1998-2003 Toyota Sienna: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Toyota's replacement for the slow-selling Previa was meant to be a more serious contender for minivan sales. Based on the front-drive Camry sedan platform, Sienna came in a single body length with a standard V6 engine and 4-speed automatic transmission. Antilock brakes were standard, and a low-tire-pressure warning system included a light in the instrument panel. Front side airbags were installed in the midrange LE and upscale XLE, but not in the base CE minivan. Siennas seated seven on two front buckets, a middle-row bench (or two captain's chairs), and a folding third-row split bench. That bench "tumbled" forward to provide additional cargo space. A passenger-side sliding door was standard on the CE and LE. Dual sliding doors went on the XLE, and were optional on LE. Siennas were assembled at the same Kentucky plant as Toyota's Camry. Rivals included the Chevrolet Venture, Dodge Caravan, and Ford Windstar--soon to be joined by a new Honda Odyssey.