Toyota Sienna reviews

1999 Toyota Sienna Interior Features

Getting in and out of the Sienna is easy.

Dual sliding doors ensure passengers get in and out in a hurry and minimize running around to the far side of the vehicle to grab a kid. Either door can be opened by pressing a button; the switches are located on both the instrument panel and on the center pillar. The power doors can also be opened with the keyless remote transmitter. During the summer, it's nice to be able to start the airing out process while you're approaching the Sienna with a load of groceries.

Once in, the driver enjoys a commanding view of the road. Visibility is excellent in all directions, thanks to all the glass. The instruments are big, bright and easy to read.

Storage is close at hand without impeding the generous pass-through to the rear. A handy little net attached to the sides of the front seats is great for storing toll tickets, sunglasses and other small objects. Fold-down cupholders next to the storage net secure drinks but get out of the way when not in use.

The second row can be equipped with either captain's chairs or bench (the latter is required with the integrated child seat). The seatbacks fold down to provide a flat surface for food and games and cupholders. Molded into the doors are round holders suitable for one-liter bottles.

Pleasant as it is, the interior betrays the attention to cost required to make this vehicle profitable for Toyota: The designers borrowed switches, gauges, and parts from the Camry, Corolla and Avalon. They are perfectly functional and no doubt utterly reliable, but they don't display Chrysler's ergonomic excellence in this area.

Audio and climate controls are mounted high on the center dashboard for good access, but the ashtray and second power plug are down low and angled out of the way.

The column-mounted shifter works well, slipping cleanly into the desired gear, but I kept bumping the windshield wiper stalk and activating the wipers when I shifted into Park. And the seats, even in the top-of-the-line XLE we tested, lacked side-to-side support to keep you comfortably anchored. The optional leather made the slipping and sliding even more noticeable.

Audio control switches are mounted on the steering wheel, allowing the driver to easily adjust the volume, mute the sound completely or select another station.

Of the three trim levels, the $21,848 CE is pretty basic. Air conditioning, cruise control, cassette player, and power windows, locks and mirrors are all optional. The CE comes as a four-door model, so there's just one sliding door. (They count the rear door as a door.) The five-door CE with two sliding doors retails for $22,738.

Most people will likely opt for the mid-line $24,778 LE for its superior package of features for the dollar. The five-door LE comes standard with the second sliding door, air conditioning, power windows, locks and mirrors, cruise control, radio/cassette player, privacy glass (important for cutting down on heat gain), and access to most of the options list, including the captain's chairs, six-speaker audio system, integrated child seat, and power sliding door.

If you want all the frills, you need the $28,099 XLE. This is the only model that offers leather trim ($1,410) and a gloriously huge power moonroof ($830). A premium six-speaker audio system with radio, cassette and single-slot CD is also available as an option. (All prices include $420 destination charge.)