Toyota Sienna

"Not to be confused with Toyota Sienta."

Infobox Automobile
name=Toyota Sienna


manufacturer=Toyota Motor Corporation
production=1998–present
predecessor=Toyota Previa
class=Minivan
related=Toyota Camry
Toyota Camry Solara
Lexus ES/Toyota Windom
Lexus RX/Toyota Harrier
Toyota Highlander/Kluger
Toyota Avalon/Pronard

The Toyota Sienna is a family minivan currently manufactured in the United States by the Japanese automaker Toyota for the North American market only, and shares its platform with the Toyota Camry. It is rumored to be exported to emerging markets such as China by the year 2010 [ [http://japancarblog.com/2008/05/toyota-export-sienna-sequoia/ Toyota will export U.S. made SUV and Minivan | JapanCarBlog.com ] ] . The Sienna replaced the first generation Toyota Previa van in 1998 befitting as a more conventional front wheel drive layout, and was last updated in 2004 as a larger model.

First generation (1998-2003)

Infobox Automobile generation
name=First generation


production=1998–2003
body_style=3-door minivan
4-door minivan
engine=3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve VVT-i(2001-03) V6 210 hp220 ft·lbf
transmission=4-speed automatic
wheelbase= Auto in|114.2|0
layout=Front engine, front-wheel drive
length= Auto in|190.5|0 (1998-2000)
Auto in|194.2|0 (2001-03)
width= Auto in|73.4|0
assembly=TMMK, Georgetown, Kentucky, USA
height= Auto in|67.3|0In late 1997, Toyota launched the smaller front wheel drive 1998 Toyota Sienna in the North American market as a replacement for the rather avant-garde mid-engined Toyota Previa (the "Previa" nameplate is still available in Eurasia, and being sold in Japan as well as in some other nearby markets as the Toyota Estima). The Toyota Sienna debuted with a 3.0-liter "1MZ-FE" V6 engine rated at 145 kW and Auto Nm|284|0 of torque. Built on an extended platform of the Toyota Camry, the Sienna was appropriately marketed as the "Camry of minivans". The Sienna also touted the best-in-class fuel economy (in miles per gallon) of any minivan which was rated at 18 city/24 highway. It was built in Georgetown, Kentucky.Shortly after its release (one year later), the Sienna faced new competition from Toyota's familiar rival Honda with their new ground-breaking Odyssey minivan.

For 2001 model year, the Sienna underwent a minor mid-cycle refresh. This update included a facelift to both front and rear fascias which added a redesigned front grille and bumper along with revised rear taillights sporting a more modern appearance (clear-lens turn-signals as opposed to amber-coloured). Toyota also revamped the center console area to add more usability to the HVAC controls along with new locations for the accessory switches (Rear Vent, Power Sliding Doors, Heated Seats). The engine now came equipped with a Variable valve timing feature VVT-i boosting output to Convert|210|hp|kW|0|abbr=on and Auto ft.lbf|220|0 torque. This generation was noteworthy for its impressive safety content as one of the few minivans to offer competitive options including anti-lock brakes, Vehicle Skid Control (VSC), traction control and SRS Side-impact airbags.

econd generation (2004-present)

Infobox Automobile generation
name=Second generation


production=2004–present
body_style=4-door minivan
layout=Front engine, front-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive
engine=3.3-liter DOHC 24-valve VVT-i V6 230-215 hp 242-222 ft·lbf;3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve Dual VVT-i V6 266 hp 245 ft·lbf
transmission=5-speed automatic
wheelbase= Auto in|119.3|0
length= Auto in|200|0 (2004-05)
Auto in|201|0 (2006-present)
width= Auto in|77.4|0
assembly=TMMI, Princeton, Indiana, USA
height= Auto in|68.9|0In January 2003, the second-generation Sienna was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show. Production shifted to Princeton, Indiana, and the former Georgetown plant was retooled to build the second generation Camry Solara. This redesign continued to be offered in CE, LE, and XLE trims along with the arrival of a new addition to the lineup: the more luxurious, leather-trimmed XLE Limited model. All Siennas were now powered by a new 3.3-liter "3MZ-FE" engine paired with a new 5-speed automatic transmission (the gear-shift lever moved from the steering column to the lower-center dashboard area and worked in a zig-zag pattern much like that on the Lexus RX). Having grown larger in size than the first generation, the Sienna now offered a variety of new features, many of which were novelties derived from other competition within segment. A prime example of this was the clever hide-away third-row seat that stowed away folding flat into a floorwell (that could also be used to storage grocery-bags when not occupied) to become level with the cargo floor, which was first revolutionized by the Honda Odyssey (a rival minivan) and followed by nearly every other minivan. However, while the Odyssey's "Magic Seat" was a one-piece folding bench, the Sienna's was made even more innovative by a convenient 60/40 split configuration for enhanced versatility. Power-retractable side-windows integrated into the second-row sliding-doors (first introduced in the Mazda MPV) were also new along with available eight-passenger seating (CE and LE only), power sliding doors and power liftgate (standard on XLE and Limited, optional on LE), High-intensity discharge (HID) Xenon headlamps (XLE Limited), radar-based "intelligent" cruise control (optional), front and rear obstacle detection (optional), "kid-view" mirror, voice-activated navigation system (optional, includes backup camera), remote keyless entry, tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, rear climate control, heavy-duty tow-ready package, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, tire-pressure monitor, and run-flat tires that came standard with the available all wheel drive. Fuel economy remained commendable at 19 city and 26 highway (17 city/23 highway for AWD).

In July 2005, Toyota announced early changes for the 2006 model year. The front fascia, side molding, and rear taillamps were redesigned. The measurements for horsepower and torque were changed to the SAE's new specifications (from 230 hp and 242 ft·lbf to 215 hp and 222 ft·lbf, respectively). Blue-backlit electroluminescent "Optitron" gauges were added to LE, XLE, and Limited trims. The "XLE" prefix in "XLE Limited" was removed to lessen confusion, and newly added equipment exclusively for this trimline included an optional memory function for the power driver's seat (also available on XLE as an option) and power-folding exterior side-view mirrors with integrated turn-signal repeaters. Secondary options included Bluetooth capability and a power-folding third-row seat. Front side-torso airbags and head-protection curtain airbags for all three rows became standard equipment (formerly an option as part of a package) across the board. The optional rear seat audio system was discontinued.

For 2007, a new "2GR-FE" 3.5-liter V6 engine putting out Convert|266|hp|kW|0|abbr=on replaced the old unit, and a new seven-spoke alloy wheel design was made exclusive to the Limited and AWD models.

For 2009, the Sienna remains largely unchanged save for a revision in pricing to become even more competitive through a myriad of available comprehensively-equipped "extra-value package" offerings. In the Canadian market, base prices are lowered by up to as much as $1,500. [ [http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/August2008/06/c2209.html The 2009 Toyota Sienna: The ultimate minivan for families on the go delivers greater value, quality and safety at a better price] ]

Future

A redesigned Sienna with more aggressive stying is scheduled for release in 2009 as a 2010 model. A gas/electric hybrid variant exclusive for the North American market is also said to be in the works.

Awards

2004:
*"Car and Driver's" Five Best Trucks Van Award
* [http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/mostwanted/2004/index.html#vans Edmunds Editor's Most Wanted Van] and [http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/consumersmostwanted/2004/index.html#van Edmund Consumer's Most Wanted Van]
* [http://www.iihs.org/ratings/ratingsbyseries.aspx?id=422 Rated "Double Best Pick" by IIHS] [http://www.toyota.com/images/vehicles/2006/sienna/iihsaward.pdf PDF]

Models

The 2008 Toyota Sienna is available in:
*CE ($24,340 USD MSRP)
*CE 8-Passenger (24,490 USD MSRP)
*LE ($25,865 USD MSRP)
*LE 8-Passenger ($26,015 USD MSRP)
*LE AWD (29,035 USD MSRP)
*XLE ($29,525 USD MSRP)
*XLE AWD ($32,285 USD MSRP)
*Limited ($35,465 USD MSRP)
*Limited AWD ($37,665 USD MSRP) [http://www.toyota.com/sienna/models.html Sienna from Toyota - 2008 Models, Features, & Prices (January 7, 2008)]

2008 specifications

* Engine: 3.5 L DOHC 24-valve Dual VVT-i V6 - 2GR-FE
* Output: 266 hp (200 kW) at 6200 RPM and 248 ft·lbf (336 N·m) at 4700 rpm (SAE Net)
* Transmission: 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with Intelligent Grade-Logic Control (ECT-i)
* MPG: EPA Estimated 23 MPG Highway, 17 MPG City (2WD), and 21 Highway, 16 City (AWD).
* Drivetrain: Front wheel drive, all wheel drive available on LE, XLE, XLE Limited (CE in Canada)
* Turning Diameter: 36.8 ft (11.2 m)
* Brakes: Power-assisted ventilated front disc, rear disk with anti-lock braking system (ABS), and 4-channel disc brakes on XLE Limited, all wheel drive models or with available Vehicle Stability Control system and Braking Assist

In the media

* A yellow 04-05 Toyota Sienna taxi is driven as the primary vehicle in the game show "Cash Cab".

* A light-blue 04-05 Toyota Sienna CE is the family minivan featured in the Disney movie "The Pacifier".

* The YTV van used in the Long Day Weekend Trip is a Sienna painted with the YTV Logo.

References

External links

* [http://toyota.com/sienna Toyota USA Sienna site]
* [http://autos.yahoo.com/newcars/toyota_sienna_2006/4623/model_overview.html;_ylt=ArCuqoUABY9GkFWdkHW3hzLMG8gF YahooAutos-2006 Toyota Sienna]
* [http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/intellichoice/minivans/369_0506_toyota_sienna/ AutomobileMagazine-2005 Toyota Sienna (review)]
* [http://www.toyota.ca/cgi-bin/WebObjects/WWW.woa/16/wo/Home.Vehicles.Go.Sienna-G3bsx7D6a2rRk4MKhhD7ug/0.15?fmg%2fsienna%2fintro%2ehtml Toyota Canada Sienna site (English)]
* [http://www.toyota.ca/cgi-bin/WebObjects/WWW.woa/2/wo/Home.Vehicles.Go.Sienna.f-Hupduw44rgmQoq9tsAlOOg/0.15?fmg%2fsienna%2fintro%2ehtml Toyota Canada Sienna site (French)]
* [http://www.toyota.com.mx/modelos_specs/sienna/interior_sienna.aspx Toyota Mexico Sienna Site (Spanish)]
* [http://siennaclub.org SiennaClub.org]
* [http://siennaclub.ru SiennaClub.ru (Russian Owners Club)]