Auto News 5

So you're starting to get a little older and have added a couple members to your household. As a parent, most car trips seem to involve carting the kids to school or sports practice. However, you occasionally still find yourself testing the grip of your tires on the expressway on-ramp, followed by full-throttle acceleration to match -- or maybe even eclipse -- traffic speeds. It's time to shop for a new car that will accommodate your family, but under no circumstances are you willing to buy an SUV or minivan. You longingly remember the days when a blue-blooded sports car was parked in your driveway, but there's no way you'll be able to regularly drive one of those again (at least until the kids leave the house). But your life as an automotive enthusiast isn't over ... it's just time to consider an exciting four-door.

As a child of the minivan era, I've always respected these vehicles for their excellent versatility. To wit, I used the Sienna to pick up a new dining table and six chairs, still boxed, and the Toyota swallowed all contents fairly easily and without having to fold the middle-row seats (which can't fold down into the floor anyway). Once I unloaded the furniture, I marveled at how far the middle seats can slide back and forth. Minivans are ideal for families with children, but if four dads wanted to get away for a long road trip, the Sienna would excel in that application, too. The guys in the middle row can slide their seats all the way back for truly limousine-like legroom, still leaving plenty o room in the way back for luggage. Even better, the middle captain's chairs have La-Z-Boy-style footrests, so the guys in back (especially if they're five-foot-six or shorter) can get some solid business-class-style sleep while the other pair drives and navigates. The Sienna's occupants might not feel very cool, but they'd certainly be comfortable.