Wonder if Toyota will bring ALL of its vans over here. I was just in japan this summer and they have so many vans. They have a Previa, a hybrid Previa called Estima, a Noah, an Ipsum, a Sparky, a voxy, a mini bus called Coaster. Man! If only we had that many vans to choose from. I'd take an Estima over a Sienna any day! Honda has a couple of vans too. They have a box shaped Mobilo, the previous-post mentioned Odyssey, and Lagreat, our US Ody. Toyota has a lot of SUVs too. In Japan, they have the Prado, the RAV4, the Harrier, and the Highlander looking SUV. (I forget what it is called) In conclusion, Japan has 2X the choices we have for automobiles.
Nissan has lost a lot of respect in Japanese eyes since having to be bailed out by a French company Renault. I know this because that is what so many people told me when I was in Japan this past year. That is one of the reasons that Honda was able to pass them in sales in Japan. Please don't think I am a Honda guy. I am definitely a Toyota guy. I have worked for Toyota for 5 years now, I just don't like people putting out bogus information.
As far as "Consumer SHOULD only spend little more or equal the car's invoice price", that is one of the most ludicrous things I have ever heard. Yes, I work at a dealership but let me ask you, if you were selling a product faster than you could bring it in would you sell it for what you owned it for or close to it? If you answer yes you are a LIAR! Honda dealers are not being greedy. They are getting what the vans are worth, and right now, they are worth sticker or close to that. The rule of the game is respect. I will not (and neither will my dealership) be ripping people off by selling over the sticker but we will sell them for what they are worth. To prove that Toyota and Honda are not ripping people off is that they don't offer rebates or cut rate incentives on all of the product to make up for inflated MSRP's.
I will scan and post all of the Sienna information that comes in the press pack at the auto show. But I am sure that it will already be on the web by then anyway.
The Highlander looking vehicle is called the Kluger V. We have the Prado (Lexus GX 470 & new 2003 4Runner with different skin). We also have the Harrier (Lexus RX300). I drove the hybrid Estima at a Dealer south of Tokyo and WOW! I am just so excited that the US will get a Hybrid Sienna for model year 2006, a Hybrid Camry for 2005 and a new Prius that gets 70mpg next fall. Those are all what is "Planned" but hopefully they stick to the schedule.
Here in the Atlanta Metro area, my research indicates that the current inventory on dealer lots represents the last of the 2003 Sienna models. Final delivery is today 1/3/03. Perhaps the 2004s are closer than we think? If you are in the market for the 2003s now is the time to make your decision. I am waiting for the maxed out version of the 2004. Wife now drives 1999 RX300 and loves her car. Needless to say, driving that car has set the bar a little high...a hurdle the current Odyssey cannot clear.
It's simple supply and demand. It has nothing to do with 'greed' or 'ethics'. No one puts a gun to a consumer's head and forces them to pay MSRP for an Odyssey. Right now you can get great deals on the '03 Sienna, but I'm sure the new 2004 Sienna will sell close to MSRP, too, if it is in limited supply when it first comes out.
Dual zone auto A/C will be standard on XLEs. There is no mention as to whether or not seat heaters are included in any package or grade. Current XLE w/ leather gets heated seats and I can't see them being not available, but hey, anything's possible.
I apologize in advance for the following, as it probably doesnt belong in this forum, but I follow this newsgroup and noticed there are quite a few Toyota experts here so...
Is the American Toyota Sienna sold in Japan (either as Sienna or other name) like the American Odyssey is sold as the LAGREAT?
If not, is there a version in Japan that is even close to the Sienna?
The reason I am asking is that I like to build plastic models of the cars I buy, and I just bought a 2003 Sienna. There are not (that I have been able to find) any plastic models of the Sienna, but I am wondering if there might be a plastic model sold under another name in Japan that would be pretty close to the Sienna.
Sorry, but I am 99.9% certain that Toyota doesn't sell the Sienna or the same vehicle under a different name in Japan. I'd say he closest thing would be the Previa/Estima in size and function.
From everything I have read about the Detroit Auto Show, Toyota is probably the most tight lipped regarding the new Sienna than any vehicle from any company that will be at the show.
I called 2 sales reps from 2 different Toyota dealers today and they know dick.
Looks like we will have to wait until Toyota's news conference on Monday morning:
Toyota to Debut All-New Sienna
Toyota will unveil an all-new Sienna minivan at the 2003 NAIAS in Detroit this coming January. Not many details have been released by the automaker, but the second-generation Sienna is expected to be larger and more refined than its predecessor. To get all the details on the new Sienna, return to MSN Autos the morning of January 6, 2003, for complete coverage of the Toyota press conference.
It'll only put yourself into the last position to get the stuff you really want and jacking up the final price, since you're guaranteeing the dealer the sales and they'll try everything they can to sell it at a higer price than yours to anyone who come after you. Hence the pre-order is THE worst thing a car buyer can do...
To blackr: There unfortunately is no model that is similar to the Sienna in Japan. They have a vehicle named the Picnic and it kind of resembles a Sienna but it is much smaller (almost 1gen odyssey-ish in size).
I have a contact at TMMK (Kentucky Plant for Toyota) and I asked him about the new solara and sienna and he said that every Toyota employee has to sign a confidentially agreement about new product. They are not allowed to talk about or leak information until it has been "Declassified" by Toyota (aka already released in the press officially).
On the XLE in the US heated seats are an option that is not always included on the 2003 but is available. I hope this will become a standard feature on the 2004. I know my customers are asking for it.
getting old because I can't believe I am this excited about a new minivan! Kinda the same feeling I got on my first date.
Toyota to Debut All-New Sienna
Toyota will unveil an all-new Sienna minivan at the 2003 NAIAS in Detroit this coming January. Not many details have been released by the automaker, but the second-generation Sienna is expected to be larger and more refined than its predecessor. To get all the details on the new Sienna, return to MSN Autos the morning of January 6, 2003, for complete coverage of the Toyota press conference.
From Auto.com: The Quest goes on sale this summer as an '04 model, with what Nissan officials call a striking resemblance to the futuristic concept shown in Detroit last year.
Only write-up from Auto.com: The Sienna minivan offers new options packages.
Toyota is sure not releasing much about the new Sienna before the big news conference Monday morning.
Isn't the Picnic called Ipsum in Japan? The Estima looks nice, and from previous posts sounds good. How come we don't get the Estima over here? About the Sienna, I saw the pictures from autonews.com and they looked real nice. But, the XLE dashboard looks a bit complicated. Anybody agree with me? I would prefer the CE/LE over the XLE if their dashboards were less complicated.
Sorry, I was thinking of the European minivan for Toyota named the Picnic. It too looks similar like the Japanese Ipsum does to the current Sienna.
The pictures on the autonews.com are cool! The profile looks more station wagon-ish than that of a minivan. It was a very aerodynamic look to it. I love it! I can't wait for the news conference tomorrow morning. According to http://www.naias.com it is scheduled for 10:10am. The Tuesday news conference for Toyota is scheduled for 11:20am. Monday is suppose to be the Sienna and Tuesday for the new Scion.
Thanks for the link. I particularly liked the ramp van.
In terms of adapting the standard versions of minivans, I am concerned about the move to 3rd row seating that collapses into the floor. This often means that there is no solid floor to attach a wheelchair lift. The Honda Odyssey just doesn't work with such lifts due to the lack of a solid floor. My wife and I are anxious to see how the rear compartment of the 2004 Sienna is constructed.
In terms of significantly adapted vans, US dealers tend to stay with Chrysler and Ford minivans. You rarely see any other makes.
If the new Toyota doesn't work, I don't know where we will turn. The new Nissan Quest appears to be a possible option, but it is a very ugly car IMHO. We also do not know how its rear compartment works. The Chrysler vans have reportedly had realiability issues. The Ford Vans have always seemed to have cheap interiors. Conversion vans have rear-wheel drive. My fingers are crossed for the new Sienna. We like Toyota products!
Finally, I am hoping that luxury car manufacturers will begin making minivan models. A Lexus model based on the new Sienna would be very welcomed. It never made any sense that minivan drivers should be denied the opportunity to drive a luxury vehicle. Although things may be different this time, the top trim level of the Toyota vans could never be confused with that of a luxury vehicle. Mercedes had plans for a luxury minivan but dropped them following the merger with Chrysler. The Lexus RX300 (and GX470) just doesn't have the rear-opening height necessary for a lift.
I've put a couple of hundred bucks down on a 2003 CE, got it for roughly 28.5K CDN, at 2.9% lease rate. We plan on driving it for 10-12 years. They seem to be including option packages as standard on the CE and LE models now in efforts to clear them out, compared to what you got with the van 2 years ago (last time we looked). The dealer told me about the 2004, but stated that although the price would be similar (maybe even less, like the Camry), the lease rates would be very high (8%), and the option packages may not be included, making the 2003 a better buy (for me). for example, the Honda's lease rates (9%)along with a 5K more sticker price lead to monthly payments of over $200 more!
Styling of the 2004 is nice, but since this will be the family minivan, it isn't a major concern.... The fold down seats seem neat, but offer little value to me with 3 car seats for kids always strapped in them. So I feel that I am making a good decision... What do you think, am I making a big mistake?
Wow - beautiful van! Can't wait for it to get here. Sorry, I'm a novice w/ car terms, but the press release said all the versions will have a 4x2 configuration. What does this mean? Thanks!
I just saw the pictures and they look awesome! my only problem is that I can't see the CE exterior and the CE/LE interior. Another gripe is what are the big white things doing in the fold flat compartment? Are they for fore/aft adjustment or are they just there to waste space? Are they there to tumble forward in case you like it that way? Another thing is that I wish that the Estima will come over here because I want a hybrid minivan that I could use. I don't care about 0-60, but I do care a little bit aboud fuel efficiency. The Estima hybrid is a lot bigger than the current Sienna. It seats 8 too. (When equipped with 2nd row bench.
Looks like some of you are in luck. The new Sienna does have a wheel chair ramp option. Have a look at the pictures linked above. Lots of pictures on this option.
For those craving the Lexus, the XLE LTD looks like a Lexus to me. The Lexus service option would be a nice to have.
The new Sienna looks like it will satisfy many target markets.
The standard drivetrain for all models is Front wheel drive. 4x2 means four wheels, two drive wheels. The LE and XLE models will be available with AWD.
toyotaken: thanks for your answer! I'm looking at purchasing this van. Since AWD comes only on the more expensive versions, does that mean it's better? Will it give as smooth a ride as a front wheel drive? Is it better in snow/rain? My hubby drives a Lexus which has rear wheel drive, which they told us is better. It's all very confusing!
The new Sienna is fat!!! What a porker. 77.4 inches wide is very difficult to fit into a 2-car garage (with a second car in there).
I love the interior and exterior. Also, it sounds powerful and confortable. Should be much quieter than my Previa. I'll have to consider this very carefully.
The price sounds competetive (22,955) and the fuel economy sounds good (20 city, 25 hwy).
all the details are posted on www.autos.msn.com go to toyota sienna yellow part on the right, then click on fchv-4 and then on sienna and you can view all the options.
However, I do not see any steering wheel audio controls? Will they exist?
My 01 Sequoia doesn't have them but later Toyota added it and I regret not waiting for it.
dplatcha if you think the new Sienna is a porker look at this from Nissan on the new Quest: "With its long 124.0-inch wheelbase, 77.6-inch width and 66.9-inch front and rear track, the new Quest offers the largest interior volume of any current front-wheel drive minivan. Overall interior volume of 197 cubic feet"
I assume the 197 cu ft is including the front passenger area too. If so I bet the new Sienna is larger. Otherwise Toyota quotes interior cargo volume behind the front seats as 148.9 cu ft.
There are pro's and con's to all the different versions of drive-trains. I'll try to give you a quick synopsis here, but if you have additional questions, feel free to e-mail me and I'll be happy to give you a more detailed description where everyone doesn't have to read the whole thing.
There are quite a few people who swear by rear-wheel drive. The benefits are that it typically gives better weight distribution and allows different sets of wheels focus on their respective duties. That is to say that the front wheels steer and the rear wheels give propulsion. For performance cars as well as most luxury vehicles, rear-wheel drive is somewhat preferred for the overall driving "feel" and "experience". The drawback for most rear-wheel drive vehicles is that when traction is lost, it is much easier to lose control of the vehicle as when the drive wheels spin, the back end of the vehicle "fishtails". The other drawback to rear-wheel drive vehicles is the "packaging". Because they need a driveshaft going from the engine in front to the rear wheels, there is usually a fairly large drive-train "hump" running down the middle of the passenger compartment floor, limiting room. Also, when accelerating, rear-wheel drive is usually more efficient (when traction is sufficient) as when accelerating, the car "squats" or the weight transfers backward, which when the vehicle is rear-wheel drive helps traction.
Front-wheel drive has it's pro's and con's as well. The negatives are that there is usually less overall road-feel as the front wheels steer as well as provide propulsion. There is also, on some vehicles the possiblity of "torque-steer" meaning that when you accelerate, one wheel provides more force, "pulling" the car one direction or the other. This is more likely on a performance car, so should not be an issue on the Sienna. With the engine being located over the drive-wheels, there is more likelihood that you will have better traction in marginal conditions. Also, if the wheels do spin, most often, the vehicle just doesn't move until the wheels gain traction. Also, front-wheel drive vehicles typically have more passenger space compared to vehicles of similar size with rear-wheel drive.
All-wheel-drive has the drawback that it typcially is not quite a efficient for fuel economy as either front ro rear wheel drive vehicles because they are driving all the wheels all of the time. This is also because they are typically carrying more weight. The benefit is that you have power going to all four wheels, so in situations where there is limited traction, such as rain or a little snow, you have more traction for accelerating and in some cases for turning. Just keep in mind that it costs more for a vehicle with AWD vs. the same vehicle with FWD and there may be cost associated with some additional maintanence associated with the AWD system.
Hope this helps in synopsis, and as I said, feel free to ask if you need more detailed explantations.
Sure, the porky van with folding the mirrors can fit in the garage --but that doesn't mean you can get out! Doors (front not sliding ones), a useful element, take up more room than any mirror.
I don't mean to talk the van down as we might still get it. Does anyone know the towing capacity? That data wasn't on the spec sheet.
Wow! I'm impressed by what Toyota expects out of this van. The new Sienna DOES HAVE a second row passenger-side sliding left/right captain's chair. A BACKUP CAMERA is available which will project an image onto the NAVIGATION system. The interior, especially for the XLE Limited, appears to be very nice.
UNC, it looks like this van's got your name on it. It has that Lexus-looking interior and should be able to accomodate your wife's needs. Looks like Toyota put a lot of effort into its mobility access.
Also, Toyota seems pretty concerned about the new Sienna doing just as well in the crash tests as its past one.
"The current Sienna has been one of the top-rated minivans in both government and Insurance Institute crash testing. Not only will the new Sienna achieve best-in-class results again, it will be one of the top-rated vehicles of any kind to be tested. And, with standard four-wheel anti-lock brakes, Sienna will provide best-in-class 60-to-zero braking performance in both wet and dry road conditions. Vehicle Stability Control with Traction Control and Brake Assist will be available as an option. Front side and curtain shield SRS airbags covering all three seat rows will be standard equipment on the XLE Limited grade, and optional on all other grades."
In addition, they believe Sienna to be one of the fastest performing minivans in its class.
dplachta: Where did you get the $22,955 price figure? I assume that is the CE model. Does it include destination? Is it MSRP or invoice? Does anyone have MSRP prices for the different models?
Sorry about the long last post, but cut and paste right from the press release. This is the press release about pricing directly from Toyota as well.
2004 Sienna Price Announcement Toyota Motor Sales, USA, is pleased to provide you with some exciting news about the larger, all-new Sienna that will make its public debut this morning at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. As part of the reveal, TMS will announce the ‘starting at’ price of $22,955 for the 7-Passenger CE model. This is a significant price repositioning from the current generation van and will position Sienna to compete in the heart of the van segment and gain market share from Odyssey. The all-new Sienna is slated to start production Jan 20th and is expected to start shipping to Dealers on March 14th. More details on the pricing will be released prior to the first shipments. With the next generation Sienna aggressively priced and coming soon, now is the time to selldown your existing stock and prepare for the introduction of the ‘04MY Sienna!
Comments
As far as "Consumer SHOULD only spend little more or equal the car's invoice price", that is one of the most ludicrous things I have ever heard. Yes, I work at a dealership but let me ask you, if you were selling a product faster than you could bring it in would you sell it for what you owned it for or close to it? If you answer yes you are a LIAR! Honda dealers are not being greedy. They are getting what the vans are worth, and right now, they are worth sticker or close to that. The rule of the game is respect. I will not (and neither will my dealership) be ripping people off by selling over the sticker but we will sell them for what they are worth. To prove that Toyota and Honda are not ripping people off is that they don't offer rebates or cut rate incentives on all of the product to make up for inflated MSRP's.
I will scan and post all of the Sienna information that comes in the press pack at the auto show. But I am sure that it will already be on the web by then anyway.
Does your spec sheet mention dual auto temperature control or heated seat options?
Is the American Toyota Sienna sold in Japan (either as Sienna or other name) like the American Odyssey is sold as the LAGREAT?
If not, is there a version in Japan that is even close to the Sienna?
The reason I am asking is that I like to build plastic models of the cars I buy, and I just bought a 2003 Sienna. There are not (that I have been able to find) any plastic models of the Sienna, but I am wondering if there might be a plastic model sold under another name in Japan that would be pretty close to the Sienna.
Thanks,
Rob
I called 2 sales reps from 2 different Toyota dealers today and they know dick.
Looks like we will have to wait until Toyota's news conference on Monday morning:
Toyota to Debut All-New Sienna
Toyota will unveil an all-new Sienna minivan at the 2003 NAIAS in Detroit this coming January. Not many details have been released by the automaker, but the second-generation Sienna is expected to be larger and more refined than its predecessor. To get all the details on the new Sienna, return to MSN Autos the morning of January 6, 2003, for complete coverage of the Toyota press conference.
Not sure when it will be at the dealer though.
For those who are interested in the Quest, there is a picture (page 3) nad short write-up (page 12) at the following site:
http://www.naias.com/showtalk/December2003.pdf
I have a contact at TMMK (Kentucky Plant for Toyota) and I asked him about the new solara and sienna and he said that every Toyota employee has to sign a confidentially agreement about new product. They are not allowed to talk about or leak information until it has been "Declassified" by Toyota (aka already released in the press officially).
On the XLE in the US heated seats are an option that is not always included on the 2003 but is available. I hope this will become a standard feature on the 2004. I know my customers are asking for it.
Toyota to Debut All-New Sienna
Toyota will unveil an all-new Sienna minivan at the 2003 NAIAS in Detroit this coming January. Not many details have been released by the automaker, but the second-generation Sienna is expected to be larger and more refined than its predecessor. To get all the details on the new Sienna, return to MSN Autos the morning of January 6, 2003, for complete coverage of the Toyota press conference.
http://www.autonews.com/files/2003_detroit/toyota/sienna/
From Auto.com: The Quest goes on sale this summer as an '04 model, with what Nissan officials call a striking resemblance to the futuristic concept shown in Detroit last year.
Only write-up from Auto.com: The Sienna minivan offers new options packages.
Toyota is sure not releasing much about the new Sienna before the big news conference Monday morning.
www.autonews.com for more info and faster uploads of pictures.
About the Sienna, I saw the pictures from autonews.com and they looked real nice. But, the XLE dashboard looks a bit complicated. Anybody agree with me? I would prefer the CE/LE over the XLE if their dashboards were less complicated.
The pictures on the autonews.com are cool! The profile looks more station wagon-ish than that of a minivan. It was a very aerodynamic look to it. I love it! I can't wait for the news conference tomorrow morning. According to http://www.naias.com it is scheduled for 10:10am. The Tuesday news conference for Toyota is scheduled for 11:20am. Monday is suppose to be the Sienna and Tuesday for the new Scion.
What do you guys/gals think about that? I believe the Toyota's Matrix has one also. The new Quest also has the shifter on the dash.
http://www.toyota.co.jp/Showroom/All_toyota_lineup/Estima/menu/frame/welcab.html
In terms of adapting the standard versions of minivans, I am concerned about the move to 3rd row seating that collapses into the floor. This often means that there is no solid floor to attach a wheelchair lift. The Honda Odyssey just doesn't work with such lifts due to the lack of a solid floor. My wife and I are anxious to see how the rear compartment of the 2004 Sienna is constructed.
In terms of significantly adapted vans, US dealers tend to stay with Chrysler and Ford minivans. You rarely see any other makes.
If the new Toyota doesn't work, I don't know where we will turn. The new Nissan Quest appears to be a possible option, but it is a very ugly car IMHO. We also do not know how its rear compartment works. The Chrysler vans have reportedly had realiability issues. The Ford Vans have always seemed to have cheap interiors. Conversion vans have rear-wheel drive. My fingers are crossed for the new Sienna. We like Toyota products!
Finally, I am hoping that luxury car manufacturers will begin making minivan models. A Lexus model based on the new Sienna would be very welcomed. It never made any sense that minivan drivers should be denied the opportunity to drive a luxury vehicle. Although things may be different this time, the top trim level of the Toyota vans could never be confused with that of a luxury vehicle. Mercedes had plans for a luxury minivan but dropped them following the merger with Chrysler. The Lexus RX300 (and GX470) just doesn't have the rear-opening height necessary for a lift.
Again, here's hoping that the Sienna will work.
Seb
I've put a couple of hundred bucks down on a 2003 CE, got it for roughly 28.5K CDN, at 2.9% lease rate. We plan on driving it for 10-12 years. They seem to be including option packages as standard on the CE and LE models now in efforts to clear them out, compared to what you got with the van 2 years ago (last time we looked). The dealer told me about the 2004, but stated that although the price would be similar (maybe even less, like the Camry), the lease rates would be very high (8%), and the option packages may not be included, making the 2003 a better buy (for me). for example, the Honda's lease rates (9%)along with a 5K more sticker price lead to monthly payments of over $200 more!
Styling of the 2004 is nice, but since this will be the family minivan, it isn't a major concern.... The fold down seats seem neat, but offer little value to me with 3 car seats for kids always strapped in them. So I feel that I am making a good decision... What do you think, am I making a big mistake?
Does the side view mirrors on the 04 have fold away options. The photos are not very clear
http://pressroom.toyota.com/photo_library/display_photos.html?index=fulltext&kw=sienna+2004
You can access more information about the wheel chair lift also at:
http://pressroom.toyota.com/photo_library/display_release.html?id=2004sienna_rampvan
It gives people the specs and info on the ramp and wheel chair availability.
Simply go to http://pressroom.toyota.com/ for all the latest official news from Toyota and Lexus!
Another thing is that I wish that the Estima will come over here because I want a hybrid minivan that I could use. I don't care about 0-60, but I do care a little bit aboud fuel efficiency. The Estima hybrid is a lot bigger than the current Sienna. It seats 8 too. (When equipped with 2nd row bench.
For those craving the Lexus, the XLE LTD looks like a Lexus to me. The Lexus service option would be a nice to have.
The new Sienna looks like it will satisfy many target markets.
I'm looking at purchasing this van. Since AWD comes only on the more expensive versions, does that mean it's better? Will it give as smooth a ride as a front wheel drive? Is it better in snow/rain? My hubby drives a Lexus which has rear wheel drive, which they told us is better. It's all very confusing!
I love the interior and exterior. Also, it sounds powerful and confortable.
Should be much quieter than my Previa. I'll have to consider this very carefully.
The price sounds competetive (22,955) and the fuel economy sounds good (20 city, 25 hwy).
Also, can you get AWD with the 8 seater? I know that on some vans you cannot.
go to toyota sienna yellow part on the right, then click on fchv-4 and then on sienna and you can view all the options.
and click on "2004 sienna" on the right.
My 01 Sequoia doesn't have them but later Toyota added it and I regret not waiting for it.
dplatcha if you think the new Sienna is a porker look at this from Nissan on the new Quest:
"With its long 124.0-inch wheelbase, 77.6-inch width and 66.9-inch front and rear track, the new Quest offers the largest interior volume of any current front-wheel drive minivan. Overall interior volume of 197 cubic feet"
I assume the 197 cu ft is including the front passenger area too. If so I bet the new Sienna is larger. Otherwise Toyota quotes interior cargo volume behind the front seats as 148.9 cu ft.
There are quite a few people who swear by rear-wheel drive. The benefits are that it typically gives better weight distribution and allows different sets of wheels focus on their respective duties. That is to say that the front wheels steer and the rear wheels give propulsion. For performance cars as well as most luxury vehicles, rear-wheel drive is somewhat preferred for the overall driving "feel" and "experience". The drawback for most rear-wheel drive vehicles is that when traction is lost, it is much easier to lose control of the vehicle as when the drive wheels spin, the back end of the vehicle "fishtails". The other drawback to rear-wheel drive vehicles is the "packaging". Because they need a driveshaft going from the engine in front to the rear wheels, there is usually a fairly large drive-train "hump" running down the middle of the passenger compartment floor, limiting room. Also, when accelerating, rear-wheel drive is usually more efficient (when traction is sufficient) as when accelerating, the car "squats" or the weight transfers backward, which when the vehicle is rear-wheel drive helps traction.
Front-wheel drive has it's pro's and con's as well. The negatives are that there is usually less overall road-feel as the front wheels steer as well as provide propulsion. There is also, on some vehicles the possiblity of "torque-steer" meaning that when you accelerate, one wheel provides more force, "pulling" the car one direction or the other. This is more likely on a performance car, so should not be an issue on the Sienna. With the engine being located over the drive-wheels, there is more likelihood that you will have better traction in marginal conditions. Also, if the wheels do spin, most often, the vehicle just doesn't move until the wheels gain traction. Also, front-wheel drive vehicles typically have more passenger space compared to vehicles of similar size with rear-wheel drive.
All-wheel-drive has the drawback that it typcially is not quite a efficient for fuel economy as either front ro rear wheel drive vehicles because they are driving all the wheels all of the time. This is also because they are typically carrying more weight. The benefit is that you have power going to all four wheels, so in situations where there is limited traction, such as rain or a little snow, you have more traction for accelerating and in some cases for turning. Just keep in mind that it costs more for a vehicle with AWD vs. the same vehicle with FWD and there may be cost associated with some additional maintanence associated with the AWD system.
Hope this helps in synopsis, and as I said, feel free to ask if you need more detailed explantations.
Ken
I don't mean to talk the van down as we might still get it. Does anyone know the towing capacity? That data wasn't on the spec sheet.
http://www.toyota.com/about/news/product/2003/01/06-2-sienna.html
Wow! I'm impressed by what Toyota expects out of this van. The new Sienna DOES HAVE a second row passenger-side sliding left/right captain's chair. A BACKUP CAMERA is available which will project an image onto the NAVIGATION system. The interior, especially for the XLE Limited, appears to be very nice.
UNC, it looks like this van's got your name on it. It has that Lexus-looking interior and should be able to accomodate your wife's needs. Looks like Toyota put a lot of effort into its mobility access.
Also, Toyota seems pretty concerned about the new Sienna doing just as well in the crash tests as its past one.
"The current Sienna has been one of the top-rated minivans in both government and Insurance Institute crash testing. Not only will the new Sienna achieve best-in-class results again, it will be one of the top-rated vehicles of any kind to be tested. And, with standard four-wheel anti-lock brakes, Sienna will provide best-in-class 60-to-zero braking performance in both wet and dry road conditions. Vehicle Stability Control with Traction Control and Brake Assist will be available as an option. Front side and curtain shield SRS airbags covering all three seat rows will be standard equipment on the XLE Limited grade, and optional on all other grades."
In addition, they believe Sienna to be one of the fastest performing minivans in its class.
Go to the top right grey area and click on "2004 Sienna".
Does anyone have MSRP prices for the different models?
01/06/2003 Detroit, MI
Engine
3.3-liter V6 DOHC with VVT-i
Bore X Stroke 92.0 x 83.0
Horsepower 230
Torque 242
Fuel System EFI
Ultra low emission vehicle (ULEV-II)
Powertrain
Five-speed automatic transmission
w/ intelligence (ECT-i)
Suspension
Front:
Independent MacPherson struts
Rear:
Torsion Beam
Brakes
2WD:
Front Disc/Rear Drum
AWD:
Front and Rear Discs
Exterior Dimensions (inches)
Wheelbase 119.3
Overall Length 200.0
Overall Width 77.4
Overall Height 68.9
Front Track:
16-inch wheels 65.6
17-inch wheels 65.9
Rear Track:
16-inch wheels 66.9
17-inch wheels 67.3
Ground Clearance 6.9
Interior Dimensions (inches)
Head Room
WithoutMoonroof / Moonroof
Front 42.0/39.5
Second Row 40.2/38.6
Third Row 38.1/38.1
Interior Dimensions (inches) cont.
Shoulder Room
Front 63.8
Second Row 64.9
Third Row 61.1
Hip Room
Front 58.4
Second Row 67.5
Third Row 51.8
Leg Room
Front 42.9
Second Row 39.6
Third Row 39.5
Interior Volume (cu. ft.)
Passenger Volume:
7 pass. 177.5
8 pass. 176.6
Cargo Volume:
Behind Front Seats 148.9
Behind Second Row 94.5
Behind Third Row 43.6
Weights (lbs)
Curb Weight:
Grade 7 pass. 8 pass.
CE 4120 4175
LE 4120 4175
LE AWD 4310 N/A
XLE 4165 N/A
XLE AWD 4365 N/A
XLE LTD 4310 N/A
XLE LTD AWD 4365 N/A
EPA Estimated Fuel Economy
City/Highway
2WD 20/25
4WD 18/22
http://pressroom.toyota.com/photo_library/display_photos.html?index=fulltext&kw=sienna+2004
2004 Sienna Price Announcement
Toyota Motor Sales, USA, is pleased to provide you with some exciting news about the
larger, all-new Sienna that will make its public debut this morning at the North American
International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. As part of the reveal, TMS will announce
the ‘starting at’ price of $22,955 for the 7-Passenger CE model. This is a significant
price repositioning from the current generation van and will position Sienna to compete
in the heart of the van segment and gain market share from Odyssey.
The all-new Sienna is slated to start production Jan 20th and is expected to start
shipping to Dealers on March 14th. More details on the pricing will be released prior to
the first shipments. With the next generation Sienna aggressively priced and coming
soon, now is the time to selldown your existing stock and prepare for the introduction of
the ‘04MY Sienna!
Hope this helps.
Ken