Room for everybody
The main quality of a minivan -- and the only reason why this type of vehicle retains any kind of popularity -- is the versatility of the interior. One of the highlights of the Sienna is actually the layout of the various storage compartments. When the seats are up, the available cargo volume is about the same as the average minivan. But once the third row completely disappears into the floor, there's more room for your luggage and gear than in any other minivan on the market. Obviously, only four passengers instead of seven can then take place inside the Sienna.
Like a sedan
In terms of driving, the Sienna is probably the closest thing to a traditional Toyota sedan. The steering is precise, although it offers little road feedback to the driver. Meanwhile, the brakes are solid, but they sometimes require extra efforts because of the vehicle's heavy weight. As for handling, I found it equal if not superior to that of most other minivans.
The main advantage of the Sienna is the array of standard features, not just on the luxurious XLE model but also on the base CE model. In fact, there are so many amenities in the latter that it would be shorter to list the missing ones. Let's just say that both sliding doors and the rear liftgate are power-assisted and that the menu doesn't include a navigation system.
Competent and dominant, the Sienna is arguably the performance leader among minivans. On the other hand, its asking price is higher and its options, costlier. These are good enough reasons to discourage any buyer. In my mind, the base model is still the best choice you can make. That being said, you'll have to be willing to sacrifice a number of distinctive features that have made the Sienna so versatile.
Potent AWD system
Versatile interior configuration
Proven reliability
Brakes sometimes require extra efforts
Steering lacks feedback
High asking price
None
photo:Philippe Champoux
The main quality of a minivan -- and the only reason why this type of vehicle retains any kind of popularity -- is the versatility of the interior. One of the highlights of the Sienna is actually the layout of the various storage compartments. When the seats are up, the available cargo volume is about the same as the average minivan. But once the third row completely disappears into the floor, there's more room for your luggage and gear than in any other minivan on the market. Obviously, only four passengers instead of seven can then take place inside the Sienna.
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| A versatile and luxurious interior. |
Like a sedan
In terms of driving, the Sienna is probably the closest thing to a traditional Toyota sedan. The steering is precise, although it offers little road feedback to the driver. Meanwhile, the brakes are solid, but they sometimes require extra efforts because of the vehicle's heavy weight. As for handling, I found it equal if not superior to that of most other minivans.
The main advantage of the Sienna is the array of standard features, not just on the luxurious XLE model but also on the base CE model. In fact, there are so many amenities in the latter that it would be shorter to list the missing ones. Let's just say that both sliding doors and the rear liftgate are power-assisted and that the menu doesn't include a navigation system.
Competent and dominant, the Sienna is arguably the performance leader among minivans. On the other hand, its asking price is higher and its options, costlier. These are good enough reasons to discourage any buyer. In my mind, the base model is still the best choice you can make. That being said, you'll have to be willing to sacrifice a number of distinctive features that have made the Sienna so versatile.
 |
Versatile interior configuration
Proven reliability
 |
Steering lacks feedback
High asking price
 |
None
photo:Philippe Champoux
2007 Toyota Sienna XLE LTD 7-passengers
2007 Toyota Sienna XLE LTD 7-passengers
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