Toyota Sienna 2004+

kmead

Yes, my wife and I saw the gray blue for the first time in person tonight. We were so disappointed, Toyota has had so many nice blue metallics and this one is just dead boring. We will likely be buying the Natural White as it at least offers a good graphic with the black mirrors and windows.

aelo26

Does anyone know how access is to the third row of seats in the 8 passenger LE model when all three 2nd row seats are in? From all the pictures I've seen it seems like it would be very hard to get into the 3rd row of seats because the doors only open to the 2nd row. Thanks

kgnw1

You can fold the back of the seat down and then flip up the outer 2nd row seats to get access to the 3rd row. Should be pretty easy access.

aelo26

Thanks kgnw1,

That seems to be a pain if you are carpooling and have someone in that seat and need access to the 3rd row. Most vans have a little bit of space on the side if they have a bench or 3 seats in the 2nd row.

shabbycat

We are getting the 8 passenger model. Yes, I was concerned about "easy access" to the third row. But in trying out the 8 passenger at the local Toyota lot, it wasn't that hard. You just have to remember to flip the seat back down first. Most of the time I won't have anyone in that seat, and when I do have someone in that seat, it might mean the back seats are folded all the way down. We'll have to see. BTW, the seat flipping/folding was MUCH easier in the 04 Sienna than in the Dodge Durango we rented last year. Took both of my hand and a big shove to move that seat.

dparler

My wife ruled out the 8 seater due to that concern. In carpool, for one to exit from the third row from the side door, a second row seat must be flipped forward, which can;t be done with someone sitting there !!! I went by (separately, later) to confirm the "rule-out" and the salesperson had a great deal of difficulty flipping it (the 8th seat) forward and out of the way. Also, look at the size of that middle (8th) seat ... smaller than the other 2 ... and remember, even with the eighth seat OUT completely, the other two second row seats do not have armrests, are not captain's chairs, and CANNOT be pushed together as a bench. We decided that if we did not NEED the eighth seat for carpool, we would not want it there ... even if flipped forward, it is somewhat in the way of easy passability down the middle aisle toward the third row (it seemed to me.)

aelo26

Dparler, What do you mean when you say that in the 8 seater the two side chairs are not captain's chairs? Is this b/c they have no armrests or are they smaller than standard captain's chairs? Also, did you end up getting the 7 passenger model?

bakelly11

In the 8 seater, it's just one long seat. There are no captain's chairs. It's 3 chairs without arms pushed together to form one long bench seat. Yes, it holds one more person, but without the arm rests, I don't think it will be nearly as comfortable.

My opinion is that if you really need the extra seat, than its a good van for you. I do think that you are sacrificing comfort by getting that 8th seat.

Bev

bakelly11

I was just reading this in a review.

"Fourteen cup- and bottle-holders are designed to hold McDonald's extra-large containers and are deep enough to prevent tipping when cornering."

Where are these cup holders? When I look in the book I can't really see them all. I see 4 in the front tray, am guessing there are some in the back, but where are the rest?

Thanks,
Bev

dparler

Sorry, I tried to respond last night but my message got ZAPPED because I included a dealer phone #. This is for dogmom2 in Atlanta; I was at Bourne Toyota in Augusta Sunday and they had both an LE 7 passenger Aspen Green Sienna and a Blue Mirage Metallic 8 paasenger CE. I do not know the options, but it might be worth a call.

dparler

I went to the dealer last night to help "rule out " the 8th seat; my wife had gone earlier and thought that it (8th seat) was a DISadvantage because one cannot enter (or exit) from sliding side door into the third row seats without removing or tilting forward a second row seat. I do not know the definition of a captain's seat per se, but the 8 passenger second row seats do NOT have arm rests, nor can they be pushed together (without the 8th seat between them) to create a 2-seat bench. One may remove any of the three seats, thereby converting the middle (second row) to 2 seats and "reproduce" a seven passenger model... EXCEPT if you take out a side seat, the middle seat you leave is smaller; it might be fine for a 4 yr old but maybe uncomfortable for a 10 yr old. Or, take out the smaller middle (8th) seat, leaving two side seats that will NOT push together to create a bench and will NOT have armrests, and will not allow room to enter the third row from the side (only from the middle where the 8th, now removed seat left a void ! Got it ? I left with the same conclusion that my wife independently arrived at : if you REALLY NEED 8 seats, get the 8 passenger model. If you're just gonna get an extra seat because it only costs an extra $150 and you can "always" take it out and put it in the attic and "convert" into the 7 passenger model, you are making some sacrifices to do that. The "conversion" or even removal was not an easy task, and you're left with the choices I noted above. We have therefore decided on the XLE, seven passenger (they don't have 8 passenger models in the XLE and Limited -- you can have luxury or an eighth passenger, but NOT BOTH ) !!!

jctobin

For those that care about such things... Here's an inventory of the cupholders in my soon-to-arrive LE: 4 in front row tray. 1 in dashboard. 2 bottleholders in front doors. 2 bottleholders in sliding doors. 4 cupholders in third row. Total: 13. I believe that the XLE adds a fifth cupholder in the center console for a total of 14. Sorry, they didn't put any cupholders in the luggage area :-)

itch1

Why would 7 passengers need 13 cupholders? With that ratio, Toyota should offer a port-a-potty option as well ;-)

bakelly11

Couldn't imagine where they'd get a number that high.

Bev

tmurphx5

The LE I got has 5 cup holders in the front row fold up tray, one of the storage areas doubles up as a cup holder. So that makes 10 cup holders and 4 bottle holders.

Check out all the storage area... my young son eventually found two that seemed to be missing, they are under the front door arms rests.

Plenty of orifices to clean out when kids stuff gets spilt or is left to rot in the storage area. I suppose better there than on the carpet of down the back of the seats.

On the color treads.... we ended up with the pearl blue metallic, at first we were looking for a silver but the blue was the only one available. After a few days the color has really grown on us and it stands out well against the various shades of gray and silver Ody's our friends have.

bakelly11

I just looked in the book. I don't see a pearl blue metallic. Do you mean the Blue Mirage Metallic? Is that the light blue?

I haven't been able to find that color van anywhere. Just wondering if that's what you're talking about. That's what I've ordered. Hoping I will like it when I see it.

Bev

tmurphx5

Sorry, you are correct, I just checked, it is Blue Mirage Metallic. It came with the matching running boards.

I am sure you will like it, a week later it has some dirt and dust on it but it doesn't look as dirty as it would have on the darker DGC I had..

Enjoy

dogmom2

I will look on Bourne Toyota site. Also I will email you for the name of the contact at Pitts Toyota.

Also, why do you think the LE has only one power door? It doesn't make sense to me.

Thanks a lot!

mmms

Does anyone have info on the Sienna AWD system and how it works?

dparler

The dual POWER sliding doors are standard ONLY on the XLE and XLE limited. YOu CANNOT get both power doors on the CE or LE, but you can get ONE power sliding door as an option for $800 or so. I have figured out (and had it confirmed by two different salespeople) that it is to "get you to move up to the next level." Indeed, the XLE is almost $4k more than the base CE, nbut you get DUAL POWER sliding doors. One salesperson told me that the local dealer could add-on the option of a RIGHT hand sliding door OR a LEFT-hand power door but that they would not do both at a Toyota dealership (but you might be able to take it somewhere else and have it done). Two cautionary notes : (1) I don't know if the salepersons know what they're talking about and (2) I don't want a shadetree mechanic working on my brand new $30k van !!!

wwest

Same as on the RX330, three open differentials, normally even torque all around provided traction is equal (high or low) all around. This system alone would normally route ALL of the engine torque to the wheel or wheels with the LEAST traction, leaving you STUCK!

But in addition to open diff'ls, the Sienna and the RX330 use moderate, modulated, braking to the slipping wheel(s) to "simulate" higher traction allowing greater torque to wheels with traction

I have been advised by a Lexus factory representative that like the RX300, the RX330 (and thus likely the Sienna) uses differing final drive ratios at the front vs the rear such that engine torque is biased to the front.

The RX300 measured about 90/10 torque biasing F/R on a 4 wheel drive dynamometer, I would expect the RX330 and the Sienna will be the same.

But now the bad news, the REALLY bad news.

All of these systems, ABS, Trac, VSC, and the AWD brake modulation torque apportioning system, use just one itty-bitty teeny tiny 12 volt electric motor, a motor of about the same capability as the one driving your windshield wipers.

To prevent this motor from being over-taxed and/or over-heated it is prevented from operating continuously for more than about 1 minute. During the firmware time-out period none of these systems will work, not even ABS.

So if you can live with only about a minute's worth of AWD, and not rely on the ABS during the cooldown/recovery time.....

aelo26

Does anyone know if the 2nd row captain's chairs in the 7 passenger LE model can slide together like the Odyssey's ? Also, is there more space between the doors and the 2nd row chairs on the 7 seater than the 8 passenger model? (Allowing passage to 3rd row)

bakelly11

Yes, either seat in the 2nd row can slide inward. I plan on doing that so it is easier to enter the 3rd row (especially for my kids). My daughter has set claim to the 3rd row.

You can move either one of the seats in so the seats are next to each other. The salesman did it pretty easily. I haven't tried it though.

deepan

The 7 passenger can be had enxt to each other but they dont slide. You have to take the right seat out and reposition it. second question is yes there is definitely more space on the 7 seater to get to the third.

jctobin

"So if you can live with only about a minute's worth of AWD, and not rely on the ABS during the cooldown/recovery time....."

This is bogus information. Wwest had some trouble with the AWD on an older RX300 when he got it stuck and now seems to have a grudge against Toyota products, and keeps putting this stuff up over and over again. What he says about only one minute of ABS/VSC/AWD modulation being available has not been substantiated by others. Even if what he says is true, this system is rarely activated for more than a few seconds at a time. This is NOT the same as AWD being available for only a minute at a time, AWD is available all the time.

Funny, I remember reading a post recently on the Sienna Club site about someone that got a big dump of snow and telling how wonderful his AWD Sienna was, he even helped an '03 Sienna owner that had gotten stuck. I don't recall him saying anything about the AWD quitting after one minute, LOL!

We have an AWD LE due in a couple of weeks, and drive lots in the snow in winter, and I'm not losing any sleep about Wwest's scare tactics.

wwest

Admittedly, it would likely be a rare occassion that the firmware time-out came into play, but apparently not so rare that Toyota saw fit to acknowledge it, with a high-lighted CAUTION note in the Sequoia owner's manual.

I will, in all probability, be purchasing a new RX330 before the snow flies, knowing the vehicles design flaws and limitations is just part of the buying process for me.

ALL vehicles have short-comings, life itself is a compromise, at least for most of us.

rdballer

The owner handbook states that you can reprogram the door lock/unlock behavior. My van was a demo unit and someone programmed it not lock/unlock automatically. I've just ordered the manuals for the van, but might anyone out there already know the steps to reprogram this behavior?

kgnw1

You'll have to take back to the dealer and have them change the "Customized Body Electronics System" settings with their hand-held tester. Although they'll need to have the firmware on the tester updated with the 2004 Sienna if they haven't already.

tmurphx5

I want to change my door lock defaults to only lock when the car goes over 20mph. The owners manual says you can do this but you need to contact the dealer. I also want my doors to unlock when you turn off the ignition. I talked to the sales guy, he referred me to the service manager who said I had to take the car back in and they would hook it up to the computer and change the defaults, no charge.

rdballer

Thanks for the info. I already have an appointment for Tuesday to get the "Due Bill" items addressed. I'll ask for the reprogramming then.

st_pu

Does BI #4 package have front, rear, and third row curtain airbags? I just got call from Toyota dealer who tried to convience me, that only BW #7 package will have power door + curtain airbags. Did anyone get #4 package?

kgnw1

Yes - Package #4 BI is suppose to have curtian airbags on all 3 rows.

Package #7 BW adds VSC with traction control/brake assist, rr disc brakes, w/s wiper de-icer, daytime running lamps, alloy wheels.

tmurphx5

I purchased the LE with Package #1. The Toyota Web, 'Build your own tool', originally showed the V.I.P - RS3200 Plus Security System as part of the package (I have a printout) but when I got the car it only had the engine immobilizer. The Toyota web site is now updated. Suggest you check out the Toyota web site again and see what the have in #4 now.

st_pu

kgnw1, tmurphx5, thanks for answer. I'll check toyota.com site

christopherp

I am interested in the 2004 XLE AWD. However, I am having a tough time configuring one the way I want. I spoke with a Toyota dealer and he was no help. Basically, I would like:

1. 2004 XLE AWD
2. Rear DVD entertainment system
3. Leather seats with front heated seats
4. Side curtain airbags for all three rows

I'd prefer not to have to step up to the XLE Limitted since it's expensive and includes features I don't need. Can anyone assist? Perhaps I'm missing an option package or two that will give me what I am looking for.

Chris

kgnw1

Don't believe you can get the XLE in that combination.

Pkg 18 (GL) gets you Leather trimmed seats, 3-in-1 JBL audio w/10 speakers, and DVD rear entertainment system

Pkg 17 (GK) gets you Leather trimmed seats plus heated front seats + driver, front passenger, and side curtain airbags

But can't have both.

broncoguy

Your only option is to get Package 17 and then go with an aftermarket or portable DVD. This issue haunted me for a while until I decided I did not need the AWD (although I live in MN and take many trips across snowy and icy ND to get to my hometown in MT) and that FWD with TRAC and VSC would be sufficient for my needs.

I really liked the look and feel of the AWD with the larger ground clearance and I fear I will miss the runflat tires, but everything is there for me to get a set myself and put them on.

itch1

I test drove a FWD LE 8 passenger and the dealer kept going on and on about its run flat tires. Now I'm confused. I thought the run flat tires only came with AWD vehicles. Does anybody know for sure?

kmead

Run flats are AWD only, the sales person is showing their lack of product knowledge. If you get a followup call let the poller know that the sales person was giving incorrect information.

tmurphx5

They come as standard on the AWD because there is no room for the spare because of the drive train. I believe they are optional on the FWD.
You can order a regular spare for the AWD but it goes in the storage are in the back and takes up a lot of space.

beaghi

Yes the 8 passenger does not have arm rest on the second row. But do not be mistaken, it can still be more confortable than the third row if you expect to sit 3 people. The second row seat (8 passenger model) is a 58 inch seat(larger that the back seat of a Camry) while the third row seat is only a 47 inch seat (less than the back seat of an Echo). The 11 extra inches can compensate for the no arm rest. BTW, the 8 passenger model is nice for families with 3 kids. You can sit everybody (first and second row) and still have plenty of space for long trip (third row not used by people).

kmead

The three across second row and the reasons you state are the exact single largest reason I am buying a Sienna over an Ody. All 3 of our kids are in some type of seat or booster and I expect they will remain there for several more years. All of our boosters have arm support of some type as part of the seat so for the short term we have no issue. If it becomes an issue I can see the middle seat folded to create a large armrest working very well.

beaghi

I am also going to buy the LE 8 this week and I did not even consider the Ody because of second row is limited to 2 peoples (or kids). I am also in a situation where booster sits will be used for some years.

itch1

It was actually two salesmen at the same dealership that went on and on about the run flat tires on the FWD. I got passed off to a "closer" because I expected to buy the Sienna at below MSRP. I still wouldn't give in and the second guy told me that "he was trying to educate me about the market" (he was very arrogant). Two days later I closed a deal with another dealership for 3% over invoice. I sent the "closer" an email with the details of my deal and told him that it was my turn to educate him. Maybe I should send him another email to further educate him about the tires ;-)

itch1

Same here - that was why I went with the Sienna over the Odyssey. I have 3 kids and we are heading to Orlando from Massachusetts in August. The 8 passenger Sienna offers the perfect seating configuration for the three kids and all the luggage. The front and center seat will also come in handy for our 1 year old. My mother and grandmother are flying down and won't have a rental. Once we get the luggage out, I'll have plenty of room for them as well. This is the perfect van for us.

wwest

broncoguy..

My sincerest apologies first if I am way off the mark here. Have you actually driven a FWD vehicle across northern SD or southern ND (that's where the E/W roads go) in the dead of winter?

I remember a January trip in 64 when I encountered black ice all the way across on the way to Lewistown from Chicago. RWD car but even at that it was a VERY stressful trip, luckily there was very little other traffic.

I would NEVER think about trying the equivalent of that trip with FWD or front biased AWD, VSC and Trac would undoubtedly help, but I'd still choose a more dynamically stable RWD or RWD biased AWD.

stever

You really know how to rub it in don't you? LOL.

The closer may not believe you from a simple email though - best cruise through his lot a few times and wave :-)

Steve, Host

rcf8000

Give it up wwest. Enough!

avery1

What does LOL mean in these posts? I assume it isn't little old lady.

vcheng