Was 2005 a good year for Toyota Sienna?

Yes. In 2005, the Toyota Sienna continued to stand out as a reliable, practical family minivan with strong resale value and solid comfort, making it a favorable choice within its segment.

Context: the Sienna in 2005

The 2005 model sits in the second generation (introduced in 2004), a period when Toyota refined the design for better interior space, build quality, and everyday usability. Competing minivans from Honda and Chrysler were also prominent, but Toyota leveraged its reputation for durability and low maintenance costs to keep the Sienna competitive with strong reliability and real-world ownership appeal.

Performance and reliability

Engine and drivetrain

The 2005 Sienna used a 3.3-liter V6 paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, delivering ample power for a family minivan. An all-wheel-drive option was available on certain trims, enhancing traction in adverse weather while maintaining familiar minivan practicality.

Ownership costs and reliability

Toyota’s reliability reputation helped the Sienna earn favorable long-term ownership expectations. With regular maintenance, many examples remained dependable well into higher mileage, contributing to strong considered resale value and lower typical ownership costs compared with some rivals.

Safety and features

For its era, the Sienna offered a solid set of safety features and family-focused conveniences. Trims typically included multiple airbags and anti-lock brakes, while configurations prioritized versatile seating and cargo arrangements. The availability of AWD added a practical edge for families in regions with winter weather.

The following highlights summarize the core strengths in this area:

• Spacious, configurable interior that accommodates up to eight occupants


• V6 power plus a smooth, conventional automatic transmission


• Available all-wheel drive for extra traction


• Strong safety features typical of mid-2000s Toyotas


• Solid reliability and predictable maintenance costs

In short, safety and interior practicality contributed to the Sienna’s broad appeal in 2005.

Market reception and resale value

During the mid-2000s, the Sienna consistently ranked highly for reliability and resale value within the minivan segment. While the Honda Odyssey remained a strong rival, Toyota’s balance of durability, comfort, and owner satisfaction helped the Sienna maintain a solid market position both new and as a used option in later years.

Considerations for buyers today

Because a 2005 Sienna is now an older vehicle, prospective buyers should plan a thorough pre-purchase inspection, focusing on wear and aging components, rust risk, and the condition of the transmission and suspension. Realistic budgeting for possible repairs is wise, given the vehicle’s age and mileage.

Below are key factors to evaluate when considering a 2005 Sienna today:

• Mileage and complete maintenance history


• Evidence of rust, particularly underneath and in wheel arches


• Condition of the engine, transmission, brakes, and suspension components


• Availability and cost of replacement parts as the vehicle ages

With careful inspection and maintenance history, a well-cared-for 2005 Sienna can still serve as dependable family transportation, though age-related repair needs are more likely than in newer models.

Summary

2005 marked a strong year within the second-generation Sienna lineup, reinforcing Toyota’s reputation for reliability, practicality, and family-friendly design. For today’s used-car shopper, the model offers a solid pedigree and spacious, versatile interior, provided buyers are mindful of age-related wear and perform due diligence during purchase.

How long will a 2005 Toyota Sienna last?

A 2005 Toyota Sienna can have a lifespan of over 200,000 to 400,000 miles, with many owners reporting high mileage due to its strong reliability and the engine's durability. To achieve this longevity, regular and consistent maintenance is crucial, including timely oil changes, transmission fluid flushes, and other routine servicing.
 
Factors affecting lifespan

• Maintenance: Consistent and proactive maintenance is the most significant factor in determining how long the vehicle will last. 
• Driving conditions: A vehicle's lifespan can be impacted by its driving environment, such as city versus highway driving, and overall wear and tear. 
• Owner habits: How the car is driven and cared for by its owner plays a large role in its longevity. 

Tips for maximizing lifespan

• Regular oil changes: Change the oil every 2,500 miles to keep the engine well-lubricated. 
• Transmission maintenance: Change the transmission fluid and filter around the 50,000-mile mark. 
• Routine servicing: Follow the manufacturer's recommended schedule for all other routine maintenance to ensure all systems are working correctly. 
• Stay on top of issues: Address any potential issues promptly to prevent them from becoming major problems later on. 

Is the 2005 Toyota Sienna reliable?

The 2005 Toyota Sienna is generally considered a reliable vehicle with a high owner satisfaction rating, praised for its longevity and comfort. However, some owners have reported issues with the power sliding doors and other minor problems like dashboard mirror controls and climate control components. Other common concerns include suspension issues and excessive oil consumption.
 
Strengths

• High reliability rating: Many owners report a 4.6 out of 5 reliability rating from sources like Cars.com and Kelley Blue Book. 
• Excellent longevity: Some owners have reported reaching over 135,000 miles with minimal issues and expect their vehicles to exceed 300,000 miles, especially with proper maintenance, as noted in a Cars.com review and a Kelley Blue Book review. 
• Comfort and space: The Sienna is frequently praised for its spacious and comfortable interior, making it a great family vehicle. 

Weaknesses

• Power sliding doors: A common problem is the automatic sliding doors failing to work or close properly. 
• Climate and dashboard controls: Some owners have experienced issues with the climate control system and dashboard mirror controls. 
• Suspension and brakes: There are reports of suspension and brake-related problems. 
• Oil consumption: Some vehicles may have excessive oil consumption. 
• Recalls: The model has been subject to several recalls, including a potential issue with the shift lock solenoid that could allow the vehicle to be shifted out of park without pressing the brake pedal, notes Cars.com. 

This video discusses common issues with the 2004-2010 Toyota Sienna, including problems with power sliding doors: 58sPoodle DadYouTube · Jan 15, 2025

What year of Toyota Sienna to stay away from?

The Toyota Sienna years to generally avoid are the 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2011, and 2017-2018 models due to common issues like sliding door problems, transmission troubles, and engine/suspension concerns. While many Siennas are reliable, these specific model years have more reported complaints and recalls.
 
Model years to avoid

• 2004: This first year of the second generation had the most owner complaints, particularly for sliding door issues. 
• 2005: This year is associated with problems such as a faulty automatic sliding door and climate control issues. 
• 2007: The 2007 model is often cited for engine and transmission problems, as well as recall issues with the transmission shift lever assembly. 
• 2008: Common problems include minor electrical issues and airbag/seat belt concerns. 
• 2011: This model year is known for premature suspension wear and engine problems, including stalling and rough idling. 
• 2017-early 2018: The 8-speed transmission in these models has been linked to issues like whining, jerky operation, and oil leaks. 

Other considerations

• Some sources suggest avoiding the 2006 model due to problems like failed oxygen sensors and sludge buildup, though it is still considered reliable overall. 
• While the 2011-2016 models with the 6-speed transmission are generally considered reliable, the 2017-2018 models with the 8-speed transmission are the ones to approach with caution due to transmission problems. 
• Regardless of the model year, it's always wise to get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic before buying any used car.

What is the common problem of Toyota Sienna 2005?

Common problems with the 2005 Toyota Sienna include issues with its electric sliding doors, dashboard cracking, oxygen sensor failure, and potential transmission problems. Other frequent complaints involve the climate control system, and the engine may experience coolant leaks or overheating. 
This video explains the top 5 problems with the 2004-2010 Toyota Sienna, including issues with oxygen sensors, MAF sensors, and more: 58s1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Sep 25, 2021
Body and interior

• Sliding doors: The electric sliding doors are prone to mechanical failure, such as cables fraying or the mechanism not working correctly. 
• Dashboard: The dashboard can crack over time. 
• Climate control: Problems can include failures with the blower motor, blend door actuators, evaporator, and refrigerant leakage. 
• Interior lights: Lights by the shifter may become faulty. 

Engine and mechanical

• Head gasket/coolant leaks: Some models have reported issues with head gaskets, leading to coolant leaks and overheating. 
• Oxygen sensors: The oxygen sensor can fail, triggering the check engine light. 
• EVAP system: The check engine light may also come on due to a faulty evaporative emissions control (EVAP) system. 
• Timing belt: The timing belt needs replacement at recommended intervals, and it's advisable to replace related components like the water pump, cam seals, and crank seals at the same time. 

Electrical

• Shift lock solenoid: There was a recall for a shift lock solenoid issue that could cause the vehicle to roll away from a parked position if the brake pedal wasn't depressed. 
• Knock sensors: The knock sensors and their wiring are susceptible to heat-related failure. 
• MAF sensor: A dirty air filter can lead to a dirty or failed Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor, which may cause hesitation and trigger a check engine light. 

Other

• Exhaust system: The exhaust system, including the catalytic converter, may leak and require replacement. 
• Shocks: The rear shocks can wear out, affecting the ride quality. 
• Rusting: Some vehicles have reported rusting of the bottom plates.