The 2010 Toyota Sienna Is, Um, a Minivan

In automotive redesign years the Toyota Sienna is so old that when ex-Dodgers coach Tommy LaSorda sits behind the wheel of this minivan it makes him look like Gerard Butler, the star of the movie "300" what with his 12 pack abs and all. Long, tube-like and dorky looking in the extreme, the Toyota Sienna is what is wrong with the entire minivan concept. Everything that is made so right with the Honda Odyssey.

Oops, there is that word again that must be like the proverbial albatross around the Sienna's neck. The Honda Odyssey. This minivan from Honda has always had the upper hand with smoothness, ease of use, styling and even affords the driver a modicum of "fun to drive" excitement. When was the last time someone with a Sienna or a Caravan said that?

Starting at $24,540, the 7 passenger CE comes with plastic hubcap covers, a 3.5 liter 266 horsepower V6 and is available optionally with windshield wiper de-icers, cruise control and floormats. This basic model is so basic that you won't look at it so much as the family minivan as the place where you send the children when "they have been bad." It's no wonder Toyota sales took such a beating when their "stripped out" models go for $25 large. Is this some sort of punishment for those who fruitfully procreate or are we just paying extra for the theory of Toyota quality?

To get the most out of your Sienna you absolutely have to upgrade to the LE 8 passenger trim (always best to get the most seats available in a minivan for resale time even if you don't need them) as it features seat fabric that might last more than a week with two sets of twins aged 8 and 4.

The LE model also comes with the absolutely essential power sliding side doors and with the extra value premium package you also get a power rear hatch. Then when the kids are stalling about getting into the van you can start closing all the doors from the driver's seat and say, "if you aren't in here by the time the doors close I am leaving you behind!" Kids love that kind of stuff.

If you really do love your kids and want the most out of your Sienna the best model is probably the XLE. It gives you power everything, Bluetooth, optional JBL stereo, rear seat entertainment, leather (far easier to clean than cloth), back-up camera, twin moonroofs, heated seats, parking assist and the all important rear privacy glass so other drivers won't be able to see what your little monsters are up to. As equipped with the #3 value package the cost for this well equipped Sienna is $34,105. That version has all the luxury any family would need and could definitely make your life easier. Just don't expect to get excited every morning when you see it parked in your driveway.

Also note that there is a Sienna Limited with Dynamic laser Cruise Control for about $40,000 but why would you? That sort of cruise control is supposed to be able to slow and speed the car in traffic but as yet doesn't work very well and adds $3 grand to the price of the car. Is it that hard to hit a button and stay awake behind the wheel? Scratch that. Sometimes it is a bit hard to stay awake behind the wheel of this rather boring yet perfectly capable minivan.