Author Topic: Test Drive: 2011 Toyota Sienna SE (Read 1643 times)

Autos_Editor · « **on:** October 26, 2011, 04:05:59 am »

Roomy and comfortable, the redesigned Toyota Sienna SE is the best minivan out there right now, says Jil McIntosh.

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airbalancer · « **Reply #1 on:** October 26, 2011, 06:42:48 am »

before replacing my truck, I tried out some vans, the Sienna was the only one I did not take out for a drive, l could not get into a comfortable driving position

Danno001 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 26, 2011, 08:42:34 am »

Overall impressed with this latest version of the Sienna - but a white (light gray) steering wheel? What were they thinking ?

nlm · « **Reply #3 on:** October 26, 2011, 08:45:06 am »

I'm like Jill's significant other in that when I see the 2011 SE on the road I do a double take. The first one I saw from the back I thought it was a new Lexus. I can't believe I just posted this about a minivan.

I'm surprised though that the minivan was more utilitarian than a truck for the annual flea market trip?!? The truck cargo is so much bigger and versatile than the confines of interior space, minivan or otherwise. With a cap or even tri-folding hardcover I'm laying a crew-cab truck out there as *the* most versatile vehicle on the market.

libraman · « **Reply #4 on:** October 26, 2011, 09:54:23 am »

I think I would take my chances on the much cheaper Caravan with the new engine.

D70 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 26, 2011, 12:31:51 pm »

Quote from: libraman on October 26, 2011, 09:54:23 am

I think I would take my chances on the much cheaper Caravan with the new engine.

Makes cents to me
http://www.flickr.com/photos/d70w7/5609277055/

Blueprint · « **Reply #6 on:** October 26, 2011, 12:56:23 pm »

Every minivan review written by non-parents have a complaint about "slow" power sliding doors

As parents, we find them too fast 99% of the time. Kids are always in and out at any given time, and there's always a toy, school bag, whatever left inside and the door is closing too fast for a quick pick-up.

mrthompson · « **Reply #7 on:** October 26, 2011, 12:57:32 pm »

Power sliding doors and lift gates are more trouble than they are worth, IMO.

Spec5 · « **Reply #8 on:** October 26, 2011, 01:29:21 pm »

Quote from: mrthompson on October 26, 2011, 12:57:32 pm

Power sliding doors and lift gates are more trouble than they are worth, IMO.

From everything I've ever read on them I agree with you. Definatley a nice option but man they sure do seem to require a lot of maintenance. Like the old F-14s with that swing wing design. Sure it was fast but man the maintenance.....

I really like this van. At first I wasn't sure if I should laugh at it or if I really liked it - but the more I see them the nicer I find them. Definately not for everyone though as a lot of people would probably find it a bit too boy-racerish with the cleared out tails and skirt package. Too bad the SE isn't offered with AWD. Then it might be worth getting the wife some counseling.

X-Traction · « **Reply #9 on:** October 26, 2011, 06:28:22 pm »

"Considered pretty cool vehicles when they first came out, minivans gradually went from top-of-the-pops to almost a running joke, fit only for soccer-mom suburbia."

Similarly, station wagons were ridiculed off the roads, while big stupid goofy pickup trucks were glorified. The vehicles and peoples' needs hardly changed at all.

As people are converted from citizens to consumers, they seem to lose their ability to think critically and individually, and lazily adopt whatever big corporations tell them to believe. At the same time, they will swear they have free will and will aggressively defend their "freedom".

Neromanceres · « **Reply #10 on:** October 26, 2011, 10:56:32 pm »

Quote from: libraman on October 26, 2011, 09:54:23 am

I think I would take my chances on the much cheaper Caravan with the new engine.

Agreed. I own a 2010 with the 3.3 and it works well. However i am in Texas for work and my rental is a 2011 grand caravan and the new 3.6 is awesome. I wish I could of held out a little longer to buy my van. And the rear back up camera is very nice too.

JRM · « **Reply #11 on:** October 27, 2011, 09:58:50 am »

This "mini" van, as well as the others, isn't very mini. Do they really need to be this big? And the SE styling add ons look really goofy and out of place here. Then there's that shift lever on the dash. UGH! To my eyes a compact/midsize wagon or CUV is much more appealing.

airbalancer · « **Reply #12 on:** October 27, 2011, 10:20:56 am »

Quote from: JRM on October 27, 2011, 09:58:50 am

This "mini" van, as well as the others, isn't very mini. Do they really need to be this big? And the SE styling add ons look really goofy and out of place here. Then there's that shift lever on the dash. UGH! To my eyes a compact/mid size wagon or CUV is much more appealing.

If you carrying 6 people how small do you want it to be

Fobroader · « **Reply #13 on:** October 27, 2011, 10:41:19 am »

I still think a Suburban with a diesel engine is the only way to haul 6-8 people while not having to be seen in a minivan. Why do most new minvans have somewhere in the area of 270 horsepower??? Do we really want to arm these people with that kind of a caliber of a weapon?? The Sienna is a good looking minivan.....dear god, I cant believe I just said that.....now if it could tow a proper trailer, have a diesel engine, awd and a big of ground clearance it would be an awesome machine....maybe Im a Mitsubishi Delica kind of guy!!

bombastic · « **Reply #14 on:** October 27, 2011, 01:23:41 pm »

Ya Siena is the best, Odyssey is the best.... Caravan sell the most. Conclusion: Caravan best bang for your buck.

safristi · « **Reply #15 on:** October 27, 2011, 01:53:21 pm »

..If yer hauling 6 people all the time they're fine..............but people ONLY remember those times be it twice a month.......that's why we have FREE WILL

........those new apples look tempting eh Eve..........

well i'd give my left one for the 6S coming next MONTH

Forzare · « **Reply #16 on:** October 27, 2011, 02:11:19 pm »

I wonder if the test van was a dud or were the test only done heavily loaded? (how heavily loaded) My experience with my '11 SE is the brakes are fantastic and it passes with little effort on the highway. Although in my case it was only 4 adults and luggage. I also find the comment on the non-sporty sporty suspension odd, try driving a SE back to back with a LE mush wagon. The LE definitely has the smother ride although way less capable in the corners.

Spec5 · « **Reply #17 on:** October 27, 2011, 02:29:42 pm »

Quote from: safristi on October 27, 2011, 01:53:21 pm

..If yer hauling 6 people all the time they're fine..............but people ONLY remember those times be it twice a month.......that's why we have FREE WILL ........those new apples look tempting eh Eve.......... well i'd give my left one for the 6S coming next MONTH

First post I think you've made that I've actually understood the ENTIRE thing!

Of course after 40,000 posts I think all of us would be speaking in tongues.

safristi · « **Reply #18 on:** October 27, 2011, 05:46:31 pm »

LICK ME...............

...I'll type S L O W E R fer ya in November...ya know the Month after October

johngenx · « **Reply #19 on:** October 27, 2011, 07:10:23 pm »

The missus is really pushing for us to have something with 7-8 seats, and I get it, but I think she (and many people) overestimate the amount they'll sue all those seats. I think we're going to end up with some vehicle that drags those seats around empty 99% of the time.