2007 Toyota Sienna

A minivan might be the perfect vehicle for growing families, and the Toyota Sienna remains one of the best minivans going. It has all the elements that make minivans so useful, with good performance, an abundance of feature choices and excellent finish and function.

For 2007, the Sienna has more power than ever, with a larger, more powerful 3.5-liter V6 under its hood. The new engine gives the Sienna class-leading power, without a significant reduction in EPA mileage ratings. We found the 2007 Sienna offers impressive acceleration and just seems to have more driving excitement about it than last year's model.

The Sienna is big and roomy, but it doesn't drive bulky and it's not hard to park. It's smooth, responsive and quiet, and compared to sport-utility vehicles with comparable functional capability, it's more fuel efficient. It will switch from eight-passenger mini-bus to cargo hauler in minutes, with room for full sheets of plywood, 10-foot ladders and significantly more cargo space than most full-size SUVs. It will tow a family camper or small watercraft, and it doesn't look odd in the line for valet parking.

This family van is available in a wide range of trim-levels, making it accessible to a wider range of buyers. The base Sienna CE starts below $25,000 well equipped, with a full compliment of power features, air conditioning with separate controls front and rear, and a six-speaker CD stereo with a jack for MP3 players. The line-topping Limited easily breaks $40,000, equipped with leather memory seats, high-intensity headlights, active cruise control and rear-seat DVD entertainment. Yet all models have the same flexible seating arrangements, the powerful V6 and a five-speed automatic transmission.

Sienna also offers all the important safety equipment, and then some. Front passenger side-impact airbags, full-cabin head protection airbags and a sophisticated anti-lock brake system are standard. Electronic stability control, or Vehicle Stability Control as Toyota calls it, is available on all models. An optional rear-view camera helps the driver spot objects or children behind the vehicle when backing up, augmenting an audible park-assist system. All-wheel drive is available for those who need it, though the standard front-drive Sienna works just fine for suburbia in the Snow Belt.

It's easy to identify traits that make the Sienna a great minivan, but some of its strengths are more subtle and less tangible. Small conveniences contribute, including hooks in the just the right place or seats that fold with one hand. Almost everything works as people expect, without struggle or confusion. The Sienna removes family transport as a source of stress and pleasantly fades into the background until its time to go.

2007 Toyota Avalon

(2007 Toyota Avalon Sedan shown )



Toyota Avalon is undoubtedly the best American car ever built by a Japanese manufacturer. Granted, it is front-wheel drive, and its exterior dimensions seem smaller than its American counterparts, but the Avalon is full-sized inside and full-sized in its emphasis on quiet, ease, and convenience.

The Avalon is smooth and comfortable underway, quiet and serene. The suspension is tuned for ride comfort, and it largely excels in this area. The double-overhead-cam V6 engine is smooth, quiet and powerful, while the electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission ensures smoothness and economy. And Avalon comes with the latest in safety features.

Inside is a comfortable cabin lavished with tasteful materials and ergonomically designed controls that make the Avalon easy to operate and pleasant to drive. The front seats are roomy and comfortable, and special attention was paid to back-seat comfort. This is a car that will never annoy you.

Avalon's styling is understated, presenting a quiet look of grace and agility. Four trim variations are available, each representing slightly different priorities to broaden Avalon's appeal. Avalon was completely redesigned late in 2005. For '07, a tire pressure monitor is now standard on all models, and the navigation system is now available in the Touring trim level.

Avalon benefits from Toyota's reputation for quality, durability and reliability. And, given that it was designed in Newport Beach, California; engineered by the Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan; and is built in Georgetown, Kentucky; it could be argued that the Avalon is the best American car from an American manufacturer.

2007 Toyota 4Runner

Bucking the trend for mid-size SUVs, the 2007 Toyota 4Runner is no car-based crossover station wagon. It's a traditional sport utility built on a rugged ladder frame with a solid rear axle. It's a truck. While some consider this design dated when compared to the latest SUVs or CUVs, which use unit-body construction and independent rear suspensions, the 4Runner's more traditional design gives it an advantage in long-term durability and on truly rugged terrain.

Yet the 4Runner is no rough-rider. It's quite comfortable around town and on the highway, with a nice ride quality, almost luxurious. An optional linked shock-absorber system called X-REAS further improves handling in sweeping, high-speed turns. Active safety features including ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, traction control, and electronic stability control are all standard.

The 2007 Toyota 4Runner carries over with no changes from 2006.

Though the basic design may be traditional (relatively), the 4Runner features the latest in off-road electronic technology, including Hill Start Assist and Downhill Assist Control. You can't truly appreciate the 4Runner until you drive over rugged terrain. This is a truly amazing vehicle in the muck. Having the 4Runner walk you down a steep, muddy incline with both feet off the pedals, the system selectively applying the brakes to individual wheels as needed, is an impressive display of technology and engineering. And it's just as impressive going uphill, maximizing the smallest bit of available traction. Both full- and part-time four-wheel drive is available, but even the full-time system comes with a locking function for when the going gets sloppy. Add that technology to its highly capable suspension, and the 4Runner will go just about anywhere.

Whether you choose the standard V6 or the V8, the 4Runner offers responsive performance. The V8 boosts the 4Runner's tow rating to 7,300 pounds and we recommend it for drivers who tow. Those who don't tow or only tow light trailers, such as an ATV, should be more than happy with the V6, which delivers excellent performance. Both engines benefit from a sophisticated variable-valve setup and drive-by-wire throttle, delivering strong, responsive acceleration out on the highway. Both engines also benefit from a five-speed automatic transmission.

The 4Runner is noted for its quality construction, durability and reliability. Look up QDR in the automotive dictionary and you might see a picture of a Toyota 4Runner.

Inside, the 4Runner is roomy and comfortable. An optional third-row seat expands the passenger capacity to seven, but the seat can be folded or removed to gain additional cargo space. The optional voice-activated GPS navigation system includes a rear-mounted video camera that lets the driver back to within an inch of the vehicle behind when parallel parking and can help the driver spot a small child before backing up. Bluetooth technology is available as an option as is a factory-installed rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

If your weekend involves driving over rugged, punishing terrain yet you want a vehicle that won't punish you in everyday use, the 4Runner is an excellent choice. It's also a good alternative for owners who tow but don't want a full-size SUV.

2008 Toyota Land Cruiser

It's unusual to find SUVs in today's marketplace that are still engineered for more than ordinary use. The all-new 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser is one of those few remaining that are capable in more than one venue.

The Land Cruiser is designed to transport people and gear over any kind of road or primitive trail, in any kind of weather, with speed, comfort and security. It can tow up to 8500 pounds with the right equipment. It offers integrated comfort and convenience features to rival luxury cars in this price range.

The 2008 Land Cruiser looks pretty much the same as the previous Land Cruiser, but make no mistake: it has been completely re-engineered from the frame up. Refinements include a suite of safety features, state-of-the-art electronics, more power with better mileage, and innovative engineering advancements that permit outstanding performance in contrasting circumstances.

More than just all-weather, the Land Cruiser offers legitimate all-terrain capability. Among the innovations making this possible is a brilliantly designed suspension that enhances performance on irregular terrain, yet does not compromise cornering or braking on paved roads.

The Land Cruiser's high-utility, capability-driven design comes at a price. Building multiple-use potential into a single vehicle requires more expensive materials, extensive developmental testing, and more engineering innovation. That makes the Land Cruiser the vehicle of choice for well-heeled customers who have a cabin in the woods, an adventurous vacation routine, or perhaps a whole lot of highway and dirt road between the family home and a camping trip. For their investment, Land Cruiser owners enjoy an exceptionally secure, comfortable SUV that can make extreme use seem routine.

Then there is the matter of quality. All Land Cruisers are built in small volumes in Japan. Production is shared between the Yoshiwara plant, in Aichi, Japan, (now manufacturing Prius, LX470 and 4Runner) and Toyota's vaunted Tahara plant, which mostly manufactures Lexus vehicles. These are Toyota's flagship manufacturing facilities. Standards at the Tahara plant, in particular, have been described in American newspapers as untouchable, approaching fewer than 10 defects per 1 million parts.

As a result, the Land Cruiser's brick outhouse reputation for durability and long-term value is likely to be continued. It is normal for four-wheel-drive vehicles to require unscheduled repairs due to greater complexity, and exposure to dust, water, and vibration. However, in the case of the Land Cruiser, we would be surprised to encounter many significant problems beyond long-term maintenance.

Because of its iconic exterior design, Land Cruisers never seem to look dated or go out of style. Used Land Cruisers are scarce and command high prices.