regular repairs like tires, batteries, brakes. I did replace bearings on two wheels and repaired an unexpected oil leak from a seal. The only real disadvantage was having to store that full-size spare in the back of the interior of the vehicle. My only other great vehicle was my Volvo 240 wagon which I drove until it had 435,000 kms - we had that one for 21 years between 3 family members. The second Volvo I had (2000 V70) was a lemon. I would highly recommend this vehicle. I am trying to decide whether to keep it longer or trade it in because I am away a lot and often in remote areas.
VS
Critical Review
Our first Sienna was a 2004, burned up with an engine fire when parked at a Costco, 41,000 miles on it. Both slider doors had already failed at least 2 while under warranty. Toyota couldn't care less and seemed "burdened" to give us employee pricing for another one. This second one, a 2008, has had slider door issues 2-3 times on each door, multiple recalls and now is having engine issues at 100,000 miles. Oh, and Toyota got rid of some great adjusting arm rests on the front bucket seats................Not the Toyota of days old and definitely not as reliable. We are done with Toyota
2008 Sienna Reviews
Showing 8 of 765 reviews.
This has been the best vehicle ever...it is roomy, comfortable, quiet, powerful, and empty in the summer would get 26-27 mpg. The configurations that can be made with this van are exceptional with seats in place, some removed (lowered), or all removed. It was a pick-up truck for me when I wanted to haul a boat or lumber, it was a kid mover on game days when I picked up 5 kids on the way, and it was a peaceful refuge when stuck in Toronto, NYC, Chicago, Denver, St. Louis, Boston, and DC traffic. If a new one were not so expensive I would drive a Toyota Sienna forever!
Great riding vehicle. Minimum maintenance Except for changing out The front wheel bearings due to noise at 185000 miles . Rear back up camera is not the best compared to my 2014 tacoma . Worth a lot more to me than the estimated trade in value so will keep as everyday errand vehicle and backup. Actually has a smoother ride than a new sienna i leased for a long trip last year .
315,000 miles and still going strong. I’m the fourth owner. I think one of the previous owners sold it and then bought it back. Changed timing belt because that was recommended maintenance. Also replaced water pump at that time because maintenance technician did it without charging labor. Labor cost to replace it alone would be high. Also replaced sensor on transmission. My only complaint is that the center row seats don’t fold down, you have to take them out if you want to haul big furniture. My Oldsmobile minivan had more cargo space but it was totaled during high winds when a tree fell on it.
Pros: The room inside is vast. Economical gas Milage. everything opens with remote. Big rearview mirrors for parking and peripheral awareness. Cons: Constant issues with the axels (both sides), ball barrings (both sides), rack and pinion steering, alignment, oxygen sensors (has 4), and all this in 5 years of owning this vehicle. I am very surprised since I have driven other Toyota vehicles and have never seen so many problems arise as I have with this one. I have basically re done the whole front drive, (and the transmission), and I was told by a mechanic that it all needs to be done again two years later. I need a better vehicle. Good luck with your Toyota vans.
I own this Toyota Sienna since 2004 and it was a brand new car until today. It runs very good, all AC and Heating are working well as their brakes and tires. Only it has a den in the back corner and a loosed part under front bumper ..
I've had my Sienna for 12 years and it's going strong! 148,000 miles and mechanics say 250 000 average! I can flip down both or one of the SPLIT back seats. Seats 7 ppl and a big golden retriever. Worked great for long family vacations and hauling kids to sports tournaments besides college moving! I love it for hauling ally scrapbook stuff to retreats!! I'm trading it for a smaller vehicle now that my kids are adults. Sad to let it go!
Seating, powee, double slide doors, goos sound, ea
None
Super effective for camping, and working. 2 sliding doors with easy fold seats, good power, ac etc. Still runs great after 325,000 miles. Toyota vans are the best.
Spacious
Front end
Van that lasts forever is a great vehicle. Tons of space for your family and friends. I’ve really enjoyed the little special finds in this van with over 10+ cup holders and automatic side doors. The only issue I’ve been dealing with, with Toyota’s in general is the front end suspension and bushings. Not sure if it is just the year of them that was the issue and later they fixed it. Although I just had a Toyota Echo 2004 with the exact same issue. Going over bumps it sounds like the whole front end will fall off. In general I do feel Toyota’s are safe and can last a very long time if taken care of.
