2012 TOYOTA Sienna

Extended Family Vehicle.

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 1 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5 Safety Rating: 5 Technology Rating: 5 Value Rating: 5

This minivan was bought as Toyota Certified Used Vehicle from the Longo Toyota. I had it for six months and drive it to Las Vegas twice. So Far, no trouble, except for the power sliding door on the driver's side. The button on the driver's rear side won't open the power sliding door, but it is able to close it. it seem quiet from the inside cabin. Just had a four tires rotation and a 19 points vehicle safety inspection done. Front brakes are still new and the rear brakes needs further attention. Hopefully with the right mechanic and maintenance, this minivan can go past 300,000 miles and beyond.

review

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: Reliability Rating: Safety Rating: Technology Rating: Value Rating: 25

Swagger wagon

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5 Safety Rating: 5 Technology Rating: 5 Value Rating: 5

Great for families

Good if you hate your children

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 2 Reliability Rating: 2 Safety Rating: 1 Technology Rating: 3 Value Rating: 2

I purchased this vehicle used after owning a 1995 Previa, and a 2001 Sienna, both of which i got well over 300k miles on and never had any real issues with either of them. I purchased this after owning the two other vans thinking i would get the same great usage, and bullet-proof reliability. Unfortunately there is a design flaw with the 2005-2016 Toyota Sienna's where the L Bracket that holds the door to the van bends over time with usage, and causes the rear ECU to malfunction, which in turn causes the rear power sliding doors to randomly open. This fantastic feature of the new van's happens at random moments, and random speeds. I contacted Toyota, because my van was out of warranty, at 36,300 miles, "missed it by 300 miles", who continued to indicate that this was a known issue, and that they would cover half of the cost to repair the issue, and i would only have to come out of pocket 5771.00, which is the cost for half.. mind you they also indicated that this is a known issue.. Not happy with that outcome i contacted the NHTSB with the issue, and was told there have been 36K reports of the same issue occurring on Sienna Van's dating back to 2005, and that the last generation had a quiet recall, where Toyota extended the warranty on the doors, and repaired the issues free of charge, but this was never released as public knowledge.. The NHTSB indicated that they can't force a recall until someone dies.. I would suggest you avoid these vans like the plague if you love your family.. Otherwise i would hate to read about this issue in the paper because someone in your family dies..

Second Sienna, but not the best..

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 2 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 2 Reliability Rating: 5

It's a Toyota.. So it will likely live as long as my 01 which I traded in at 395K miles. Although, the interior quality isn't quite as nice as the 01, and the run flat tires are terrible. But it is HUGE in comparison, and I average about 24mpg with my new non run flat tires, in a 30%city 70% highway driving situation.

Sienna after 2 years

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

After two years the 2012 Sienna is doing its job. There have not been any quality issues and my kids love having their own sliding doors. Here are some things to consider if you are looking at getting this used. 1) This vehicle eats tires. Even rotating every 5k like recommended and it'll probably need a new set at 25k. 2) Drivers seat arm rest is way too high, and doesn't even line up with the rest built into the door! So uncomfortable it is not used 3) I infrequently pull a trailer weighing roughly 2500lbs and the V6 is not a strong as I'd like. Van is rated for 3500lbs, that would be a stretch with any hills. 4) Gas mileage never lives up to billing. In MN winters it gets 16mpg combined

slight thumping noise heard when applying brakes

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 2 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 2

Our 2012 sienna van with about 3000 miles started to make a slight thumping noise when applying the brakes. Sometimes the noise is louder and there is more than one thump. I took my van in for service 3 times for this problem. The first two times the service dept. claimed they didn't hear any noises. The third time I drove the van with a mechanic and he heard the noise. He thinks there was a tsb issued on this problem and that the brake pads were moving and this was considered normal. However, I believe this is not normal and Toyota should investigate further. Does any other 2012 Sienna owner have this problem?

Why I bought a 2012 Toyota Sienna

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I have driven vans since 1976, starting with a Ford Econoline 150 followed by a string of 5 Chrysler minivans. In 2006, I purchased an new Oddesey EX-L . It was by far the best minivan I had ever owned. After posting nearly 90,000 mi of mostly trouble-free driving, some periodic transmission slippage prompted me to go shopping. I loved the Oddesey styling except its face that resembled a 2001 Oddesey. I also liked the style of Siennas. In short, Honda wouldn't deal and Toyota was eager. Still leary of the Sienna, I took a long test drive in both an XLE and a SE. The SE drove much like the Honda. The dealer added a light grey leather interior, awesome! Happy at 20K miles and 0% financing.

On our 2nd Sienna

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

We LOVE this van. Just got our 2nd one not to long ago. Our only real complaints are: - road noise on the highway is AWFUL - almost sounds like you have a window open - this was mentioned in consumer reports - no arm rest on both sides of the captains chairs Other than these two things this van is great on long roadtrips and just around town. You can't go wrong with it and our 2011 held its value so much we were able to get a 2012 at lower payment cause we had equity in a car.

Loving it

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This car was an upgrade from our 2007 LE AWD model. I love this car. All of the nicer amenities are very well done. The steering is much nicer--not hard and trucky like our old one--and it handles well both on the highway and on country roads and city streets. The back up camera in the dash is very useful, something I didn't have before and wouldn't have thought I would like. The driver armrest is higher in this car than our old one, but it still bugs me that it is not adjustable apart from the seat back. The entertainment system is easy to use and keeps the kids happy. Love the side shades and the auto doors and back gate--I use all of those a lot.

Very disappointed

Performance: 2 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 2 Interior Design: 2 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 2 Reliability Rating: 4

I am so disappointed with the Nav system in my 2012 Sienna, and even more disappointed that Toyota refuses to do anything about it. The Nav system makes poor decisions, often adding quite a bit of time to my trip. And I can't hear the instructions when the radio is on as it does not turn down the radio volume. My last car does this and that was purchased 7 years ago! Entunes is mostly worthless as it's dangerous for the driver to use it when the car is moving, so you're better off having the passenger use apps on a smartphone instead. The Toyota Nav system doesn't even change the time of day when moving into a different time zone. I'd be better off with a $150 Nav unit from Radio Shack.

Sienna rattles

Performance: 3 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 2 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 2 Reliability Rating: 3

We purchased a sienna xle w prem package. After just 900 miles , we have rattles from the rear seats and the dash. Its been back to the dealer once, no fix and going back again. There are many others having similar issues. We're very disappointed. Quality is not there. We used to have a 2004 Odyssey.

very preliminary report

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This report is after just 800+ miles, four tanks of gas, and one hand washing. The van is very quiet and comfortable. The powertrain, especially the transmission, is very smooth. Steering is silky smooth also. I'm happy with the purchase. Although you can't see any of the four corners of the van from the drivers seat, it does feel a lot more responsive and tossable than the 2004 we have.

Happy but...

Performance: 3 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 2 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

Leased the 2012 LE in December. Owned a 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT prior. Some things we love about the Sienna: smooth ride, maneuvers well for a big van, comfortable seating, removable 8th seat, heat/cooling system terrific, reverse camera in dash, blueray & sound system work great with my iphone. Disappointments - a bit of a swimmer in handling on the highway and haven't averaged better than 14.4 mpg in the 6 months we've had it - even in highway drives. Not sure what gives with that, because others have reported over 23. Can two of the same vehicles really vary that much???!!! I'm going to ask about this at the 5K service.

Loving it so far

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

After the eternal debate between the Ody & Sienna, we finally settled on the Sienna XLE FWD with Navi. Loving it so far. Took a couple of 100+ mile trips and the family loves the spaciousness. Mileage has creeped up from 13.x to 18.x (in approx 500miles). Interior is OK and could do with a few value based additions like mood lighting.

Comfort & Spacious

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

I bought 2012 XLE FWD model last month. It is very spacious and more comfortable. I took test drive of equally loaded Highlander SE v6 FWD and compared it to Sienna. I felt the handling is better in Sienna. But, the pickup is good in Highlander. In terms of mpg, i guess Sienna gives 1 miles less than Highlander. My wife liked Odyssey. But, since we read bad reviews about its Wind noise and Transmission, we decided not to buy. That too equally loaded Odyssey ELX is expensive than Sienna XLE. But after buying Sienna, i realize that there is Wind noise & Road noise in this as well. But, it rides better and cheap with 2 year free maintenance.

Disappointed

Performance: 3 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 2 Exterior Design: 2 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 2 Reliability Rating: 3

Navigation System is very poorly designed. Not only it's not self-intuitive, but also seems to be buggy. Some times some of the options are grayed out, some other times the same options are available. That should not be happening. Also, I still have not been able to transfer my phone contacts - the process keeps failing. Another thing that's a bummer: it seems to be averaging 14 miles a gallon, though I drive half of the miles on the freeway about 70m/hr. Where is the promised 25 miles per gallon??? The storage spacing is a bit weird: I have 8 cup holders around me, but not much other type of storage.

People mover

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

My biggest concern in purchasing a minivan was gas mileage. I calibrated the odometer against my GPS (it was perfect!), and then waited until the vehicle had reached 1000 miles. Then I carefully measured fuel consumption for our "around town" (we live in a suburb, so our "around town" doesn't have lots of stop and go), and cross country on open roads. I noted that the mileage computer is exceptionally accurate...within .1 mpg of my calculated mpg. The results: Our town driving...22-23 mpg Highway (under the best circumstances possible)...26-27 mpg. Basically, for a vehicle of this size and power, and with an EPA rating of 18/25, I think this is pretty good, and I am satisfied.

Third Sienna (Limited with convenience pkg., nav and entertainment pkg.)

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I previously had a 2004 Limited, 2011 Limited and now the 2012 Limited. My 2011 Sienna was totaled (not our fault). I was very happy with how well the Toyota protected my entire family. My kids begged me to replace the 2011 with another Sienna. The Sienna drives well and feels like a luxury vehicle (as far as minivans go!). It's comfortable, drives smooth, has great features and proved to be a safe vehicle. The pickup power is good, the doors open smoothly and quietly. I looked at luxury SUV's and many didn't have all the features the limited Sienna had (and were $15K more.) Gas mileage in the city, for me, averages 18 according to the display monitor.

Sienna 5K

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Approaching the first 5000 miles in our 2012 Sienna XLE - very pleased overall with the purchase. Averaging 20.2 MPG in mixed driving. Got as good as 23 on a recent road trip - fully loaded. Family is very pleased with the entertainment system and overall comfort. Bluetooth and XM/Sirius are fun. Only issue so far was a screw in one of the tires - no issues with van so far. Only real disappointment- Toyota autostart was installed at purchase- not so great- system only works if the car is locked and shuts off if you unlock - Autostart on my last vehicle would stay on until you put the key in the ignition which gives flexibility and doesn't require you to restart the car.

Very impressed with 2012 Sienna LE 8-psg V6

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5

When my Odyssey died (transmission problem) I've decided to test drive a Sienna. Love it and bought it, and two weeks later I do not regret the decision (options: towing prep, floor mats, anti-theft.) The drive (handling and ease of turns) is excellent which is what I have not expected. The seats are very roomy and even the second-row middle-seat is fairly comfortable, the third-row bench's ability to recline is a nice touch. Ride is so comfortable that you don't feel like you're driving at a high speed so if you are a speedster, keep an eye on your speedometer. Acceleration is decent for a minivan and overall I would say it really up its game to rival Honda Odyssey.

Early thoughts on 2012 Sienna

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Since this is a first-week review, take it with a grain of salt. So far, it is excellent. We traded in an 8-year-old Sedona, so the impress-me hurdle is pretty low. Nevertheless, the Sienna is impressive even though we purchased the base model V6 with the only options being floor mats (why aren't they standard?) and towing prep. I'm 6'2" and found that all the seats (driver, second row, and third row) were able to accomodate me comfortably. I just returned from an 800-mile trip and couldn't get over how smooth and comfortable the ride/drive was. Averaged over 25 mpg. Powerful engine, great feeling brakes, and good-for-minivan steering. Felt very solid and stable.