EDMUNDS.COM 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA
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| Editors'' Review |
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
The 2004 Sienna has all the right stuff to take on the toughest minivan competitors, even the much acclaimed Honda Odyssey.
Pros
Reliable Camry genes, refined V6, fold-flat 60/40 third-row seat, seven- and eight-passenger seating configurations, available all-wheel drive.
Cons
Unusual gearshifter placement, doesn''t feel as "carlike" as the Honda Odyssey, some desirable options aren''t available on all trims.
What''s New for 2004
The Sienna has been completely redesigned for 2004. Roomier and more powerful than before, Toyota''s minivan entry now has the all-important fold-flat third-row seat, as well as a choice of seven- or eight-passenger seating (on lower level trims) and available all-wheel drive.
Overview
Introduction:
Although still a capable minivan, the 2003 Toyota Sienna was showing signs of age -- compared to the competition, it was smaller and less functional on the inside, and down on power out on the road. The Honda Odyssey had been virtually unbeatable in the minivan category since its groundbreaking 1999 redesign, and Toyota was intent on claiming a larger share of this lucrative family vehicle segment. 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 the hugely popular Odyssey and Chrysler minivans. The Sienna has also picked up some key family-friendly features. One major attraction is its fold-flat third-row seat. The advantage that the Sienna now has over competitors like the Odyssey, Chevrolet Venture, Mazda MPV and Pontiac Montana is that 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 on the Odyssey and Dodge Grand Caravan is passenger capacity. Both peers 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. As in the Ford Windstar, the driver now has a strategically placed mirror that, much like that on a school bus, provides a clear view of the rear-seat passengers. Additionally, there are numerous storage compartments, cargo hooks and a total of 14 cupholders to prevent personal belongings from inadvertently traveling around the cabin. In a world full of 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.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Sienna comes in four trim levels -- CE, LE, XLE and new top-of-the-line XLE Limited; CE and LE seat seven or eight. LE, XLE and XLE Limited are eligible 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 adds 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 gets 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.
Powertrains and Performance:
The 2004 Sienna benefits from a new 3.3-liter V6 engine, increasing horsepower from 210 to 230. The more powerful engine is coupled with a new five-speed automatic transmission. This refined 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.
Safety:
Antilock brakes are standard across the line. Stability and traction control are included on XLE Limited and AWD models and optional on all other Siennas. Airbag protection includes seat-mounted side airbags for front occupants and side curtain airbags that cover all three rows -- it''s standard on XLE Limited and optional on other trims.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The Sienna''s interior is swathed in high-quality fabric on lower trim levels and leather and faux wood on high-end models. Most controls are simple to use, and storage space is abundant. Seven-passenger vans allow owners to push the second-row captain''s chairs together to create a bench seat, though the setup isn''t as user-friendly as the Odyssey''s or MPV''s. The eight-passenger version uses a 40/20/40-split bench in the second row, enabling you to pull the middle seat 13 inches closer to the front seats for easier access to a baby. The Sienna provides 149 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The added power of the new V6 is immediately evident when cruising around the suburbs, and especially when merging onto the freeway. Although it retains its trademark soft ride, the ''04 Sienna is easier to maneuver and exhibits less body roll when rounding corners.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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