2005 Toyota Sienna Review

Specifications

Canadians Offered Better Grip on CE

Whats considerably shorter than a Ford Crown Victoria but capable of carrying more than seven times the Crown Vics volume of cargo and two passengers more than its maximum of six? The vehicle in question also gets better fuel economy than Fords Big Daddy sedan, and thanks to available all-wheel drive (AWD), has superior traction. If a 2005 Toyota Sienna is your final answer, reach around and pat yourself on the back.

At 200 inches in overall length, the Sienna is a full 12 inches shorter than the Crown Victoria - and that can be a gift from above for folks afflicted with bad parking karma. Toyota makes its AWD technology available on Siennas LE trim level, one step above the entry-level CE.

To motorists dealing with climate challenges, or just wishing their minivan would morph into an SUV come the weekend, making AWD available across the majority of Sienna trim levels is just good common sense.

Not to overstate the obvious, but when the pavement gives way to a goat trail, an AWD minivan is no substitute for the ruggedness of a true four-wheel drive-configured truck or SUV. Nonetheless, AWD would be high on my list of minivan must-haves. In the case of the Sienna, adding AWD also adds rear disc brakes (in place of rear drums), traction control, stability control and run-flat tires, not to mention windshield wiper de-icing and daytime running lights.

Also high on my gotta have it list of minivan needs, regardless of trim level, is sporty styling, a silky smooth powertrain and a pleasing ride, all of which come standard with the 2005 Sienna. Because tooling about town in a minivan isnt particularly uplifting for the male ego, and I dare say the female ego, some pizzazz and sportiness had better permeate the outer shell of what otherwise looks like an over-sized breadbox.

Understanding this fundamental styling premise led Toyota to place a fairly aggressive-looking snout on the current generation of Sienna, which was launched in 2004. The design theme utilizes large, horizontal grille openings above a bold, slat-style front fascia. Although little has changed outwardly for 2005, the Siennas appearance remains fresh and brassy.

As expected with Toyota products, the exterior build quality is outstanding. I could find no panel misalignment, paint imperfection or ill-fitting doors. The LE trim level of my tester meant that its two rear sliders had to be opened and closed manually (hence the term, Armstrong doors) but thanks to smooth rollers and exceptional balance, the doors slid their full length with fingertip ease and latched closed with child-like simplicity.

Once inside the Sienna, I was greeted by a very comfortable, well-assembled cabin. To Toyotas credit, my tester was devoid of the leather and plethora of comfort features so often found in test vehicles. Instead, Toyota has issued the journalists a “real world” copy of their Sienna; its the one most likely to find a place in the driveways and garages of common family folk.

Even in almost base form, the expansive Sienna cabin is generously equipped with features not always found in entry-level vehicles, such as rear air conditioning and heat, six-speaker AM/FM/CD/tape audio, tilt and telescopic steering, height-adjustable drivers seat, power windows and mirrors, remote entry, plus multiple 12-volt outlets. In addition to plenty of content, the cabin is tightly assembled, while making the most of high-quality, soft touch materials.

The dash layout, with its bright, clear, very legible gauge cluster, struck me as very functional but not overly appealing. The use of shiny, black plastic trim pieces on the door pulls and center stack, despite paying tribute to black-lacquered wood (a Japanese specialty), reminded me of similarly tacky plastic used in Fords previous generation Taurus. Although I may be out of step with upscale fashion, Id rather see faux wood, or better yet, brushed aluminum in its place, but taste is a personal thing.

If it could be said that the Sienna is décor-challenged, it certainly isnt comfort-challenged. After recently spending time behind the wheel of the 2005 Corvette and 2005 Mustang, I can confidently say that I looked forward to the comfortable, upright driving position and wonderful visibility provided by the Sienna. Okay, theres absolutely no comparison in terms of sex appeal and performance between performance cars and minivans, but for a relaxing ride to see the elderly parents, the Sienna wins hands-down.

It also wins when loading said parents for a run to the grocer. Call it elder abuse, but I have forced my elderly, mobility-challenged father into the low-slung cockpit of a Corvette and the high riding cab of a 4WD GMC Yukon XL, neither of which came close to matching the ingress/egress ease offered-up by the Sienna. Thats just another example of how the minivan format makes such sense in a world of non-sensible vehicles.

All Siennas are equipped with the same smooth-running V6 powerplant, spinning out 230-horsepower and 242 pound-feet of torque. Displacing 3.3 liters (202 cu in) and augmented by variable valve timing, the 24-valve DOHC engine whirls with silky smoothness, while delivering decent fuel economy of 18 mpg in the city and 25.8 mpg during highway travel.

Power delivery is linear and sprightly, but not impressive. More than enough punch is on tap for about-town cruising, but I found highway passing less than enthusiastic. Then again, at 4,310 pounds, the Sienna is no lightweight for its V6 engine to toss about like a sports coupe. Its also no featherweight to stop, but the four-wheel antilock discs were up to the task. Braking ability is impressive and easily modulated by a pedal I sensed to be overly mushy for my liking.

The Siennas unobtrusive five-speed automatic transmission discreetly swaps cogs, but is not in a hurry to gear down when a little more oomph is called for. A fair push on the throttle is needed to urge the autobox to drop a gear and get on with things. However, thanks to the service of AWD, wheelspin in my tester was negligible and torque-steer non-existent. Despite its tenacious grip, if it is compromised by ice or snow, the Siennas traction control system will step in to curtail wheelspin by modulating engine output and re-routing power to the wheel(s) with greater adhesion. With all four wheels rolling at highway speeds, life in the Sienna is very serene; road and wind noise are both on the low side, especially for what is essentially a big, hollow box.

A smooth ride complements the serenity Toyota has built into the Sienna. Its independent front suspension utilizes MacPherson gas struts and a stabilizer bar to accomplish a pleasing balance between ride comfort and road-holding tenacity, erring more on the side of comfort according to my assessment. The supporting cast at the rear of the Toyotas minivan consists of a torsion beam arrangement, stabilized by gas shocks. The suspension setup makes for a nimbleness that belies the Siennas size; however, when pushed hard in a corner, body roll becomes evident and tires begin vocalizing. All things considered though, the Sienna remains well composed and predictable throughout. Personally, I wouldnt sacrifice an ounce of the ride quality for sharper handling.

Should wind in the hair be the desire of those onboard, the massive windows in the sliding doors can be opened in the conventional manner, dropping about two thirds of the way into the door itself. Plus, the electrically operated rear quarter-windows pivot open several inches to further enhance the wind-blown look. The two removable second-row captains chairs are tremendously comfortable and nicely adjustable for extended journeys. Unfortunately they do not fold and drop into the floor à la the Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan and Nissan Quest minivans. Upping the seven-seater to eight-passenger status is the availability of a three-person, second row bench seat in place of the captains chairs.

The Siennas third-row, three-position split bench seat is an engineering marvel. Sequentially tugging a couple of straps allows either side of the 70/30-split bench to fold-away into a deep well just behind, creating a flat load floor. Surprisingly, headroom is very good in the third row, and when those in the second row captains slide their perches forward, third row legroom is more than adequate for trips of reasonable duration.

The seating pinch, though, comes in terms of width. Lets just say the narrower the three bottoms the better. Noteworthy is the presence of shoulder belts in all Sienna seating positions. In addition to well-planned seating, Toyota has been quite imaginative when it comes to containing clutter. The Sienna is full of storage bins and cup/bottle holders; however, one wont find a Lazy Susan in-floor storage bin, such as in the Honda Odyssey.

The Sienna is dispatched in three trim levels, each providing a higher state of comfort and convenience. The CE is generously equipped for a base-line product. Moving up the ladder a peg lands one in the amply equipped LE, with optional power sliding doors, and in the case of my tester, optional AWD. An XLE is next, but traipsing to the top rung places an XLE Limited badge on the sheetmetal and stuffs the Sienna with such pleasures as leather, premium audio, heated seats, DVD entertainment and much more, including side airbags and side curtain airbags.

Despite the absence of a Lazy Susan, living with this minivan would be a pleasure, provided my ego could tolerate the minivan stigma and my sense of taste could forgive Toyota for the gleaming black plastic trim. Just the same, these movers of kids and haulers of groceries have grown more refined, functional and cosmopolitan each year. With or without the bohemian spoils of XLE trim, the 2005 Toyota Sienna is one of the finest examples of what is arguably the most practical segment in todays automotive industry.