New Sienna Minivan Leads Toyota Into 1998

SHOWSTOPPERS NO. 3

Toyota hasn’t had the greatest of luck with its minivans - even the innovative Previa never really captured our hearts.

But now Toyota has joined the ranks of the contenders with its all-new Sienna, a front-drive minivan based on the Camry platform and powered by the Camry’s 194-hp, 3-liter V-6 engine.

More conventional in layout and design than its predecessors, the Sienna can carry seven in car-like comfort and has a cargo capacity of up to 143 cubic feet.

A power-operating door on the passenger side is optional, as is the sliding driver’s side door.

Toyota doesn’t plan to outsell the Chrysler vans with the Sienna, but it does plan to make a serious dent in the market. And the Sienna is up to the job.

Toyota also introduces an all-new Corolla this year. Built on the Camry platform, the Corolla is lighter, stronger and larger than before, and side impact airbags are a $250 option. The powerplant is an all-new 120 hp 1.8-liter inline four.

Best of all, Toyota cut the price: last year, the best you could do on the base Standard model was $12,998. This year, it’s called the VE and you can get into it for $11,908.

The Avalon gets a minimal facelift and heated seats, while the Tercel, Paseo, Celica, Camry and Supra continue with only minimal changes.

Trucks and SUVs

Toyota must figure if it ain’t broke, don’t try to fix it, because their successful truck and SUV lineup is essentially unchanged.

On the outside, the Tacoma truck gets a new grille while the interior features a switchable passenger airbag, more cupholders and a new 12-volt outlet. There’s also a new Toyota Racing Development off-road package for the serious stump-jumpers in the crowd.

Now that it’s nearly three years old, the RAV4 mini-SUV begins to undergo some changes. The grille and front fascia have been restyled, and there’s a new lighting package and new wheels, to boot.

On the far end of the lineup, the full-size Land Cruiser offers a luxurious new Collector’s Edition Package complete with full-time dual-range four-wheel drive.

Optional differential locks make it a goanywhere beast.