The 8 passenger only comes in the CE and LE trims. The CE trim is pretty basic and the LE trim offers more amenities. I have a 2008 8 passenger LE with tinted windows and passenger side power sliding door. Not having the second one has worked out fine for me as the manual one is on the side I get in on anyway, so it's easy to just open it or close it if ds1 forgets.
Oh, I didn't realize there was an 8 passenger CE, too. I knew LE, but I'll have to keep on an eye on that. Good to know about only one power slider. Honestly, I just want sliding, period.
Side curtain airbags and front side torso airbags became standard for the 2006 model year and were optional for the 2004 and 2005 model years. Traction control with stability control was also optional for the first few model years and became standard later, in the 2007 or 2008 model year if I'm remembering correctly (cars.com probably can help you narrow that down if you research the Sienna by model year there). There are full sets of LATCH in all but the third row driver's side for all 2004-2010 Sienna models, and no top tether anchor on the third row driver's side. Happy shopping.
P.S. AWD isn't available in the 8-passenger version which is FWD only just in case you're pondering AWD. AWD was optional for the 2004-2010 7-passenger Sienna LE and higher XLE/XLE Limited trim lines. IIRC the AWD option came with notoriously fast wearing run flat tires.
Thank you! I didn't realize those features became standard. I'm hoping for 2008-2010 anyway. I don't want brand new, but I don't want one nearing 10 years old, either. I think 8 passenger is going to trump AWD. and leather. Both of which I've had for the past 11 years. I really want that 3 across.
The pre-2011 Odysseys are at least an option, although the 8th seats is not as good for 3-across as the Siennas. But with the right seats it is do-able. Also you can get an 8 passenger with leather. So if that is really important, I'd at least consider it.
I don't know if it will work with the seats I'm planning, which I know is silly. We say get seats to fit the vehicle, right? But I want a Foonf, a latchable booster, and room for one more. The Sienna seems to make more sense for that.
Anyone ever reupholster a van?
Oh, and add a back-up camera. I can't go back to not having one.