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Cato on canadacar
18 Feb 2000
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 TOYOTA
PREVIA
They were well built, safe, roomy, versatile, reliable, a bit
underpowered and a tad pricey as minivans go. We are referring
to the Toyota Previa minivan, which when on sale in 1990 as a
1991 model--both rear- and all-wheel drive versions.
While we're at it, let's give the Previa the Avant Garde Award
for courage in styling and creative, if expensive,
engineering. More on that later.
But we have come to expect Toyotas to be well-built and
reliable. So even today you'll find older Previas with
healthy-looking upholstery and tight-fitting, uniform body.
The typical used Previa is unlikely to suffer that dreaded
scourge of minivans-- squeaks/rattles/groans.
On the safety side, early Previas came with a driver's side
airbag, optional anti-lock braking (on the four-wheel disc
brake system), child-proof rear door locks, and side-impact
door guards. In fact, the Previa when introduced was the first
minivan to meet all safety requirements for passenger cars.
Safety, though, also includes such things as performance and
handling. So-called active safety considerations.
On the handling front, the Previa is built on a car chassis,
thus on the blacktop it behaves much like a car. Thanks in no
small measure to a longish wheelbase (2,865 mm or 112.8 in.)
and track (1,565/1,555 mm. or 61.6/61.2 in.), the ride is
smooth and well-controlled. Suspension settings are soft
enough to soak up bumps and road bruises, yet firm enough to
reign in excessive body roll during cornering.
The power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering is sharp and
responsive, the brakes sure and easy to modulate. All-wheel
drive will help you get moving on slippery mornings. And, the
Previa's aerodynamic styling and generously apportioned
insulation add up to a quiet ride.
As for power: At first the only engine choice for the Previa
was a 16-valve four-cylinder engine which developed 138
horsepower and 154 pounds-feet of torque. For the most part,
that's enough power (0-100 km/h in about 12.5 seconds), but
you'll often find the Previa's engine working pretty hard to
keep up with traffic.
By '94 a supercharged version combined with all-wheel drive
arrived (horsepower up to 161), along with a standard
passenger-side airbag. For scoring purposes, let's say the
non-supercharged engine is a bit noisy and coarse when pushing
hard to climb a hill with a full load of passengers.
Supercharging the2.4-litre four-banger helped quite a bit, but
took its toll on fuel economy.
That said, the 2.4-litre four-cylinder was a tough Toyota
engine and despite it's rather unique placement, it is
serviceable. Unique placement?
Right. The Previa's engine was mounted under the front seats,
but tilted sideways to allow for a flat floor. It's accessible
through a panel in the floor (you must lift the driver's seat)
or from underneath.
Under the hood up front, do-it-yourselfers have access to
routine maintenance items such as the radiator, the fan belt
and the air conditioning compressor.
With that engine in such an odd place, there is plenty of room
inside for passengers and their gear. The Previa has seating
for seven, with two swivelling captain's chairs behind the
front seats and a fold-up bench-style seat at the very rear.
That last seat was a dandy piece of work that offered the
versatility of removable seats with none of the removing
necessary. The seat just split in half and folded up outward
into the sides where it's out of the way.
Nits to pick: because the speedometer is recessed into the
dash, it isn't easy to see in a quick glance. And while
visibility is usually good in all directions, when the rear
seats are folded up, the view over the driver's right shoulder
is restricted.
Toyota made minor upgrades right up to '97 when the Previa was
discontinued. Interestingly, prices on the used market haven't
held up well at all, so you might be able to find one for
quite a reasonable amount.
The Previa is a nice piece of work--maybe too nice (note the
original price). But it has proven reliable over the years,
its owners say they love it and ownership costs are low.
CURRENT RED BOOK PRICING (avg. retail): Toyota Previa LE
1998-NA
1997-$21,075 ($41,598 original MSRP)
1996-$18,775 ($40,378)
1995-$16,075 ($33,058)
1994-$13,075 ($29,478)
1993-$10,250 ($26,688)
BUYER'S ALERTS:This is an exceptionally well built and
reliable minivan. Some older vehicles, in very rare
circumstances, may experience insufficient output from the air
conditioning system that might be traced to a misadjusted
cold-water valve that could allow water to leak into the
heater core and warm the outlet air (TSB TOYOTA 7/90A, July
1990); core plugs in the cylinder head may leak (ENG 025,
August 1990; TOY900928, Aug. 1990).
For recalls:
1997-No. 1997082 concerns a possible oil leakage at the air
breather plug that could eventually lead to front differential
failure. This recall involved just 22 units.
1991--No. 1993096 concerns certain insufficiently strong
windshield wiper plugs that may fail. And No. 1993127 concerns
a potential short circuit that might occur inside the radio.
THE VERDICT: Very well made, but quirky design and lack of
power for towing/hauling heavy loads. Relatively expensive
when new, but residuals haven't held up well at all.
CHECK THE SPECS
1995 TOYOTA PREVIA SUPERCHARGED 4WD
Market segment: minivan.
Typical market competition: Dodge Voyager/Chrysler Caravan and
Town and Country, Ford Windstar and Aerostar, Mercury
Villager, Nissan Quest, Mazda MPV, Honda Odyssey, Volkswagen
Eurovan, Pontiac Trans Sport/Chevrolet Lumina Van, Chevrolet
Astro/GMC Safari.
Engine: (front engine/all-wheel drive) 2.4-litre
four-cylinder; electronic fuel injection; 161 hp at 5,000 rpm;
torque rated at 201 lbs-ft at 3,600 rpm.
Transmission: four-speed overdrive automatic.
Steering: variable power-assisted rack-and-pinion.
Brakes: front disc\rear drum; anti-lock braking (ABS)
optional with rear disc brakes.
Tires: 215/65R15.
Fuel economy: (litres/100 km) 13.5 city/10.4 hwy 21/27
mpg.
Wheelbase: 2,865 mm (112.8 in.).
Curb weight: 1,830 kg. (4,034 lbs).
Price range: $38,518 (MSRP base).
Pros
* Versatile for passengers and cargo
* High quality build and materials
* Excellent ownership cost ratings
* Supercharging gives needed power boost
Cons
* Entry and exit (particularly the driver's side)
* Still not overpowering
OVERALL SCORE: 8.5 (out of 10)
Access: C+
Driving position: B+
Instruments/Controls: B-
Visibility: B
Climate Control: B-
Steering: B-
Brakes: B
Handling: B
Acceleration: C+
Engine: B+
Transmission: B
Interior space: B+
Trunk/Cargo: B+
Noise/Vibration/Harshness: B
DURABILITY/RELIABILITY REPORT CARD
Overall: A-
Mechanical: A-
Hardware/Body/Paint/Trim: B+
SAFETY REPORT CARD
Anti-lock braking: Yes
Airbags (driver/passenger): yes/yes (later models)
Traction control: four-wheel drive
Driver/Passenger Front Crash Protection (0-5 stars with five
stars the best): no data/no data
INSURANCE HISTORY
Collision cost rating: NA
Comprehensive cost rating: NA
Theft claim cost rating: NA
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