Toyota Sienna Overview

The Toyota Sienna is all new for 2004. Bigger and better than last year's model, it's the first in a parade of redesigned minivans and may be the new class leader. What makes the new Sienna impressive is not ground-breaking features. (Of course, it has power sliding doors, a power tailgate, and a rear-view camera.) What makes the new Sienna impressive is that it does everything well.

For starters, the new Sienna is big and roomy. It's considerably larger than last year's model, and about $1,000 cheaper. It offers more cargo space than the full-size Sequoia sport-utility yet retails for $10,000 less.

Sienna's interior is comfortable and comes packed with features that make life easier and more convenient. On the road, it offers a smooth ride, responsive handling, and brisk acceleration performance. Its V6 engine has been bored out for more power and now produces 230 horsepower, while a new five-speed automatic improves response and fuel economy. All this adds up to a compelling people mover.