The 2011 Sienna has been completely redesigned this year but is still similar in size to the previous year's body style and can seat seven or eight passengers. An AWD model is still available but Toyota has introduced a few new changes. A new 4 cylinder engine, available recliner seating for the second row, split screen monitor for the rear entertainment system and a six speed automatic transmission. There are five trim levels available, the LE and XLE come in seven and eight passenger configurations while the Base and Limited are seven passenger only. The SE is eight passenger only. Below is an overview of all the trim levels.

Base Model - Includes dual sliding rear doors with power down windows, full power features, 17 inch alloy wheels, telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, four speaker CD/MP3 stereo system with an auxiliary audio jack, and triple zone A/C. The new engine is a 2.7 liter inline four cylinder that produces 187hp and 186 pound feet of torque. According to their online auto brochure the mileage is rated at 19mpg city and 26mpg highway. Standard safety features include stability control, windshield de-icer, ABS disc brakes, traction control, front seat side air bags, driver knee air bag, and full length side curtain airbags.

LE 4 Cylinder - Adds heated side mirrors, steering wheel audio controls, a 3.5 inch backup monitor, privacy glass, and an 8 way manual drivers seat. All safety features are standard and engine specs are the same.

LE V6 - Adds power sliding side doors, auto dimming rear view mirror, roof rack, second and third row sun shades, bluetooth, six speaker audio system, satellite radio, USB port, IPod jack, and front seat power lumbar support. The engine is a 3.5 liter V6 that produces 265 horsepower. The mileage for the front wheel drive is rated at 18mpg city and 24mpg highway while the AWD option is rated at 16mpg city and 22mpg highway. All safety features are standard.

SE - This sporty model adds more aggressive styling with leather wrapped steering wheel, fog lights, larger air intake, lower body skirting, 19 inch alloy wheels, and tinted head and tail lights. The stereo system is the base model stereo with six speakers. All safety features are standard and the engine specs are the same as the LE V6. Not available in AWD.

XLE - This trim level adds a power lift gate, sunroof, triple zone climate control, metallic gray grill insert, tow prep package, leather interior, wood grain trim, heated front seats, and a power driver's seat. The AWD version comes with second row lounge type seats with foot rests. Front and rear park assist is optional on this model. All safety features are standard and the engine specs are the same.

Limited - This top of the line plush model features power folding side mirrors, dual sunroofs, 18 inch alloy wheels, two tone leather interior, leather and wood steering wheel, satin chrome grille, keyless ignition, 10 speaker JBL surround sound stereo system, keyless entry, second row lounge seats, power folding third row seat, front and rear park assist, and driver seat memory settings. Available in AWD, all safety features are standard and the V6 engine specs are the same.

Notable available options are adaptive cruise control, rear DVD player, xenon headlights, navigation system with back up camera, and rain sensing wipers.

During the early part of this decade Toyota was examining its vehicle line up and the decision was made to build a car to entice young people who were looking for something that was small, fun to drive, and affordable. While the Corolla served faithfully in this capacity, Toyota needed something that spoke excitement. The Corolla just wasn't that kind of a car and something radically different was needed. Enter the Matrix. Based on the Corolla platform, the Matrix does what no Corolla can do: turn heads. Let's take a look at this sporty compact and see how the 2006 model stacks up.

In 2003, the Matrix was introduced to the North American market. Built in California as a joint venture with General Motors - the Pontiac Vibe is its twin - the Matrix is aimed toward budget conscious young people who want a car that makes a statement. To save money, the Corolla frame was used, but the Matrix stands some 3 inches taller and is 8 inches shorter than its Toyota sibling. The roof line on the Matrix is completely different too as it slopes from front to back and ends in a wedge, giving the car somewhat of a wagon look to it. This rakish appearance is what gives the Matrix its unique look as well as an extra bit of room for people and their stuff. Indeed, both driver and front passenger sit higher up, much like in a small SUV or as in a car like Chrysler's PT Cruiser. With four doors and a rear lift gate, the Matrix acts more like a wagon, but its sleek exterior easily refutes that fact.

Motorists have a choice between front wheel drive and a four wheel drive versions of the car, something not offered on the Corolla. The standard motor for the Matrix is a 1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve VVT-I 4-cylinder engine. Mated to a five speed manual transmission, the engine turns out a respectable 126hp. For more power, there is also a higher tuned version of the same engine delivering 164hp. It gets paired with a six speed manual transmission. Four wheel drive versions of the Matrix come equipped with a 4-wheel anti-lock brake system [ABS] which is optional on 2WD models.

Gas mileage for the Matrix makes the car a motorist's dream. At 30 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, the front wheel drive version of the car produces some of the best results of any non-hybrid car sold in North America. A 13 gallon fuel tank makes 400 mile trips a possibility on just one tank of gas; this is particularly good for the student who has to drive back and forth between college campus and home.

Unlike many cars of its size, the aftermarket crowd has produced a wide variety of products to help Matrix owners customize their vehicles. Hood protectors, tail light covers, polymer air dams, fog lights, hood scoops and vents, mud flaps, and paintable window covers are some of the Toyota parts and accessories pitched to youth, who are the primary owners of the Matrix.

MSRP starts at US,110 [CDN,200] with a top of the line Matrix topping out at just under USK to about CDNK.

For the entire North American market, Toyota sells nearly 100,000 Matrix' per year. Not bad for a car whose origins are fairly simple but whose heart is truly sporty and youth minded.