Toyota Sienna

2001 Toyota Sienna

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Shopping for a 2012 Toyota Sienna? MSRP: $25,060 - $40,570

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Toyota wasn't selling as many vans as it hoped to with its unusual (and expensive) mid-engine Previa van, so in 1998 the automaker replaced it with a simpler, more mainstream front-wheel drive design, named Sienna. With a platform that shares some components with the Toyota Camry, the Sienna could be offered at a more affordable price.

Initially, the Sienna did get the same powertrain as the Camry V-6—a 194-hp 3.0-liter, replaced after several years by an even smoother, more flexible 210-hp version. These first-generation Siennas have proven reliable, but Toyota hadn't yet found its way to the front of the pack; seating is definitely a step behind the Chrysler minivans of the time, and the third row has to be lifted away rather than folding flat, and the interiors were quite drab. A lot of shoppers who are intimidated with the immense size and weight of newer minivans might find these Siennas just right. Side airbags and stability control became available in 2001, so with the stronger engine, too, the 2001-2003 models are the pick of this bunch.

For 2004, Toyota introduced a redesigned and considerably larger Sienna. With a 230-hp (or 215-hp), 3.3-liter V-6 and five-speed automatic transmission, this Sienna delivered performance that was about the same as the model before it, though the 266-hp, 3.5-liter engine introduced for 2007 gave the van more confidence for passing and highway hauling. But the Sienna didn't have a lot of charisma or style and near the end of its life was looking quite outdated next to some rival models. Interior materials were also panned for being a bit drab and plasticky, once again, on all but the top XLE and Limited models.

However these vans came well equipped, though you'll need to move up to the higher trims to get items like power sliding doors, the power-folding third-row seat, and power seat tailgate. While LE models came with a bench in the second row, XLE and XLE Limited models came with twin captain's chairs. Options included front and rear parking sensors, a JBL audio system, and laser-guided cruise control. Toyota made side airbags standard for 2006.

An all-new Toyota Sienna went on sale in spring of 2010, for the 2011 model year. About the same size (and a little heavier) than the version that preceded it, the new Sienna was positioned to have a more premium look and feel, The powertrain remained a 266-hp, 3.5-liter V-6, with a six-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. A new 187-horsepower, 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine will be available in this Sienna, offering an EPA-rated 19 mpg city, 26 highway but not promising much performance in this 4,500-pound vehicle. Seating has again been redesigned for these new models to include available plush second-row captain's chairs with footrests, and entertainment possibilities have been spiced up with a new split-screen setup that's perfect for gaming.

2011 Toyota Sienna Limited

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