Whoever said that driving a minivan is not cool, never took a ride in a 2009 Toyota Sienna. With seating for up to eight passengers, the Sienna provides entertainment and comfort for all eight seats. A modern exterior seamlessly matches the innovative interior, which includes a wealth of storage areas. However, those that want the ultimate in entertainment and luxury will need to add supplementary features, which can tack on quite a bit to the price tag. But, with an intro price at only $24,540, most buyers will see that the accessories are still within an affordable reach. The Toyota Sienna is the closest anyone is going to come to a hybrid minivan, besides the Honda Odyssey, with an impressive 17 city MPG and 23 highway MPG. And, the great number of safety features included with the base trim make it one of the safest minivans on the road.

All four trims are equipped with a 266 horsepower 3.5L DOHC V6, which might put off some buyers looking for a range of engine options. However, the Variable Valve Timing gives the Sienna a leg up on the competition by improving fuel economy and overall power consumption. All are also fitted with a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with overdrive. Rated as an ultra-low emissions vehicle, the Sienna makes less of an impact on the environment than many compact sedans on the market.

Inside, the 2009 Sienna features an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support, removable second row seating for extra cargo space, Split and Stow third row seating (optional), and heated front seats with adjustable temperature control. Leather accents are throughout the interior, and audio controls are mounted directly on the steering wheel for easy access. An auto-dimming rearview mirror eliminates glare while driving in the dark, and ten cup holders are located inside of the model for each passenger and two extras left over. Three-zone automatic climate control is also standard on the base trim. Buyers can upgrade to a premium rear seat DVD entertainment system with a 9-inch LCD display and headphones. Also, an audio system with MP3 compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and six-disc in-dash CD changer can be added for an extra fee.

Safety features include Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, anti-lock brakes, and complete airbag protection for all passengers. Families with children will be pleased that the seatbelts can be adjusted at three different levels, making accommodating a car seat that much easier. A tire pressure monitoring system provides a digital readout in the instrument cluster that will alert drivers if a tire has too much or too little pressure. Also, front and rear intuitive parking assist will forewarn drivers if an object is in their path.

Taken as a whole, the 2009 Toyota Sienna is a feature-packed minivan that will satisfy both parents and children. While some of the accessories are considered upgrades, they are well worth the money and will not put the minivan out of the price range for most buyers. Also, the Sienna's safety features and fuel economy are almost impossible to beat in today's market.