Here's the scene: A stagnant U.S. economy and government bailouts in the news.
Sound familiar?
Actually, this story has its roots 25 years ago when Chrysler staked a $660 million government bailout on the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager minivans. They soon became household words.
The cultural icons were just the ticket for baby boomers that wanted larger-than-sedan cars for their growing families. The minivan launched the company's global success with new markets opening in the UK and Japan. Today Chrysler still controls nearly 40% of the U.S. minivan market, however it has changed substantially with Japanese and Korean automakers raising the bar and other domestic automakers bowing out of the minivan segment altogether.
While they may lack the ruggedness of an SUV or the sleek lines of a sporty sedan, the minivan has no competition for cargo space with people-hauling ability and all-around family drivability.
The Toyota Sienna is one of the more popular versions with domestic sales of more than 12,000 per month. So when the test car arrived I was anxious to take it for a spin.
After a week of driving the top-of-the-line XLE all-wheel drive Limited model, its popularity became clear.
The Sienna is available with seating for seven or eight adults with second-row seating in a 60/40 bench arrangement or with separate chairs. Either way there is ample leg room, shoulder room and hip room all around.
Its all-wheel-drive worked seamlessly and quietly as the 3.5-liter dual overhead cam V6 engine powered a five-speed automatic transmission, the only one available. All Siennas this model year include Electronic Stability Control, a great safety feature that is teamed with anti-lock brakes for a sure-footed stop in all road conditions.
Sienna minivans come in four varieties for 2008 (CE, LE, XLE and XLE Limited) and range in price from mid twenties to mid-forties depending on options, some of which can be pricey. The test car included a value package including DVD entertainment and navigation system with back-up camera and upgraded audio system for $3,380 minus a $1,400 manufacturer discount.
Interior cabin appointments were Lexus-like with soft leather seating, generous use of wood and power lift and store third-row seating. In crash tests the Sienna was top ranked for frontal and side impact crashes.
The Sienna navigates the roadway easily with anti-roll bars front and rear for, well, less roll during maneuvering and gas-filled shocks for a more-controlled ride.
The zero to 60 sprint is accomplished in just under eight ticks with passing power when needed and four-wheel disc brakes for smooth and sure stopping. In combination city and highway driving, the Sienna averaged 21 miles per regular gallon of gas.
Base model comparisons according to Edmunds.com include the Sienna, $24,440; Chrysler Town & Country, $23,415; Dodge Grand Caravan, $22,520, Honda Odyssey, $25,860 and Hyundai Entourage, $23,995.
n E-mail comments to lingrassia@dailyitem.com
News
Related Photos
Discussion
Toyota Sienna makes its mark in minivan market
Stability control is on all new Siennas
- News
-
-
Firefighter union may char pacts
LEWISBURG — Paid members of the William Cameron Engine Company have voted to unionize under the International Association of Fire Fighters, a move believed to stem from internal tension between paid and volunteer members of the department, according to various sources.
-
M-W rule on drug testing is area’s boldest
MIDDLEBURG — Midd-West is the only school district in the Central Susquehanna Valley that requires students interested in participating in extra-curricular activities to agree to submit to random drug testing.
-
New shelter exec gets busy
When Cathy Teisher stepped down as executive director of Haven Ministries, in March, Pamela Steffen stepped up.
-
Tax boost could bring $120G pad
The Lewisburg Area School District will seek a 3.2 percent real estate tax increase for the 2012-13 school year, the maximum allowed under the index, under a proposed budget now available for public comment.
-
Fire has burned beneath Centralia for 50 years
CENTRALIA — Fifty years ago on Sunday, a fire at the town dump ignited an exposed coal seam, setting off a chain of events that eventually led to the demolition of nearly every building in Centralia — a whole community of 1,400 simply gone.
-
'To Do': Montandon Community Days
MONTANDON - Montandon Community Days will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 26 along Railroad Street.
-
California’s Coronado named nation’s best beach
CORONADO, Calif. (AP) — Like a Hollywood star, Coronado’s 1.5 mile-long beach literally sparkles, thanks to the mineral mica glinting in its sand.
That’s one of the reasons why Coronado — flanked by the iconic hotel featured in Marilyn Monroe’s 1958 film “Some Like It Hot” — has been named the No. 1 beach in the United States in the 2012 survey by “Dr. Beach” professor Stephen P. Leatherman of Florida International University. -
Typical CEO made $9.6M last year, AP study finds
Profits at big U.S. companies broke records last year, and so did pay for CEOs.
-
Barnstorming cattle badger citizens for beer
BOXFORD, Mass. (AP) — Police say a roving group of cows crashed a small gathering in a Massachusetts town and bullied the guests for their beer.
-
'A Day in Towne' tradition draws crowds to Boalsburg
May 25--For the 148th year, Boalsburg will be the gathering place for regional families to remember all ranks of Armed Forces veterans.
-
Fired Pa. president gets more time to clear office
CALIFORNIA, Pa. (AP) — A judge has canceled a hearing to determine whether California University of Pennsylvania president Angelo Armenti can remove his personal property from his former office, because state officials have given him more time to do so.
- Weird crime of the week: Peddler in pickup scams bargain-hunting meat seeker
- More News Headlines
-
Firefighter union may char pacts
