Well, I have bought new and currently still own 3 of Gen-3 Seinnas (2011 XLE, 2015 L, 2020 Limited), so I may be a bit bias. In addition to the 3 Siennas, I have also bought new a 2002 Mazda MPV, a 2005 Honda Odyssey, 2018 Honda Odyssey. I think they are the most practical vehicles available and I can't ever imagine not owning one (minivan that is). Of all the different minivans I have purchased, the best one in my opinion is the Sienna. On a side note, the 2018 Odyssey with its faulty 9-speed ZF transmission almost killed us a few times, so I traded it for the 2020 Sienna Limited. It will be a cold day in HELL before I buy another Honda product . I've own 3 new Honda vehicles (all with faulty transmissions and two of them almost got my family in accidents) and will never ever purchase another Honda.
Roadtrips and general opinions
Hi everyone,
I'm looking into getting my first sienna and would love some opinions from current owners. I'm looking for a '15-'20 sienna xle or limited. This will be my first van. When my wife and I were expecting our first, my manager suggested we get a minivan because he had one with his kids and loved it. I kind of scoffed at the idea until I went and sat in a 3rd gen xle and loved it immediately. Since then everyone has been trying to convince me I should get a midsized suv but I feel the sienna can't be beat.
I have a few general questions.
What are your opinions on your siennas? Best years/features? Worst years/features? Things look out for when buying?
My wife and i took an 1800 mile round trip in our 08 crv last year and it about killed us from discomfort. After that experience, i really want a couch on wheels. How are they for like an annual roadtrip vacation with the kids? Fuel mileage?
Also I tend to keep vehicles for 10 yrs or so. How many miles have you seen on a 3rd gen?
I'm looking into getting my first sienna and would love some opinions from current owners. I'm looking for a '15-'20 sienna xle or limited. This will be my first van. When my wife and I were expecting our first, my manager suggested we get a minivan because he had one with his kids and loved it. I kind of scoffed at the idea until I went and sat in a 3rd gen xle and loved it immediately. Since then everyone has been trying to convince me I should get a midsized suv but I feel the sienna can't be beat.
I have a few general questions.
What are your opinions on your siennas? Best years/features? Worst years/features? Things look out for when buying?
My wife and i took an 1800 mile round trip in our 08 crv last year and it about killed us from discomfort. After that experience, i really want a couch on wheels. How are they for like an annual roadtrip vacation with the kids? Fuel mileage?
Also I tend to keep vehicles for 10 yrs or so. How many miles have you seen on a 3rd gen?
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We're on our second Sienna (two kids; one dog) and have road tripped from Iowa to Arizona, Colorado, Yellowstone, NM, Portland, Oregon, and many trips to Northern Minnesota. We love it.
You might consider a new 4 gen. They're hard to come by right now, but our experience is that late model gen 3s are more expensive than brand new Sienna's right now.
You might consider a new 4 gen. They're hard to come by right now, but our experience is that late model gen 3s are more expensive than brand new Sienna's right now.
My opinion:
'15 and '16 will be the most reliable years as they are the last two years of the 2GR-FE engine and 6-speed trans. The 2GR-FE is bulletproof, while the 6-speed trans shifts like it should. For AWD, the problematic rear differential coupling was redesigned for '15. The only thing I would do on these would be to replace the plastic oil filter housing with the aluminum ones found on pre-2015's.
AWD is important for me being in the MIdwest. AWD gets noticeably less MPG than FWD, especially on the highway. I've never gotten better than 24mpg on road trips. (Avg over 150K on a 2012 Limited was 18mpg.)
'17 and up have the newer direct injection 2GR-FKS engine and 8-speed trans. Yes it gets slightly better fuel economy, they're slightly quieter, and have more power (not that most people will notice), but that trans' shift behavior can be bewildering when taking off if left in the standard ECO mode. The spark plugs require changing at 60K miles according to manual. Probably a non-issue but I don't like plastic parts on an engine -- it has plastic valve covers.
XLE (and XLE Premium) vs. Limited/Limited Premium: I had a 2012 Limited with the panoramic sunroof which took significant headroom away in the 2nd and 3rd row vs. XLE. Kids enjoyed the panoramic sunroof for 2 years and that was that. The Limited came with HID, but the XLE's halogens are easily replaceable with aftermarket LEDs. I do miss the front parking sensors and rain sensing wipers on the Limited, although the XLE still has automatic headlamps.
The issues I had on our (purchased new) 2012 Limited AWD over 150K miles/9 years:
Overall not bad. The 3rd gen Sienna is a very reliable vehicle and should give you years of trouble-free service given proper maintenance.
'15 and '16 will be the most reliable years as they are the last two years of the 2GR-FE engine and 6-speed trans. The 2GR-FE is bulletproof, while the 6-speed trans shifts like it should. For AWD, the problematic rear differential coupling was redesigned for '15. The only thing I would do on these would be to replace the plastic oil filter housing with the aluminum ones found on pre-2015's.
AWD is important for me being in the MIdwest. AWD gets noticeably less MPG than FWD, especially on the highway. I've never gotten better than 24mpg on road trips. (Avg over 150K on a 2012 Limited was 18mpg.)
'17 and up have the newer direct injection 2GR-FKS engine and 8-speed trans. Yes it gets slightly better fuel economy, they're slightly quieter, and have more power (not that most people will notice), but that trans' shift behavior can be bewildering when taking off if left in the standard ECO mode. The spark plugs require changing at 60K miles according to manual. Probably a non-issue but I don't like plastic parts on an engine -- it has plastic valve covers.
XLE (and XLE Premium) vs. Limited/Limited Premium: I had a 2012 Limited with the panoramic sunroof which took significant headroom away in the 2nd and 3rd row vs. XLE. Kids enjoyed the panoramic sunroof for 2 years and that was that. The Limited came with HID, but the XLE's halogens are easily replaceable with aftermarket LEDs. I do miss the front parking sensors and rain sensing wipers on the Limited, although the XLE still has automatic headlamps.
The issues I had on our (purchased new) 2012 Limited AWD over 150K miles/9 years:
- rear differential coupler replaced (should not be issue on '15 and up)
- left engine mount replaced
- broken rear right spring (my fault -- flew over speed bump)
- grinding noise from rear diff at full throttle in snow (never repaired)
- right rear wheel bearings replaced
- small heater core leak
- broken gas filler door
Overall not bad. The 3rd gen Sienna is a very reliable vehicle and should give you years of trouble-free service given proper maintenance.
I agree with you on honda quality going down hill. My parents had an 08 ridgeline that was bulletproof for 200k miles. My 08 crv has its quirks but has been all in all reliable. However, my sister has a 16 accord that has been nothing but trouble and it has the "more reliable" 3.5. I've always heard the odyssey has a weak trans especially in that last 10 yrs.Well, I have bought new and currently still own 3 of Gen-3 Seinnas (2011 XLE, 2015 L, 2020 Limited), so I may be a bit bias. In addition to the 3 Siennas, I have also bought new a 2002 Mazda MPV, a 2005 Honda Odyssey, 2018 Honda Odyssey. I think they are the most practical vehicles available and I can't ever imagine not owning one (minivan that is). Of all the different minivans I have purchased, the best one in my opinion is the Sienna. On a side note, the 2018 Odyssey with its faulty 9-speed ZF transmission almost killed us a few times, so I traded it for the 2020 Sienna Limited. It will be a cold day in HELL before I buy another Honda product . I've own 3 new Honda vehicles (all with faulty transmissions and two of them almost got my family in accidents) and will never ever purchase another Honda.
Why would you listen to people telling to get a SUV? It's ultimately your decision.
I have owned many SUVs, here why I went with a van.
I can tell you I'm happy with my 2011 XLE as it has just as much amenities as my Subaru that's made in 2019. Including push start, heated seats, trajectory backup, etc. I actually bought it for $1k under KBB last year from original owners with 58k for $17500.
If you look at my profile I've updated a lot of things due to it being over 10 yrs old now not because if the milage. But it's going to ensure it will last me many trouble free years without any needed maintenance in the near future.
You can't go wrong with a minivan if you have kids. Trust me, it's easier to get in your kid(s) then a SUV. I know 2011 seems old but it's the same as the 2015 , engine and transmission wise.
I have owned many SUVs, here why I went with a van.
- More space for my wife and the kids in the back
- Van can haul more stuff on the back for trips anywhere
- Crash testing just as good as any on the market
- Had milage is almost as good as our Subaru Ascent
- Comfortable for me 2-3 hr drives so far but I'm planning on a 700 mile trip in the next week
- If you get AWD, it's just as capable as and SUV
I can tell you I'm happy with my 2011 XLE as it has just as much amenities as my Subaru that's made in 2019. Including push start, heated seats, trajectory backup, etc. I actually bought it for $1k under KBB last year from original owners with 58k for $17500.
If you look at my profile I've updated a lot of things due to it being over 10 yrs old now not because if the milage. But it's going to ensure it will last me many trouble free years without any needed maintenance in the near future.
You can't go wrong with a minivan if you have kids. Trust me, it's easier to get in your kid(s) then a SUV. I know 2011 seems old but it's the same as the 2015 , engine and transmission wise.
I agree with you 100%. I think most people feel an SUV is 'cooler' than a minivan and minivans are only for people with 5 kids. But I can tell you, I looked at some pilots and highlanders and the storage behind the 3rd row is a joke. Plus the 3rd row is nothing but a feature on the window sticker because no human over the age of 3 can fit back there. The only SUV's I feel can be comparable are the full size SUV's ( tahoe, surburban, expedition, sequoia) but even those aren't as comfortable in the 3rd row as a standard sienna plus a 60k-75k price tag.Why would you listen to people telling to get a SUV? It's ultimately your decision.
I have owned many SUVs, here why I went with a van.
So the question is why do you want a SUV? Do you go off road often or just road trips and grocery runs?
- More space for my wife and the kids in the back
- Van can haul more stuff on the back for trips anywhere
- Crash testing just as good as any on the market
- Had milage is almost as good as our Subaru Ascent
- Comfortable for me 2-3 hr drives so far but I'm planning on a 700 mile trip in the next week
- If you get AWD, it's just as capable as and SUV
I can tell you I'm happy with my 2011 XLE as it has just as much amenities as my Subaru that's made in 2019. Including push start, heated seats, trajectory backup, etc. I actually bought it for $1k under KBB last year from original owners with 58k for $17500.
If you look at my profile I've updated a lot of things due to it being over 10 yrs old now not because if the milage. But it's going to ensure it will last me 10+ yrs without any needed maintenance on the near future.
You can't go wrong with a minivan if you have kids. Trust me, it's easier to get in your kid(s) then a SUV.
If a 2018-2020 is within your budget, definitely go with one of those due to the important standard safety features that were implemented for the 2018 model year - automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beam, lane keeping assistance. Go with FWD unless you live where AWD is absolutely critical.
The 2018-2020 Sienna Limited FWD is perhaps the last of a rare breed - the last Sienna with dual sunroofs and power stowing and reclining 3rd row seats. Plus, the FWD Limited gets the 2nd row ottoman seats which the AWD version doesn't have.
Our 2014 Sienna Limited FWD, purchased new, is tied with our 2012 Prius v for being the most trouble free vehicles we've owned. There have been several recalls on both vehicles but nothing has really broken that wasn't covered under warranty. Our Sienna is at around 112,000 miles and still on its original brake front and rear. Only regular maintenance has been required except for the sliding door tracks and hinges and the fuel door hinges which have required occasional cleaning and lubrication.
An exception to the "nothing has really broken" statement are the lug nuts. If you buy a Sienna, replace the "clad" lug nuts with the one-piece lug nuts that are used on Toyotas assembled in Japan. You don't want to join the "Swollen Nuts Club" and break a wheel stud like I did.
The 2018-2020 Sienna Limited FWD is perhaps the last of a rare breed - the last Sienna with dual sunroofs and power stowing and reclining 3rd row seats. Plus, the FWD Limited gets the 2nd row ottoman seats which the AWD version doesn't have.
Our 2014 Sienna Limited FWD, purchased new, is tied with our 2012 Prius v for being the most trouble free vehicles we've owned. There have been several recalls on both vehicles but nothing has really broken that wasn't covered under warranty. Our Sienna is at around 112,000 miles and still on its original brake front and rear. Only regular maintenance has been required except for the sliding door tracks and hinges and the fuel door hinges which have required occasional cleaning and lubrication.
An exception to the "nothing has really broken" statement are the lug nuts. If you buy a Sienna, replace the "clad" lug nuts with the one-piece lug nuts that are used on Toyotas assembled in Japan. You don't want to join the "Swollen Nuts Club" and break a wheel stud like I did.
You've piqued my interest. Any idea where to buy JDM one piece lug nuts for the Siennas? I could only find some one piece lugs on Amazon from a company named Mikkuppa. Anyone know if this is a reputable brand?An exception to the "nothing has really broken" statement are the lug nuts. If you buy a Sienna, replace the "clad" lug nuts with the one-piece lug nuts that are used on Toyotas assembled in Japan. You don't want to join the "Swollen Nuts Club" and break a wheel stud like I did.
https://amazon.com/gp/product/B08J69WVWC/ref=crt_ewc_title_srh_1?ie=UTF8&smid=AIHVL468YWUM0&th=1
Yes, I'm in the SLNC! I'm looking to buy tires soon and want to replace my nuts.🤪If a 2018-2020 is within your budget, definitely go with one of those due to the important standard safety features that were implemented for the 2018 model year - automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beam, lane keeping assistance. Go with FWD unless you live where AWD is absolutely critical.
The 2018-2020 Sienna Limited FWD is perhaps the last of a rare breed - the last Sienna with dual sunroofs and power stowing and reclining 3rd row seats. Plus, the FWD Limited gets the 2nd row ottoman seats which the AWD version doesn't have.
Our 2014 Sienna Limited FWD, purchased new, is tied with our 2012 Prius v for being the most trouble free vehicles we've owned. There have been several recalls on both vehicles but nothing has really broken that wasn't covered under warranty. Our Sienna is at around 112,000 miles and still on its original brake front and rear. Only regular maintenance has been required except for the sliding door tracks and hinges and the fuel door hinges which have required occasional cleaning and lubrication.
An exception to the "nothing has really broken" statement are the lug nuts. If you buy a Sienna, replace the "clad" lug nuts with the one-piece lug nuts that are used on Toyotas assembled in Japan. You don't want to join the "Swollen Nuts Club" and break a wheel stud like I did.
I am on my second Sienna, fourth Toyota minivan. Started with a minivan ('93 Previa LE) back in 1993 when the kids were about 3 and 8. Got a second van ('92 Previa All-Trac) about 1999. The '93 was removed from action in a wintertime slide off the road. The '92 was removed from action in 2010 when the engine decided it had had enough and went up in a cloud of smoke. It was replaced by an '05 Sienna LE AWD. Except for a right-side power door that locked up and could not be opened, it was basically trouble-free. It was replaced just last year with my current 2018 XLE AWD. It came to me with low miles (about 29k), but was in need of tires and brakes. Replaced them, had the fuel pump recall done and have had no other issues.
You will see a bit of discussion about the erratic operation of the 8-speed transmission, especially at lower speeds. The usual remedy is to switch away from the ECO mode. I tried that. I found it even more aggravating because you had to do it every time you started the engine, and all it seems to do is to change the response curve to throttle application. I had to re-calibrate my foot so I was not jumping away at stoplights, so it ended up not making any difference in the way the transmission responded.
Gas mileage is acceptable (for me). Average is 18-20 in town and 24-25 on the road, with the cruise control set at 70. My job is maintaining patient-care equipment in hospitals and doctor's offices, so I am always carrying tools and test equipment with me. With the third row seats folded down, there is plenty of room for all of that and up to three other people, if it's a larger facility we are servicing. Yes, for some reason, the uninitiated seem to scoff at minivans, but after having (at least) one for almost 30 years, it's my vehicle of choice and I am NOT ashamed to be seen driving it.
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You will see a bit of discussion about the erratic operation of the 8-speed transmission, especially at lower speeds. The usual remedy is to switch away from the ECO mode. I tried that. I found it even more aggravating because you had to do it every time you started the engine, and all it seems to do is to change the response curve to throttle application. I had to re-calibrate my foot so I was not jumping away at stoplights, so it ended up not making any difference in the way the transmission responded.
Gas mileage is acceptable (for me). Average is 18-20 in town and 24-25 on the road, with the cruise control set at 70. My job is maintaining patient-care equipment in hospitals and doctor's offices, so I am always carrying tools and test equipment with me. With the third row seats folded down, there is plenty of room for all of that and up to three other people, if it's a larger facility we are servicing. Yes, for some reason, the uninitiated seem to scoff at minivans, but after having (at least) one for almost 30 years, it's my vehicle of choice and I am NOT ashamed to be seen driving it.
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I bought the 1-piece chrome plated lug nuts at a Toyota dealership per my post at Swollen lug nutsYou've piqued my interest. Any idea where to buy JDM one piece lug nuts for the Siennas?
Back in June we picked up our XLE in Boston, pulled into the Alaska driveway a month and a-half and 9000 miles later.
The vehicle was a fantastic travel companion, most remarkable for how it melted away those miles, especially for our 6&10yo in back and kept complaints at a shocking minimum. The teenager had other summer plans, but she especially appreciates the personal
space on our routine 500 mile Anchorage runs and never seems embarrassed by the family van.
That said, there’s a couple things you should definitely consider:
Even my van-disliking-on-principal, I-really-wanted-a-4Runner wife enjoys this Sienna, and, most tellingly, somewhere halfway across the country was heard saying “You know, this is nice... A really civilized, classy way to travel.“
The vehicle was a fantastic travel companion, most remarkable for how it melted away those miles, especially for our 6&10yo in back and kept complaints at a shocking minimum. The teenager had other summer plans, but she especially appreciates the personal
space on our routine 500 mile Anchorage runs and never seems embarrassed by the family van.
That said, there’s a couple things you should definitely consider:
- Fuel economy on our AWD is lousy, typically 20 mpg Highway.
- Drivers seat comfort is merely adequate (6’, average build). I find the front passenger seat substandard; if I had to cross the country there it would be a dealbreaker, my wife finds it acceptable though. I figured we’d stay in a Gen3 Sienna forever (I love vans) but this issue alone will probably have us consider other options once the oldest leaves for college.
- Ditching those runflat tires will add immensely to your Highway comfort. Consider going up one sidewall height size too, our 235/60-18’s were transformative.
Even my van-disliking-on-principal, I-really-wanted-a-4Runner wife enjoys this Sienna, and, most tellingly, somewhere halfway across the country was heard saying “You know, this is nice... A really civilized, classy way to travel.“
Thanks for the info/tip. I ordered a set of the one piece lug nuts (90942-01033) from a Toyota dealer's online store and called them to see if they would actually send the right lugs (and not replace with the 2 piece USDM lugs) and the parts guy checked and said they have both types of lugs and said it would be the 90942-01033 and would ship in a bag with the part number on it, so fingers crossed.I bought the 1-piece chrome plated lug nuts at a Toyota dealership per my post at Swollen lug nuts
I'd say go for a 2016
Last year before they went to direct injection and 8 speed in the 2017+
Love mine and have zero issues making routine trips back and forth from NY to FL
Currently have ~187,xxx miles and still drives like brand new
Last year before they went to direct injection and 8 speed in the 2017+
Love mine and have zero issues making routine trips back and forth from NY to FL
Currently have ~187,xxx miles and still drives like brand new
Agree with above. We specifically sought out a 15 or 16 model for the slight revisions but more importantly the tried and true 3.5 v6 with the 6 speed transmission. Also wanted the reclining ottoman seats that my kids absolutely love for long road trips to Florida (just got back from FL actually).
After our Pilot died we needed a new vehicle. Although we don't really need a van for me is was the 'best' choice. I did a spreadsheet and listed things that were important to me. In each category vans won over SUVs. 2+ years on I'm very happy.
Nothing cool about a Honda Pilot when it needs a $1,000 - $1500 timing belt job.
Nothing cool about a Honda Pilot when it needs a $1,000 - $1500 timing belt job.
Yep I did a list myself. We already had an SUV, wanted a small car to drive to work after COVID restrictions were eased off however we decided on a van.After our Pilot died we needed a new vehicle. Although we don't really need a van for me is was the 'best' choice. I did a spreadsheet and listed things that were important to me. In each category vans won over SUVs. 2+ years on I'm very happy.
Nothing cool about a Honda Pilot when it needs a $1,000 - $1500 timing belt job.
But nothing on this van is cheap to fix either of you take it to the shop. Things like spark plugs would cost $500 at the dealership. Spark plugs! I also heard water pump can run over $1000 easy too.
May I?
If you are indeed planning on keeping the van for 10 years, I'd go with Gen 4.
In the next few years the fuel prices will likely continue to creep upwards, and I also suspect that the costs of the on-going electrification will lead to punitive taxes on the ICE-only vehicles. Besides, it's nicer to have newer safety tech. Finally, IMO the Toyota hybrid powertrains have unmatched reliability and longevity.
If you are indeed planning on keeping the van for 10 years, I'd go with Gen 4.
In the next few years the fuel prices will likely continue to creep upwards, and I also suspect that the costs of the on-going electrification will lead to punitive taxes on the ICE-only vehicles. Besides, it's nicer to have newer safety tech. Finally, IMO the Toyota hybrid powertrains have unmatched reliability and longevity.
We just traded in our GMC SUV for a 2020 LE. Best move ever! More space, better gas mileage, 1100 mile trip with only rest stops (2 drivers) and comfy all the way. I could nap in the back while wife was driving. We added aftermarket leather seat covers, air bags 9firestone-rear) and front and rear Megan sway bars. Handles loads, towing and handles almost a well as my older Mercedes. Highly recommend.
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