Hey guys, I'm looking to refresh our 8 y/o Oddy for a new van. Debated other non-van platforms, but for the next 5 years, having a bus and moving van still makes sense. I'm probably leaning back to Honda because the Toyota sales process is a cluster with levels and options and such. Hard to shop and compare. That said, I'm pretty tired of Honda's famously undersized front rotors. I suppose I could just go aftermarket when they wear out, but I was wondering...

Any Toyota Sienna owners out there that can advise how the experience has been? Any nagging issues? Anyone here owned both that can share some experiences or observations?

Seems they don't offer an AWD version anymore. Or... just as likely, it's hidden in their clusterfuck confusing and verbose website.

Thanks!

For what it's worth I recently bought a Toyota Highlander......very pleased.

I own a Sienna. Love it for what it is. If I buy another mini van it will be a Sienna.

How many miles on your Oddy?

If you can squeeze a few more years out of it, you may get past the minivan stage.

As for their rotors, I’ve tried Raybestos but ended back with Honda OEM.

I have a 2012 Odyssey that has 210,000 miles. I changed to Raybestos 900738 Advanced Technology rotors two years ago and have not had a problem with them warping.

Before this van, we had a 2006 Sienna. The main difference between them is that the Sienna was louder in the cabin. That might not apply to the current generation.

My Dad had Hondas and now has a Toyota; seem roughly equivalent to me.

A 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan was my first, last and only mini-van. It was a good one.... a large and capable people mover.
But my bro has the Oddy and my bro-in-law has the Sienna. They are mostly driven by the wives though and they seem pleased.
I'd say stay off the website if it's not helpful and just go drive both at nearby dealerships.

Co-worker's wife is on her 3rd or 4th Sienna (leased, but buying out the current one).
Couple former neighbors had Odysseys.

No major complaints from any of them.

Former boss bought a Pacifica & was very happy with it as well.

Sienna v Odyssey, I think you just have to drive both & see which 'fits' better. IMO, they're roughly equivalent.

I haven't driven the current-gen Odyssey, but in prior generations, I always found the Ody a bit better to drive & less bland. Similar to how an Accord is/was a better drive than a Camry, IMO.

If you're looking used, just be cautious of the 98-04 models, as that was during the 'glass' transmissions years at Honda/Acura.

I think they are both good vehicles. I've had several friends with the Honda and all have been very happy.
With minimal care they seem to easily last 200,000 + miles.

interesting comment that the Honda was quieter than the Toyota,

my experience (not from the mini vans, but other models) has been the opposite,



if local sales are an indicator, the Honda wins hands down,
my small neighborhood has about 5 or so on my street, and no Sienna's

most of what we see are Honda's on the street

my neighbor is on her 3rd, (granted, one was taken out in an accident) with no issues

How about A Kia Sedona?

I hate to keep bringing up the Koreans in these car threads, but they do make a nice ride.

quote:

Originally posted by FenderBender:
How about A Kia Sedona?

I hate to keep bringing up the Koreans in these car threads, but they do make a nice ride.

Completely forgot about these, can't remember the last time I saw one on the road. Around here, it's the vast majority dominated by the Honda/Toyota, followed by the Chrysler.

I've got a 2015 Sienna Limited awd. Bought it used with 48k about 1 1/2 years ago. My wife loves it and I like it fine. We had a mid 2000s Odyssey and it gave good reliable service. The Toyota is old styling, first introduced in 2011 and tweaked along the way. One of the main reasons I bought this is the dealer really wanted my 2015 Transit 150 XLT and the trade was near even. Not one spec of buyer's remorse.

If I was buying brand new to drive and keep I'd probably go with the Honda.

The Honda looks better.

I bought a used 2012 Sienna from Enterprise in 2013 with 32K and change on it. Now i have a bit more than 72K on it and it has been perfect in every way.

My BIL has a Sienna and my in-laws have a Odyssey.

The Honda seems to handle and drive like a big sedan but the Toyota is more truck-like.

When we have child #3, we are going to get an Odyssey.

quote:

Originally posted by P250UA5:

quote:

Originally posted by FenderBender:
How about A Kia Sedona?

I hate to keep bringing up the Koreans in these car threads, but they do make a nice ride.

Completely forgot about these, can't remember the last time I saw one on the road. Around here, it's the vast majority dominated by the Honda/Toyota, followed by the Chrysler.

funnily enough I saw one on my commute into work today.

quote:

Originally posted by Bulldog7972:
I own a Sienna. Love it for what it is. If I buy another mini van it will be a Sienna.

Agreed. We got my wife the Sienna, and I have the Rav4. Her Sienna is a 2011, so about as old as your odyssey is now it sounds like, but its been a fantastic car in the short time we’ve owned it (about a year). But we bought used,’obviously, and it sounds like youre jumping into a mew vehicle, so i cant comment as to the dealership runaround bullshit. Im just a toyota guy, i guess

If your only complaint with the Honda is the poor brakes you will likely be in the same boat with the Sienna. Toyota is quite good at undersizing brakes as well. The Sienna we had was no different.

No personal experience with the Kia but my buddy who is the biggest Chevy Silverado Redneck can you can imagine got his wife a Sedona and they have been extremely happy with it.

I've had a 2011 Sienna AWD and have been pretty happy with it. The seats weigh a ton of you want to ever remove them.

We're selling it and buying a newish Odyssey in the next few months. We'll have 4 car seats in the van and the Odyssey is way better about having seat configurations that are car seat compatible.