Faults:

I had to replace a couple of headlight bulbs, but regular maintenance and whatnot is otherwise cheap. We have had a couple of tire punctures which is curious, but easily remedied.

General Comments:

We have not been kind to this car between my wife, my kids and even our family dog. The noble family van has had its share of dings, dents, scratches and whatnots over the years, but the car keeps going - even when we stretch out its service intervals. We've driven the car cross country and my wife learned to drive on this car; she now uses it to ferry the kids wherever. I used to use it to take the family around, but now I have my own car separate from the family hauler; back in the day, I would take the dog to the park in the van. Everyone has otherwise left their mark on the car and yet, the car keeps going.

Now I have my faults with it: the interior is spartan and could use more amenities and creature comforts, but it is a base model van. I'm not sold on its performance, but it does its best. Mind, none of these are really that important for a vehicle like this - all that matters is if it keeps going with all of us in it, and it will certainly do that.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong.

Changed oil due to erroneous but functioning as designed oil life indicator (set for standard oil but comes on synthetic). Oil is hard to find (0w20).

General Comments:

I bought the car to facilitate more comfort for me and my family, and have not been let down. It is wonderful inside. I'm tall, and am as comfortable as I've been in anything. The radio is a bit of a reach, but steering wheel controls are standard.

The standard SE package comes with absolutely everything you need, and leaves little to be desired. The SE does NOT have the foot rest on middle seating, nor does it have passenger power seat controls. Power doors and rear hatch are standard in 2012.

The SE is the one to get. Unless you are on a tight budget, or love light colored leather and the couple extra options the XLE gives, the SE is for you.

When test driving the XLE (my first choice I thought), I really disliked the suspension. I've never driven a new (not in need of repair) vehicle with so much "wallow" in the suspension. It genuinely handled like a boat. Far too soft.

The SE adds snazzy exterior styling in the form of larger wheels and a different body kit. It also adds a great suspension. About an inch lower than the standard van, and much more firm. Combined with lower sidewalls, the SE can out perform your ability to stay in the seat. This may be a detriment. The seats in the SE, other than being made of "sport cloth" and leatherette, are the same shape as the luxo version. It's hard to stay in place when in the curvies. But it's a van, so be it. At least the ability to handle is there.

The radio is much better than I've had in previous Toyotas. Bluetooth media streaming and telephone calls are flawless and clear. People can barely, if at all, tell that I've switched to, from, and back to the Toyota Bluetooth hands free calling. Streaming Pandora or MP3s is loud and clear, and connects automatically with zero problem. No re-pairing or anything needed.

The rear seats fold down flat, the middle seats slide up all the way to the front seats to offer about 6.5'x4' of flat space. Remove the middle seats altogether (simple pull of a handle) and you can now, albeit tightly, fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood in the back. I carried my full size couch in the back with the tailgate closed. I fit an entire 10x8 shed in the van in one trip during a move.

The center console is very spacious. Carry whatever you want, but don't open it with your credit card on the top; it'll fall into the console and be gone forever.

The van catches some guff for having a "hard plastic interior". I can't imagine anything else for a cargo and kid hauler. I haven't owned a Mercedes or Cadillac since the 90s, but it is no different in interior construction than my last 10 or so new cars built more recently. All in the similar $30k+ price range.

The exterior is "sexy" as a van can get. I was floored when I saw the first 2010 model SE back in 2009, and just as excited about it now in 2012 with some updates. It truly is the "swagger wagon". I am not ashamed to drive it.

The engine pulls along much better than necessary for a van. The 4 cylinder is probably plenty (but the SE is the one to get), and the 6 speed transmission is definitely the best automatic I've driven. I never buy automatics, but have had to rent them recently. It kicks the life out of the Chrysler 200 for sure (junk). I don't feel shifts and rarely feel that lame lag that all automatic transmissions have while trying to figure out if you're trying to accelerate or "pass". It's very responsive and efficient.

I'm turning 22 MPG mixed/insane Maryland driving, and actually pulled 29 on a longer drive (3 or 4 hours) on flat ground out south of Delaware.

Though maybe my masculinity took a bit of a hit since driving my GTO. The comfort and convenience is so far making up for any sportiness.

The only way I could be happier with this car, is if I could leave 3/4 of it at home when I'm not hauling family. But since modular cars have not been invented, I'll stick to my van, and motorcycle when I feel a bit more efficient.

I used to think my wife's Scion was one of the most reasonable vehicles to own; but it fails to be able to carry cargo AND people at the same time. The van fails to be efficient when carrying just me as a commuter, but makes up for it on weekends.