2009 Toyota Sienna

Review

The 2009 Toyota Sienna is the top-rated in minivan by Consumer Reports, scoring an impressive ninety-three out of a hundred on their infamous Road Test.

More importantly however, since its launch in 1998, the Sienna's crash test scores have been some of the highest of any minivan on the market. Coupled with Toyota's typical outstanding reliability and quality, the Sienna is an excellent choice for buying new as well as used for those people wanting a solid, second hand vehicle.

The Sienna comes in a base or CE model, a LE, a XLE and a Limited edition. The CE and LE come in a choice of seven or eight passengers and the LE, XLE and Limited come with a choice in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The 3.5-Liter DOHC 24-valve VVT-i V6 engine offers 266 hp at 6200 rpm and 245 lb-ft at 4700 rpm while maintaining 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. The AWD model is only marginally worse at 16 mpg and 21 mpg respectively. The 3500 lb towing capacity is one of the highest among minivans while the twenty-gallon tank allows for nearly 500 miles between fill ups on a road trip. The 3.5L engine is coupled with 5-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive with intelligence (ECT-i) transmission that gives steady and smooth shifting even under load.

Handling is stable, predictable and responsive - exactly what you look for in a minivan. The MacPherson strut front suspension with gas-filled shock absorbers and torsion beam rear suspension with coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers are further by front and rear stabilizer bars. In other words, the wheels stay where you put them. The power-assisted ventilated Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) offers 4-wheel disc brakes with Brake Assist adds to the overall stability of the vehicle - it just feels good to drive.

Toyota has done an admirable job trying to help you forget you are driving a minivan. The exterior styling is sleek and sophisticated with smooth lines and moderate profile. Like all minivans now, the two sliding rear passenger doors allow for easy access to the second seat and third row seating is manageable by children or a nimble adult.

The base model CE comes well equipped although without power features. The 6-way adjustable driver's and 4-way front passenger captain's chairs with armrests are comfortable even on marathon long distance drives. The seven-passenger model comes with removable second-row indexing seats with armrests while the 8-passenger model comes with removable second-row modular seating with Front and Centerâ„¢ middle-seat feature. The 60/40 Split & Stow 3rd Rowâ„¢ seat is comfortable for two adults on short drives only.

With the LE comes more power equipment and by the time you sit in the Limited, you will wonder what happened because it has little resemblance to the traditional soccer-mom vehicle. Fully refined finishings and well-thought out features surround you in comfort.

In a time where minivans are on the outs, the 2009 Toyota Sienna puts up a good fight. Stable, comfortable, responsive, spacious - all perfect for the family looking to expand or at least travel as one unit with all their necessary gear.