2003 Toyota Sienna: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Toyota's minivan makes only a few feature adjustments for 2003. Offered in a single body length with seating for seven, Sienna is built in Kentucky on a modified version of Toyota's pre-2002 Camry sedan platform. It comes in base CE, midline LE, and top-shelf XLE models. All have manual sliding rear side doors. A power right-side sliding door is optional for all models; it was previously unavailable on the CE. And the LE joins the XLE in offering optional dual power doors. All models come with a V6 engine, automatic transmission, ABS, and a tire-pressure monitor. Front side airbags and an antiskid/traction-control system are optional. All Siennas have a 3-passenger 50/50 split folding 3rd-row seat that slides forward 6 inches for extra rear storage space. CE and LE have a standard 2-passenger 2nd-row bench seat. XLE substitutes twin captain chairs; these are available for LE and now the CE in Extra Value packages that also include heated door mirrors and remote keyless entry. A rear-seat video entertainment system is a dealer-installed extra.

COMPETITION

Though the competition has heated up, we feel that 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 Honda Odyssey. It's sportier to drive, and it has a super-convenient flip-and-fold-away rear seat, but the ride can grow harsh at times.

Recommended Chevy Venture and Toyota Sienna are comparably priced and offer loads of neat features, but they can't match the road manners of our Best Buys. Mazda MPV makes it to the Recommended list this year as a reliable family hauler offering better fuel economy than competitors at a reasonable price. Also garnering Recommended ratings are the Chrysler Town & Country and Chrysler Voyager. Though they don't offer the Caravan's breadth of model choices, they are mechanically similar. Their entry-level models are a super value for the price.