Toyota Sienna

The Toyota Sienna is a cool minivan that belongs to family car division. This was developed by Toyota exclusively for the North American market.

In 1998, it substituted the 1st generation Previa van with a traditional front wheel drive design, and used a much refined design platform of the Toyota Camry.

The physical dimensions of Sienna were relatively smaller than most of its counterparts, but after being redesigned in 2004, the second generation Sienna models became longer, and wider too.

All Toyota Sienna models are currently produced in Princeton, Indiana, predominantly for the US markets.

First Generation (1998-2003)

The first generation Toyota Sienna was debuted in 1998 with a 3.0-liter 1MZ-FE V6 engine that could generate -

• 284 N-m (209 lb-ft) of torque and
• 145 kW of power.

The first generation Toyota Sienna was produced in 3 trim levels – XLE, LE, and CE. The XLE and LE were packed with second row captain’s chairs, whereas the CE trim came with a second row second passenger bucket seat.

Both roof rack and the driver side sliding door were traditional on the XLE and LE models, but they were optionally available on the CE trim. On the XLE trim, a wooden trim and leather seats were added goodies.

In 2001, a new engine replaced the previous engine and came with a variable valve timing characteristic VVT-I that could deliver -

• 220 lb-ft (298 N-m) torque and
• 210 hp (157 kW) of power.

On all trims, the driver side sliding door came as standard item. But, the roof rack sustained as an optional offering on the CE trim.

This generation models had impressive safety equipments, which included -

• Vehicle Stability Control
• Front seat-mounted side torso airbags (optional), and
• Anti-lock brakes

Second Generation (2004-2010)

The second generation Toyota Sienna was exposed to public at the Detroit Auto Show in 2004. In this generation, the lineup remained unchanged, and the vehicle was marketed in XLE, LE, and CE trims.

Apart from these trims, another special trim with leather-trimmed interiors, and more luxurious amenities was offered in form of the XLE Limited edition.

All these trims were powered by a highly revised ULEV certified 3.3-liter 3MZ-FE V6 engine paired to a five-speed automatic transmission. The gear-shift lever was relocated from the steering wheel to the center console place. Fuel economy offered by this generation was 25 mpg on highways, and 17 mpg in city.

Coming to the standard features, the second generation Toyota Sienna offered

• Telescopic and tilt steering wheel,
• Remote keyless entry,
• High solar energy-absorbing glass (HSEA) installed on the front windows and windshield,
• Standard run-flat tires, and
• Climate control.

The other noteworthy options in this generation included:

• Dynamic Laser Cruise Control,
• HID Xenon headlamps,
• Rear and front obstacle detection,
• Voice-activated navigation system that included backup camera,
• “Kid-view” mirror,
• Rear-seat DVD entertainment system, and
• 10-speaker JBL “Synthesis” audio.

Third Generation (2011)

The third generation Sienna 2011 edition was showcased at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2009, which is likely to hit the automotive markets only in the middle of the year 2011.

The next generation Sienna will be marketed in 5 trim levels –

• 2011 Toyota Sienna SE,
• Limited,
• XLE,
• LE, and
• the base Sienna Grade.

All these trims will be powered by a 3.5-liter 2GR-FE 4-cylinder engine, and an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system will substitute the earlier steering system.

It is being estimated that the new Sienna will achieve better fuel economy of 22 mpg on highways , and 16 mpg in city premises.