The Toyota Sienna remains one of the smartest transportation choices an active family can make. Minivans offer more interior room relative to exterior length than any other type of vehicle, and the Sienna is arguably the best of the breed.
Inside, the Sienna is big and roomy. It’s smooth, responsive and quiet, and it’s more fuel-efficient than an SUV with comparable space for people and things. In just minutes, the Sienna switches from eight-passenger van, to cavernous cargo hauler, with room for full sheets of plywood, 10-foot ladders, or significantly more of anything else than you can put in most full-size sport utilities. With a standard 3500-pound towing capacity, the Sienna will pull a camper or small watercraft.
The 2008 Toyota Sienna is offered in four trim levels, from relatively inexpensive to true luxury grade. All share a 266-hp 3.5-liter V6 and five-speed automatic transmission. All come configured for seven passengers, though the lower-trim CE and LE models are available with seating for eight. All but the base CE are available with all-wheel drive (AWD).
Still, even the CE comes with nearly all the essentials, including dual-zone (front and rear) air conditioning; power windows, door locks and mirrors; sliding doors on both sides; keyless entry; and AM/FM/CD stereo with six speakers and an auxiliary jack for MP3 players. The upholstery is a vinyl/fabric combo, and the wheels are 16-inch steel with hubcaps. Second-row captain’s chairs and a 60/40 Split & Stow third-row bench seat are standard. A second-row three-place bench seat is optional. CE buyers can also add a package consisting of cruise control and a roof rack.
Sienna LE is the most popular model. It adds nicer cloth fabric, audio controls on the steering wheel, a 6CD changer, cruise control, heated mirrors, a roof rack, privacy glass, illuminated vanity mirrors, an engine immobilizer, a fold-flat front passenger seat, and other features. A second-row bench seat that seats three is optional.
The LE AWD adds Toyota’s full-time all-wheel-drive system. Like other all-wheel-drive Siennas, it comes packaged with run-flat tires on 17-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights (DRLs), and a windshield wiper de-icer. It does not offer eight-passenger seating.
Sienna XLE and XLE AWD are more luxurious, with yet another level of upgraded fabric; standard power sliding side doors and power liftgate; tri-zone automatic climate control (driver, front passenger, and rear compartment); eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat; JBL Synthesis 360-watt audio with 10 speakers, 6CD changer, rear seat audio controls, and Bluetooth; an overhead console with trip computer and universal garage-door opener; fog lights; leather-wrapped steering wheel; and more. The front-drive XLE comes with 16-inch alloy wheels.
The Sienna Limited and Limited AWD are equipped like a full-on luxury sedan, adding leather upholstery and features such as Dynamic Laser Cruise Control, a power moonroof, second- and third- row sunshades, high intensity discharge (HID) headlights, heated front seats with memory, front and rear park assist, auto-dimming electrochromic mirrors (inside and driver’s side), and side mirrors with puddle lamps and integrated turn signals. The front-drive Limited comes with the 17-inch alloys and DRLs. Power folding for the third row is optional.
A Tow Prep Package comes standard on all models consisting of a heavy-duty fan and radiator, power steering oil cooler, and 150-amp alternator; but a receiver and wiring harness cost extra. DVD entertainment, DVD navigation, rear sonar and camera systems, and many other extras are available, bundled into packages specific to each trim level.
Antilock disc brakes, stability control, traction control and a full complement of airbags (including front-seat side and full-length side curtain) are standard on all Siennas. The XLE Limited also comes with front and rear park assist, while rear park assist is available on LE and XLE trims. If you opt for the navigation system, you’ll also get a handy rearview camera.
In government crash testing, the Toyota Sienna earned four stars (out of five) for driver protection in frontal impacts and five stars for the front passenger. It also received five stars across the board for side-impact crash protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave Toyota’s minivan a “Good” rating (its highest) for its performance in both frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests.
If we were choosing one vehicle to fill every transportation role for a large or growing family, it might be a Toyota Sienna. The Sienna is one of the most appealing minivans available. It’s among the most powerful yet it’s reasonably economical. It’s comfortable, responsive and roomy!
Awards
2008 Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Award
2008 Highest-Retained Value
2008 Best in Class
2008 Best Minivan for Families
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