The minivan war is over and the winner is

[osteome1]

I had my first chance to drive a new Limited yesterday and was impressed. Yes, the plastics are a bit harder than our 2004, but is not really a big deal breaker for us. Softer would be nice, but can live with what is there. We did miss the door bins and the adjusting arm rest, but the rest of the package was impressive.

We will be replacing the 2004 in the summer, and it will most likely be with another Sienna. We cross-shopped Honda back when we got the current Sienna and I cannot get my wife to even consider the new Odyssey given its exterior looks. She is not necessarily hung up on looks in general, but she just can't around the lightning bolt window and the front end.

We would not even consider the Dodge/Chrysler as the reputation is just not there. Also, if you think the Sienna eats brakes, then the stories at Chrysler are not much better (same for the Routan).

The Quest's odd rear seat folding arrangement took that one of the list as well.

So at the end of the day, it will likely be another Sienna (our 7th Toyota).

[sunnyside]

7th Toyota!!, talk about being loyal!!

[ritusharma2012]

I totally agree. I have a 2001 sienna XLE and it still runs great. I never had any kind failures (it's fully loaded) whatsoever. I just did the servicing as recommended and I am so happy that it still runs so quiet. Last week I bought 2012 sienna XLE with nav package and can't describe my excitement to see the kind of technology it has - remote start, keyless function, handle sensors to lock/unlock, memory option for AC, mirror and seat adjustment, rear sonar, backup camera, and the huge comfort inside. WOW!!!!

The interior of a minivan, especially, is not all about materials if that's what you are referring to when you say 'worst interior'. What about confort, functionality and quietness? In that regard the Sienna fares very well. For instance, you can move the second row seats back and you don't lose the inner armrest on these when you remove the center seat. And the driver seat is not narrow as in the new Honda.

When I want materials 'soft to the touch' and all that BS auto magazines are brainwashing people with, I drive my M45 :o)

Also and by far, the Sienna has the most technology. For me that was the deciding point. The Odyssey is an overpriced vehicle with almost nothing more than the classic stuff like NAV and RES. Typical Honda - they are so far behind Toyota in terms of technology, at least for the vehicles they sell in the US, it's not even funny. I have owned a lot of Hondas but I'm done with them (still own an Accord, however). Auto up down windows and cruise control are what Honda calls technology, not me. The Sienna has smart key, telematics, radar cruise, AWD, (n/a with radar cruise, unfortunately) rain-sensing wipers, dimming inside and outside mirrors, auto high beams, manual option for the 6-speed, etc., etc. Personally I'll take the convenience of smart key over soft plastics ANY DAY!

As far as the Grand Caravan's 282 hp... Who cares. How much does it weight? Maybe it's a f... tank and it needs a whole lot more than 282 hp to move forward. Power mentioned alone does not mean anything.

[ritusharma2012]

This is my 5th Toyota and I don't think I am going to try others.

7th Toyota!!, talk about being loyal!!