Sienna AWD NOT RECOMMENDED by Consumer Reports?

[csaxon]

I came across this SIENNA AWD "NOT RECOMMENDED" in the Dec issue of CReports. There was no reason or explanation given. My son was planning on buying the Sienna for his expanding family. Can anyone enlighten us on why a Not Recommended rating?
I've not seen anything negative in this forum.

[davemcd]

The report says that, based on one year of data, reliability is below average. Take these reports with a grain of salt.

I bought the AWD version because I like to go to the snow, and I hate putting on chains all the time, especially on something like a minivan. Sienna is the only minivan with AWD.

[Zembonez]

Consumer Reports is a farce anyway.

[MAToyotaSales]

These reports are often based on repair visits, which include people coming in and complaining when nothing is wrong....

Such as tire noise with the run flats, or the lack of a spare tire.....

There is nothing different about the AWD sienna, other than it having a rear driveshaft, transfer case, diff, 2 extra CV boots ect......I seriously doubt anyone is having any trouble with those things in the first year of ownership. What wouldn't suprise me, is complaints about the tires....

[skinny2]

I don't put too much faith in CR as I just don't agree with their vague survey results and flippant way or recommending/not-recommending things. Consumers can complain about lots of things. I recall the Hummer was getting horrible ratings and when it was finally reported why...it was because of complaints of mpg. Seriously though the AWD obviously has more stuff to go wrong, run-flat tires, different gearing, etc. and it's a low-volume unit. So there's a lot of potential to have more problems than the FWD and more importantly there's a small statistical sample to pull from.

We went in ready to buy the AWD but did enough research ahead of time to decide it just wasn't for us. I would suggest looking at objective differences and not pay much attention to the reliability ratings. You either really need/want one or you don't. If you do then a couple extra problems isn't going to break you in the scheme of things.

I NEVER buy a vehicle only because of reliability. The last thing I want is an ultra-reliable vehicle I don't really like. That makes it even more painful when it has a problem! Something you really like...you'll put up with the problems. Or maybe it will turn out to be a very reliable vehicle too. The difference between highest rated and lowest rated these days really isn't a wide swing.

[DanielAcosta]

FWIW I have an 09 Venza V6 AWD with 60K+ miles with no issues. Other than the fuel economy, I would have no hesitation buying an AWD Sienna. If you can live with a 5-seater, consider the 12 Impreza 36mpg with awd.

[qest]

Yes, definitely go buy one of the other new AWD minivans...oh, wait...there aren't any! Ah, I've got it, get a Chevy Express! LOL!

[blizprl1]

Don't worry too much about CR. Check other sources as well. Do your own test drive several times.

[grandpapa]

CR also say car only has 30-45% resale value after 5 years of ownership. OK, go find me such car and see if you have any luck.

[csaxon]

Thanks for the feedback.