The 2005 Toyota Sienna is effectively tied with the 2005 Honda Odyssey as the best minivan released in its model year. The Sienna is a little more comfortable, with more convenience features available, but it’s also little more expensive. In either event you’re getting a great minivan at a very good price.
Is the 2005 Toyota Sienna a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – If the Sienna isn’t the best minivan of 2005, it’s at least tied with the Honda Odyssey.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – The only knock against the Sienna in this regard: Some drivers find the seating a bit stiff. Otherwise this is one of the roomiest and smoothest-riding used vehicles on the market.
- Reliability 8/10 – Regular maintenance will probably get you to 250,000 miles with no major problems.
- Safety 8/10 – Base features may be outdated by now, but optional parking assist and rearview cameras bump the Sienna up an extra point.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Newer cars may be far more efficient, but 19/26 miles to the gallon, city/highway, is pretty darn good for a minivan nearing its twentieth birthday.
- Value 8/10 – Low sticker prices, great fuel economy, and few major repairs before 250,000 miles make the 2005 Sienna a great deal.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2005 Toyota Sienna?
Consumer Reports found the 2005 Toyota Sienna a capable, comfortable minivan, delivering plenty of power without burning through too much fuel. They liked the finely detailed cabin, the optional all-wheel drive, and the sound handling. They did find the braking a bit weak and the steering a bit wide.
Kelley Blue Book users give the 2005 Toyota Sienna a very strong 90% recommendation, praising the vehicle’s longevity and durability, with one driver reporting that the van was totaled in an accident that left the occupants with nothing more than minor bruising.
Edmunds liked the smooth ride, the fold-flat seating, the spacious interior, the good fuel economy, the all-wheel drive performance, and the powerful V6 engine. They weren’t so hot on the broad cornering, and road noise, and felt that the high-end packages were too expensive.
What Common Problems Does the 2005 Toyota Sienna Have?
Structure issues make up around one third of the 1,121 complaints the 2005 Sienna has on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Another 135 are for latches and locks, with the common thread here being doors popping open and refusing to close. There have been no recalls for this issue.
Another structural issue sees the cable holding the spare tire under the vehicle rusting through and dropping your spare on the highway somewhere. This issue was recalled in 2010. If your Sienna hasn’t been repaired, you’ll want to pack the donut in the cargo hold in the meantime.
Engine and powertrain issues have been few for a minivan that’s around twenty years old. The biggest problem has to do with shift lever assemblies allowing the van to roll away while in park. This issue has been recalled twice, covering around one million Toyotas in total.
The 2005 Toyota Sienna has 12 recalls on file with the NHTSA and 1,121 complaints. These numbers are within reason for a 2005 minivan, but they’re on the higher end of “within reason.” Don’t skip the test drive.
How Long Will the 2005 Toyota Sienna Last?
The Sienna is a Toyota, which means you can expect it to last a long time. Drivers have reported passing 300,000 miles on the original transmission. Given that you’re buying used, expect a minimum mileage of 200,000 and a maximum of 250,000 before you have to fix something expensive or replace the whole vehicle.
RepairPal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $554, which is on the low end for a 2005 minivan. The most expensive common repair will usually be a new brake vacuum pump, starting at around $793.
The 2005 Toyota sienna le is very reliable as it provides ample space for a family to use for in road trips. The only conflict that we have faced is that the mileage has not been as great as other vehicles we have had in the past but this may be due to the fact that we have had this car for well over 10 years. It still drives very smoothly.
I have had no problems with my van. The only thing is it does not come with a spare tire. I have purchase a used tire on a wheel so I have a spare In case of a flat tire on a trip. I store my tire in the trunk of the van.
The belt is bad, and a few other minimal things. The dash is sticky and the left passenger door is stuck so it won't open
I have only had two problems with this car, one is the sliding doors sometimes won't open when there is ice on the car, the other is the stereo occasionally cuts out and won’t change volume. The car has never broken down on me.
Mechanically, it is reliable. The cosmetic and interior hardware is not as reliable. We've had repeated door issues (sliding door and hatch).
Yes, very reliable. No problems We have only had to do the usual repairs. over 200,000 miles on it
It has some problems with brake pedal and sometimes doesn't work AC button so, bothering me a hot day!
For the most part it is a reliable vehicle. I have had a few recalls, but nothing major. However, as it is a 14-year-old vehicle, there have been some things that have had to be replaced.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is adequate in the standard models. You get CD players as a base feature, and the XLE Limited features a 6-disc changer and ten JBL speakers. Optional packages include DVD players, so it’s worth keeping your eye out for one of these while you’re shopping around.
Safety technology is advanced considering the van’s age. Entry level features are basic, including anti-lock brakes and dual stage airbags, while optional features include traction control and even rearview cameras, which were practically unheard of in 2005.
Is the 2005 Toyota Sienna a Good Value?
The 2005 Toyota Sienna is priced fairly, with the base CE listing at just $5,689, and the high-end XLE Limited at $6,953. When you add this to low cost of ownership, with refueling and maintenance expenses being pretty reasonable, you’ve got a very good deal on your hands.
These prices are for vehicles with around 165,000 miles on the odometer, which might seem a bit high, but it shouldn’t be hard to shop around and find one with a lower number on the odometer.
What are the Different Models of the 2005 Toyota Sienna?
The 2005 Toyota Sienna is offered in four trims, from the entry level CE to the high-end XLE Limited.
With the base CE you’re getting:
- Cloth seating
- CD player
- Manual air conditioning with a separate system for the back seats
- Remote keyless entry
- Power windows and door locks
Next up is the LE, adding:
- Heated mirrors
- Premium cloth seating
- 6-way power adjust driver seat
The mid-range XLE adds:
- 8-way power adjust driver seat
- Leather wrapped steering wheel with steering wheel mounted audio controls
- JBL sound system with 10 speakers
Finally, the top-of-the-line XLE Limited features:
- Leather seating
- Parking assist
- Heated seats
- Driveline traction control
- Tri-zone automatic air conditioning
- Leather and wood style interior trim
What Engines Come In the 2005 Toyota Sienna?
- Every 2005 Sienna comes with a 3.3L V6 engine delivering 230 horsepower and 242 lb.-ft. of torque. This paired to a 5-speed automatic transmission, and configured in front wheel drive in the CE model, all wheel drive in the XLE Limited, and front/all wheel drive in all other models. The engine averages 19/26 miles to the gallon, city/highway.
What Colors Does the 2005 Toyota Sienna Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2005 Toyota Sienna?
The 2005 Toyota Sienna is one of the roomier used minivans on the market. The back row has 67.5 inches of hiproom, so you can realistically seat around seven adults in here with nobody bumping elbows.
Some reviewers have reported that the seats could be a bit more comfortable, but the suspension rides smooth and has held up well over the years, with a scant four complaints on file with the NHTSA for the shocks and struts.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2005 Toyota Sienna Have?
The 2005 Sienna is practically a moving van with 43.6 cubic feet of storage in the cargo hold, and 148.9 cubic feet if you fold the seats down. Stretching nearly six feet wide, you could just about put a queen-sized mattress in the back and turn the van into a literal bedroom on wheels.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
2005 was the second model year in the Sienna’s 2nd Generation, running from 2004 to 2009.
2002: A placeholder year for the nameplate. Toyota added a new audio package, and that’s about it.
2003: No big changes in 2003, either. CE models got power-sliding doors on the passenger side.
2004: 2004 saw the Sienna relaunching with larger dimensions, a roomier interior, and a brand new appearance for the 2nd Generation.
2005: No big changes for 2005.
2006: Most of the changes for 2006 were cosmetic. The Sienna got a new front fascia, sleeker edges, narrower headlights, nad some neat blue backlighting in the gauges.
2007: The only big change for 2007 was the addition of a 3.5L V6 ULEV-II engine.
How Does the 2005 Toyota Sienna Compare to the Competition?
For 2005, the Sienna is just about tied with the Honda Odyssey for best overall minivan. The Odyssey runs about a thousand dollars cheaper on average, so you might consider it the hands-down winner for that alone. But the Sienna boasts a wider range of interior comfort and convenience features.
The 2005 Chrysler Town & Country sells for as low as half the cost of a 2005 Toyota Sienna, but it’s also less powerful, less fuel efficient, less comfortable, and probably won’t reach 250,000 miles without some major repairs along the way. It’s the cheapest of the three, but you get what you pay for.
You can’t really pick a clear winner between the Odyssey and the Sienna. Both are excellent used minivans at a good price. If you can’t decide, test-drive both and see which one you like better.
Do Owners Recommend the 2005 Toyota Sienna?
The 2005 Toyota sienna le is a good vehicle as it drives very smoothly and is partially spacious. It is a very safe car to drive and we have never faced any driving issues with it.
Toyota Sienna is a wonderful vehicle. This is the second one I have owned. I would purchase this model again. It is a all wheel drive which is wonderful in snow and sleet. It is one of the most safest and reliable van. I love the comfort and it’s so smooth on driving in long trips.
Yes very great we love it. Just wish we could afford a new one. I would not change a thing about it. Once we can actually afford a new car, we are going to get a new Toyota
Yes. It has never broken down in 14 years of ownership, regular maintenance is not expensive, it has a lot of room for passengers and items. It is comfortable to ride and easy to drive.
It's a good van. We had a 1998 sienna that we sold because we wanted an eight passenger at the time. My family has not been as happy with the 05 as with the 98. We feel like the comfort level on the newer van is much less than it was on the older. Also, our current van has had a few recalls: one was for a sliding door. We bought the van used, contacted Toyota re the recall and were told the vehicle no longer qualified because it exceeded the mileage limit. That made no sense because mileage and door issues don't coincide. Having said that, the van has over 300,000 miles now. We are occasionally having 'minor' problems with the interior hardware. My husband has had to order many parts to repair those problems. My husband is still satisfied with it tho. I am not as satisfied but also realize it's still probably a better vehicle than other vans.
Yes, it has been a reliable car. It currently has over 200,000 miles with only the usual repairs to it
Yes, it is kind of good vehicle for the family's activities but it has some problems with brake pedal.
Yes. I would buy another Sienna if I ever need another vehicle. Mine has around 170,000 miles on it and is still going strong.
