2009 Toyota Sienna

You’ve probably heard all the swipes taken at minivans. You know, they’re matronly, soccer-mom mobiles that no red-blooded single guy would dare be seen in, lest his mojo be questioned. Truth be told, though, there’s no other type of vehicle that does so many things so well. (And we’ve heard more than one macho car-guy admit to sharing this same appreciation.) After all, it rides like car, carries cargo like a pickup, and has no peer as a people mover. Minivans are simply the smartest use of space for passengers and cargo, with a remarkable blend of comfort, convenience, and safety features. So what’s not to like?

Styling

To answer that question, and others as well, we checked out Toyota’s latest edition of the Sienna, one of the top offerings of its type. Of course, credit should go to Chrysler for creating the segment with its Caravan/Voyager design in the first place, but many other manufacturers have refined and enhanced the concept in numerous ways: Toyota especially, having rolled out the Sienna in 1998.


This first-gen model was much smaller (three inches narrower and five inches shorter in the wheelbase) than the 2009 model shown here, but remained in the lineup until 2003, despite the cramped accommodations. The current version that debuted in 2004 has gone through a number of changes. While we’ve heard rumors of a 2010 redesign, the 2009 Toyota Sienna offers excellent comfort, convenience and safety features, as well as being the only vehicle in its class with a choice of all-wheel drive (AWD). Optional 17-inch wheels are now available on LE models.


For parents who miss their salad days of driving a Celica or other sporty conveyance, the Sienna does have a few more beans now under the hood. All models now have a 265-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine, backed by a five-speed automatic transmission. So if you punch the go-pedal to get on the freeway, you won’t find yourself slapping on the wheel, yelling “c’mon, c’mon—let’s go!” Thanks to the free-breathing VVT-i valvetrain, this polite lady can pick up her skirts and run when the need arises. No, you won’t blow off a Mustang or Challenger at a stoplight, but you won’t be trying to pedal faster, either.

Performance

Figure on being able to scoot from 0 to 60 mph in 8.0 seconds or less, assuming an empty load (which won’t be often, considering the 149 cubic-feet of cargo capacity). Tow rating is as much as 3500 pounds, suitable for light trailers. The revised 2008 EPA figures come in at 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway for front-drive models, while the AWD versions rate 16 and 21, respectively. Those are fairly respectable numbers but can this bus corner? Well, with available safety features such as ABS, traction control, and an antiskid system, the Sienna comports itself surprisingly well. Its optional all-wheel drive is a plus for stable road holding on wet or slippery pavement.