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| Ratings |
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| Comments |
Favorite feature: |
Steering Wheel mounted Radio and Cruise Controls |
Least favorite feature: |
Wide Turning Radius |
Advice to buyer: |
Try the rest, buy the best. Or trust me and don't waste your time trying the rest, buy the Sienna. |
Detailed review: |
After driving the offerings from Ford (Windstar), Chevrolet (Venture) and Dodge (Caravan) the Toyota Sienna was a nice departure from the usual Mini-van doldrums.
The Sienna's interior is larger than any of the afore mentioned vehicles. There is ample space to fit the specified 7-passenger capacity. I'd venture to say that 8 full grown adults could sit comfortably inside this van. Fit and Finish is everything you'd expect from Toyota, fine lines, everything matching up perfectly. Toyota, with the 2000 model, has corrected the glaring problem of a stereo that is mounted to low to be adjusted safely by the driver by adding steering wheel mounted controls. Also, adding an AM/FM/Cassette/CD stereo as standard on all models is a great plus.
Toyota has not skimped in the performance department either. The 194hp V6 is not only one of the top in it's class, mated to the Electronically Controlled 4-speed transmission makes acceleration a breeze (0-60 in 9.7 seconds on my watch, Chevy was the next closest at 9.9). In true Toyota fashion, the engine is almost undetectable except under the most extreme of acceleration conditions. The standard anti-lock brake system brings the vehicle to a confident halt without issue, and in slippery conditions without accelerated heart rates.
The ride itself parallels that of the engine, smooth and noise free. Built on the proven Camry chassis, the handling of the Sienna is both silky and responsive. Fast corners are handled fairly well with minimal lean on the more grueling turns. Unfortunately the steering, while very responsive, covers a larger than most turn radius that makes some tight maneuvers a bit challenging. The overall ride characteristics far surpassed that of the competitors offerings. The trio of domestic brands seemed much rougher and the noise level from the engine and road begged for higher volume on the stereo.
Standard features on the base model CE I drove were plentiful as well. V6, ABS, Dual Airbags, Air Conditioning, a plethora of cup holders (Large enough to hold a 24oz can of Surge!), Low Tire Pressure Warning system, Tilt Wheel, and many others. I also opted for the Extra Value Package which added the Power windows, door locks and heated power mirrors, Dual A/C, Cruise Control, Floor and Cargo Mats, and a Full Size spare for an additional $2,386. Also added to the vehicle was the VIP Security System with Keyless entry. All told, the final sticker was a surprisingly low 24,233.
All in all the Sienna far out-weighed it's competitors. The performance, ride, space, feature and finish characteristics were second to none. It is no coincidence that my family will be riding in one soon. |
Also considered: |
2000 Chevrolet Venture
2000 Dodge Caravan
2000 Ford Windstar
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Vehicle purchased: |
2000 Toyota Sienna
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| About This Reviewer... |
Name: |
Tony Miller |
Location: |
Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
Other vehicles owned: |
1997 Toyota Corolla
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Review submitted: |
December 23, 1999 |
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