Here's the scene: A stagnant U.S. economy and government bailouts in the news.

Sound familiar?

Actually, this story has its roots 25 years ago when Chrysler staked a $660 million government bailout on the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager minivans. They soon became household words.

The cultural icons were just the ticket for baby boomers that wanted larger-than-sedan cars for their growing families. The minivan launched the company's global success with new markets opening in the UK and Japan. Today Chrysler still controls nearly 40% of the U.S. minivan market, however it has changed substantially with Japanese and Korean automakers raising the bar and other domestic automakers bowing out of the minivan segment altogether.

While they may lack the ruggedness of an SUV or the sleek lines of a sporty sedan, the minivan has no competition for cargo space with people-hauling ability and all-around family drivability.

The Toyota Sienna is one of the more popular versions with domestic sales of more than 12,000 per month. So when the test car arrived I was anxious to take it for a spin.

After a week of driving the top-of-the-line XLE all-wheel drive Limited model, its popularity became clear.

The Sienna is available with seating for seven or eight adults with second-row seating in a 60/40 bench arrangement or with separate chairs. Either way there is ample leg room, shoulder room and hip room all around.

Its all-wheel-drive worked seamlessly and quietly as the 3.5-liter dual overhead cam V6 engine powered a five-speed automatic transmission, the only one available. All Siennas this model year include Electronic Stability Control, a great safety feature that is teamed with anti-lock brakes for a sure-footed stop in all road conditions.

Sienna minivans come in four varieties for 2008 (CE, LE, XLE and XLE Limited) and range in price from mid twenties to mid-forties depending on options, some of which can be pricey. The test car included a value package including DVD entertainment and navigation system with back-up camera and upgraded audio system for $3,380 minus a $1,400 manufacturer discount.

Interior cabin appointments were Lexus-like with soft leather seating, generous use of wood and power lift and store third-row seating. In crash tests the Sienna was top ranked for frontal and side impact crashes.

The Sienna navigates the roadway easily with anti-roll bars front and rear for, well, less roll during maneuvering and gas-filled shocks for a more-controlled ride.

The zero to 60 sprint is accomplished in just under eight ticks with passing power when needed and four-wheel disc brakes for smooth and sure stopping. In combination city and highway driving, the Sienna averaged 21 miles per regular gallon of gas.

Base model comparisons according to Edmunds.com include the Sienna, $24,440; Chrysler Town & Country, $23,415; Dodge Grand Caravan, $22,520, Honda Odyssey, $25,860 and Hyundai Entourage, $23,995.

n E-mail comments to lingrassia@dailyitem.com