Toyota's new van-tastic Sienna

Remember minivans? They kinda went the way of cassette tapes, floppy disks, lickable stamps and Winona Ryder.

Of course they never quite went away. They just faded to black as we switched our affections to beefy SUV-wannabe crossovers.

But in these "New Economy" days of making more sensible, more rational choices - Panera instead of The Palm - it might just be time for you family guys and gals to re-visit the minivan.

I've just spent a week living with a new 2011 Toyota Sienna and, while I don't want you to spread this around, I thought the thing was awesome.

We forget just how amazingly spacious, versatile, flexible, comfortable, practical, safe and downright easy minivans are to live with.

In the week with the Sienna, we picked up and, thankfully, dropped off my two nephews and niece (7, 10 and 12) from the airport, took them to Clearwater Beach, the aquarium, Big Cat Rescue, Crabby Bills and the movies. They loved it.

Toyota redesigned the Sienna for 2011 with curvy new bodywork, head-turning swept-back headlights and a big, bold, chrome grille. An ugly-duck Ford Windstar, it ain't.

And while our tester came with Toyota's Teflon-smooth 266-horse 3.5-liter V-6, you can also opt for a gas-sipping 2.7-liter 187-hp four-cylinder that'll average 24 to the gallon on the highway.

Both V-6 and four-banger come mated to a six-speed automatic which contributes to zippier performance and more right-now acceleration.

Toyota has also added electric power steering and tightened the suspension to make for sharper handling and less body roll.

This new Sienna comes in five tasty flavors - base, best-value LE, sporty SE, V-6 XLE and luxury Limited. Prices kick-off at $25,260, with my choice being the four-cylinder LE with its standard dual power sliding doors at $26,345.

Go on, give the minivan another look. I have a sneaking suspicion you might love it.

Tampa-based auto writer Howard Walker can be reached at walkweb@verizon.net.