2002 Toyota Sienna - Toyota's Mainstream Challenger
For years Toyota's minivans not only marched to their own drummer, the entire band played jazz fusion in a pop-rock world. While bulletproof reliable and extremely functional, both the original 1984 van and futuristically styled 1990 Previa that followed were single-box designs with hard to access 4-cylinder engines mounted amidships beneath the floor. The more conventional two-box Sienna that succeeded in model year 1998 mounted its V6 engine up front driving the front wheels, finally conforming to the accepted formula Chrysler's 'magic vans' laid out at the dawn of the minivan era. Today's Sienna reflects last year's subtle update incorporating a new front fascia with a redesigned grille and front bumper plus modified headlamp and taillight clusters.
While some of its competitors have opted for 5-speed automatic transmissions, the Sienna makes due with four forward gears. The lack of an extra gear isn't all that noticeable, however, and fuel economy is the lowest in its class at 10.6 L/100 km. This figure is impressive, especially considering the Sienna's horsepower advantage. Only one engine is offered, a 210-hp 3.0-L V6 with 220 lb-ft of torque, and it's a lively performer. While not as powerful as some of its competitor's optional engines, it bests all standard contenders with the exception of Honda's 240-hp Odyssey. That said, the base trim Toyota is nearly 1000 lbs lighter than the Honda allowing quick acceleration from the stoplight.
For years Toyota's minivans not only marched to their own drummer, the entire band played jazz fusion in a pop-rock world. While bulletproof reliable and extremely functional, both the original 1984 van and futuristically styled 1990 Previa that followed were single-box designs with hard to access 4-cylinder engines mounted amidships beneath the floor. The more conventional two-box Sienna that succeeded in model year 1998 mounted its V6 engine up front driving the front wheels, finally conforming to the accepted formula Chrysler's 'magic vans' laid out at the dawn of the minivan era. Today's Sienna reflects last year's subtle update incorporating a new front fascia with a redesigned grille and front bumper plus modified headlamp and taillight clusters. 
While some of its competitors have opted for 5-speed automatic transmissions, the Sienna makes due with four forward gears. The lack of an extra gear isn't all that noticeable, however, and fuel economy is the lowest in its class at 10.6 L/100 km. This figure is impressive, especially considering the Sienna's horsepower advantage. Only one engine is offered, a 210-hp 3.0-L V6 with 220 lb-ft of torque, and it's a lively performer. While not as powerful as some of its competitor's optional engines, it bests all standard contenders with the exception of Honda's 240-hp Odyssey. That said, the base trim Toyota is nearly 1000 lbs lighter than the Honda allowing quick acceleration from the stoplight.