2004 Toyota Sienna Review
The fight for supremacy in the lucrative family vehicle segment in the autoworld
has always been tight. New versions from different vehicle makers, making the
mini van bigger and better. With the introduction of the all-new 2004 Sienna,
the company is ready to make its move. This Sienna is larger, more powerful and
more refined than the first generation -- three attributes that will help it compete
against other industry leading mini family vans. The Sienna has also picked up
some key family-friendly features.
One major attraction is its fold-flat third-row seat. Its rearmost bench is a
60/40-split instead of a single piece. Besides being lighter and easier to fold,
the 60/40 partitions allow for more flexible seating arrangements. And with both
seats folded, the Sienna's cargo area is large enough to handle a sheet of plywood
laid flat on the floor. Another benefit the new Sienna claims over others is passenger
capacity. Other mini vans max out at seven passengers, while the Sienna is available
in either seven- or eight-passenger configuration. Eight-passenger vans get a
40/20/40 second-row bench, allowing cargo space to be configured around seated
passengers.
You'll also find child-seat anchors in all three seating positions, allowing
owners to put three car seats across the second row. Sometimes it's the little
things that make a big difference, and the Sienna is full of thoughtful touches.
furthermore, there are numerous storage compartments, cargo hooks and a total
of 14 cup holders to prevent personal belongings from accidentally being flung
around the interior of the car. In a world dominated by the sport-utility vehicles,
minivans are still a good choice for family transportation, and the 2004 Toyota
Sienna is clearly one of the category's front-runners.
The 2004 Toyota Sienna is presented in four trim levels, the CE, LE, XLE and
the new top-of-the-line XLE Limited; CE and LE seat seven or eight. LE, XLE and
XLE Limited are available for all-wheel drive. The CE includes ABS, rear air conditioner,
CD player, telescoping steering wheel, dual sliding doors with power windows and
keyless entry. The LE sports driver lumbar adjustment, cruise control, heated
power mirrors, privacy glass, a roof rack and a fold-flat front-passenger seat,
most of this is optional on the CE. The XLE includes alloy wheels, power-sliding
doors, power liftgate, auto headlamps, three-zone automatic climate control, power
driver seat, rear audio controls and a removable center console.
The XLE Limited trim level is given a larger 17-inch wheels, rear disc brakes,
stability control, adaptive cruise control, a moonroof, leather seating, heated
front seats, a CD changer, a park-assist system and rear window shades. All-wheel-drive
models automatically receive 17s, stability control and upgraded brakes. Many
of the above features are optional on lower-line models. An entertainment system
is available to LE, XLE and XLE Limited buyers, and you can get a navigation system
for the XLE and XLE Limited.
The 2004 Sienna gets its power from a new 3.3-liter V6 engine, increasing horsepower
from the previous 210 to 230. The more powerful engine is coupled with a new five-speed
automatic transmission. This polished combination results in better fuel mileage
with EPA figures of 19 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway for front-drive models
and 18/24 for all-wheel-drive vans.
The AWD system requires no driver intervention, if a wheel begins to slip, power
is automatically transferred to the wheels with more grip. The boosted power of
the new V6 is instantaneously apparent when cruising around the suburbs, and especially
when merging onto the freeway. Although it retains its trademark soft ride, the
2004 Sienna is easier to maneuver and exhibits less body roll when rounding corners.
