2004 Toyota Sienna: Road Test
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2004 Toyota Sienna ▼
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- MSRP: $22,955 -$37,150
- Invoice: $20,658 -$33,062
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Our road test for the 2004 Toyota Sienna includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Toyota Sienna from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Toyota Sienna, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Toyota Sienna help you decide if a 2004 Toyota Sienna is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| AWD LE | FWD XLE | AWD XLE Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Test AWD model did 8.7 sec 0-60 mph. Toyota says lighter front-drive Siennas do 8.3, which seems feasible. Smooth, prompt transmission.
FUEL ECONOMY
| AWD LE | FWD XLE | AWD XLE Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
Extended-use AWD XLE Limited averaged 18 mpg over 19,780 mi. in a test that included lots of highway driving. No opportunity to measure front-drive version, but EPA fuel-economy estimates are 1-3 mpg higher than with AWD. Toyota recommends premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| AWD LE | FWD XLE | AWD XLE Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6 | 5.7 |
Comfortably composed. Large humps and dips induce some body bounce, but suspension irons out most rough pavement. AWD includes run-flat tires with stiffer sidewalls that add little harshness.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| AWD LE | FWD XLE | AWD XLE Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 4.6 |
Pleasant and competent for a minivan, with well-checked cornering lean and predictable moves, though tire grip seems only adequate and steering is a tad overassisted. Toyota lists a 3-ft-tighter turn radius than '03 model, which should ease parking.
QUIETNESS
| AWD LE | FWD XLE | AWD XLE Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
More refined than previous Siennas. At least equal to best in class from Chrysler/Dodge and Honda. Main noise source is coarse-pavement tire thrum, and it's moderate. V6 audible at full throttle, but not intrusive. Wind rush well-contained given the boxy shape.
CONTROLS
| AWD LE | FWD XLE | AWD XLE Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 6.1 |
Clear gauges, guess-free minor controls, though a few switches are scattered out of easy reach. CE/LE climate system uses four simple rotary knobs. XLE and Limited's 3-zone setup adds button clutter, plus a display that's almost illegible in certain light conditions. No chance to test navigation system, but it should be as easy to use as those in other Toyota/Lexus vehicles. Cabin benefits from high-grade plastics, but some testers say interior colors and fabrics are drab.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| AWD LE | FWD XLE | AWD XLE Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
Ample seat and steering-wheel adjustments accommodate most any size driver. Visibility good, though rear headrests and thick roof pillars are minor over-the-shoulder obstructions. Seat comfort is great, an improvement over previous Siennas. No-strain entry/exit even with AWD, which barely raises step-in height.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| AWD LE | FWD XLE | AWD XLE Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.9 |
Bench or buckets, 2nd-row seats seem long-haul comfortable. The buckets weigh about 55 lb each, aren't too tough to remove or install, and can adjust to form a bench. Adults have good head room without sunroof, OK clearance with. Second-row seats slide fore/aft; leg room restricted if they're not fully aft. Kid-size 3rd-row bench has firm, short cushion and backrest, is reasonably accessible via 2nd-row seats that double-fold to open fairly wide passage. Roof-mounted air ducts serve all rear passengers, a nice touch.
CARGO ROOM
| AWD LE | FWD XLE | AWD XLE Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9.3 |
Ample if not class leading. Hideaway 3rd-row seat split/folds for extra convenience; it drops easily into floor well that otherwise holds 12 or more grocery bags. All but CE model have fold-flat front passenger seat for long cargo. A 4x8-ft panel fits with 2nd-row seats removed, 3rd row stowed. Cabin has numerous bag hooks, cargo tie-downs, bins, pockets. Open liftgate clears 6-footer's head. Note: 2WD models store space-saver spare tire below chassis; full-size flat must be transported inside vehicle. AWD versions use run-flat tires, delete the spare.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| AWD LE | FWD XLE | AWD XLE Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 6.2 |
The new Sienna corrects most every flaw of the previous design and adds many thoughtful, family friendly safety and convenience features. Prices get steep on loaded models, but Toyota's strong reputation for reliability and resale value make this a "must see" minivan.
Total Score
| AWD LE | FWD XLE | AWD XLE Limited | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 64 | 65 | 64 | 58.8 |
Total Score: 64
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