Conclusion
It is difficult to conclude with anything other than saying that minivan shoppers should stop by their Toyota dealer and pick one up. Other than the sporadically erratic transmission, there appears to be nothing wrong with this vehicle.
The CE AWD trimmed Sienna is probably one of the best packages for all-weather family hauling. The LE AWD adds a power seat, better audio system, fog lights and a roof rack for an extra $4,000. The Odyssey is pricier in
basic trim levels and is not available with AWD. That is not to say that the Honda is less of a vehicle, on the contrary, it is more powerful and more fun to drive.
Toyota's engine sludge problems seem far behind them at this point. Since 1998, the Sienna has been one the best offerings in the minivan segment and the 2005 is no different. The 2005 Honda Odyssey is its principal competitor and I am looking forward to that test in the upcoming few weeks.
Good stuff:
Very nice to drive
General smoothness
Not so good stuff:
Transmission foibles
Irritating armrests
It is difficult to conclude with anything other than saying that minivan shoppers should stop by their Toyota dealer and pick one up. Other than the sporadically erratic transmission, there appears to be nothing wrong with this vehicle.
The CE AWD trimmed Sienna is probably one of the best packages for all-weather family hauling. The LE AWD adds a power seat, better audio system, fog lights and a roof rack for an extra $4,000. The Odyssey is pricier in
basic trim levels and is not available with AWD. That is not to say that the Honda is less of a vehicle, on the contrary, it is more powerful and more fun to drive. Toyota's engine sludge problems seem far behind them at this point. Since 1998, the Sienna has been one the best offerings in the minivan segment and the 2005 is no different. The 2005 Honda Odyssey is its principal competitor and I am looking forward to that test in the upcoming few weeks.
Good stuff:
Very nice to drive
General smoothness
Not so good stuff:
Transmission foibles
Irritating armrests
2005 Toyota Sienna CE 7-passenger
2005 Toyota Sienna CE 7-passenger
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