Not to overstate the obvious, but when the pavement gives way to a goat trail, an AWD minivan is no substitute for the
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| High on my 'gotta have it' list of minivan needs is sporty styling, a silky smooth powertrain and a pleasing ride, all of which come standard with the 2005 Sienna. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
ruggedness of a true four-wheel drive-configured truck or SUV. Nonetheless, AWD would be high on my list of minivan must-haves. In the case of the Sienna, adding AWD also adds rear disc brakes (in place of drum brakes), traction control, stability control and run-flat tires, not to mention windshield wiper de-icing and daytime running lights (in the U.S. where they still aren't required).Also high on my 'gotta have it' list of minivan needs, regardless of trim level, is sporty styling, a silky smooth powertrain and a pleasing ride, all of which come standard with the 2005 Sienna. Because tooling about town in a minivan isn't particularly uplifting for the male ego, and I dare say the female ego, some pizzazz and sportiness had better permeate the outer shell of what otherwise looks like an over-sized breadbox.
Understanding this fundamental styling premise led Toyota to place a fairly aggressive-looking snout on the current generation of Sienna, which was launched in
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| As expected with Toyota products, the exterior build quality is outstanding. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
2004. The design theme utilizes large, horizontal grille openings above a bold, slat-style front fascia. Although little has changed outwardly for 2005, the Sienna's appearance remains fresh and brassy.As expected with Toyota products, the exterior build quality is outstanding. I could find no panel misalignment, paint imperfection or ill-fitting doors. The CE trim level of my tester meant that its two rear sliders had to be opened and closed manually (hence the term, Armstrong doors) but thanks to smooth rollers and exceptional balance, the doors slid their full length with fingertip ease and latched closed with child-like simplicity.
