The Good
The 2008 Toyota Sienna offers a comfortable ride and a spacious interior, appealing to emotional buyers seeking a family-friendly vehicle. Its legendary reliability and strong resale value attract practical buyers. Performance is adequate for daily driving. It balances functionality and comfort, making it a sensible and enjoyable minivan choice.
The Bad
Potential weaknesses of the 2008 Toyota Sienna include potential oil consumption issues in higher-mileage vehicles. Some owners have reported issues with power sliding doors. Rust can be a concern in colder climates with road salt. The interior materials, while durable, might feel dated compared to newer minivans. Regular maintenance is crucial to avoid major repairs.
2008 Toyota Sienna: Quick Overview
- Engine Options: 3.5L V6
- Horsepower: 266 hp
- Fuel Economy: Approximately 16-19 mpg city / 22-26 mpg highway (depending on FWD/AWD)
- 0-60 Times: Around 8 seconds
- Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs (when properly equipped)
- Trim-Level Features:
- CE: Base model; includes standard features like air conditioning, power windows and locks, and basic audio system.
- LE: Adds features like upgraded cloth upholstery, keyless entry, and available power sliding doors.
- XLE: Includes leather upholstery, power driver's seat, alloy wheels, and upgraded audio system.
- Limited: Top-of-the-line trim; features include premium leather, heated front seats, sunroof, JBL audio system, and optional rear-seat entertainment system.
- Common Features: All trims include features like anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction control, and multiple airbags. Higher trims offer features like stability control and parking sensors. Optional features include navigation system, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, and upgraded audio systems, depending on the trim level.
2008 Toyota Sienna Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2008 |
| Make | Toyota |
| Model | Sienna |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Sport Utility Vehicle Van |
| Category | Cargo Van |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United States |
| Manufacturing City | PRINCETON |
Dimensions
| Doors | 5-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 2GR-FE |
| Engine Size | 3.5L |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | - |
| Transmission Type | - |
| Transmission Speeds | - |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2008 Toyota Sienna Have?
Recalls for the 2008 Sienna have addressed issues such as potential accelerator pedal entrapment and possible fuel leakage due to corrosion of fuel lines. It's important to check the vehicle's VIN on the NHTSA website to verify if all applicable recalls have been performed. Long-term reliability is generally good, but issues like oil consumption and power door malfunctions can arise with age and mileage. Regular maintenance, including timely oil changes and inspections of the power door mechanisms, is crucial to mitigate these concerns. Additionally, inspecting the undercarriage for rust is advisable, particularly in colder climates. Some model years within the second generation Sienna might exhibit these problems more prominently, so thorough pre-purchase inspection is always recommended.
How long will the 2008 Toyota Sienna last?
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Safety features included front and side airbags, as well as side curtain airbags for all three rows. The Sienna received good crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA. Optional features included Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and traction control. The built-in entertainment system with DVD player was a popular option for families. Tech was pretty basic with standard AM/FM radio, CD player and auxiliary input. Navigation was only available on the higher trims. Overall, while not loaded with advanced tech compared to modern vehicles, the 2008 Sienna offered adequate safety and convenience features for its era, especially in higher trim levels.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2008 Toyota Sienna Prices and Market Value
2008 Toyota Sienna Cost of Ownership
2008 Toyota Sienna Fuel Efficiency
2008 Toyota Sienna Safety Rating
NHTSA
2008 Toyota Sienna Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2008 Toyota Sienna Compare to Other Sport Utility Vehicle Van?
In terms of price, the Sienna typically holds its value well, so used prices might be slightly higher than competitors with similar mileage. The Nissan Quest is often considered less desirable due to reliability concerns and less cargo space. If reliability is a top priority, the Sienna or Odyssey are excellent choices. If you're looking for more advanced features and don't mind potential reliability trade-offs, the Town & Country might be worth considering. However, given the Sienna's track record, it remains a strong contender in its class. A similarly reliable alternative is the Honda Odyssey, though finding one in excellent condition is also crucial.
Ranks #139 SUV
| 1 | 2023 Toyota 4Runner | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid | (5.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus GX | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV | (0.0★) |
| 5 | 2024 Subaru Crosstrek | (5.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW iX | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Bronco Sport | (3.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2024 Chevrolet Trax | (5.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Audi A4 allroad | (0.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Kona N | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan ARIYA | (5.0★) |
| 139 | 2008 Toyota Sienna | (5.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2008 Toyota Sienna a Good Sport Utility Vehicle Van?
BengalsFan on January 31, 2023
Perhaps a bit too good? Hope Toyo isn't listeningOwn a 2004 with over 330,000 miles. It just keeps running. As a landlord, I use it somewhat like a truck, it holds tools in the rear. Can transport 4x8 sheets of drywall and plywood with some shuffling. Hauled 1200 lbs of concrete bags behind the front row seats many times. I use the 3rd row for passengers. Have removed the second row and never replaced them. Change the oil every 5Kmi because that interval is easy to remember. And the typical timing belt and water pump (while exposed) every 100K. Just let the dealer do the brakes, they last years and don't wobble. Of course the automatic doors gave out at 200K, but you kind of expect that. They still work manually. A few strange items like a steering rack at 150K and vent window hinge gave out around then. And the drivers seat heater gave up. The problem is that this van is so good, I really hate to replace it. It's a good problem to have. I'm not hauling concrete in a brand new $50,000 Sienna.
Kenny on January 6, 2023
Beware of a oil cooler pipe rupturing!A word of warning- the oil cooler pipe should have been recalled because it can rupture and let all of the oil out of the engine which can cause major damage to the engine which is what happened to me recently in late 2022 with 204,000 miles on it. I loved it prior to that, The dealer wants $7,400 to repair the engine. They have been servicing it since I bought it used in November, 2015 with about 68,000 miles on it. I told them they should have warned me about this possible problem but the said Toyota did not want them to say anything to customers about the possible problem. Toyota redesigned the part but I didn’t know about the problem until it was too late. They sent out a warranty extension but it was sent to the previous owner before I bought it, so I never knew about it. Toyota should have issued a recall on the oil cooler pipe! No help from Toyota or the dealer who has been servicing the vehicle.
Chris and Family on April 20, 2021
Sensible, dependable family vehicleOurs has 220,000 miles on it in the year 2021. We had to put a new transmission in it a few years ago, but it has had no other problems. We purchased it used in 2011 with 40,000+ miles on it. It had been a rental car, which might account for the rough transmission.
Ricco on November 29, 2020
Most Reliable vehicle I've ever owned!Great family vehicle that has been the standard of reliability and comfort for our family of 5. We have done many family trips and it has always been very comfortable with lots of storage preventing us from having to store stuff outside in the weather.
JP704 on November 15, 2020
Very reliable and comfortable carWe have probably put $2000 in repairs on this car in 12 years. It’s been a work horse of a car. The kids still prefer it to any other car we have had. I think it has to be the space and comfort of the car.
singforjoy on April 7, 2020
Extremely comfortable and practicalMinivans may not be cool, but for overall comfort and practicality the Toyota Sienna can't be beat. Like many families, we bought our first van when our kids were little and the design made it easy to get them in and out of the car. They are now all grown and we still love the van. We can fit all of the family in one vehicle when we go somewhere together and it has held countless loads of furniture as we have moved kids in and out of dorms, apartments and houses over the years. The reliability is superb and when this one finally wears out, we'll probably get another Sienna!
Larry D on October 26, 2019
Most Comfortable and reliable van I have ownedI have owned this 2008 Sienna XLE Limited for about 6 years. One of the best vehicles I have ever owned . Very Comfortable on long trips. my wife loves the heated seats. Lots of room. You can spread out and be comfortable. The Grandkids love the dvd system, that keeps them entertained.
Packers Fan on October 26, 2019
Most reliable car I’ve owned.Low maintenance cost. Very reliable, comfortable and easy to drive. It can carry up to seven people. I would buy another in the future. It’s the best van I’ve owned. I have owned both Nissan Quest and Honda Odyssey.
Mary Frances on October 20, 2019
I would buy another Toyota - not from this dealerI like the vehicle to the point that I would buy another Toyota. Built with quality and held up well. It could use thicker carpeting to contain the road noise.
DaveS on September 7, 2019
Reliable, comfortable, and decent fuel economyUsed for daily communing and many road trips. No significant issues. Reliable, comfortable, and decent fuel economy. It can also haul sheet goods inside nice and dry which most pickups and SUVs can not.
Jovan
Jovan specializes in interpreting vehicle records and making sense of VIN data. With over 10 years of experience in the automotive data industry, his work ensures that every report is clear, accurate, and useful for car buyers.