The models to choose from were: CE, CE-8p, CE-AWD, CE-8p-AWD; LE, LE-8p, LE-AWD; XLE, XLE-AWD.
Our budget narrowed down the choices between the CE-7P, and the CE-8P. We picked the CE model as it had most of the features important to us. The CE-8P was $1500 extra, for extra seat, tinted windows, power rear windows etc. Although the later two were desireable to us, we picked the CE as it had the nicer center seats. We did an aftermarket window tint for about $300, (by dealer)
The Seinna is a pleasure to drive, with nimble handling, and lots of power. The power band on this 3.3L engine is always a joy to engage. The seats at front and center row are supportive yet comfortable. The front seats have manual height and tilt adjustments. The head rest is a bit to far forward for my liking. The stowaway rear seats are a tad harder on an old behind, (thinner to allow the stowaway).
The ride is moderately stiff, yet absorbant of the larger bumps, and the small ruffle of road surface, with some buffeting by the moderate road surface variations. Some visibility problems with the smaller rear side windows-- lower car is not easily visible at the rear passenger side, yet this gives it the sporty stylish look.
The interior is very quiet, with enough engine purr to enjoy. The shifting is very smooth and hard to detect, with some run on, after a quick spurt.
The cruise and other controls are sensible and easy to operate. My CE is well equiped, with am/fm/casset/cd, cruise, tilt, rear air and heat, power windows and mirrors, radio controls on steering, vanity mirrors, and good interior lighting, stowing rear seats.
Cons:
-The center row seats are a bit finicky, heavy to remove, and can get seroiusly stuck in the wrong position when replacment proceedure is not exactly followed. I had to go to dealer to unstuck it.
-Would be nice to have auto lights, and outside temp gage, and tinted windows, on the 7-P CE. The CE-8p model gives some of these, and is a good package, if you need the xtra seating.
Pros:
+Smooth powerful purring engine-transmission that jumps to life like a cheetah when prompted. +Quiet interior, nimble handling and cornering, good fuel economy for a 4100 pound vehicle. +lots of cargo room and 4x8 sheet fits inside when seats stowed.All in all, after my previous Caravan , and the the GM Savana, this vehicle is a joy that I can't leave alone. T