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Toyota Sienna Future Models

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Comments

  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    Actually I would consider this fall to be the fall of '03 not the fall of '04. : ^ )
  • deepandeepan Member Posts: 342
    that it(ody release) has been postponed by 18 months. That would be bang on with 04 fall.
  • ash21ash21 Member Posts: 10
    You are still adding one year in your conversation, this fall is 2003, I think, right.
  • crv16crv16 Member Posts: 205
    And will be released as a 2005 model. They have no incentive to dump money into a redesign when the current generation is selling faster than they can make them now...
  • ash21ash21 Member Posts: 10
    But not for long now since this new Sienna, that's for sure.
  • sequoiasaurussequoiasaurus Member Posts: 240
    Remember a few post back the comment I made about the product specialist in Detroit saying that the chief engineer of the new Sienna had personally driven it 50,000 miles. Well I found a little more info on this at the Princeton, IN newspaper. Which is the local paper where the new Sienna will be built.

    http://www.pdclarion.com/archives/index.inn?loc=detail&doc=/2- - 003/January/07-2611-news1.txt

    Another good article at their site.
    http://www.pdclarion.com/archives/index.inn?loc=detail&doc=/2- 003/January/16-2675-news2.txt
  • richlavoierichlavoie Member Posts: 56
    Hello guys, I am new to this discussion. I have been looking at an SUV for a while and I haven't found one that I like. They are a bit too expensive (to get what I want) and, honestly, they don't provide me what a van could: space, 7 passengers (some SUV do it, but they are way up there), a good wheelbase to allow comfortable towing of a hardtop, good fuel consumption (in Canada, the price of gaz is a bit high, an yah, I want to do my share for kyoto...), etc.

    We now want a van, but can't find something we like. Some look good, but have a look at consumer review magazine to see how bad Ford, GM and Chrysler stand. Its a shame. Mazda is nice, but not much under the hood. Sienna 2003 is a good vehicle, and the price right now is outstanding, but it is UGLY! The interior is plain! Could buy it and I would make a good deal, but getting this new car would provide me with 0 excitement!

    This new Sienna 2004 looks great. It is as strong as any V6 SUV out there (including the one I like the most, the Pathfinder), it has most of the utilities copied from other car makers. Interior looks excellent, and price (?) may be decent, although we will have to wait a couple of monthe until demand is lower and offer is higher.

    I will keep looking at this board. The information is just great. I will try to do my share...
  • richlavoierichlavoie Member Posts: 56
    Hello guys, I am new to this discussion. I have been looking at an SUV for a while and I haven't found one that I like. They are a bit too expensive (to get what I want) and, honestly, they don't provide me what a van could: space, 7 passengers (some SUV do it, but they are way up there), a good wheelbase to allow comfortable towing of a hardtop, good fuel consumption (in Canada, the price of gaz is a bit high, an yah, I want to do my share for kyoto...), etc.

    We now want a van, but can't find something we like. Some look good, but have a look at consumer review magazine to see how bad Ford, GM and Chrysler stand. Its a shame. Mazda is nice, but not much under the hood. Sienna 2003 is a good vehicle, and the price right now is outstanding, but it is UGLY! The interior is plain! Could buy it and I would make a good deal, but getting this new car would provide me with 0 excitement!

    This new Sienna 2004 looks great. It is as strong as any V6 SUV out there (including the one I like the most, the Pathfinder), it has most of the utilities copied from other car makers. Interior looks excellent, and price (?) may be decent, although we will have to wait a couple of monthe until demand is lower and offer is higher.

    I will keep looking at this board. The information is just great. I will try to do my share...
  • leknlekn Member Posts: 78
    I have to disagree about the lack of safety benefit of AWD. Granted that I do not have any information on the AWD system Sienna uses

    *Does anybody know any details on the Sienna's AWD system here?*

    Some AWD systems works better than the others. A good AWD systems, such as Audi's torsen, would actually help you during cornering. The car feels more stable. In the snow, the difference is huge.

    And there are also countless number of specific circumstances where AWD would get you out of trouble e.g. you won't get stuck in a large snow bank, you won't have difficulty going up an unplowed uphill ramp, you won't get caught in an unexpected early snowstorm before you have a chance to change into winter tires... etc.

    Of course, one should always know your limit whatever car you drive. But that's not a reason not to get AWD! It's just like advising people to drive a car with underpowered engine so that you won't go too fast. There are situations which require you to accelerate out of danger.
  • hschultzhschultz Member Posts: 42
    what year is this anyways--2001, right?

    ;-)

    ok, this fall (2003) as a 2004 model.

    that's what i believe honda plans to do with the ody--release it late this year as an '04.

    there. i've said it. i've read it and re-read it twice. this is EXACTLY what i mean to say.

    phew.

    if honda has decided to delay it a year, that's news to me.

    *** disclaimer: i don't really work in honda's north american marketing department, although i may play such a role on tv.
  • canuck13canuck13 Member Posts: 73
    Samnoe:

    I believe your question re fuel was answered in this discussion several days ago. The answer given was 87 Octane (regular unleaded). Let's hope that answer is correct.
  • canuck13canuck13 Member Posts: 73
    Now that you've figured out what year this is I wonder if your info re the Ody. release date is accurate. I think I'll wait for a second opinion!
  • mayhem2003mayhem2003 Member Posts: 28
    I read somewhere that 2005 Odyssey will be a redesign and that it is coming out in the fall of 2004.
  • dplachtadplachta Member Posts: 109
    I like the gear shifter. The driver will have a better feel for the gear he's selecting. I like the fact that the speedometer only goes to 110. I'll never go faster than 85 anyhow and most of the time we're going 25 to 45. Also, I don't care one bit that the front passenger seat isn't power. Manual adjustment is just as good.

    I sure would like to see people get a little more frugal and practical.
  • riskaker11riskaker11 Member Posts: 39
    With power passenger seat you would not be able to have the under seat drawer and foot room for the second row passenger would be limited due to the motor & electronics.
  • deepandeepan Member Posts: 342
    where are they located. Current generation has them under the front seats which eliminates the drawer under the seat. I think i saw a/c ducts on the roof which is what they have today.
  • sequoiasaurussequoiasaurus Member Posts: 240
    After posting about he lack of seat controls for the passenger I thought the same thing about the drawer and components. However, our ML320 has a drawer and power seats too. But the drawer is much smaller and there is very limited room under the seat for your feet b/c of the seat motor.

    So this could be why Toyota didn't use it.

    I can live without the controls..no biggy for us as long as it reclines and moves up and down.
  • samnoesamnoe Member Posts: 731
    I understand you like this shifter just b/c it's found in some luxury vehicles, but I think that's should be offered as an option. Like Toyota's Avalon, you can choose a shifter between the seats or a steering-wheel-column shifter.

    I always say: the more options and choices a car manufacturer gives for customers, the more buyers will be. You know, everybody is different, and it's almost impossible to satisfy everybody. So giving options for the customer to choose his own taste is always good. Not to force him to take one kind of wheels in the LE model, for example, and another kind for XLE. Just offer 3 wheel designs, and let everybody choose his favorite design. Get the point?...

    I personal think the new Sienna is quite a nice vehicle, but has some weak points in design. It looks similar to the Highlander, why not copy the tail lights? the Highlanders is nice, I like it. And the front single-line-grille is also soooo plain. I love some bolder designs, as Chrysler Town&Country. But I'm not complaining. I'm sure there are many people who loves the new design. And - it's impossible to satisfy everybody!
  • kroliphkroliph Member Posts: 75
    I have not had a chance to read allot of the posts here. So, someone may have already asked this question. I understand that the new Sienna will offer AWD as an option. If you get a van w/ AWD do you still get the 60/40 flat folding 3rd row seating? Another words, do they take the space or well where the 3rd seat would fold flat into to make room for the AWD system?
    Thanks.
  • dplachtadplachta Member Posts: 109
    Any word on the pricing details yet? It was posted last week that that info would be available on the 20th, which was yesterday.

    AWD and 3rd seat:
    From what I've read, AWD will come with the folding rear seat. You lose the spare tire.

    Evidently, the tires will be the run flat type.
  • toyotakentoyotaken Member Posts: 897
    ALL models of the new Sienna will have the 60/40 split folding and disappearing rear seat. AWD, FWD, CE, LE, XLE and XLE limited models all have the same designed rear seat.

    Ken
  • kroliphkroliph Member Posts: 75
    Thanks for the good news. I don't mind losing the spare tire for run flats if I can have the flat folding 3rd row and AWD! Why would you buy an SUV if you can get AWD on the new Sienna? For most people, that should be sufficient. Especially if you do not go off road. If you have a good reason to buy an SUV then buy one. Otherwise, get an AWD Minivan.
  • klear123klear123 Member Posts: 7
    Does anyone know what auto shows the 2004 Sienna will be at? Hoping it will be in Buffalo, NY Feb. 5 - 9th. There seems to be several autoshows that weekend.

    How about pricing for trim lines and option packages?
  • deg856deg856 Member Posts: 120
    A manufacturer can offer three shifter locations, give body sizes, six different front end and ten different taillight designs, fifty wheels (and so on), but you won't like what they have to charge to cover the additional development and logistics cost.

    If money is no concern, there is always Jesse James and his Monster Garage.

    San Jose, CA
  • papabrodypapabrody Member Posts: 5
    My wife is bummed that there is no integrated child seat in the new Sienna. Any reasons Toyota would have left out this feature?
  • samnoesamnoe Member Posts: 731
    As I see, the new upcoming Lexus RX330 will use the same engine as 'our' Sienna, 3.3L V6 with 230 hp and 242 LB-ft of torque, with VVT-i technology...
  • jraiderjraider Member Posts: 25
    Sequoiasaurus

    Since you have a sequoia (I'm guessing from your screen name). How do you compare the new Sienna to the Sequoia? We had a 98 Sienna and traded it in for a Sequoia in November. I really like the Sequoia. I was wondering if I missed the boat, not waiting for the new Sienna. We really didn't have a choice though, our lease was up. I really didn't want a 03 Sienna because it looked exactly like my 98. I already had two Previas (before the sienna), so I thought I'd switch from another van. Just curious as to your opinion.
  • toyotakentoyotaken Member Posts: 897
    Klear, I've asked the Toyota reps about having the '04 Sienna at the Auto show here in Buffalo, but they don't have enough room and they told me that they will only be bringing it to a few very select markets for their auto-shows. I'm disappointed as well, but I guess we'll just have to wait until March to see them in person.

    Ken
  • sequoiasaurussequoiasaurus Member Posts: 240
    Yes I do own a Sequoia. I bought it in Nov 2000 after seeing it in Detroit earlier that January. When I was looking at that time I had just returned an Olds Silo minivan and was looking for another reliable minivan or SUV. The Olds is a whole other story and I won't go down that path ever again.

    Anyway when I saw the Sequoia I fell in love. It had all I thought I would needed; seating for 8, convenience of truck for work; Toyota quality etc.

    Now in hind sight maybe it wasn't so good of a choice after all. Gas mileage is worse than I had expected (13-14 mpg) and a tad to big for my wife to drive. Overall I love it and am still somewhat hesitant to trade it in especially with an upgraded Sequoia coming this fall. But most likely I will get a minivan and probably the Sienna.

    The Sienna provides a lot more of family conveniences but less of my work needs. I like the extra storage behind the 3rd row (shopping), convenience of stow 3rd row (work), sliding doors means less nicks in garage and parking lots, DVD entertainment system is the only item I miss from my Olds Silo days. Also remember the Sienna gets better gas mileage too.

    With a 2 and 4 year old the minivan just makes more sense for us.
  • lachancslachancs Member Posts: 16
    Sequoiasaurus:

    Sounds like you were probably one of the first early-birds to order your Sequoia. Was Toyota asking MSRP at the time you bought? Do you know if (or how long) Toyota typically charges MSRP for their new vehicles?

    If the plant can produce 300,000 vehicles a year, it seems to me that production could probably keep up with demand (unlike the Honda Odyssey). . . meaning prices should remain below MSRP.

    Anyone agree with this philosophy, or is it just my wishful thinking?!
  • jraiderjraider Member Posts: 25
    Thanks for your reply Sequoiasaurus, I agree, with a 2 and a 4 year old a mini van does make more sense, and I had a Previa when my kids were that age. Now they are 12 and 14 and very capable of getting in and out themselves, I'm not sorry that I got the Sequoia. The 14 year old is picturing himself driving it (I'm not), he rallied hard for the SUV instead of a mini van. I guess mini vans aren't cool to 14 year olds.

    Anyway, the Highlander was my first choice, but it did not have the third seat. My husbands friend (who runs the dealership we buy at) said that they were going to put a third seat in the Highlander, have you heard this? It will probably take them a while if they do. He told us about three years ago about the new Sienna. We could never get any information on it so we nick named it the phantom van.

    I love the Sequoia and my kids and their friends are big, my husband coaches so we are always hauling kids around, so we love the room in the Sequoia, and also love the 8th seat. However, the gas mileage is a bit disappointing.
  • sequoiasaurussequoiasaurus Member Posts: 240
    lanchancs: Yes I was one of the first three that got their Sequoia at my dealership. I know the owner well and he helped me get what I wanted from the distribution centers. I paid a little under MSRP at the time. I could have waited a few months to get less off MSRP but at the time I had no vehicle and needed something. I've only briefly discussed pricing with my dealer on the Sienna they are still waiting for final numbers. Most likely, in my opinion, the Sienna will fetch MSRP for a few months and then probably drop pretty quick depending on demand. The Sequoia's at first seem to be made in fewer numbers (<60,000/yr) than now which is what I'm expecting the Sienna to do also. I believe the target production number for the Sienna is something like 100,000-120,000/yr so this should help keep pricing down.

    I have a friend whom just bought a new 4-Runner 6 weeks after its release and got it for $1,000 over invoice at the same dealership; with my help of course.

    jraider: I haven't heard anything about 3rd row seating in the Highland. My guess says that it probably won't happen but you never know. I couldn't imagine how tight it would be back there. Check out the Highland board to see if any of those folks have any info. Good luck.

    Also, as soon as I get pricing info I'll post it here. I've also contacted a former participant of these boards who is up on Toyota info and asked them to please keep me updated on any info they recieve.
  • lachancslachancs Member Posts: 16
    Has anyone read or heard if memory seats are available on the new Sienna? With everything else available on the XLE limited, I would suspect to see memory seats on the list.

    I don't know about the rest of you, but for those of us who will be driving the wife's MV on weekends, it sure would be nice to hit that button and have your seats, radio, mirror, etc. ready for you. . .
  • tracy26tracy26 Member Posts: 26
    Hi all. I've been scanning the messages here lately, and I really appreciate all the informative posts and the great photos. I'm currently in that angst-ridden car- buyer's purgatory, trying to decide whether to purchase an 03 Sienna at a steep discount, or wait awhile for the redesigned 04's. (If the 04's are sold at list price, then I'll have to pay aprox. $5k more than I would for the current model-- since I have recently been quoted more than 3k off invoice on the 03's at my dealership). My question is whether those who have seen the 04 Siennas were able to tell if there is significantly more headroom, both front and rear, in the redesigned models. Although I actually like the smaller size of the 03's, and I don't truly require the fold-down third row seat, headroom and footroom are both big issues for us-- my husband is very tall and my teenaged son, who rides in the rear on family trips, is 6'4 (and highly vocal about his discomfort).
        We've sat in the center row on the 03 models, and the curvature of the ceiling near the doors subtracts considerably from what little headroom there is. In the drivers seat, the ceiling also is positioned quite a bit lower than I'm accustomed to in my current van, and so feels a bit claustrophobic to me.
        Also, does anyone know whether the 2004 model grades (CE, LE, XLE) will be similarly equipped as the earlier models, with similar package uprgrades available? I've looked at the specs on the Toyota "Brains on Board" site, and they seem vague about what is standard equipment on the CE and LE models.
         A while back, someone posted a list of 2004 color choices : is it correct that White is not available on the 2004's?
         Thanks so much for any info anyone can share. I've been searching all over the web for news about the 2004 Sienna, and this one is by far the most useful site I've hit upon. It sure would be great to have more specific info on 2004 pricing-- those of us on the brink of buying could surely make better decisions. (Obviously, Toyota can sell more of the older models by keeping us in the dark as long as possible, but with the 2004's arriving in March it seems they would have to break their silence soon ...) Does anyone know when this information will be available??
  • steveb84steveb84 Member Posts: 187
    Watch for it this fall.
  • steveb84steveb84 Member Posts: 187
    CE & LE: Natural White, Shilver Shadow Pearl, Phantom Gray Pearl, Salsa Red Pearl, Desert Sand Mica, Aspen Green Pearl, Stratosphere Mica, Blue Mirage Metallic

    XLE: drop Natural White, add Artic Frost Pearl

    Most of these colors already exist on other Toyotas.

    There are numerous different packages available, I'm sure Toyota's listing is vague because different regions can order in different configurations.

    I doubt much detailed info on pricing being available until a week or so before they arrive in dealerships - March 14th.

    Hopefully that info helps and doesn't add to your frustration.

    Steve
  • sequoiasaurussequoiasaurus Member Posts: 240
    Where did you find this info on colors?

    Thanks
  • tracy26tracy26 Member Posts: 26
    Thanks so much for the list of available colors. I didn't realize packages differed by region. Several sites have quoted a $22,900 base price on the 2004 CE-- and I assume the price jumps and equipment package prices will be similar to last year's??
         Has the two tone color scheme been phased out (alternate color on the lower body cladding)?
  • coolguyky7coolguyky7 Member Posts: 932
    From every photo of the new Sienna I've seen, they should all have a monochromatic paint scheme.
  • steveb84steveb84 Member Posts: 187
    This is where it gets confusing. There are numerous packages available on the 04 Sienna. Each region can make choices as to what combination of packages they want on each trim level. BUT, some of the content is laid out by Toyota Motor Sales and the production schedule at the plant. All in all, a very inexact science and kind of like learning the rules to grammar.

    Every time I go to a meeting about order options I take extra asprin.

    Colors, still not sure about the CE, if it is monochromatic or has the gray lower cladding.

    I know about the colors because I've been lucky enough to sit in on a couple meetings about the Sienna.
  • patwgpatwg Member Posts: 12
    to Tracy26:

    I suggest you buy 2004 Sienna at beginning of next year(January 31 is the best day). 2004 come with newer technology and functionality but wait for one more year for quality and price wisely.

    Until now nobody knows the new factory in Princeton has top assembly quality or not. This is brand new factory and I don't know these assembly line workers have the best experience. Not like Highlander is 100% made in Japan so the Sienna buyers should be more patience.

    On the other hand, price will be dropped(up to 15%) until next year January(factory rebate most likely). The time Honda Odyssey will drop the price far less to compete with Sienna. This is totally demand supply issue.

    Beside that, Toyota market channel is different from Honda. Carmax and Fitzmall.com has straight forward fixed price for new car. That means regular Toyota dealer can't mark-up price too much (like Honda dealer) or they will lose sales. Remember, the largest goal for Toyota is getting biggest market share in Mini-van market.

    Good luck
  • leknlekn Member Posts: 78
    Why Jan 2004? Do you know when they usually make changes to the production? Model year change is usually the time most changes/fixes are made. Since Sienna is already 2004 model year, do you know when they would most likely make some fixes and changes?

    And which production week does Toyota usually change model year in the past?
  • jandk98jandk98 Member Posts: 20
    newfamilyman,

    I am as interested in the new Sienna as you are, and I'm not sure about what others think, but I would be very cautious about "pre-ordering" a new Sienna. Take a look back in the posts around the #520s and #530s. There was a discussion about pre-ordering.

    My take is, why not put your name on a list, so long as you DON'T give them any money. There's no harm in that, right? It just means you might get bugged by the salesman when the vans start coming in. Or not. But it seems like if you give them money to be first in line, someone else might make the deal sweeter, and there's no guarantee which van off the truck (if any) will be offered to you. Dealers want just one thing: to sell lots of cars.

    Maybe if you were ordering one to be built and shipped to the closest dealer for you... But a deposit to get "first dibbs" is just asking for trouble.

    I'm sure there will be other posts about this soon. We should listen to what others have to say.
  • newfamilymannewfamilyman Member Posts: 1
    jandk98,

    Thanks for your concern about preordering. I live in Florida and in no way would order from a dealer in Calf. I was only indicating that some dealers out there are not hiding from the phantom van that they will not discuss while they try to deal away the remaining 2003s.

    I am as patient as they come when making a large purchase such as a $25-30K vehicle and will most likely wait until the end of spring or summer to make my purchase. But the anticipation of "what to expect" is very exciting.

    I will visit often to see what others have to say.

    Thank you everyone for your added information.
  • ash21ash21 Member Posts: 10
    I couldn't agree more, I mean pre-ordering a car; come.....on, for god's sake this is a big time buyer's market (for most part at least). This is not even a limited T-bird or limited ZX. If someone really needs a van or a car that desperately, then go ahead and rent one for a month or so...still it would be a better deal; trust me on that one, I have done that math during ES300 pre-release hype.
  • walrus_carwalrus_car Member Posts: 1
    Does anyone know how the second row seats move? I'm wondering about two issues; 1) Are the two larger second row seats on a forward-backward adjustment track? (I know the middle seat on the 8 passenger option moves). 2) How do the second row seats move out of the way to allow for access to the third row with the 8 passenger option? How easy are they to move? Thanks in advance.
  • sequoiasaurussequoiasaurus Member Posts: 240
    The XLE 7 passenger I saw in Detroit had seats that folded and tumbled forward which is very similar to my Sequoia 2nd row seats. These seats also moved forward and back for leg room adjustment.

    Since the 8 passenger has very similar seats (without armrest) I would imagine they do the same.

    See official photos from Toyota here:
    http://pressroom.toyota.com/photo_library/display_photos.html?ind- ex=fulltext&kw=sienna+2004

    See my photos from Detroit here:
    http://homepage.mac.com/jbowell/PhotoAlbum19.html
  • bontzbontz Member Posts: 1
    I am mostly a Honda fan. The current Sienna doesn't even catch my attention at all. I am moving towards a stage that a minivan might be necessary when the overseas family come for a vacation. For my newborn daughter's sake (named Catherine after St. Catherine of Sienna), 2004 Sienna gets my consideration. Well, Toyota named it right for my case.

    With Toyota's world's most reliable vehicle history, I am sure this one will keep the record. But I hope the same story won't happen to me again. I went to test drove the new Camry, the one I like the design very much. But after stayed on the driver seat for a short drive, it's just a smooth quiet moving machine, no fun at all. I'd rather choose the relatively ugly Accord. At least it feels right.

    How much fun can you expect from a minivan? I will ask as much as possible perhaps according to my own bias. Toyota had better pray that my old 190k-mile Civic breaks down before the next Odyssey comes out. Otherwise, I'm not sure my daughter's sake can enforce me to choose my second choice. I have no third choice.
  • twinmom73twinmom73 Member Posts: 17
    According to the Brains on Board site, the fold-down tray is standard on CE and LE and optional on XLE Ltd. Can anyone hazard a guess as to why it would not be available on the XLE?

    Also it does not list the LE as having dual power sliding doors as an option, yet lists LE has the pinch sensor on power door. Wouldn't you think the LE would have power as an option?

    Any thoughts are appreciated.
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