2004-2008 Toyota Sienna: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Redesigned Siennas bowed for 2004 with fresh styling, larger dimensions, and more power. Toyota's minivans also got three first-time options: available head-protecting curtain side airbags, hideaway 3rd-row seat, and all-wheel drive. Against the 1998-2003 Siennas, the new versions were 6.5 inches longer and nearly 4 inches wider on a 5.1-inch longer wheelbase. Curb weight plumped up by about 200 lb. Prices levels expanded from three to four, ascending through CE, LE, XLE and new leather-trimmed XLE Limited. All came with front-wheel drive, and all but the CE were available with AWD that included run-flat tires. A new V6 powerteam offered a 230-hp 3.3-liter engine and 5-speed automatic transmission instead of a 210-hp 3.0-liter engine and 4-speed automatic. The shift lever moved from the steering column to the lower-center dashboard. All models had antilock brakes, tire-pressure monitor, and a 3500-lb tow package. Limiteds added traction/antiskid control, available for other Siennas. Other linewide standards included remote keyless entry, tilt/telescope steering wheel, and rear air conditioning. Power windows for the sliding rear side doors were also standard-not a minivan first, but new to Sienna. A power right-side sliding door was available for CEs. XLEs and Limiteds included dual power side doors, plus a new power liftgate. All models came with removable 2nd-row bucket seats for seven-passenger capacity. CEs and LEs could carry eight with an available 2nd-row bench seat, also removable, whose middle section was sized for a child safety seat. The new hideaway 3rd-row bench seat folded into a floor well, as on the Honda Odyssey minivan, but one-upped that rival by being split 60/40 for greater versatility. The new curtain side airbags were standard for Limited, as were front torso side airbags. Other models offered these, again in a confusing array of option packages. Limiteds also came with xenon headlamps, front/rear obstacle detection, and radar-based "smart" cruise control designed to automatically maintain a safe following distance. A navigation system and DVD entertainment were available for XLEs and Limiteds.