2008 Toyota Sienna
Toyota Sienna: Destined for DogCar stardom
Sun, May 4th 2008
| VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS | |
|---|---|
| type | 5 door, other, awd |
| msrp | $24,440 |
| trans | automatic |
| gas mi. | 17mpg/23mpg |
| rating |  |
Back in the early 2000s, Toyota’s engineers took to the road to seek advice on how to rebuild their Sienna minivan. The minivan market was getting extremely competitive, so it was imperative that they find out what the average American citizen needed and desired in a minivan. They must have talked to a lot of dog owners, because the end result is a canine and cargo hauler that is five-paw flawless.
Let’s start with the basics: The overall design utilizes every little inch, with a squared tailgate that makes it easy to load/unload crates and cargo without sacrificing valuable floor space. They managed to do this while still bringing a sleek and -- dare I say -- sporty look to the minivan.
For flexibility and functionality, the Sienna’s third row passenger seats are split 60/40 and fold nicely into the rear floor, making it wonderfully easy to secure two large crates, or one and still have a good-sized storage space for other necessities.
The second row seats are also split and can give you the option of moving sideways, flipping forward or being removed completely to provide as much cargo space as necessary. With the second row seats removed, four-by-eight plywood sheets fit easy into the Sienna’s wide-open cargo area.
Dual power sliding cargo and tailgate doors (XLE model) are also a delightful addition, providing push-button access to the Sienna’s interior, making for easy ins and outs by our four-legged family members.
For field training and other muddy endeavors, the Sienna was the first minivan to offer an all-wheel-drive option, which transfers engine power to the wheels that need it most in times of tenuous traction and surprising slippage.
On the open road, one has to remind themselves that they are driving a minivan because the Sienna’s power is plentiful, providing confidence to pass and merge when called upon. And the estimate fuel mileage still reaches into the low 20s, which is as good as some of the larger hybrids on the market today.
Here’s another dog-oriented delight about the Sienna, the power windows in the second-row cargo doors go up and down like traditional windows, making it easy as pie to control the fresh air circulation to the rear.
So let’s all stand up and salute the 2008 Toyota Sienna. This is one mighty minivan.
-- Gina Spadafori
Carguy Comments: For 2008, the Toyota Sienna is available in four model grades: CE, LE, XLE, and the top-of-the-line Limited. All four come in front-wheel drive configuration, and the LE, XLE, and Limited also offer all-wheel-drive. The 3.5 liter, V-6 engine produces 266 horsepower and achieves fuel mileage of 17 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway. Cargo capacity is 177.4 cubic inches with second row seats removed, and ground clearance is 6.9 inches.
-- Keith Turner, The Family Car
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2008 Toyota Sienna: Destined for DogCar stardom
Barking Lot Banter: The 2008 Toyota Sienna is everything you would want in a minivan, and then some. With plenty of crate space, limitless versatility, great power and an all-wheel-drive option, the Sienna is destined for DogCar stardom.
Comments
We stow the second row of seats and put two big dog crates in their place. That way we can hit the road with 5 people and 2 dogs! Plenty of room on top of the crates for a flat container of dog stuff, and between the dog crates and the seats there’s room for duffle bags and other luggage.
Rear of van is lower than most SUVs so it is very easy for my older retriever to climb in and out.
Love this van!
2009-03-20 01:52:35
I have a 2001 Sienna. It doesn’t have some of the wonderful amenities mentioned in the newer models, but is the ULTIMATE in convenience and economy! I am the envy of many of my dog show buddies…who will make it their choice when it comes time to replace current car. We are at 147,000 miles with no big repairs!
2009-03-12 09:03:40
I bought an ‘04 Sienna the day after adopting our third greyhound – we just couldn’t fit three in the Corolla or the Camry that we owned. We (husband and I) took the three greys on a two week tent camping trip that summer – we were able to fit all our equipment behind the third row seats and took out the middle row so the dogs could lay on the third row bench or on the floor in front of the bench. We adopted a fourth greyhound a few months later, and with all the seats out or in the floor, they have plenty of room to stretch out. No more tent camping though – we bought a 2650-lb empty weight pop up camper and towed that with the Sienna across the country and back – 8800 miles in 35 days – without a hiccup. The van now has 92,000 miles at one month shy of five years of ownership, and not a single problem or complaint (knocking on wood).
2009-01-09 17:42:13
I have a 2004 sienna, and bought it for the second row cargo door with windows that open like regular windows, and got the built in sun screens too! All my training gear fits in the back too, jumps chairs, crates,etc. My shelties and I Love it!!
2008-10-31 20:41:39
We rented a 2008 Sienna for our five-hour drive to upper Michigan, taking our 110-pound, overly tall lab and our 45-pound, overly energetic cattle dog, and were utterly pleased at the room and the mileage. We’re planning to take in our Ford Taurus and trade for a Sienna.
2008-10-19 21:02:51
2005 Sienna (There’s not much between the ‘05 and ‘08) bought specifically for our beloved mixed lab. He got in and out the van easily and loved the space. I can’t fault the Sienna at all.
2008-08-06 05:43:56
We have a 2007 Sienna, and we travel to shows with up to four vizslas. We removed the rear fold down seats, and the space left fits overnight/carry on size luggage perfectly. We got 26 mpg on s 2500 mile trip with two adults, 4 dogs, and stuff for a full week of travel. Awesome vehicle
2008-05-25 21:14:04
We have an ‘06 Sienna 8 Passenger. THE BEST for serious dog people. We have 4 dogs.. ranging from a jack russel to a newfoundland. This van is awesome in terms of room and ease of getting the pups in and out; esp. our older arthritic dog. We esp. love the 8 psgr b.c. it acts as a barrier behind the middle row. We could easily indulge in a large luxury SUV, but simply won’t because any other vehicle just can’t top this. It’s a minivan… but is very stylish and rides soooo smooth. Do it—you won’t regret it ;)
2009-06-13 20:44:36