In late 1997, Toyota launched the front wheel drive MY 1998 Sienna in the North American market as a replacement for the mid-engined Previa.
The Sienna debuted with a 3.0-liter 1MZ-FE V6 engine rated at 194 hp (145 kW) and 209 lb·ft (284 N·m) of torque.

Built on an extended platform of the Camry, the Sienna was appropriately marketed as the “Camry of minivans,” capitalizing on the Toyota Camry’s popularity and reputation. It came in three trim levels, CE, LE, and XLE. The LE and XLE models were equipped with 2nd row captain’s chairs while the CE models came equipped with a 2nd row 2-passenger bench seat.

The driver side sliding door and roof rack were standard on the LE and XLE models, but were optional on the CE models. The XLE models offered leather seats and a wood trim package. The Sienna also touted best-in-class fuel economy of 16 city/22 highway miles per gallon. It was built in Georgetown, Kentucky. A year after its release, the Sienna faced new competition from the redesigned Honda Odyssey minivan, which was larger and offered a V6 like the Sienna.