Reader Review of the Week: 2010 Toyota Sienna
“Audifan” from northwest Connecticut went looking for a minivan or SUV that could haul a family for long distances and trek through the heavy snows of New England’s winters. She settled on the 2010 Toyota Sienna with all-wheel drive. How did things work out? The minivan had an immediate test when the family took a trip from Connecticut to Tampa, Fla., along Interstate 95. Read the full review to find out how the Sienna fared, and then write your own review here.
“Just drove my Sienna LE AWD to Tampa from Connecticut, and I was blown away! I looked at all SUVs for their AWD but didn't like the third-row access of the finalists (MDX, Acadia), and AWD wasn't available on any other minivan. It’s extremely comfortable even with my lower-back disc herniation, great visibility and versatile seating arrangements (i.e. shifting the second row and folding third row into floor).
“This van easily cruises at 80-85 mph through the Eastern states on I-95, keeping with the traffic flow, of course. Amazing that the torque was always right there for you and the buffeting from the big rigs was minimal.
“The headlights were the only drawback. Xenons should be standard or at least a better projector beam headlight. I recommend the cloth interior; it hides dirt well and is durable. The seats seem too firm at first but are very supportive and soft where they should be. Great cargo area, steering feel and brake feel. Even the steering felt very "connected.” I think for what a Sienna sells for, Bluetooth and an iPod plug should be standard. The radio is average; see if they can give you satellite radio for free.
“I thought the Sienna was a little futuristic-looking at first, but the low drag coefficient explains the profile. I will tease, belittle and criticize anyone purchasing a minivan who didn't buy a Sienna. It's built by Americans, much bigger than the VW/Chrysler minivan, reliable as you can get and safer than a box of bubble wrap. The AWD is great in the snow. The nose isn't too low, so steep driveways, speed bumps and parking curbs don't affect it, which is great for a multitasking parent not paying attention.
“We are leasing and plan to buy it out. The residual is strong, and we plan to keep it forever.”
Previous
Subscribe to our feed
Email us your tips!
Where is your sense of design. The dashboard is so basic, considering what you pay. Agreed the Odyssey does not have AWD but its atleast well designed, much more silent too when driving for long distance, Suggest you atleast give the Honda a look before throwing your money away.
Deepak, you know nothing my curry eating brother. Toyota Sienna is the best minivan there is. lots of room for the wife and her hot sister too..