We needed a minivan in the late 1990s when we had 2 small kids and older parents to drive around. The Toyota Sienna had just come out. We liked its sleeker look compared to the other minivans. They were hot items at the time! The model my husband ended getting, as it was available and apparently a good price, had the extra foot ridge for passengers. So, the look wasn't as sleek, but good enough for us. We do drive our cars "to the ground." This was the first car we got as a family, and close to 124,000 miles later, she's still with us. Only did need a new transmission this past winter. Otherwise, still very reliable.

I had a Mazda MPV van for many years and was very reticent to let it go. However, the old girl was on her last legs and it was time to move on. When I looked at the new Mazda offerings, I did not like them. I decided, on a pure whim, to go to a Toyota dealership and look at a Toyota Sienna. It was love at first sight. Now, bear in mind that I walked away from 50+vehicles sold by private owners, used car lots and dealerships prior to going to the Toyota dealership, so I was not an easy mark. Sienna was tucked in the corner of the lot, gleaming white and ready for that test drive. Wow, she got around town so easily. She mounted the freeway on-ramp quickly and I was able to parallel park her without an issue utilizing the nifty back camera (which I had never had in a vehicle before). The dealership said I could return the vehicle and get another one if I did not like it after a test period. So, why not? Well, I made the right decision to move forward and buy it. I load her up with all the things I need to haul and there's always extra room. I feel a strong bond with this van.