Best Used Minivans: 2003 Toyota Sienna
The 2003 Toyota Sienna was the final year for the original Sienna minivan, which debuted for the 1998 model year. When it first went on sale, replacing the odd Previa van, the Sienna was an instant hit and continued to sell well despite the arrival of the bigger and, in our opinion, more practical 1999 Honda Odyssey. Still, as we explained earlier, sometimes what appears to be most appealing when new isn’t quite as attractive as a used vehicle.
Based on available crash-test data, the 2003 Sienna is a safe vehicle, with 4-star and 5-star ratings from the NHTSA and a “Good” frontal-impact rating from the IIHS. Its reliability track record, especially for a 10-year-old vehicle, is also very impressive. If you’re seeking a safe and reliable van and have a small budget, look no further than a well-maintained 2003 Toyota Sienna.
Where the 2003 Sienna represents a bit of a compromise is within its cabin. This is the smallest van on our list of good used minivans, offering just 133.5 cu.-ft. of maximum cargo space. This is also the only van on our list equipped with a third-row seat that must be removed and stored outside of the van to expand trunk space behind the second-row seats, a significant inconvenience.
Nevertheless, there’s no denying that for buyers on a budget, a 2003 Toyota Sienna is likely the best used minivan.