siennaitaly said:
The only major problem is the steering. First I have to say I much prefer it to the Honda but it is overly sensitive compared the the 2004 LE. At high speeds I find myself constantly adjusting steering as the van keeps drifting too easily. I might get used to it but it is tiring on the arms and one really has to pay attention. I called the dealer and they explained something about electronic which I did not understand, but they also said if there were enough complaints, Toyota might come up with a computer program update. Would someone be able to explain all that in layman's term?
All but the smallest modern vehicles have power-assisted steering, and the Sienna is no exception. The traditional way to do "power steering" is to have a hydraulic ram which pushes the steering gear left or right to help the driver. The power comes from a pump which is driven by the engine. How hard to push is determined by a mechanical valve in the steering column, which responds to how hard the driver is turning the steering wheel, now commonly with some tweaking by an electronic system, depending on information such as how fast the vehicle is moving. The first and second generation Siennas (1998-2010) have this hydraulic system.
Many recent vehicles, including the third-generation Sienna, use an electric motor to help, with no hydraulics at all. The power comes from the electrical system. How hard to push is still determined by how hard the driver turns the steering wheel, as well as other factors such as vehicle speed, but a computer makes the calculations instead of a hydraulic control valve. The amount of assistance can be changed by changing the computer program, which is what the dealer suggested might be done.
Does that help? I appreciate hearing how the new electrically-assisted steering is working out.