The Morning Call and Mcall.com's view

It’s easy to look at the fabulous success of models like the Corolla and Camry and assume that Toyota always gets it right.

This ain’t so, padre.

After two less-than-stellar attempts, Toyota definitely took the time to rethink its strategy. And that they’re still good students of what makes a vehicle a sales success is evident in the new Toyota Sienna minivan, the new front-wheel drive replacement for the rear-wheel drive bubble-like Previa.

Toyota took its template from the latest and greatest minivan designs, GM’s new Lumina-Transport-Silhouette trio and Chrysler’s Voyager-Caravan-Town and Country threesome.

Like those competing vehicles, Toyota starts building the Sienna with mechanicals from its sedan line, namely a modified version of the Camry platform. The wheelbase is stretched 9 inches to 114.2 inches. The motivation comes from Toyota’s familiar 3.0-liter V-6 engine hooked to a four-speed automatic transmission.

Unlike the Chrysler minivan, the Sienna comes in one length only: longer than the short-wheelbase Chrysler, but shorter than the long-wheelbase Chrysler.

The Sienna shares many basic Camry and Avalon pieces because it’s built on the same assembly line. This limits total capacity to only 70,000 from Toyota’s Georgetown, Ky., plant. Chrysler can build more than four times that number.

But if you can appreciate the qualities that make the Camry so satisfying, you’ll appreciate this minivan.

It might have only one drivetrain and length, but it’s available in three trim levels that mirror those of the Camry: entry-level CE, mid-level LE and fancy XLE.

The all-aluminum V-6 provides plenty of smooth, silent, swift power, pumping out a healthy 194 horses.

The power rack-and-pinion steering has the same light, effortless feel that it does in the Camry. It’s not truly sporty, but it’s quick enough to allow some cut and thrust. Handling is safe and uneventful, with the body leaning progressively at speed, but not too dramatically. Tire noise from the noisy, Firestone tires was the only intrusion into the otherwise quiet cabin. Lacking traction control, these tires had little real grip in the wet and in my book would merit replacement with something better.

The suspension follows in the path of successful American minivans, too, with a rear torsion bar. This inexpensive solution acquits itself well –only extreme maneuvers would betray its economical heritage.

Increasingly Toyota has been going the extra length, safety-wise. It shows. Toyota has equipped the Sienna with a tire pressure warning system, which uses the van’s standard front-disc, rear-drum antilock braking system to detect low pressure in tires. In addition to the anti-lock brakes, dual front air bags and three-point belts for all rear passengers are standard.

Of course, the real reason for buying a minivan is transporting you and your family down the road, and at this it ex cels. It’s available in four- and five-door versions, and the standard bench seat in the middle row is available as optional captain’s chairs. If you or the kiddies get thirsty, there are 14 cupholders and two bottle holders. If you fill ’em all, you’ll be hitting so many rest stops you’ll never get to your destination.

The captain’s chairs fold down to create tables, just like American vans. They also tumble or remove. If you do remove ’em, make sure you eat your Wheaties first. They’re a hefty, chiropractor-inducing design. But once removed, they reveal a bountiful interior that can transport an apartment’s worth of stuff.

The XLE-level test vehicle was outfitted in leather, giving it a luxurious feel.

The dash trades in the Jetson’s-like look of the Previa for a more conventional, utilitarian design. It certainly contains no surprises. There is a center console that contains the climate controls and an excellent AM/FM-cassette audio system. A three-CD chan er is optional.

The instrument panel is easy to read and understand in Toyota’s usual manner. Storage space is plentiful, with an under-seat sliding drawer in addition to the usual nooks and crannies.

One last feature coming this summer is an optional power sliding door, a feature only available on GM’s minivans.

Toyota is justified in calling the Sienna the Camry of minivans. But that’s because it is a Camry. That means a quiet, well-built van loaded with utility and comfort, even if not as sporty as some of the competition. It does have the promise of Toyota’s well-built quality, spoiled on our test vehicle by some particularly annoying intermittent rattles.

Despite that, this vehicle finally matches the best of the Big Three’s minivans and should cause Detroit execs some sleepless nights. After two failed attempts, the third time’s the charm.

1998 TOYOTA SIENNA XLE Standard: 3.0-liter V6, four-speed automatic transmission, power-assisted rack and pinion steering, front disc/rear drum brakes with anti-lock, anti-theft system with keyless entry, dual sliding side doors, aluminum alloy wheels, intermittent front and rear wipers, roof rack, seven-passenger seating, six-way adjustable driver’s seat, captain’s chairs, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, AM/ FM-CD player with six speakers, dual air conditioning with rear controls, cupholders, vanity mirrors, floor mats. Options: premium sound system, Package No. 3 (leather seats, power moonroof). Base price: $27,100 As tested: $30,090 EPA rating: 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway Test mileage: 19 mpg