But the Previa's days are over, the Sienna having carved out a sizable niche in the minivan market of its own due to its conventional, status quo configuration and many superb attributes. What is it so good at? Other than enviable reliability and resale values that border on the ridiculous, the previous generation Sienna offered a traditional two-box, engine up front driving the front wheels layout, with seating for seven. Interior quality was near the top of the pack and performance also won over the hearts of sport sedan enthusiasts forced to go family.

The 2004 Sienna sports a new 230-hp 3.3-L V6 engine resulting in an 8.5 second 0 to 100 km/h sprint. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

The new 2004 Sienna offers all these qualities time ten. Well maybe not ten, but it definitely is a giant leap forward in convenience, luxury and performance. Starting with the latter, its new 3.3-L V6 ups output to 230-hp while torque now peaks at 242 lb-ft - more than 20-hp and 24 lb-ft over its predecessor respectively. Its 0 to 100 km sprint of 8.5 seconds, incidentally the best in the minivan class at least until the new 245-hp Nissan Quest hits the market, doesn't feel as quick as the same distance traveled in a car, most likely due to the Sienna's ample ride height, lower cars seem quicker and general mass. Still, its numbers don't lie.

The Sienna's 5-speed automatic shifter is ultra smooth, with barely perceptible gear changes. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

The Sienna's 3.3-L V6 starts with an aluminum block and ends with Toyota's extremely sophisticated VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence) technology. The result is more power while improving fuel economy and reducing emissions to Ultra Low Emission Vehicle, Tier 2 regulations.

The outgoing model's 4-speed automatic transmission was smooth and positive shifting, but the new 5-speed gated shifter is even better. Again its not sports car like but rather offers smooth, barely perceptible gear changes - smooth is better for hauling groups of people anyway.