Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[LA 2009: Third-Gen 2011 Toyota Sienna is a rock star]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2011-toyota-sienna-at-2009-la-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2011-toyota-sienna-at-2009-la-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2011-toyota-sienna-at-2009-la-auto-show/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 sienna2011 Toyota2011 toyota sienna2011Sienna2011Toyota2011ToyotaSiennala 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA ShowLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowSiennatoyotatoyota siennaToyotaSiennaWed, 02 Dec 2009 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[LA Preview: Toyota set to debut 2011 Sienna minivan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/la-preview-toyota-set-to-debut-2011-sienna-minivan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/la-preview-toyota-set-to-debut-2011-sienna-minivan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/la-preview-toyota-set-to-debut-2011-sienna-minivan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 sienna2011 toyota sienna2011Sienna2011ToyotaSiennala auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA autoshowLaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009minivanminivanstoyotatoyota siennatoyota sienna miniva...ToyotaSiennaToyotaSiennaMiniva...Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2011 Toyota Sienna performs platform shuffle]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/06/spy-shots-2011-toyota-sienna-performs-platform-shuffle/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/06/spy-shots-2011-toyota-sienna-performs-platform-shuffle/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/06/spy-shots-2011-toyota-sienna-performs-platform-shuffle/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 sienna2011 toyota2011 toyota sienna2011Sienna2011Toyota2011ToyotaSiennasienna muleSiennaMuletoyota muletoyota siennatoyota spy shotsToyotaMuleToyotaSiennaToyotaSpyShotsWed, 06 May 2009 08:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Despite market shift, Toyota confirms next 4Runner in development]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/09/despite-market-shift-toyota-confirms-next-4runner-in-developmen/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/09/despite-market-shift-toyota-confirms-next-4runner-in-developmen/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/09/despite-market-shift-toyota-confirms-next-4runner-in-developmen/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



With the U.S. market's pronounced shift away from body-on-frame SUVs towards crossovers and tall wagons, you could be excused for thinking that Toyota would be content to let its 4Runner wither away to dust. After all, the midsize SUV has been toiling away essentially unchanged since an updated 2003 model went on sale in 2002. But apparently, that isn't the case - Ward's Autoworld has learned that Toyota will build a new 4Runner.

According to the industry publication, Bob Carter, Toyota's group vice president and general manager, has confirmed that "There are plans (for a new 4Runner)," although the automaker isn't saying when the replacement model will arrive. For its part, Ward's, which maintains extensive product-cycle forecast data, says that it expects a new model for the 2010 model year, which is a bit surprising considering that we have yet to see any spy shots of prototypes.

In the article, Carter goes on to explain that not only has the 4Runner been a brand pillar since 1984 (making it one of the elder statesmen of SUVdom), Toyota actually sees potential for the SUV to pick up share as more automakers exit the body-on-frame midsize segment (read: Ford going unibody with the next Explorer and General Motors ditching the Chevrolet Trailblazer).

Carter also reaffirmed to Ward's that the Avalon and Sienna will continue to have futures in Toyota's portfolio, although he acknowledges that both vehicles have been losing volume and that the Avalon will likely take a different approach to court younger buyers. Ward's expects a new Sienna for the 2010 model year and a new Avalon for 2011.

[Ward's AutoWorld]

Despite market shift, Toyota confirms next 4Runner in development originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4-Runner4RunnerAvalonbody-on-frameChevrolet TrailblazerChevroletTrailblazerChevy TrailblazerChevyTrailblazerSiennaSUVToyotaToyota AvalonToyota SiennaToyotaAvalonToyotaSiennaMon, 09 Mar 2009 08:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota to export small trucks, minivans and SUVs from U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/08/toyota-to-export-small-trucks-minivans-and-suvs-from-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/08/toyota-to-export-small-trucks-minivans-and-suvs-from-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/08/toyota-to-export-small-trucks-minivans-and-suvs-from-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for more high-res images of the Toyota Sequoia

Toyota builds many of its U.S. market vehicles right here in America. Among them are the Toyota Tacoma, Sienna minivan and Sequoia SUV, which is built alongside its Tundra full-size truck sibling. For the most part, they are all meant to be sold in the States, their primary market. It's no secret that sales of these big SUVs and trucks are way down, and Toyota doesn't want to idle its plants if it can help it. Therefore, the Japanese automaker is rumored to be in the midst of sending these light trucks out of the country. The Tacoma, for instance, could be sent to Mexico from Toyota's plant in Baja, California. To keep the plant in Princeton, Indiana running, the Sienna could be exported to Latin America and the gas-guzzling Sequoia to the Middle East, a place where oil supplies are obviously not in danger of dwindling.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Toyota to export small trucks, minivans and SUVs from U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Oct 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>toyotatoyota exportstoyota sequoiatoyota siennatoyota tacomaToyotaExportsToyotaSequoiaToyotaSiennaToyotaTacomaWed, 08 Oct 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota to start exporting U.S.-built SUVs and minivans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/20/toyota-to-start-exporting-u-s-built-suvs-and-minivans/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/20/toyota-to-start-exporting-u-s-built-suvs-and-minivans/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/20/toyota-to-start-exporting-u-s-built-suvs-and-minivans/#commentsFiled under:

What's built in the States, stays in the States. At least that is how it used to be with one of the world's largest automaker. (The one exception is the Toyota Avalon sedan -- exported to the Middle East last year.)

Toyota has now announced that it will ramp up U.S. vehicle production in Indiana and begin exporting vehicles to other booming markets around the world. The first to leave our shores will be the Toyota Sequoia, as it heads to buyers in the Middle East later this year. The Toyota Sienna minivan will follow, as it will be shipped to China and other markets as early as 2010. This news should be welcomed by workers and suppliers at the automaker's plants as Toyota recently slowed production at several facilities. This new trend of shifting production towards exporting vehicles may help keep them running at capacity, and keep everyone on their jobs.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

Toyota to start exporting U.S.-built SUVs and minivans originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 May 2008 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChinaIndianaMiddle EastMiddleEastPlantsToyota Manufacturingtoyota sequioatoyota sequoiatoyota sequoia 2008toyota siennatoyota sienna miniva...ToyotaManufacturingToyotaSequioaToyotaSequoiaToyotaSequoia2008ToyotaSiennaToyotaSiennaMiniva...Tue, 20 May 2008 12:58:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Sexy Toyota Sienna commercial makes no sense]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/13/video-sexy-toyota-sienna-makes-no-sense/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/13/video-sexy-toyota-sienna-makes-no-sense/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/13/video-sexy-toyota-sienna-makes-no-sense/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to view Toyota's sexy Sienna commercial

When most people drop $35,000 on a minivan, they don't suffer from the dillusion that the family hauler is sexy or cool. We're sure Toyota knows the Sienna is purchased mainly for its ability to transport human cargo in comfort and safety, but the Japanese automaker isn't above selling its minivan with humor. Unfortunately, Toyota's spoof of a Calvin Klein commercial isn't all that funny, but rather kind of strange. The only feature that's extolled in the automaker's 30-second pitch is the fact that the Sienna has a five star safety rating.

The catch line that's whispered as a voiceover says, "Somewhere between luxury and soccer practice lies Sienna." What does that mean? That the Sienna isn't exactly luxurious but it's designed for better things hauling the kiddies to practice so they can learn to bend it like Beckham? Maybe we're just cynics and like our minivans completely sex-free, so hit the jump to watch the video and tell us what you think.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

Continue reading VIDEO: Sexy Toyota Sienna commercial makes no sense

VIDEO: Sexy Toyota Sienna commercial makes no sense originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Mar 2008 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MinivanSexysienna sexy adSiennaSexyAdToyota SiennaToyotaSiennaVideoThu, 13 Mar 2008 08:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota extends Sienna warranties even further]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/23/toyota-extends-sienna-warranties-even-further/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/23/toyota-extends-sienna-warranties-even-further/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/23/toyota-extends-sienna-warranties-even-further/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Toyota knows that it's got a problem with the Sienna minivan's doors. The Japanese automaker issued a "warranty enhancement" for the Sienna's front doors back in October to deal with complaints that they wouldn't stay open. They're now covered under warranty for five years or 100,000 miles. Apparently some rear liftgates have a similar problem of not staying open or being difficult to open in the first place. While a rear liftgate closign on your head is not life threatening, Toyota says it's aware of 14 minor injuries among 34 total complaints.

As such, the Japanese automaker has announced another new warranty enhancement that will cover the rear liftgate on 585,000 Siennas from 2004-2006 for a total of six years or unlimited miles. It will also reimburse any owners who have already paid to have the the liftgate repaired.

Business Week quotes Toyota spokesman Bill Kwong saying that the part in question isn't defective but is "susceptible to degradation." Fair enough, and considering the company is aware of only 35 cases so far, we're impressed it's gone so far to ensure owners who could potentially be affected in the coming years are covered.

UPDATE: Post changed for clarity on difference between first warranty enhancement for the front doors and the new one for the rear liftgate.

[Source: Business Week]

Toyota extends Sienna warranties even further originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jan 2008 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Siennasienna door recallsienna door warrantysienna recallsienna warrantySiennaDoorRecallSiennaDoorWarrantySiennaRecallSiennaWarrantyToyotaToyota minivan recallToyota SiennaToyotaMinivanRecallToyotaSiennaWed, 23 Jan 2008 09:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota fixing 600,000 Sienna doors, but it's not a recall mind you]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/24/toyota-fixing-600-000-sienna-doors-but-its-not-a-recall-mind-y/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/24/toyota-fixing-600-000-sienna-doors-but-its-not-a-recall-mind-y/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/24/toyota-fixing-600-000-sienna-doors-but-its-not-a-recall-mind-y/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The hits just keep coming for Toyota Motor Co. After a pair of new problems with its all-important Tundra pickup were brought to light this week, a reader sent us a link to this article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that reveals the automaker will voluntarily fix the front doors on 600,000 units of its Sienna minivan (current model shown above) built between 2004 and 2006. Apparently there may be an issue with the door check mounting panel on both of the minivan's front doors. The door check mounting panel is the piece that keeps the door open, and if the part fails the door can swing freely and unexpectedly shut - obviously a concern for parents with kids. Toyota has traced the problem back to bad spot welds performed at the automaker's Princeton, Indiana factory.

Toyota will be sending out letters on Nov. 2nd to owners of said Siennas explaining the problem and offering to fix it. To do so, Toyota will offer what it calls a "warranty enhancement" to these vehicles, covering the cost of these door repairs on Siennas up to five years old with 100,000 miles or less. Though a bad spot weld on the door check mounting panel would normally be covered by the Sienna's standard warranty, that only lasts 3 years or 36,000 miles. Toyota has also said that it will reimburse owners who have already had the doors repaired on their own, in some cases at the cost of thousands of dollars.

Curiously, Toyota is not calling this a recall. Of course, what automaker wants to refer to a problem with one of its vehicles as a recall if it doesn't have to? As long as Toyota takes care of the Sienna door problem to the satisfaction of its customers, they can call it a Happy Happy, Joy Joy Service Encouragement Bulletin.

Thanks for the tip, DarkKnight67!

[Source: JSOnline.com]

Toyota fixing 600,000 Sienna doors, but it's not a recall mind you originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Oct 2007 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>600,000 doors replaced600,000DoorsReplacedRecallsienna front door replacesienna front doorssienna recallSiennaFrontDoorReplaceSiennaFrontDoorsSiennaRecallToyota Siennatoyota sienna front doortoyota sienna minivan recallToyotaSiennaToyotaSiennaFrontDoorToyotaSiennaMinivanRecallWed, 24 Oct 2007 16:57:00 EST