Toyota Sienna Review

2008 Toyota Sienna LE Minivan Shown

Buyers looking for a safe choice in the minivan segment will undoubtedly find themselves considering the Toyota Sienna. Since its introduction in 1998, the Sienna has posted some of the best crash test scores of any minivan on the market. That fact alone makes it a good choice, new or used, for buyers who prize safety above all other attributes when shopping for a family vehicle.

Besides that, the Sienna has an excellent reputation for overall quality and long-term dependability, which make it a hassle-free vehicle to drive day in and day out, while contributing to peace of mind on long road trips. Add a refined and fuel-efficient V6 engine, a smooth ride and surprisingly upscale interior accommodations to the mix, and it's easy to see why the Toyota Sienna minivan is a strong seller.

Current Toyota Sienna

Today's Sienna is one of the very best minivans on the market and should definitely be on your short list of candidates. In addition to receiving above-average crash test scores, the current-generation Toyota Sienna is one of the few minivans to offer a choice of seven- or eight-passenger seating capacity. It also offers a wide selection of standard and optional features. The sheer variation in equipment can make for a confusing trip down the options list, but the Sienna is definitely a van to consider if you're looking for upscale amenities like adaptive cruise control and power-folding third-row seats. And this is one of the few minivans available in both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations.

Trim levels consist of the affordable CE, the midrange LE, the upscale XLE and the Lexus-like XLE Limited. Most Sienna buyers will be happy with the CE or LE, and these are the trims to look at if you want the eight-passenger option, which places a three-person, 40/20/40 bench seat in the second row in lieu of twin captain's chairs. The center section of the bench seat slides forward to give parents easier access to a baby in a car seat. All Sienna models are powered by a smooth and relatively efficient 3.5-liter V6 that generates 266 horsepower and 245 pound-feet of torque. The only available transmission is a five-speed automatic.

In our reviews, we have generally been enamored of the Toyota Sienna. It's versatile, swift and refined. Our main complaint has been that the Sienna feels too much like an appliance from behind the wheel. If you want a somewhat sporty driving experience, this isn't the best choice. But then again, how many minivan buyers are really interested in steering feel and sharp handling? The average consumer in this segment wants safety, lots of room and general dynamic competence. On all three counts, the Sienna delivers.

If you're shopping for a used current-generation Sienna, note that the current generation debuted for 2004. We would recommend looking at 2005 and newer models (built after February 2005), as Toyota strengthened the van's side structure and revised the side airbags to improve performance in side-impact crashes. Side airbag protection was made standard on all Siennas for the 2006 model year; previously, these bags were standard only on the XLE Limited and optional on other trims. The Sienna also received minor styling and equipment updates for '06.

Additionally, the Sienna received a significant underhood upgrade in 2007. The original 3.3-liter 230-hp V6 was replaced by a 3.5-liter unit churning out 266 hp. It is also worth noting that due to revisions in SAE testing procedures, the Sienna's stated hp rating dropped from 230 to 215 in 2006. Acceleration and performance were completely unaffected, however.

Past Toyota Sienna Models

Sold from 1998-2003, the first-generation Toyota Sienna was considerably smaller than the current model. It still seated up to seven passengers, but with a five-inch-shorter wheelbase and a three-inch-narrower body, its interior was cramped for larger families. Unlike its chief competitor, Honda's Odyssey, the Sienna didn't offer fold-flat seating in the third row, though its removable seats were at least lightweight and easy to maneuver.

Advantages to the first-generation Sienna include excellent crash test scores, a quiet ride, decent performance from the 210-hp 3.0-liter V6 and above-average reliability. Disadvantages include iffy interior ergonomics and overly soft handling.

If you're shopping for a first-gen Sienna minivan, there are no bad choices to make. The right-side power sliding door didn't arrive until the 1999 model year, while front-seat side airbags and stability control joined the options list for 2001. Toyota also started offering a dealer-installed, rear-seat entertainment system in '01, but given that it was VHS format, most buyers are better off installing their own aftermarket DVD-based system. When considering a used Sienna, you should take a careful look at its maintenance records, as a small percentage of Siennas from this era were susceptible to engine problems when not treated to regular oil changes.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.