2000 Toyota Sienna: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Standard steering-wheel radio controls and an in-dash CD player top the brief list of additions to this Kentucky-built minivan for 2000. Based on Toyota's Camry car platform, Sienna comes in a single body length with a 3.0-liter V6 engine, automatic transmission, antilock brakes, and a low-tire-pressure warning system.

The base CE model is available with one or two sliding side doors; the LE and top-line XLE come with two. A right-side power sliding door is optional on LE and XLE. Sienna seats up to seven. The base arrangement is two front bucket seats, a 2-passenger second-row bench, and a 3-place third-row bench. A pair of second-row buckets is standard on the XLE and optional on the LE, and the XLE can be equipped with two third-row buckets for a 6-passenger setup. Rounding out the year-2000 changes is a new Sport option package for CE and LE models that includes running boards, a rear spoiler, and alloy wheels.

COMPETITION

Chrysler started the minivan trend back in 1984, and they remain one of our Best Buys today. Though the competition has heated up, we still feel that the Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Voyager are two of the best you can buy. They offer all of the creature comforts in a pleasing package at a fair price. Our other Best Buy is the Honda Odyssey. It's a little bit smaller than the Chryslers, but more sporty to drive, and it has a super-convenient flip-and-fold-away rear seat.

Trailing at a close second are the Recommended Chevy Venture and Ford Windstar. Though these vans are comparably priced and offer loads of neat features, we feel they can't match the road manners of our Best Buys.