2002 Toyota Sienna: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Toyota's minivan gets a new option package for 2002 that includes an upgraded CD audio system and a host of interior amenities. Sienna is built in Kentucky and is based on Toyota's Camry sedan platform. It's available in a single body length with dual sliding side doors. Midline LE and top-line XLE models offer a power right-side sliding door, and the XLE offers dual power doors. Sienna's 3rd-row seat is split 50/50 and slides forward 6 inches for extra rear storage. The only engine is a 3.0-liter V6. Standard are automatic transmission, ABS, and a tire-pressure monitor. Front side airbags and an antiskid system are optional, as is a rear-seat video-entertainment system. The new Symphony Package adds to the LE a JBL 8-speaker AM/FM/cassette/CD audio system, plus leather-wrapped steering wheel, power driver seat, front- and 2nd-row captain chairs, and body-color exterior cladding. Also included are "Symphony" logo floormats, cargo mat, and exterior badging.

COMPETITION

Though the competition has heated up, we feel that the new Dodge Caravan is still one of the best minivans you can buy. It offers 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 Dodge, 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 Toyota Sienna. Though these vans are comparably priced and offer loads of neat features, we feel they can't match the road manners of our two Best Buys. Also garnering Recommended ratings are the Chrysler Town & Country and Chrysler Voyager. Though they are mechanically similar to the class-leading Caravan, they don't offer the breadth of model choices.