1998-2003 Toyota Sienna: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1998-2003 Toyota Sienna and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Build quality
- Standard antilock brakes
- Side airbags (LE, XLE)
Cons
- Radio placement
- Fuel economy
Vehicle Highlights
Toyota's replacement for the slow-selling Previa was meant to be a more serious contender for minivan sales. Based on the front-drive Camry sedan platform, Sienna came in a single body length with a standard V6 engine and 4-speed automatic transmission. Antilock brakes were standard, and a low-tire-pressure warning system included a light in the instrument panel. Front side airbags were installed in the midrange LE and upscale XLE, but not in the base CE minivan. Siennas seated seven on two front buckets, a middle-row bench (or two captain's chairs), and a folding third-row split bench. That bench "tumbled" forward to provide additional cargo space. A passenger-side sliding door was standard on the CE and LE. Dual sliding doors went on the XLE, and were optional on LE. Siennas were assembled at the same Kentucky plant as Toyota's Camry. Rivals included the Chevrolet Venture, Dodge Caravan, and Ford Windstar--soon to be joined by a new Honda Odyssey.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Toyota Sienna XLE Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 8 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 9 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 62 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1998-2003 Toyota Sienna. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1998-2003 Toyota Sienna.
Year to Year Changes
1999 Toyota Sienna:
Several updates hit the Sienna in its second season, including a newly available power right-side sliding door. The base CE model came with one or two sliding side doors, while the LE and top-line XLE came with the pair. Daytime running lights were installed, along with auto-off headlamps. An optional second-row child safety seat now was available for the CE and LE. To help foil thieves, an engine immobilizer was integrated into the optional keyless entry/antitheft system.
2000 Toyota Sienna:
Siennas now came with an in-dash CD player and steering-wheel radio controls. A new Sport option package for CE and LE models included running boards, a rear spoiler, and alloy wheels.
2001 Toyota Sienna:
Sienna lost its base 3-door CE model in 2001. XLE gained dual power sliding side doors, and the engine gained 16 horsepower this year. All models got a revamped dashboard and optional front side airbags. Also new was a rear-seat video entertainment option and this minivan's first antiskid system.
2002 Toyota Sienna:
Toyota's minivan got a new option package for 2002 that included an upgraded CD audio system and a host of interior amenities.
2003 Toyota Sienna:
Sienna sees little change as Toyota readies a new model for '04.
Our road test for the 1998-2003 Toyota Sienna includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1998-2003 Toyota Sienna and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1998-2003 Toyota Sienna is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
With several hundred pounds more weight to carry, the V6 that feels strong in a Camry feels merely adequate in a Sienna--and loses some of its snap with the air conditioning on. The transmission shifts smoothly and downshifts quickly for passing, so Sienna seldom feels underpowered. Acceleration time to 60 mph of 8.9 seconds affirms that opinion. Hard takeoffs induce mild steering-wheel tug that highlights the Sienna's lack of traction control. We averaged 15.9 mpg. A long-term Sienna returned 19.4 mpg, including a substantial amount of highway driving. Toyota recommends premium fuel. Suspension settings favor a smooth ride over sporty handling, but that's appropriate for this type of vehicle. Bumps are absorbed with little impact, and body lean in turns is moderate for a minivan. Overall road manners are composed and predictable, though Sienna can feel a little nose-heavy when entering freeway on-ramps. Braking is swift and stable. Road and wind noise are subdued, leaving the cabin serene at highway speeds. Sienna boasts a well-thought-out and pleasant cabin. The low floor makes it easy to climb in and out, yet the standard height-adjustable driver's seat affords a commanding view of the road. Front seats are spacious. Second-row passengers do not have an abundance of leg room if the front seats are pushed very far back, but knee clearance is generally good even in the rear row. Actually, adults can be comfortable anywhere if no seats are moved fully aft. Climate controls are easily accessed, but the radio is mounted low and recessed into the dashboard, requiring a long look away from the road to reach while driving. Numerous storage bins and drink holders of various sizes handle interior storage nicely. There's room for a double row of grocery bags in the back with all seats in place. The individual seats can be removed fairly easily though they're heavy, so it's a 2-person task. The tumble-folding rear seat makes it easy to expand the cargo area.
Value for the Money
Toyota had fired a blank with its old Previa, but hit the bull's-eye with Sienna. Priced to compete with similarly equipped domestic rivals delivering better-than-expected power and economy, this highly refined new minivan is a formidable force and a must-consider on the used-minivan market.
Toyota had fired a blank with its old Previa, but hit the bull's-eye with Sienna. Priced to compete with similarly equipped domestic rivals delivering better-than-expected power and economy, this highly refined new minivan is a formidable force and a must-consider on the used-minivan market.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Toyota Sienna XLE Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 8 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 9 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 62 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Toyota Sienna includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Toyota Sienna .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Brake noise:
Original brakes tend to groan and squeak. Replacement brake pads and rotors correct the problem. (1998)
Headlights:
The headlight-aiming specifications are inadequate on dark roads, so they have been revised to allow aiming one-inch higher. (1998-99)
Water leak:
Water leaks into trunk due to loose or missing air duct flaps. (1999-2001)
Windows:
If the window switch on the passenger side quits working, an improved replacement switch may remedy the problem. (1998-99)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $1,140 |
| Alternator | $485 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,055 |
| Brakes | $220 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $410 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $890 |
| Exhaust System | $315 |
| Radiator | $475 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $630 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $610 |
Our price chart for this generation Toyota Sienna details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2003 | |||
| Sienna | $7,500-10,000 | $6,800-9,000 | $3,800-5,000 |
| 2002 | |||
| Sienna | $6,200-8,200 | $5,400-7,100 | $2,700-3,500 |
| 2001 | |||
| Sienna | $5,300-6,800 | $4,600-5,800 | $2,200-2,800 |
| 2000 | |||
| Sienna | $4,500-6,100 | $3,700-5,100 | $1,600-2,200 |
| 1999 | |||
| Sienna | $3,700-5,200 | $3,000-4,200 | $1,100-1,500 |
| 1998 | |||
| Sienna | $3,000-4,200 | $2,300-3,200 | $700-1,000 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Toyota Sienna include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door van | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 114.2 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 193.5 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 73.4 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 67.3 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3881 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 143.0 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 21.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 7 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.6 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.9 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 40.7 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.5 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Siennas all used the same powertrain: a 194-horsepower, dual-overhead-cam 3.0-liter V6 engine driving a 4-speed automatic transmission. Sienna gained 16 horsepower in 2001.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V6 | 3.0 / 183 | 194-210 | 209-220 | 4-speed automatic: 19/23 | 4-speed automatic: 19.4 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Toyota Sienna include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Sienna |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1998-2003 Toyota Sienna directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2001:
Front-subframe assembly was not adequately welded. This condition could cause failure of the assembly, increasing the risk of a crash.
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