With Toyota's well documented accelerator recall problems in recent times, you are likely on the fence about buying a Toyota at all. In fact, the 2010 Toyota Sienna itself faced a recall due to a potential corrosion problem in the spare tire carrier cable. What you may not know is that the new 2011 Toyota Sienna was not effected by any of these issues and is in fact the first totally redesigned Sienna in seven years. Moreover, it come standard with Toyota's Star Safety system and given that Toyota is working very hard and spending a reported $1 million an hour on research to mend their image, safety will not be something you'll have to worry too much about regarding their vehicles. But is the 2011 Toyota Sienna right for you and your family?
For starters, the exterior of 2011 Sienna has been completely redesigned. The new SE trim is especially slick and boasts 19″ alloy wheels and Altezza tail lights. A 2.7L, 4-cylinder engine now comes standard on the base and LE trims with a very impressive fuel economy rating of 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. For those preferring power over economy, the 3.5L 265 horse power V6 engine remains an option but offers slightly lower fuel economy. Additionally, the Sienna now comes with a 6 speed automatic transmission and it is still the only minivan with available All Wheel Drive (AWD). The two most exciting features, however, are the sliding seats in the second row with recliner style seating (nicknamed “Lounge Seating”) and the Dual View Entertainment Center which lets you play two videos at once. Other notable features include power windows, rear sliding doors, a keyless Smart Key System with push-button start, anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, and a comprehensive set of airbags. These features come standard on all trims. The best part is the price – the base LE trim starts at under $25,000, which is about $2,000 less than the Honda Odyssey.
With all of the Sienna's great new features and a very affordable sticker price, one would be foolish not to at least consider the Sienna as their primary family vehicle. And with all of the great deals that Toyota currently has ongoing, now could very well be the best time to buy a Toyota.
