The first thing to catch our eye when this minivan rolled into the Consumer Guide extended-use fleet was its lofty $39,214 sticker price. Sienna was redesigned for 2004, gaining room, hideaway 3rd-row seating, and available head-protecting curtain side airbags and all-wheel drive. Still, at that price, our top-of-the-line AWD XLE Limited had better be good.
It was more than good at doing what a minivan should, it was exceptional. The spacious, comfortable interior boasted great versatility thanks to that 3rd row that folded easily into the floor. The 2nd-row bucket seats are heavy and cumbersome to remove, but can be slid together to form a mini bench seat.
The V6 is no powerhouse, but does it job with little stress, and we averaged 18.0 mpg, laudable considering our Sienna spent a fair amount of time in Chicago traffic. The AWD was a nice security blanket, but a front-drive Sienna costs less and provides perfectly fine traction in most any circumstance. Better yet, you'll not have to contend with the loud, harsh-riding run-flat tires fitted to AWD Siennas. Indeed, poor ride quality on bumps topped a short list of gripes. The list included adaptive cruise control that actually required more attention and adjustment than a conventional system. Some testers also complained that the DVD system's volume was too low.
For 2006, Toyota made front torso side airbags and the curtain side airbags standard on all Siennas, but little else differentiates this van from our 2004 tester. Even those of us without families were sad to see the Sienna go after nearly 20,000 mi. of happy service.
Editors' Comments
Kirk Bell: At $39,214 as delivered, the Sienna had better be a good vehicle-and it is. It not only drives like a car, it drives like a luxury car. The combination of smooth ride, nice steering feel, decent handling (it is a minivan after all), and scads of utility is quite impressive. Living with it, though, we found some annoying traits. This thing beeps at you with every given opportunity, and the rear doors lock every time the driver shuts off the vehicle.
John Biel: The all-wheel-drive XLE Limited tested here topped $39,000 with options and delivery, which is closing in on luxury car territory. Still, this puts it on par with a high-end AWD Chrysler Town & Country. The older-design Chrysler has a bigger engine and more cargo room, but Sienna-which now approximates the T&C's dimensions-has the edge in passenger room.
| 2004 Toyota Sienna |  | |
| Bodystyle: | 4-door van | |
| Model: | AWD XLE Limited | |
| Engine: | 230-hp 3.3-liter V6 | |
| Transmission: | 5-speed automatic | |
| Total Miles: | 19,780 | |
| CG Observed Fuel Economy: | 18.0 mpg | |
| Problems During Test: |
At 10,030 mi., the "check engine" light came on; a malfunctioning oxygen sensor was replaced under warranty. |
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| Base Price: | $36,930 | |
| Price as Tested: | $39,214 | |
| Major Options: |
Limited Pkg. 4 (center console box, entertainment system, rear-seat audio w/headphones, 23115-volt power outlets), Preferred Accessory Pkg. 1 (carpeted floormats, door sill protector, cargo net, first-aid kit) | |