Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

This van has great performance for a minivan, it's quick and handles the road wonderfully.

Everything still works for the year.

Rides nice, and I wonder how far it will go with good maintenance.

Doesn't leak oil, but uses about a quart every 500 miles or so.

Faults:

At 204K: mechanic replaced a motor mount and says the steering rack needs to be replaced.

At 175K: changed one fuel injector.

A few years ago I broke the ABS system while changing the front brake pads (I think I spread the caliper open (to make room to insert the new pads) too quickly, oops!) and haven't bothered to fix it (a pricey repair): the only way you'd know is the "ABS" dash light come on intermittently.

Driver's side passenger door latch interferes with gas cap door; this problem recurred annoyingly, but wasn't expensive to repair.

Otherwise, normal wear items only: timing belt changes, front brake pads and rotors, etc. No "sludge problems": I guess we got lucky.

General Comments:

We had this van almost since new (bought it from a family member who later bought a 2005 Sienna LE). It has provided low-expense transportation over its lifetime, has never left us stranded, and is generally a pleasure to drive.

I drive the 2005 fairly often and prefer driving the 1998 model, with 205K miles, over the 2005 with 40K miles: throttle- and transmission-response are noticeably better in the 98 and power is the same.

The *only* thing I like better in the 2005 is the fold-into-the-floor-rear-seats: it really gets to be painful on the back to remove the seats from the 98 to make room for large cargo.

The only persistent annoyance while driving is that the rear suspension remains inadequate; with two kids in back, it bottoms out on rough hits, and with 4-5 people in back, it's takes a lot less to bottom it out. I had "heavy duty" shocks installed a year ago and that has made no difference (so the problem seems to be caused by weak springs, not wimpy shocks).

I intend to keep this until its (first) major failure.

We'll be taking this vehicle on our upcoming vacations driving around the western USA.

Faults:

Starter died around 125,000 miles per receipts in glove box.

Screw holding rear window came loose around 149,000 miles.

O2 sensor failed around 180,000 miles.

Drivers seat has felt crooked and uncomfortable since I got it.

General Comments:

I really have had little to complain about with this car. I am more than happy with the acceleration and reliability, I just wish the drivers seat was more comfortable.

At 196,000 miles it still runs and drives great, and I am now towing a 2,000lb boat with it. I'm surprised to see all the negatives.

Faults:

This van has been awesome.

There was a brake recall at 20,000 miles and a transmission recall at 45,000. Both were replaced at the dealer with no hassles and no cost. The only indication of something wrong with the transmission was a check engine light.

Other than the recalls and regular maintenance, all I have done to it was replace a brake cylinder and the back door latch. I repaired both myself at minimum cost.

I replaced the brakes at 65,000 miles and the pads and shoes still had life in them. It did get a squeal in the rear brakes, but I determined that it was brake dust. I regularly cleaned the brakes and that took care of the problem.

General Comments:

This van has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. It has been extremely reliable for more than 10 years. It was very comfortable and very practical. We enjoyed the power and overall smoothness of the ride.

We were very careful to maintain the van. We changed the oil every 3000 miles and did all the recommended maintenance.

The interior was flawless, even after 10 years, and everything was operational.

The best part was the safety of the vehicle. It was t-boned at 50mph and protected my family! Not a scratch!! I am very very grateful!! Unfortunately it was totaled. We had to say goodbye to our 10 year relationship! If it had not been wrecked, I believe that it would have lasted 300,000+ miles. We will miss it greatly!! That and the fact that it was paid for!!