Toyota Sienna

Toyota Sienna Models

Three Toyota Sienna trim levels are available: the CE, LE and XLE. All Siennas use Toyota's V6 to power the front wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. All are the same length, and all come with dual sliding rear doors. An optional power sliding door on the right is available for LE and XLE models.

Of the three trim levels, the CE is basic: Cruise control, and power windows, locks and mirrors are all optional.

Mid-line LE comes with all the popular features. It comes standard with dual-temperature air conditioning with separate controls for the rear, power windows, locks and mirrors, cruise control, privacy glass and better quality cloth. It also offers most of the available options, including the captain's chairs, six-speaker audio system and power sliding door.

XLE adds body-colored trim, remote keyless entry, heated mirrors, upgraded stereo with eight JBL speakers, anti-theft alarm, multi-adjustable power seats, second-row captain's chairs, wider tires, alloy wheels and a roof rack. The XLE Upgrade Package #1 provides leather trim and a premium audio system with radio, cassette, and CD changer. Also available for Sienna is a huge power moonroof and a towing package.

There is an optional entertainment system (with a roof-mounted flip-down TV screen, VCR, and AV outlets for video game systems), a restyled exterior, redesigned audio and climate control systems, and optional side airbags and (on the XLE) electronic stability control.

Driving the Toyota Sienna

The fact that the Toyota Sienna is based on the Camry is a good thing. The Camry's 3.0-liter V6 engine, four-speed electronic transmission, steering system, gearbox, and front suspension are industry standouts for refinement in the competitive mid-size sedan market. So the Sienna benefits from a lot of proven technology.

The result is a minivan with a ride as good as any comparable model. A big, tall box will never ride and handle as well as a low, sleek sedan, but the Sienna is pretty good. The steering isn't as sharp, and the transient response isn't as crisp as some of the other minivans; it leans in the corners, and seems a bit mushy in transient maneuvers. But overall, the Sienna handles well and its soft suspension makes up for any handling deficiencies with its smooth ride quality and solid stability on the highway.

Toyota's V6 is easy to live with. It's smooth, reliable, and economical. It generates 210 horsepower, more than either the Chrysler 3.3-liter V6 or Ford 3.8-liter V6. Passing other vehicles on hills is easy: Punch it and the Sienna takes off, quickly putting the slower vehicle away. On turnpikes and Interstates in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland, the Sienna offered excellent high-speed stability. Power was never an issue. Toyota recommends premium fuel. Toyota's engine is efficient with EPA fuel economy ratings of 19/24 mpg city/highway.

The four-speed automatic transmission is excellent. It always chooses the right gear, forming a team with the V6. Shifts are so smooth when cruising that they are nearly seamless; under hard acceleration the transmission provides positive shifts at the redline. Anti-lock brakes come standard on the Sienna, which offers smooth stopping performance.