First Glance
Toyota has finally learned from their minivan mistakes. The '84 Van was too narrow, the egg-shaped '91 Previa was too weird, and the old version of the Sienna was too small. So the new 2004 Sienna is utterly conventional, at least as far as minivans go: Long wheelbase, seven seats, two sliding side doors, front-mounted V6 engine, and front- or all-wheel-drive. The front end is distinctly Toyota, and the shape is just swoopy enough to look nice but not spoil the van's practicality.
The Sienna offers a variety of trim levels, from basic CE to top-of-the-line XLE Limited. All are powered by a 230 hp V6 engine driving a 5-speed automatic transmission, and include front and rear air conditioning, antilock brakes, power windows, locks and mirrors, and a CD player. The list of available options and features is limited only by the size of your checking account, and includes side curtain airbags, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, GPS navigation system, rear-view backup camera, stability control, heated leather seats... the list goes on and on, to the point of nearly doubling the Sienna's price.
In the Driver's Seat
The Sienna's driving position is comfortable and relatively annoyance-free. The console-mounted transmission shifter is a nice touch as it doesn't block any of the controls. The stereo and A/C controls are somewhat complex, but Toyota makes good use of the big dashboard's real estate with big, widely-spaced, well-marked buttons.
Things get even better as you move back: The side doors have roll-down windows (though they only roll down 2/3rds of the way) and optional slide-up sunshades, both features appreciated by our kids and Barkley the dog.
But the third-row seat is the Sienna's best feature. Traditionally, maximizing storage space in a minivan has meant removing the back seat and storing it some place. Honda pioneered the "magic" back seat that flips and folds down into the floor. Toyota's gone one better: The seat splits 70/30. With the seat up (or partially up), there's a huge storage well in the floor. Fold it and the cargo floor is perfectly flat.
Both of the side doors and the tailgate can be power-operated and remotely opened from the key fob. With an armful of shopping and two kids in tow, this is an invaluable feature.
On the Road
The Sienna is a wonderful van to drive. It feels powerful, taught and light on its feet, not at all what you'd expect from a two-ton minivan. The ride is smooth, but the amount of road noise is excessive; you won't feel the big bumps, but you sure as heck will hear them. You'll also feel them through the steering wheel. Usually, steering-wheel feedback is a good thing, but my test van's wheel actually shook up and down on the highway. Annoying, but not enough to dampen the Sienna's appeal.
Seven-seat Siennas (say that ten times fast) have two second-row seats that can be positioned next to each other (providing a side aisle for easy rear-seat access) or separated (providing a reprieve from "Mom, he hit me!" "She hit me first!") The Sienna has a removable center console that can be positioned either between the front or second-row seats. This is a really handy feature for families with small children. Keeping the space between the front seats clear makes it easy for the passenger to move back to check on the baby; once the kid is older and a bit more self-sufficient, you can have the convenience of a center console.
Journey's End
What's not to like? The Sienna is strong on all the minivan must-haves: room, flexibility, and convenience. It's also engaging to drive and surprisingly nimble. As an overall package, it's definitely more appealing than the Honda Odyssey.
But wait, don't break out your checkbook just yet: Honda has a new and improved Odyssey waiting in the wings for 2005. And then there are the Chrysler and Dodge minivans and the unmatched convenience of their "Stow and Go" seating. We'll be reviewing both of these minivans soon. They'll certainly have their work cut out for them. It may have taken them twenty years to get it right, but the new Sienna has been well worth waiting for. Any way you slice it, the Toyota Sienna is a marvelous minivan.
