We are currently working on wide variety of technical articles on all of the Toyota Vans. From the Previa and Wonder Wagon to the latest Sienna. We are accepting articles from any model. Please contact me at [email protected]
Wonder Wagon
The Toyota Van was a vehicle made by Toyota and was available worldwide in a multitude of different versions. It featured a sharply sloped front, in contrast to the upright flat front common in other similar Japanese vans. The Toyota Van was the first mid-size van (aka midi-van) before the release of the Chevrolet Astro in 1985 and Ford Aerostar in 1986.
The American model was officially known as the Van, although it was the same as the Space Cruiser model available in Japan and Europe, and the Tarago model in Australia. The rear wheel drive versions were imported to the US from 1984 to 1989, and the four wheel drive versions were imported from 1987 to 1989.
The Toyota Van was replaced in the United States by the Toyota Previa in 1991.
The Wonderwagon ad campaign in the 1980s advertised the Van as the “Toyota Wonderwagon”, leading to some confusion. However, only the passenger models were referred to as “Wonderwagon” and the cargo versions are consistently referred to as “Cargo Vans”. The Van used an MR layout, where the driver and front passenger sat directly above the front axle. The engine was placed similarly to American 1960s Compact vans between and behind the front seats, leaving a gap behind the front seats, which makes service a challenge since the engine cover must be removed in the passenger compartment. American full-sized vans and minivans by this time put the engine forward of the passenger compartment with either front wheel drive (minivan) or rear wheel drive (full-size).
1991-1997 Toyota Previa: Highlights
Previa minivans went on sale in 1990 as a replacement for the Toyota Van. Previa had either rear-wheel drive or permanently engaged 4-wheel drive (All-Tracs) and were offered in either Deluxe or LE trim. The only engine was a 2.4-liter twin-cam 4-cylinder rated at 138 horsepower. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard; a 4-speed automatic optional. The Previa’s engine was mounted below the front seats, but tilted to one side in order to provide a flat floor. It’s accessible through a panel in the floor or from underneath the vehicle. Fluid reservoirs and other vehicle service points can be reached by opening the hood. Four-wheel disc brakes were standard on LE models and an antilock system was optional. A sliding right-side door and a one-piece liftgate augmented the front doors.
Year-to-Year Changes
1992 Toyota Previa: Previa gains a driver-side airbag, knee bolsters under the dashboard, and a center high-mount rear stoplight, becoming the first minivan to meet all passenger-car safety requirements. Among other changes this year, antilock brakes become optional on Deluxe models as well as LE models.1993 Toyota Previa: Only minor equipment revisions are made to the 1993 Previa.
1994 Toyota Previa: Toyota minivans add a standard passenger-side airbag and an available supercharged engine for ’94. The LE S/C and LE S/C All-Trac models arrived in showrooms in the spring. S/C denotes models equipped with the supercharged version of the Previa’s 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. It boosts power to 161 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 201 pound-feet of torque at 3600 rpm. Also, the previously available 5-speed manual transmission is dropped, meaning all Previas now feature the 4-speed automatic. Among the other changes this year are a new steering wheel, a pull-down strap on the inside of the rear liftgate, new front buckets seats with adjustable headrests, and a new front bumper and spoiler.
1995 Toyota Previa: The supercharged engine became available on the lower-priced DX model for 1995. This increases Previa offerings from six to eight.
1996 Toyota Previa: For ’96, Previa is available only with the supercharged engine. As a result, the number of Previa model offerings shrinks from eight to four, with the DX S/C 2WD, DX S/C All-Trac, LE S/C 2WD, and LE S/C All-Trac making up the new lineup.
1997 Toyota Previa: Revisions designed to reduce engine noise and vibration are the main changes made to the Previa, as it enters its final year of production.
1991-1997 Toyota Previa Road Test
1991-1997 Toyota Previa Prices
1991-1997 Toyota Previa Specs & Safety
1991-1997 Toyota Previa Photos
1991-1997 Toyota Previa Used Car Classifieds
1991-1997 Toyota Previa Review
1998-2003 Toyota Sienna: Highlights
Toyota’s replacement for the slow-selling Previa was meant to be a more serious contender for minivan sales. Based on the front-drive Camry sedan platform, Sienna came in a single body length with a standard V6 engine and 4-speed automatic transmission. Antilock brakes were standard, and a low-tire-pressure warning system included a light in the instrument panel. Front side airbags were installed in the midrange LE and upscale XLE, but not in the base CE minivan. Siennas seated seven on two front buckets, a middle-row bench (or two captain’s chairs), and a folding third-row split bench. That bench “tumbled” forward to provide additional cargo space. A passenger-side sliding door was standard on the CE and LE. Dual sliding doors went on the XLE, and were optional on LE. Siennas were assembled at the same Kentucky plant as Toyota’s Camry. Rivals included the Chevrolet Venture, Dodge Caravan, and Ford Windstar–soon to be joined by a new Honda Odyssey.
Year-to-Year Changes
1999 Toyota Sienna: Several updates hit the Sienna in its second season, including a newly available power right-side sliding door. The base CE model came with one or two sliding side doors, while the LE and top-line XLE came with the pair. Daytime running lights were installed, along with auto-off headlamps. An optional second-row child safety seat now was available for the CE and LE. To help foil thieves, an engine immobilizer was integrated into the optional keyless entry/antitheft system.
2000 Toyota Sienna: Siennas now came with an in-dash CD player and steering-wheel radio controls. A new Sport option package for CE and LE models included running boards, a rear spoiler, and alloy wheels.
2001 Toyota Sienna: Sienna lost its base 3-door CE model in 2001. XLE gained dual power sliding side doors, and the engine gained 16 horsepower this year. All models got a revamped dashboard and optional front side airbags. Also new was a rear-seat video entertainment option and this minivan’s first antiskid system.
2002 Toyota Sienna: Toyota’s minivan got a new option package for 2002 that included an upgraded CD audio system and a host of interior amenities.
2003 Toyota Sienna: Sienna sees little change as Toyota readies a new model for ’04.
1998-2003 Toyota Sienna Road Test
Consumer Guide® is the only online source for comprehensive used-vehicle reviews. Our automotive editors evaluate a vehicle in ten important categories: acceleration, fuel economy, ride quality, handling, quietness, controls, front-seat room, rear-seat room, cargo volume, and overall value. The Consumer Guide® 1998-2003 Toyota Sienna road test gives consumers a quick snapshot of a vehicle’s performance with pros, cons, and numeric ratings. Finally, we summarize the road test with our exclusive “Value for the Money.”
1998-2003 Toyota Sienna Reliability
Consumer Guide’s® editors help take the guesswork out of choosing a used vehicle with our reliability page. Our 1998-2003 Toyota Sienna reliability page includes common trouble spots, average repair costs, and NHTSA safety recalls. While no one can predict how reliable a used vehicle might be, it’s nice to know what problems to look for and how much a typical repair might cost.
1998-2003 Toyota Sienna Prices
Consumer Guide’s® used-vehicle price charts help you quickly narrow down the selling price for more than 500 used vehicles from 1990 to the present. Our 1998-2003 Toyota Sienna price charts allow you to calculate price based on condition, mileage, and equipment level.
1998-2003 Toyota Sienna Specs & Safety
Consumer Guide’s® 1998-2003 Toyota Sienna used-vehicle review includes detailed specifications charts. Unique body styles are identified and key measurements include exterior and interior dimensions, curb weight, towing and payload ranges, and cargo volume. We also include engine specifications, fuel-tank capacity, and EPA fuel-economy numbers. Augmenting this Consumer Guide® information are NHTSA crash-test results.
1998-2003 Toyota Sienna Photos
Since so many vehicles look alike, the Consumer Guide® 1998-2003 Toyota Sienna used-vehicle review includes includes a photo gallery displaying five unique images. The 1998-2003 Toyota Sienna photo gallery includes both exterior and interior photographs the vehicle. Captions that identify year, make, model, body style, and trim level are also included.
1998-2003 Toyota Sienna Used Car Classifieds
Consumer Guide® Automotive makes finding that used Toyota Sienna a breeze with our on-line Used Car Classifieds. Once you’ve selected your vehicle using our in-depth reviews, you can browse for Toyota Siennas in our used car listings. The classifieds include pre-owned vehicles from used-car dealers in your area. With our comprehensive reviews and on-line Used Car Classified section, Consumer Guide® has everything you need to make used car shopping easy, fast, and fun.
1998-2003 Toyota Sienna Review
Check out the Consumer Guide® 1998-2003 Toyota Sienna comprehensive Full Review before you buy. Our expert auto editors have kicked the tires and slammed the doors on more than 2000 cars and trucks in the past decade. Our used-vehicle reports are the most complete in the industry. In addition to road tests, current prices, and detailed specifications charts we add repair costs, trouble spots, and safety recalls. Our road tests include real-world fuel-economy numbers, vehicle ratings, and overall value assessments.
2004-2006 Toyota Sienna: Highlights
Redesigned Siennas bowed for 2004 with fresh styling, larger dimensions, and more power. Toyota’s minivans also got three first-time options: available head-protecting curtain side airbags, hideaway 3rd-row seat, and all-wheel drive. Against the 1998-2003 Siennas, the new versions were 6.5 inches longer and nearly 4 inches wider on a 5.1-inch longer wheelbase. Curb weight plumped up by about 200 lb. Prices levels expanded from three to four, ascending through CE, LE, XLE and new leather-trimmed XLE Limited. All came with front-wheel drive, and all but the CE were available with AWD that included run-flat tires. A new V6 powerteam offered a 230-hp 3.3-liter engine and 5-speed automatic transmission instead of a 210-hp 3.0-liter engine and 4-speed automatic. The shift lever moved from the steering column to the lower-center dashboard. All models had antilock brakes, tire-pressure monitor, and a 3500-lb tow package. Limiteds added traction/antiskid control, available for other Siennas. Other linewide standards included remote keyless entry, tilt/telescope steering wheel, and rear air conditioning. Power windows for the sliding rear side doors were also standard-not a minivan first, but new to Sienna. A power right-side sliding door was available for CEs. XLEs and Limiteds included dual power side doors, plus a new power liftgate. All models came with removable 2nd-row bucket seats for seven-passenger capacity. CEs and LEs could carry eight with an available 2nd-row bench seat, also removable, whose middle section was sized for a child safety seat. The new hideaway 3rd-row bench seat folded into a floor well, as on the Honda Odyssey minivan, but one-upped that rival by being split 60/40 for greater versatility. The new curtain side airbags were standard for Limited, as were front torso side airbags. Other models offered these, again in a confusing array of option packages. Limiteds also came with xenon headlamps, front/rear obstacle detection, and radar-based “smart” cruise control designed to automatically maintain a safe following distance. A navigation system and DVD entertainment were available for XLEs and Limiteds.
Year-to-Year Changes
2005 Toyota Sienna: A virtual carryover from 2004, although XLE and Limited models got standard dual power front seats, supplanting a driver-only power seat.
2006 Toyota Sienna: The Limited’s front and curtain side airbags were made standard for all Siennas. Limiteds added power-fold door mirrors with integrated turn-signal lamps, plus a power-fold 3rd-row seat as an exclusive option.
2004-2006 Toyota Sienna Road Test
Consumer Guide® is the only online source for comprehensive used-vehicle reviews. Our automotive editors evaluate a vehicle in ten important categories: acceleration, fuel economy, ride quality, handling, quietness, controls, front-seat room, rear-seat room, cargo volume, and overall value. The Consumer Guide® 2004-2006 Toyota Sienna road test gives consumers a quick snapshot of a vehicle’s performance with pros, cons, and numeric ratings. Finally, we summarize the road test with our exclusive “Value for the Money.”
2004-2006 Toyota Sienna Reliability
Consumer Guide’s® editors help take the guesswork out of choosing a used vehicle with our reliability page. Our 2004-2006 Toyota Sienna reliability page includes common trouble spots, average repair costs, and NHTSA safety recalls. While no one can predict how reliable a used vehicle might be, it’s nice to know what problems to look for and how much a typical repair might cost.
2004-2006 Toyota Sienna Prices
Consumer Guide’s® used-vehicle price charts help you quickly narrow down the selling price for more than 500 used vehicles from 1990 to the present. Our 2004-2006 Toyota Sienna price charts allow you to calculate price based on condition, mileage, and equipment level.
2004-2006 Toyota Sienna Specs & Safety
Consumer Guide’s® 2004-2006 Toyota Sienna used-vehicle review includes detailed specifications charts. Unique body styles are identified and key measurements include exterior and interior dimensions, curb weight, towing and payload ranges, and cargo volume. We also include engine specifications, fuel-tank capacity, and EPA fuel-economy numbers. Augmenting this Consumer Guide® information are NHTSA crash-test results.
2004-2006 Toyota Sienna Photos
Since so many vehicles look alike, the Consumer Guide® 2004-2006 Toyota Sienna used-vehicle review includes includes a photo gallery displaying five unique images. The 2004-2006 Toyota Sienna photo gallery includes both exterior and interior photographs the vehicle. Captions that identify year, make, model, body style, and trim level are also included.
2004-2006 Toyota Sienna Used Car Classifieds
Consumer Guide® Automotive makes finding that used Toyota Sienna a breeze with our on-line Used Car Classifieds. Once you’ve selected your vehicle using our in-depth reviews, you can browse for Toyota Siennas in our used car listings. The classifieds include pre-owned vehicles from used-car dealers in your area. With our comprehensive reviews and on-line Used Car Classified section, Consumer Guide® has everything you need to make used car shopping easy, fast, and fun.
2004-2006 Toyota Sienna Review
Check out the Consumer Guide® 2004-2006 Toyota Sienna comprehensive Full Review before you buy. Our expert auto editors have kicked the tires and slammed the doors on more than 2000 cars and trucks in the past decade. Our used-vehicle reports are the most complete in the industry. In addition to road tests, current prices, and detailed specifications charts we add repair costs, trouble spots, and safety recalls. Our road tests include real-world fuel-economy numbers, vehicle ratings, and overall value assessments