Vroomin350

iTrader: (28)

I love selling this van, they practically sell themselves. Wether enthusiast or not people looking for one are never disappointed. The LE sells more tho :/

mmarshall

I have to disagree. I have a quite-practical Outback, and am quite enthused with it. In fact, I may very likely replace it with another one....or another Subaru model.

For the purposes of this discussion, the "nonsense" I was refering to was not you or your wife personally, but the stereotypical idea, often found in the auto-press and so-called "enthusiast" magazines, that minivans are basically for soccer-moms and emasculated males, despite the fact that anyone (not just a soccer-mom or soccer-dad) whose needs are practically met by a minivan can buy and enjoy one.

It's like saying that buying a Honda or Toyota is "Un-American" (there are those who still believe that), even though many Japanese-nameplate vehicles (including my Outback) are now built in American plants, with American labor.


Agreed, if one simply prefers the Highlander's SUV body-style to the Sienna. But the Sienna, unlike any other American-market minivan, also offers AWD for bad weather.

The Highlander, though, has a good comeback......unlike the Sienna, you can get a high-MPG hybrid version, though, especially as a used-car/CPO with low depreciation, it is likely to be pricey.

I realize, though, that, in the thread topic, we are generally talking about one specific minivan with specific equipment, so I'll try and keep the discussion centered more on that than on minivans in general.

jt92126

[QUOTE=stlgrym3;6645645] more fuel efficient than the Odyssey equip with VCM.

Where did you get this MPG info from? Sienna is 18/24 and the Odyssey TE is 19/28. Sienna looks nicer exterior wise but has ****ty hard plastic panels inside. Odyssey has weird exterior but nicer interior. Too bad Lexus doesn't make a "sienna version" van. That would be awesome for some folks who would'nt mind a lux van.

Fizzboy7

The new Sienna is my #1 pic. And Toyota should be applauded for bringing a true Sport model to the table. The thing looks great all around!

Hamer FTW!

rominl

iTrader: (4)

applaud applaud

i am not anti minivan, i am just anti-sienna and odyssey. bring over the alphard and you can see me put down deposit like that. sorry to say but the new sienna doesn't impress me much. i have driven a few and took apart a few too. car is louder than before, build quality is also not as good as before imho.

and yes, we have a family. yes we have kid. no we will not get minivan. and i know more than a few other similar families

no doubt though, minivans like sienna are very very practical. tons of space, easy to get in and out, and take a lot of people. but sorry, the look and the drive, forget about it

GS350Lexus

iTrader: (5)

I love the outside look of the SE Sienna, it definatly looks awesome. But have you guys sat inside of one? That thing has the most cheap and ugly plastic I have seen in a car with that price.

stlgrym3

iTrader: (4)

[QUOTE=jt92126;6647754]those MPG numbers you listed are all EPA estimate. according to Mortortrend magazine (they have both in their fleet), the real life MPG between the two is very close with Toyota leading, and Sienna's V6 is a lot powerful than Odyssey's, 6 speed auto really makes huge difference.

jt92126

Don't know about that figure from MT since the Ody has been in their fleet for only 1 month and you have to account for different payloads, driving conditions,etc. Yeah the Sienna has 18 more hp(quiet alot) but the ody has a little more torque and is slightly lower to the ground and I think slightly less weight too. They both have 6 spd (at least the Touring) and the Honda has VCM. Most hondas and toyotas gets pretty close or better than EPA anyway. Like I said, Sienna looks great exterior wise but ****ty interior plastic. Too bad Lexus won't make a van version to combat the Mercedes R Class. That would be perfect for van people who wants a little more luxury in their vans. It's a shame how nasty the material quality in the Sienna feels, especially what they charge for the Limited

LexFather

Its a shame how nasty the Odyessy looks. ...you don't even get painted sideview mirrors. The only relevant Odyessy is a loaded 40k plus EX L model...otherwise they lack features.

The R class sells like crap, no need to enter that market.

SoCalSC4

If you need the space, vans are better than SUVs. They also handle better, have a lower center of gravity, and, generally are quicker. My Odyssey will show it's taillights to a new Tahoe - no problem.

A Tahoe can accept 8 boxed wheels with all it's rear seats folded. A RAV4? Maybe 4 boxed wheels. My van will accept 8 boxed wheels behind the middle seat. It also has a lower liftover height, so it's easier to load. And I can stand my classic beach cruisers upright in the back, inside the van. Try that with a cute-ute, or even a full-size SUV.

At this point, soccer moms drive SUVs, not mini vans, so the stigma is bunk.

I know I won't convert you... just making a point.

I might ditch the Ody for a Sienna at some point. Once you have a van, you won't know how you ever got along without one.

mmarshall

I agree that the Sienna is not quite as rock-solid or precision-built as before. Toyota has acknowledged this problem in a number of its vehicles.....we'll see if future models show improvement.

The Sienna, though, still has one ace-in-the-hole that puts it above U.S.-market competitors.....the AWD option.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

with toyoda stepping in and his promise, i have high hope

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

Besides the flexibility of cargo space, if you don't have more than 5 passengers, there's really no need to get a minivan.

With the hard interior plastic over the soft cloth/vinyl materials, I believe this can attribute to the loudness.
I think the hard plastic can't absorb the noise as good as the soft materials that were in the past gen.

Build quality is not as good as before, but it's not that bad either.

Seeing the new camry's interior, I'm sure toyota will improve in the next sienna refresh.

mmarshall

You have at least somewhat of a point, but the main sound insulation, in most vehicles, comes from the amount/type of insulation underhood, inside the doors/window seals, trunk, and wheel-wells, not necessarily in what kind of material is used in the dash and trim.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

i actually wondered if it's the insulation. i seem to hear more of the engine noise than before