Sienna | Toyota Sienna Minivan | A Mom's Dream Machine
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La Sienna is the perfect family car
While I am aware of the fact that minivans are not generally regarded as sexy, the second generation Toyota Sienna is the perfect MOM car in my book. And, just for the record, I think that La Sienna, as I like to call her, is the sexiest Minivan ever to hit the road.
Yes, I love my Sienna, and I'm not ashamed to admit it!
Yes, I love my Sienna, and I'm not ashamed to admit it!
Toyota Sienna: She's Got The Looks
I know, I know, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Well, my eyes behold a minivan that is as beautiful as they come.The silhouette is sleek and elegant with a fearless and "in-charge" look. More specific, she has a somewhat rugged, solid quality appearance that is usually attributed to pricier makes.
Toyota Sienna Crash Test Videos
Safety First
If, for some strange reason, you enjoy watching Siennas getting smashed up here are a couple for your viewing pleasure.
The official NHTSA safety ratings for the Toyota Sienna
Passenger: 5 stars
Driver: 4 stars
Side Impact Front: 5 stars
Side Impact Rear: 5 stars
Rollover Rating: 4 stars
(NHTSA: 5 star, 4 star, 3 star, 2 star, 1 star, Not Tested)
IIHS Ratings
Crash Offset: Good
Bumper Bash: Not Tested
(IIHS: Good, Acceptable, Marginal, Poor, Not Tested)
The official NHTSA safety ratings for the Toyota Sienna
Passenger: 5 stars
Driver: 4 stars
Side Impact Front: 5 stars
Side Impact Rear: 5 stars
Rollover Rating: 4 stars
(NHTSA: 5 star, 4 star, 3 star, 2 star, 1 star, Not Tested)
IIHS Ratings
Crash Offset: Good
Bumper Bash: Not Tested
(IIHS: Good, Acceptable, Marginal, Poor, Not Tested)
curated content from YouTube
The Sienna Is A Practical Gal
With up to 8 comfortable seats, even the larger families will be accommodated. The third row seats are split 60/40 and will stow flat into the floor. Second row seats can be placed in several positions and will fold package style or can even be removed when not needed.
With the seats out of the way, the Sienna has a huge cargo space. I was able to fit an entire wooden loft/bunk bed including 2 twin mattresses in her belly. Made me feel like I was piloting the Super Guppy... And when we go camping, my 2 boys and I sleep in the back on an inflatable queen size mattress, which fits perfectly even with the second row seats folded up inside.
A 2008 Toyota Sienna XLE Tour
This friendly salesman is happy to demonstrate the Sienna and her features without sales pressure. I thought he did a nice job:
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Toyota Sienna: My Favorite Features
I'm not going to recite the sales brochure here. These are some features that I find particularly useful:- Dual sliding doors
It's hard to imagine that there are still vans out there with only one sliding door. Also, both doors have power windows which I took for granted until I learned that they're by no means a standard minivan feature.
- Sliding Doors
Yes, I know I'm repeating myself. Just the fact that the rear doors slide makes them a perfect choice for rambunctious kids. There's no danger of them slamming the door into someone else's car.
- Foot pedal parking brake
This is not really a biggie but I enjoy it particularly because it reminds me of my Mercedes-Benz days.
- Comfortable seats everywhere
Especially the second row has superior seating over most other minivan models. Adult people can actually travel in full comfort with ample support for the back and the thighs.
- 60/40 Split & Stow 3rd Row seats
One of my most used features; the seats completely vanish into the floor. Or, when in use, the space becomes additional cargo area.
- Removable second-row modular seating
If you have 8 seats, the middle seat of the second row can be positioned forward to make it easier to attend to a baby, I guess. All seats are foldable and removable. I also like the fact that I can position the 2 rear seats apart to minimize sibling quarreling. For some, it may work better when the seats are next to each other. It's great to have a choice.
- Folding tray table between front seats
Since the automatic transmission shift is on the dashboard the floor is flat between the seats. The sturdy tray folds down and out of the way if you want to access the rear from the front.
- 10 to 13 cup holders and 4 bottle holders
With small kids, a family can never have enough cup holders in the car!
- Separate A/C and Climate Control for the rear zone
Very useful so the passengers in the back can have their own comfort settings.
Extras I wish I had
I bought my Sienna used and with a limited budget. However, if I could have been able to choose these are some features and options I would definitely want to have:- Power Rear Door(s)
I don't care so much about the passenger doors, but the back door or hatch is a bit too hard for me to close. Every single time I have to use it I wish it were powered. If I could choose only one option, this would be on the top of my wish list!
- Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
My kids have been bugging me about this; it's probably a good investment when you travel with kids frequently. As an alternative to a built-in system I'm considering a portable, dual screen DVD player when they become more affordable.
- Fog Lamps
They're only available with the higher priced trim packages but I think they should be standard on every car. I don't like the idea that safety is optional. Thumbs down for Toyota on this one!
Navigation System with Backup Camera
Sure, I've lived without it and will continue to do so but this is one gadget that would be fun to have. The backup camera is a cool idea.
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Maybe it's just me, but I really miss having the option to open up the roof on nice days. If you've never had one before you're not going to miss it much, I guess.
Buying A New or Used Toyota Sienna
If you're in the market to buy a brand new Sienna you're in luck. There has rarely been a better time to buy a new car: Dealers are hungry, commodity prices have come back down, interest rates are falling and credit is already more available than people might think.Do Some Homework First
Before you hit the showrooms you need to be armed with knowledge of the current pricing and available dealer or factory incentives. The easiest and most convenient way is to get several quotes from dealers in your area through some of the established automotive networks like Yahoo! Autos
Independent Used Car Finance Options
If you already know that your credit is considerably less than perfect you might want to check out DriveTime - The used car dealership for those with bad credit. Apply online.
On the other hand, if you have a great credit score (over 720ish) you may be able to save a bundle by financing with up2drive.com
Financing your Sienna
Unless you want to pay cash you will probably consider some sort of financing to pay for your new or used car. For a quick primer, check out these related lenses:
Buying a Preowned Toyota Sienna
Toyotas are generally very durable and reliable. So I did not hesitate to buy a used 2004 Sienna online. After a phone call with the owner, some detailed pictures and a clean CARFAX report I had a good feeling about this. 2 years later I can still say I did not regret it. My Sienna has yet to see a shop from the inside. She's never asked for more than a tank of gas every now and then.
The Closest Competitors
Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Town and Country
When I first considered buying a minivan I looked at all current models with an open mind. Due to my budget limitations I seriously considered the Chrysler Town & Country and the Dodge Grand Caravan. They offered some great deals on slightly used cars that nearly sold me. But then I actually tried them out and the cheap look and feel of the interior as well as the dismal passenger seating quickly put me off. I looked at 1 year old cars and already they were starting to fall apart.
The latest model Honda Odyssey is without doubt a very nice minivan that is probably equal to the Toyota Sienna in most respects. Since it does have a larger price tag however, I would still give my vote to the Sienna. In my opinion, I could not find a valid reason to pay that much more over a Toyota Sienna.
The latest model Honda Odyssey is without doubt a very nice minivan that is probably equal to the Toyota Sienna in most respects. Since it does have a larger price tag however, I would still give my vote to the Sienna. In my opinion, I could not find a valid reason to pay that much more over a Toyota Sienna.
Sienna or Odyssey - Who's got the best Minivan?
Every top dog has a major rival that polarizes the fans. Best examples are Canon and Nikon, Pepsi and Coca-Cola, Toyota and Honda. They are equally good in the quality department but just pull on different heart strings.
Odyssey or Sienna - which side are you on?
Toyota Sienna gets my vote!
Honda Odyssey floats my boat!
msansone says:
odyssey
La Sienna Takes A Bath
Employing neighborhood kids to give La Sienna a much needed bath. Hubby's Toyota RAV4 is pouting as he's being ignored. The cost? 4 popsicles from the conveniently passing ice cream truck.
Research Resources
If you are buying a new car you'd want to do your homework first. Here are some resources that have helped me make an educated decision:
- Edmunds.com
- Read reviews, compare with competitors, get dealer quotes.
- YAHOO! Autos
- More reviews, competitor analysis and dealer quotes.
- CARFAX used car VIN number search, auto history check, vehicle history reports
- Don't buy a used car without CARFAX! Every CARFAX Report contains information that can help you make a smarter buying decision about a used car or truck. A small investment that can pay off big time.
- Toyota Cars, Trucks, SUVs & Accessories
- Official Site of Toyota Motor Sales. Get all the specs, features, options, colors, MSRPs etc.
The Toyota Sienna is Easy and Fun to Drive
Even though she's large it's actually quite fun to drive this minivan. The responsive 6 cylinder engine has ample and smooth power and is surprisingly economical. Considering that you can transport up to 8 people, the mileage is quite reasonable. Officially stated to achieve 17/23 miles per gallon, I found that I can almost get 30 mpgs under ideal driving conditions. Granted, I have the basic CE trim which weighs less than a fully equipped XLE with all the options.
The turning radius is 36.8 ft which makes it easy to turn around and helps also in tight parking spots.
The Sienna handles like a much smaller car and doesn't have the sluggish feel of some other minivans. I actually would say she has a sporty handling that makes it fun to drive her on any road conditions.
If you have a Sienna on your list of possible minivans I can wholeheartedly say:
Buy one, You will not regret it!
Toyota Sienna Owner's Connection
Do you own a Toyota Sienna or are planning to buy one soon? Sound off, brag away, ask a question or say just say "Hi"!
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M Sansone
Jul 22, 2010 @ 8:50 pm | delete
- I own a 2005 Sienna and loved it until the power sliding door stopped working it won't even open manually, dealer can,t figure out what's wrong with it, so now we can only enter and exit on one side. Very annoying!
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Car-Man
Oct 11, 2009 @ 1:34 pm | delete
- Everything you wanted to know about a Sienna. Great work! http://buyanauto.blogspot.com
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Ross
Apr 10, 2009 @ 9:30 pm | delete
- Sienna is called "Wish" I think in my country.
Do you know about
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Jack2205
Apr 8, 2009 @ 2:30 am | delete
- Toyota's are very well built. Most of the original Rav4's are still in good condition. Toyota also makes the best trucks and minivans.
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The_Bard Jan 7, 2009 @ 9:51 am | delete
- Definately a sexy mover and shaker! (The minivan's not bad either!! Boom Boom!!)
A great lens - 5*s
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by Squidster
~~Thank you!~~ I have been a manufacturer trained representative of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars for 11 years. Call me spoiled but I never thought I would... more »
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Official Toyota Sienna News
