2012 & 2013 Toyota Minivan Reviews & Ratings

Minivans are increasingly popular automobiles. They are ideal for transporting large families and groups, going on weekend breaks, long distance journeys and are also useful for people whose job may require them to carry large numbers of people or a lot of cargo. They generally offer a high level of comfort and convenience.

Toyota have been producing pickup trucks and SUVs since the 1940s. As one would expect, their original market was Japan, but Toyota have had great success in the U... (full review continues below)

Minivans are increasingly popular automobiles. They are ideal for transporting large families and groups, going on weekend breaks, long distance journeys and are also useful for people whose job may require them to carry large numbers of people or a lot of cargo. They generally offer a high level of comfort and convenience.

Toyota have been producing pickup trucks and SUVs since the 1940s. As one would expect, their original market was Japan, but Toyota have had great success in the USA and other overseas markets since around the 1970s. Toyota is one of the world's largest car manufacturers, and also own other companies, including Lexus and Scion. Toyota produce a wide range of cars, but at the moment, there is only one model of Toyota minivan. However, the Sienna is extremely popular; most people who drive one recommend it, and its arguably the best minivan on the market today. This minivan is largely aimed at families, as the "Mommy Like" slogan infers. It comes in six different types, some of which themselves have various upgrades and options, so there is a good range of choice within the Sienna model.

The first is the basic Sienna, which costs from $25,000. It has a 2.7 litre engine as standard, although can be upgraded to a 3.5 litre for an increased cost. It seats 7 passengers, although is not quite as spacious as the enhanced Sienna models. The LE costs from $26,000 to $35,000, and comes in a range of engine sizes. The largest LE models can seat 8, making it the biggest of the Sienna clan.

The SE costs around $33,500. It seats 8, and has a 3.5 litre engine. The smallest XLE is similarly priced at 33,000, has the same engine size and seats 7, but also comes as two enhanced models. The most expensive of these is the Mobility Auto Access Model, which may suit families with special needs, and costs $40,000.

The Limited model also costs around $40,000. It is the premier Toyota minivan, and can seat 7 passengers. It has a 3.6 litre engine, a moonroof, and incredibly good sound system and leather seats. As well as being aimed at families, this is also an impressive model for executives, and the model that you would probably choose if money was no object. This Toyota minivan is desired not just by families, but by couples and young singles too.

If you are thinking about buying a second hand Sienna rather than a new model, then you can pick up a used Toyota minivan from around $10,000 onwards.

However, there are several competitors for the Sienna's crown. The Honda Odyssey is arguably better to drive, and may be better at transporting cargo. The Mazda Mazda5 is a smaller minivan, and may suit your needs if you are looking for a minivan on a budget. The Dodge Grand Caravan is another budget option. The Nissan Quest and the Kia Sedona are other options, but most testers rank them significantly behind the Honda and Toyota minivans.