Autoblog

Toyota recalling 200K Siennas over misprint

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Recalls, Safety, Toyota

According to a report from Automotive News, Toyota is recalling more than 200,000 Sienna minivans from the 2011 and 2012 model years. But before you start worrying about reading the words 'Toyota' and 'recall' in the same sentence, know that this is for a very, very minor issue.

The problem? The tire and load information placard has been misprinted, and can cause a situation where owners over-inflate the tires. Overloaded tires can potentially fail (read: burst), and can result in a crash.

Toyota spokesperson Bryan Lyons told Automotive News that there isn't a problem with any mechanical part of the Sienna itself, just the sticker. To remedy this situation, the automaker will mail new replacement placards to affected vehicle owners.

Toyota recalling 200K Siennas over misprint originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge, Toyota duking it out for minivan sales title

Chris Shunk — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Chrysler, Dodge, Toyota

We know minivans aren't all that exciting, but automakers take the sliding door segment very seriously. Chrysler takes special pride in its minivans, which makes sense because Team Pentastar all but invented the segment. Toyota takes just as much pride in the Sienna, which continues to sell well in the face of months of parts shortages due to the Japanese earthquake.

Right now, the two minivans are duking it out for sales supremacy, and Dodge is winning by a nose. Automotive News reports that Dodge has sold 92,930 Grand Caravan models so far in 2011, but the Sienna is down less than 1,000 units with 91,955 copies sold to date. And don't count out the Honda Odyssey. The Odyssey is a close third with 86,436 units sold, beating out the Chrysler Town & Country by 8,000 units. Chrysler can boast a combined 171,185 minivan sales so far in 2011, with 200,000 total 2011 sales within the realm of possibility.

With the Grand Caravan versus Sienna sales battle so close, we're guessing minivan buyers could turn out to be the biggest winners. It's a fair bet that one or both automakers will add incentives to the vans in an effort to secure the sales title, which will mean lower prices for buyers.

Dodge, Toyota duking it out for minivan sales title originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cars.com performs ultimate minivan shootout. Guess who won...

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 29 May 2011 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Chrysler, Dodge, Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen

Cars.com rounded up the year's crop of new minivans for a comparison, the rare thrill being that minivans from every major maker are completely fresh for 2011. The entrants were the Nissan Quest (pictured), Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town & Country, Volkswagen Routan and Dodge Grand Caravan.

The testing format was also novel, in that Cars.com paired its own editors with reviewers from USA Today and the MotorWeek television show, plus the Weatherby family, an 'average' family of five - husband, wife and three kids.

After three days of testing and the tallying of numerous criteria, there was, of course, one 7-seater to rule them all. We won't tell you which one it is, but its reviews included both "It doesn't look like such a mommy car" and "Distressingly ugly in profile." The Cars.com video review is after the jump, or head over to the link for the long-form skinny.

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Continue reading Cars.com performs ultimate minivan shootout. Guess who won...

Cars.com performs ultimate minivan shootout. Guess who won... originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 May 2011 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota recalling 94,000 2011 Sienna minivans over brake light bracket issue

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Recalls, Toyota

2011 Toyota Sienna - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota has issued a voluntary recall for approximately 94,000 2011 Sienna minivans produced before the beginning of November 2010. The recall is a result of a Stop Lamp Switch Bracket placed near the parking brake. When the parking brake is fully applied it may deform the switch bracket. This could result in the brake lights remaining lit or even partial engagement of the brakes resulting in a reduction of brake effectiveness over time.

No other vehicles have been affected by the issue and no accidents or injuries have been reported as of a result. Owners of affected vehicles will receive a notice in the mail by the middle of January, which contains instructions on how to handle any affects they might feel if their switch bracket has been deformed. A second notice will be sent out in February to inform customers that replacement parts are now available and appointments can be made with local Toyota service departments. Hop the jump for the full details.

Gallery: Review: 2011 Toyota Sienna

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota recalling 94,000 2011 Sienna minivans over brake light bracket issue

Toyota recalling 94,000 2011 Sienna minivans over brake light bracket issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2011 Toyota Sienna Limited

Alex Nunez — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Toyota, New Car Reviews

Family Vacation Tests This Minivan's Mettle

2011 Toyota Sienna - Click above for high-res image gallery

My wife and I? Not minivan people. It isn't for lack of appreciation. After all, we have three kids, so we're acutely aware of the advantages gained from lots of interior space. We get our three rows in a different form factor; one that's admittedly less practical but doesn't make us feel like we're flying the white flag of suburban surrender in the garage.

For our annual summer vacation, we decided to see how more sensible people roll. Our ride for the week was the latest monument to family-friendly practicality: the 2011 Toyota Sienna Limited (stickering at a significant $44,919 as tested). Its mission: schlep the author, his wife, our seven-year-old daughter, four-year-old son, 11-month-old son and the rather daunting pile of related detritus up to Cape Cod for a five-day getaway. Would everything fit easily? Would it actually be pleasant to drive? Would we be beset with secret minivan jealousy forever after? All those answers and more after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2011 Toyota Sienna

Continue reading Review: 2011 Toyota Sienna Limited

Review: 2011 Toyota Sienna Limited originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota Sienna score in Consumer Reports plunges, no longer top-rated

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Crossover, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Toyota

2011 Toyota Sienna - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's generally accepted that every new iteration of any vehicle is somehow better than its predecessor. And that's true of the 2011 Toyota Sienna minivan, which is festooned with more goodies (like a 16.4-inch widescreen monitor for rear-seat passengers) and a sportier flair (complete with a sporty SE trim) than the previous generation Sienna. The only question that remains, then, is this: Do those improvements automatically equal a better vehicle?

According to Consumer Reports, the answer is no. And surprisingly, it's not even close, with the new Sienna's overall test score of 80 paling in comparison to the 2010's overall score of 94. The main culprits cited by CR for the plummeting score are poor fit and finish and excessive interior noise - bad enough that CR claims it's not possible to have a proper conversation between front and rear passengers.

So, if not the Toyota Sienna - which held the honor for three straight years - what is CR's top-rated minivan? The six-year-old Honda Odyssey. For what it's worth, there's a new Odyssey coming out next year, but as we've seen from the Sienna, a new model doesn't necessarily equal one that tests better at the influential magazine. It's also worth noting that the new Sienna's overall score is roughly on par with that of the Kia Sedona, which has been available in its current configuration since 2006.

Consumer Reports also tested other people movers, such as the micro-minivan Mazda5 and the large box-on-wheels crossover Ford Flex. Both vehicles got rather positive reviews, and testers found that they may be looked at as realistic replacements for the tried-and-true minivan paradigm of the Toyota Sienna. Check out the official press release after the break.

Gallery: 2011 Toyota Sienna

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Toyota Sienna score in Consumer Reports plunges, no longer top-rated

Toyota Sienna score in Consumer Reports plunges, no longer top-rated originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Three Toyotas latest to earn IIHS Top Safety Picks

Zach Bowman — Wed, 26 May 2010 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Sedan, Safety, Luxury

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has just announced that a total of three new Toyota vehicles have been given Top Safety Pick awards. Both the 2011 Toyota Avalon and 2011 Toyota Sienna were awarded the institute's highest ratings in front, side, rollover and rear crash tests. The 2010 Lexus RX also nabbed a Top Safety Pick nod. All of the vehicles come with electronic stability control as standard equipment - another parameter for receiving the award.

Toyota's Sienna earns the honor of being the first minivan to receive the Top Safety Pick since the IIHS added rollover data to its list of crash criteria in 2010. The news is likely to come as music to the ears of Toyota engineers and dealers, both of which have had to stand by and watch their brand's quality and safety reputation erode under a hail of recalls. Thanks for the tip, Eddie!

[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Three Toyotas latest to earn IIHS Top Safety Picks originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 May 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota prices redesigned Avalon, Sienna minivan w/Auto Access Seat [w/video]

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Minivan/Van, Sedan, Toyota, Specialty, Luxury

2011 Toyota Avalon - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota has officially announced pricing for the updated 2011 Avalon which made its public debut at this year's Chicago Auto Show. Additionally, pricing has been released for the Sienna with Auto Access Seat, which is the first factory-installed power access seat available in a minivan.

The Avalon, which goes on sale later this month, starts at $32,245, which is the same starting MSRP as the outgoing 2010 model. Higher-grade Limited models start at $35,485, which represents an increase of $200 over the 2010 model. All Avalons use Toyota's 3.5-liter V6 with VVT-i dual variable valve timing, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Aside from the slightly revised styling (look very closely), 2011 Avalons feature plusher interior amenities, as well as more up-to-date technological features.

Toyota's 2011 Sienna is just now starting to hit dealerships, but customers with special passenger needs can now option for the Auto Access Seat model, which incorporates a power second-row captain's chair making it easier for folks with mobility issues to enter and exit the van. The seat rotates 90 degrees and can be lowered up to 19 inches to make ingress and egress substantially easier for passengers, and the seat's operation is controlled by either seat-mounted controls or a wireless remote. The Auto Access Seat is available on LE and XLE V6 Siennas for $35,135 and $39,445, respectively. Hit the jump to see a video of the Auto Access Seat in action.

Pricing for both models does not include destination charges - $750 for the Avalon and $800 for the Sienna. Follow the jump to read the full information in Toyota's press release.

Gallery: 2011 Toyota Avalon

Gallery: 2011 Toyota Sienna Auto Access Seat

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota prices redesigned Avalon, Sienna minivan w/Auto Access Seat [w/video]

Toyota prices redesigned Avalon, Sienna minivan w/Auto Access Seat [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Toyota Sienna pricing announced, starts at $24,260; sporty SE $30,550

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Minivan/Van, Performance, Toyota, Luxury

2011 Toyota Sienna - Click above for high-res image gallery

This is our last Sienna post. We promise. Until we have something else we think is worth sharing. Toyota just released pricing details for the 2011 Toyota Sienna minivan and as expected it will indeed start lower than the 2009 model. Whereas the cheapest version of the current model rang in at $24,600, the newly available four cylinder allows Toyota to offer the significantly upgraded '11 model at a starting price of just $24,260 plus delivery. Hey, $340 is lower.

We recently had a chance to drive the whole range of Siennas and were quite impressed with their road manners, clever use of space, smart safety and infotainment features and yes, even their styling. But the model we came away most impressed with was the sporty new SE. Stepping up to this stiffened, carbon-fiber trimmed SE brings the asking price up to $30,550, while the range-topping Limited with AWD starts just short of forty grand at $39,770.

When Siennas start reaching dealerships next February, V6 models will only be available initially, with the four-cylinder base Sienna and LE joining the lineup in April, along with the SE. It looks like the V6 will add between $1,250 and $3,555 to the price of the base Sienna and LE, the only models available with the Venza's four-banger. In fact, the four-cylinder LE undercuts the V6 base Sienna by a few bucks.

Although Toyota expects to sell just two percent of Siennas equipped with all-wheel drive, the feature is available on LE, XLE and Limited models with a premium of $2,230, $2,340, and $1,270 respectively, over the front-wheel drive versions. Part of the AWD package is those great new Bridgestone runflats we'd love to see standard across the entire Sienna range. Prices, unfortunately, were not released for the options, so there might just be another Sienna post in our future. For now you can read all of the details after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Toyota Sienna

Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading 2011 Toyota Sienna pricing announced, starts at $24,260; sporty SE $30,550

2011 Toyota Sienna pricing announced, starts at $24,260; sporty SE $30,550 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Toyota Sienna tries to make the minivan cool

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Minivan/Van, Performance, Toyota, First Drives, Luxury

2011 Toyota Sienna - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Plymouth Voyager and Dodge Caravan minivans revolutionized family transportation when they were introduced back in 1983. Nevermind that Volkswagon had been selling people-friendly vans for decades, it was Chrysler's "magic wagons" that came to define the minivan for Americans. With decent car-based road manners, easy-access sliding doors and clever packaging, minivans quickly replaced the station wagon as our favored Wally World-bound chariots. Minivan sales peaked at more than 1 million sales in 2002, but the following year, customers discovered something else: The SUV.

The minivan has a chance at a comeback... cool or not.

Overnight, minivans and their drivers turned into punchlines - an emblem for those who'd given up on driving excitement. Despite the traditional minivan's utility, drivability and fuel efficiency, the masses flocked to Hummers and GMC Denalis, but the SUV's reign was short-lived. Skyrocketing fuel prices have made family-friendly crossovers the new hot commodity, but Toyota - even with its line of competent CUVs - hadn't given up on the minivan just yet. In fact, Toyota predicts that the minivan market will grow by 30 percent over the next few years (to about 600,000 units), as young families and empty-nesters once again discover the inherent merits of a car-based box with sliders. But while minivans are no doubt practical, they're far from cool.

The 2011 Toyota Sienna was designed to challenge that assumption.

Patterned after the F3R concept, the new Sienna apes the Honda Odyssey's square shoulders but grafts on a Venza-like nose and tail. There's something for everyone with five different trim levels, two different engines, front- or all-wheel drive, and even a sport-tuned SE edition. Yep, Toyota thinks the world is ready for a sporty minivan. They recently invited us down to sample their new range of people movers, and we spent a day driving them up and down the coast, along freeways and around neighborhoods, and even down one of Southern California's famed canyon roads, all in an effort to prove that the minivan is ready to be thrust back to the top.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Toyota Sienna

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Toyota Sienna tries to make the minivan cool

First Drive: 2011 Toyota Sienna tries to make the minivan cool originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota releases full product information guide for 2011 Sienna

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Minivan/Van, Toyota, Luxury

2011 Toyota Sienna - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota has just released the full spec sheet for their 2011 Sienna minivan. This third-generation people hauler should be in dealerships by February with your choice of five different trim levels, the carryover 266-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 or a newly available 187 horsepower, 2.7-liter four-cylinder, and front- or all-wheel drive. They ride on an updated version of the current platform but feature extensive reinforcements to increase rigidity and drastically revised suspensions. They also use a new hill-logic-equipped six-speed automatic transmission. While the Sienna hasn't grown externally, there is more space inside and the Sienna has gained about 100 pounds.

The lightest four-cylinder models weigh in at 4,275 lbs., while the V6 adds just 30 pounds to that total. With mileage ratings that are only 1-2 MPG better than the bent six and such a small weight penalty, we question how many people will opt for the four-banger. It will surely come down to pricing (which has not been announced yet). Sienna AWD buyers will pay a 200-pound penalty, but they are the only ones to get third-gen Bridgestone runflats. While no towing figures were released for the 2.7-liter, the 2011 Sienna is rated at 3,500 pounds with the V6.

Toyota has announced that they will be simplifying their vehicle combinations with the Sienna, so there are fewer individual options and more packages. Major options packages include Preferred Packages for LE and SE that add XLE-like features, and Entertainment (16-inch Dual-View rear video screen) and Premium Packages for XLE and Limited that consist of the Entertainment package plus a touch-screen navigation system and a JBL sound system. Navi can be ordered separately on XLE and Limited as well. The slick Lounge Seating equipped Limited can also be ordered with a Convenience Package (HIDs with auto-off and automatic high beams as well as rain sensing wipers) and the Advanced Technology Package, which adds such Lexus-like features as Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Pre-Collision System (PCS), Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management System (VDIM), and Hill Assist Control (HAC). If you can't wait, you can read all of the stats and features in the lengthy press release after the jump, or you can just wait until around 12pm Eastern time when we publish our first drive. Stay tuned.

Gallery: 2011 Toyota Sienna

Gallery: LA 2009: 2011 Toyota Sienna

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota releases full product information guide for 2011 Sienna

Toyota releases full product information guide for 2011 Sienna originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2009: Third-Gen 2011 Toyota Sienna is a rock star

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:55:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Minivan/Van, Toyota, Luxury

2011 Toyota Sienna live in LA - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota finally took the wraps off their new 2011 Sienna minivan and we have to say, it looks pretty good in person. Although Toyota sent out some teaser shots this morning, we just got back from the official unveiling at the LA Auto Show and have a whole batch of live shots and quite a few more media pics for you to browse. We were quite shocked by the size of the crowd at this press conference, perhaps showing that even though the minivan market may be shrinking, it still meets a sizable need.

We were also a bit surprised to run into Ford's J. Mays and Mark Fields, and they reminded us that you have to stay abreast of the competition lest you die. They would neither confirm nor deny the return of the Aerostar. Besides the top-level Limited model on stage, Toyota also showed off a pre-production SE, which sits a little lower on a stiffened suspension and 19-inch alloys. It also sports a body kit, a revised grille and carbon fiber in place of wood inside.

Also make sure you check out the 2011 Sienna's trick 16-inch LCD monitor for rear seat passengers and the reclining seats with extendable footrests, two features we've never seen in this segment before.

Gallery: LA 2009: 2011 Toyota Sienna

Gallery: 2011 Toyota Sienna

LA 2009: Third-Gen 2011 Toyota Sienna is a rock star originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2009: 2011 Toyota Sienna could wear a Lexus badge

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Minivan/Van, Toyota

2011 Toyota Sienna SE - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the new third-generation 2011 Toyota Sienna shows up in dealerships next February, parents should head straight to their closest dealer after dropping the kids at soccer. Notice we didn't say "Moms." We said "parents." Although other minivan makers have attempted to butch up their people movers in the past, those efforts have been mostly lamentable. Toyota, on the other hand, has actually made a van (there's nothing mini about this new Sienna) that arguably looks sporty enough to chip away at the undeserved mommy-mobile stigma of the class. Don't let that purse tray dissuade you.

And if NASCAR dads drag their feet a bit before heading over to trade in the old Previa or Chevrolet Suburban, they may choose the sportier SE in the showroom come April. While even the base Sienna will boast a design theme that looks surprisingly assertive, the SE adds an aggressive body kit and 19-inch six-spoke wheels to go with its stiffer suspension and remapped transmission programming. There's also a different grille and clear tail lamps. Unfortunately, there won't be a TRD supercharger underhood or even a cold air intake or freer-flowing exhaust to up the power, but on looks alone, this thing might have what it takes to broaden the appeal of minivans to the XY set.

Debuting at the LA Auto Show today, the 2011 Sienna looks like a more macho 2009 Sienna cross-bred with Toyota's Venza crossover. The family resemblance is striking, particularly from the rear. Nifty details are to be found all around - things like the cleverly hidden high-mounted rear wiper. Toyota promises that this third-generation Sienna will also drive more like a sedan while still swallowing people and cargo with equal ease.

We've had an advanced in-person look at this model, and the seven or eight people who find themselves filling the seats inside this new Sienna figure to be impressed by the Lexus-like interior with its new three-tone color scheme, ample use of wood, and clever luxury touches. Particularly "wow" inducing are the wooden swoosh across the dash, the second row seats with their integrated retractable leg rests that slide a long way forward to grant access to the power-operated 60/40 Split & Stow third row, and the 16-inch dual view LCD screen for rear seat entertainment. Yes, sixteen.

Built on a revised version of the outgoing platform, the 2011 Sienna has the same wheelbase but is slightly shorter, lower and wider than its predecessor. It will be available in five different trim levels: Sienna grade, LE, SE, XLE and Limited. All-wheel-drive will still be available on V6-powered LE, XLE and Limited models. That V6 is the same 3.5-liter Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) unit available today, with 266 horsepower. The engine is stout enough to give the Sienna a 3,500-pound tow capacity while returning mileage of 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. Also available in Sienna and LE will be the VVT-i 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horses and a slight bump in mileage to 19/26.

We'll have lots to say about this new Sienna after our first drive in a couple of weeks, but for now, you can read more about it in the press release we've pasted after the jump and check out high-res shots in our gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 Toyota Sienna

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading LA 2009: 2011 Toyota Sienna could wear a Lexus badge

LA 2009: 2011 Toyota Sienna could wear a Lexus badge originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA Preview: Toyota set to debut 2011 Sienna minivan

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Minivan/Van, Toyota

Soccer moms, NASCAR dads and empty-nesters rejoice! It looks like Toyota is going to debut its 2011 Sienna minivan in Cali next month at the 2009 LA Auto Show. Although the minivan market doesn't get a lot of playtime on enthusiast websites, the segment remains an important (if shrinking) one for full-line manufacturers. While Toyota's past minivans have ranged from the bizarrely interesting (Previa) to the drab but competent (current Sienna), word has it Toyota plans to introduce a van that will once again make it the segment's top choice.

No specifics have been released, but we've previously heard that the new Sienna would be shifting to the MC platform that Toyota uses for the Camry, Highlander, RAV4, Venza and even the Prius. Personally we're hoping for a lower, wider track, luxury vehicle with an available hybrid model. That, or something like the JDM Alphard/Vellfire we saw at SEMA. We'll have all the details and a bunch of live shots on December 2 when we see it at the Los Angeles Convention Center, but in the meantime, you can check out Toyota's brief press release after the jump.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading LA Preview: Toyota set to debut 2011 Sienna minivan

LA Preview: Toyota set to debut 2011 Sienna minivan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Toyota Sienna performs platform shuffle

Dan Roth — Wed, 06 May 2009 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Minivan/Van, Toyota, Rumormill

The Toyota Sienna minivan already shares a lot of the Camry's yeoman components, and for 2011 the two vehicles are going to converge even more. A mule's been snapped by The Detroit News' sharpshooters, and it doesn't look too different from the van you can buy in your local Toyota showroom. Don't be deceived, though. Toyota's simmering away on the next Sienna, with plans to move its all-conquering van to the MC platform that Toyota uses for the Camry, Highlander, RAV4, Venza and even the Prius. Platform engineering doesn't have to stink, and it's going to save Toyota money to build so much of its line-up off the same basic list of ingredients. New styling, or at least a revision, should be expected to ride atop the newly appropriated bones when the updated Sienna drops. We're guessing it'll look pretty much like a box with a Toyota-family nose, though the F3R concept has been mentioned as a potential look, so who knows?

[Source: The Detroit News]

Spy Shots: 2011 Toyota Sienna performs platform shuffle originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 May 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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