The 2010 was the final year for the Gen-II model, and really represents the best of it's generation. It received virtually all of the 'fixes' for the various issues that emerged during the 7 year run. Over that time there were something like 135 technical service bulletins and recalls, and the van even has the steel lines for the VVTi and oil cooler fiasco. By contrast, the 2011 was the first year of the new Gen-III model. While it had a lot of new features & flash, as you've already heard, it was the victim of a lot of cost cutting. There have been quiet a number of quality issue (design & build), and a lot of TSB's issued to help the service bay deal with the problems. If you have your heart set on a Gen-II, look for a late build date 2011, or save your pennies for a 2012.

 

On the other hand, most the mechanical bits are identical in a 2010 and a 2011 (the transmission being the significant exceptions), so the "first of generation" 2011 doesn't seem like a big risk to me... for major items.

 

I think the Sienna is better, and I honestly don't think that toyota is going to have problems from the recalls forever. Even with a damaged reputation they are doing better then honda. I can't give numbers, but looking out on the road I think it's safe to say that camry and corolla sales haven't really suffered. That being said I like the Sienna better because it seems more practical in general as well as looking cooler. Also it has a sport package; which I mean, it's a van so it's not gonna be that sporty, but it's certainly better than nothing.