Uh oh. You clicked the link to the Toyota Sienna review! That means you're probably considering a minivan. Maybe it's time to trade in that sports car, hunker down, and get ready for endless trips to pre-school, soccer practice and picnics. Bummer, right?
Don't worry, my family-focused friend. It's not as bad as some would make it out to be.
Here's the deal.
Minivans are a dying breed. That's thanks mainly to the crossover SUV and it's taking over of the mainstream transportation universe. In fact, many an automaker has bailed on the minivan segment altogether. Most recently, Hyundai, Ford and GM have ditched it for other pursuits.
Therefore, minivan selection is relatively limited—but that means you'll have an easy time finding the model that's right for you. Test-driving all the minivans on today's market could feasibly be done in an afternoon.
Crossovers? Better take some time off work.
Minivans: The original family hauler
The mental checklist that leads most shoppers here typically includes maximum utility and a strong size-to-price ratio. A minivan makes a lot of sense if you need room to grow, need a big vehicle, and don’t need four wheel drive.
To some, a minivan is even an alternative to a pickup truck. To others, they’re ideal to avoid the hassle of little ones whacking neighboring cars with regular swing-open doors.
Toyota does make a lot of family movers with swing-open doors, though. In fact, they’ve got one of the most comprehensive SUV and crossover lineups going. Despite the potential for internal sales cannibalism, the Toyota Sienna minivan is still with us in 2010. It's jam-packed full of space-- and it has room for your family, some friends, and their things.
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| The 2010 Sienna is priced from under $30,000. |
Don't worry, my family-focused friend. It's not as bad as some would make it out to be.
Here's the deal.
Minivans are a dying breed. That's thanks mainly to the crossover SUV and it's taking over of the mainstream transportation universe. In fact, many an automaker has bailed on the minivan segment altogether. Most recently, Hyundai, Ford and GM have ditched it for other pursuits.
Therefore, minivan selection is relatively limited—but that means you'll have an easy time finding the model that's right for you. Test-driving all the minivans on today's market could feasibly be done in an afternoon.
Crossovers? Better take some time off work.
Minivans: The original family hauler
The mental checklist that leads most shoppers here typically includes maximum utility and a strong size-to-price ratio. A minivan makes a lot of sense if you need room to grow, need a big vehicle, and don’t need four wheel drive.
To some, a minivan is even an alternative to a pickup truck. To others, they’re ideal to avoid the hassle of little ones whacking neighboring cars with regular swing-open doors.
Toyota does make a lot of family movers with swing-open doors, though. In fact, they’ve got one of the most comprehensive SUV and crossover lineups going. Despite the potential for internal sales cannibalism, the Toyota Sienna minivan is still with us in 2010. It's jam-packed full of space-- and it has room for your family, some friends, and their things.
 |
| Inside, the tester ticked most of the boxes needed to qualify it as fully-loaded. |