Toyota's first-generation Sienna minivan was very likable. Built off the popular Camry sedan platform, the Sienna became an instant success. But not long after its debut came the realization that the next generation would need to be bigger and offer more conveniences. I think Toyota has hit the mark with its all-new second-generation Sienna. It's larger, roomier, more powerful and more comfortable than the previous model. Exterior styling is more appealing, too. The new Sienna sheds its conservative rounded look for a more elegant and aerodynamic appearance. With a longer wheelbase and wider track, the new Sienna is much roomier and easier to load. And like the Honda Odyssey, the new Sienna features second-row bucket seats that can be pushed together to form a bench, and a fold-flat third-row seat. But unlike Odyssey's bench-type third-row seat, the Sienna features a 60/40 design that allows for more versatility. My co-tester and I especially like the "well" behind the third-row when the seat is up. It prevents items from sliding around. And there are plenty of grocery bag hooks on the third-row seatbacks. There's even a grocery bag hook up front within easy reach of the driver. Putting things in perspective, Sienna's interior volume has been increased by nearly 45 cubic feet. And with Sienna, the large side windows in the sliding doors can be lowered. They lower about two-thirds the way down and provide lots of fresh air, which is especially nice for those times when a bunch of sweaty soccer players are aboard. Sienna offers two distinctly different second-row seating options that are easy to adjust, tumble or remove. In its seven-passenger configuration, Sienna features second-row captains chairs with a passenger-side chair that can be repositioned side-to-side, offering either a bench or a bucket arrangement. In its eight-passenger configuration, Sienna features a second-row, three-way split/folding bench with a front and center middle seat that can be moved almost 13-inches closer to the front seats, making infants and toddlers in child-seats more accessible. Powering the Sienna is an all-new 3.3-liter V6 engine. With 230-horsepower, the new V6 provides excellent acceleration from a stop and for passing maneuvers. Mated to the new V6 is an all-new smooth-shifting five-speed automatic transmission. The new transmission features a space-saving dashboard-mounted gated shifter. All Siennas come standard with four-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC) is available as an option and standard on AWD models. New 17-inch run-flat tires are standard on AWD models. The special tires are equipped with reinforced sidewalls with a special bead shape to permit driving with no air pressure for up to 100 miles at speeds up to 55 MPH. Front side and side curtain airbags covering all three-seat rows are standard equipment on the XLE Limited grade, optional on all other grades. The new Sienna is available in four model grades; CE, LE, XLE, and the top-of-the-line XLE Limited. All four grades are available in a front-wheel drive configuration. The LE, XLE, and XLE Limited also offer all-wheel-drive. The CE and LE are available in both seven- and eight-passenger configurations. Not only did Toyota make Sienna larger than before, but it also enlarged the list of standard equipment to make it an even better value. The extensive standard features in the CE grade include power windows, door locks and mirrors, sliding rear doors with power windows, second-row captains chairs, keyless entry system, and deluxe 3-in-1 AM/FM/Cassette/CD with six speakers. Comfort and versatility are assured with a tilt/telescopic steering column, dual (front & rear) air conditioning, a folding tray table between the front seats, variable intermittent front and rear windshield wipers, 10 cup holders and four bottle holders, three 12-volt power outlets and a rear window defogger. With all of this standard equipment, the MSRP for the seven-passenger Sienna CE is just $22,955. Our tester was a well-equipped seven-passenger XLE model. Ours came with Option Package #16 ($6,545), which included leather seats, power moonroof, 360-watt 10-speaker sound system, DVD entertainment system and more. During a trip to Chicago's north suburbs, the DVD system kept the kids busy and quiet. DVD systems are quickly becoming a must-have piece of equipment for anyone with children. One item that did bother us with our tester was the middle-row seat belt on the driver's side would rattle when not in use. There was a clip attached near the anchor to harness it, but the kids would never tuck it behind the clip after they got out. A minor annoyance yes. But we wouldn't let that stop us from having the best minivan in its class. Not only did Toyota make Sienna larger than before, but it also enlarged the list of standard equipment to make it an even better value.
2004 Toyota Sienna XLE FWD
Engine: 3.3-liter (230 hp) V6
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Drive Type: FWD
Fuel Economy: 19 city/27 highway
Base Price: $28,260
As Tested: $35,315 (includes $510 for destination)
Website: www.toyota.com