2004 TOYOTA Sienna 3.3L V6 5AT FWD (230 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Toyota introduced the second generation of the Sienna minivan in late 2003 as a 2004 model year and was eager to catch up with the rest of the MPVs on the market.

With an increased demand for minivans on the U.S. market, Toyota couldn’t stay aside. The automaker tried before with the mid-engined Previa and the first generation of the Sienna. Still, it couldn’t be called a hot cake among the brand’s products. Moreover, its high price and lack of features offered by other automakers made it challenging to sell. Yet, Toyota’s family-hauler managed to get enough customers to survive the world financial crisis from 2007 until 2010 when it was replaced with the third generation.

Its rounded shapes and the raked front fascia made the Sienna look like a tall bullet. The grille resembled the same design element present on the successful model Camry, with which it shared its platform. On the sides, the wide sliding doors allowed an easy ingress and egress for the passengers on the rear seats, while the front occupants could use the regular, front-hinged ones.

Inside, the three-row Sienna was available in a few trim levels and options, allowing it to carry up to eight passengers. Unfortunately, even though it was available with captain chairs on the second row, there was no option for swiveling ones. At the front, the driver had access to a dashboard-mounted shifter for the automatic gearbox, which left the floor open for crossing the vehicle if needed. Other carmakers opted for a column-mounted shifter, which proved to be a better idea.

Under the hood, Toyota installed only V6 powerplants, potent enough to move the entire family and a trailer behind the vehicle. In addition, the automaker offered the minivan with either a front- or all-wheel drive system.