The original Toyota Previa, remembered for its unconventional design and unique engineering, was a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive minivan that set itself apart from competitors in the 1990s. Released in 1990 and discontinued for the 1997 model year in the United States, the Previa (sold as the Toyota Estima in Japan and the Toyota Tarago in Australia) left a lasting impression on minivan fanatics and the automotive world as a whole. From its space-age looks to its surprising performance capabilities, the Previa was no ordinary family hauler – it was a shining symbol of Toyota’s daringly innovative spirit during the era. Here are ten fascinating facts that every car enthusiast should know about the first-generation Toyota Previa.
Unless otherwise stated, all specifications were sourced from Toyota directly.
1 It Had An Unusual Powertrain Layout For A Minivan
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One of the standout features of the original Toyota Previa was its mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout. This configuration was almost unheard of for a minivan, especially in a market dominated by front-engine, front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicles like the Dodge Caravan and the Honda Odyssey.
The 2.4-liter inline-four engine was mounted beneath the front seats, tilted at a 75-degree angle. This unique placement helped optimize interior space, but it also contributed to a far more balanced weight distribution. With the engine located closer to the vehicle’s center, the Previa offered handling dynamics that were superior to its direct competitors, making it surprisingly nimble for its size.
While not a performance vehicle by any means (the engine layout limited how large the engine could be), the Previa’s RWD setup allowed for a more engaging driving experience for a car of its class. In a market where practicality was paramount, Toyota’s decision to prioritize handling was an unexpected but welcome surprise.
2 A Supercharged Version Became Available
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Initially, the Previa came with a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which produced 138 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque. While adequate for everyday city driving, at times it lacked the extra grunt needed at highway speeds, especially when loaded with passengers or cargo. In response to complaints about the lack of power, Toyota introduced a supercharged version in 1994.
The supercharged Toyota Previa generated 161 horsepower and 201 lb-ft of torque, offering much improved performance, particularly acceleration. This model, labeled the SC, became the go-to choice for buyers who needed more power for towing or carrying heavy loads. The supercharged engine used a Roots-type blower, which enhanced low-end torque and improved the van’s overall drivability.
While minivans aren’t typically associated with excitement, the supercharged Previa van stood out as an anomaly in the family hauler segment, giving it a cult-like following among those who appreciated the unique setup with its extra punch.
3 Futuristic Design Made Boxy Rivals Appear Dated
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The Previa’s design was far from typical for a 90s minivan. Its distinctive, almost egg-shaped body was sleek and futuristic, making it instantly recognizable on the road. Toyota’s designers opted for a cab-forward design, pushing the windshield farther out over the front axle to maximize the vehicle’s interior space.
Whilst the Previa’s recognizable shape provided it with unique esthetics, it was engineered for aerodynamics. The Previa’s smooth, rounded exterior helped reduce drag and wind resistance, improving fuel efficiency and reducing cabin noise. In a time when boxy, utilitarian shapes dominated the minivan market, the Previa’s forward-thinking design made it stand out from the crowd.
Additionally, the Previa’s unconventional profile made it the butt of jokes for its resemblance to a “spaceship” or an “egg,” but these design choices allowed it to be one of the most aerodynamically efficient vans of its time.
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4 All-Wheel Drive Was Available
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Toyota offered the Previa with an All-Trac all-wheel-drive system, making it one of the few minivans of its time capable of handling poor weather conditions and rough terrain. The All-Trac system, which was Toyota’s term for AWD, was borrowed from other models like the iconic Toyota Celica and Toyota Camry sedan, allowing the Previa to maintain traction in tricky conditions.
The AWD system gave the Previa a versatility that many of its competitors lacked, making it a popular choice in regions prone to snow or rain. Whether navigating through city streets or venturing into the countryside, the AWD-equipped Previa could do it all. This feature, combined with the van’s generous ground clearance and reliability, made it a hit for those seeking adventures off the beaten path.
5 It Was Called The Toyota Estima In Japan
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In its home country of Japan, the Previa was sold under the Estima nameplate. While largely similar to the international model, the Estima offered some unique features and variations that catered to the needs of the Japanese domestic market. The Estima was available in various trim levels, some with more luxurious interiors and higher-end features than what was offered elsewhere. This underlines the preference of some nations in the East to choose minivans as a status symbol of luxury and wealth.
The Estima’s popularity in Japan far outlived its North American counterpart, as Toyota continued producing the Estima long after the Previa was discontinued in the U.S. In fact, the Estima remained in production until 2019, evolving with the times but maintaining the core principles that made the original Previa so beloved. Interestingly, the Estima also helped influence the design of future minivans across the globe, as Toyota continued to refine the mid-engine layout and space utilization.
6 America’s Previa Only Lasted For One Generation
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The 1997 Toyota Previa marked the end of an era for the U.S. market. As minivan preferences shifted towards front-wheel-drive models like the Chrysler Town & Country and Toyota’s own Sienna, the Previa’s unique mid-engine layout became a harder sell. Production of the Previa for the U.S. ceased after the 1997 model year, as Toyota introduced the more conventional Sienna to replace it.
Though the Previa’s run in the U.S. was short-lived, it made a lasting impression on a niche group of enthusiasts who appreciated its bold design and advanced engineering. In contrast, the Sienna went on to become one of Toyota’s best-selling minivans, albeit without the quirky charm of its predecessor.
7 Interior Made Ingenious Use of Space
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Thanks to its cab-forward design and mid-engine layout, the Toyota Previa was able to offer an impressive amount of interior space for passengers and cargo. The cabin was designed with families in mind, featuring versatile seating arrangements that could be easily reconfigured to accommodate different needs.
The Previa’s second- and third-row seats could be folded flat or removed entirely, creating a large, open cargo area when necessary. This flexibility made it perfect for everything from family road trips to hauling large items. The flat floor created by the placement of the Toyota Previa’s engine also provided more room to stretch out, adding to the van’s comfort and practicality.
Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the Previa managed to offer more interior room than many of its competitors, a testament to Toyota’s clever engineering.
8 Tarago-Badged Previa Was A Hit Down Under
While the Previa was known by various names globally, in Australia, it was branded as the Toyota Tarago. The Tarago became a staple of Australian roads, widely used by families, shuttle services, and even businesses. Its unique design, ease of maintenance, and reputation for reliability made it a practical choice for Australians.
Interestingly, the Tarago name originated from the town of Tarago in New South Wales, giving the van a distinctly local touch. The Previa/Tarago continued to be sold in Australia until 2019, proving its long-lasting appeal in the Australian market, where rugged versatility was often a priority.
9 Custom, Modified Previas Were Popular
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Though the Toyota Previa was primarily marketed as a family vehicle, it gained popularity among van enthusiasts who enjoyed modifying it for unique purposes. The spacious interior made it perfect for camper van conversions, and it became a popular vehicle for van-life enthusiasts in later years. Its quirky looks and solid engineering ensured it had plenty of aftermarket support, with custom suspension setups, wheels, and even performance mods like turbo kits available for those who wanted to make their Previa stand out.
10 Original Previa Developed A Cult Following
The original Toyota Previa was more than just a minivan – it reimagined what a family hauler could be, blending practicality with class-leading handling. From its mid-engine layout to its supercharged variant, the Toyota Previa broke away from the conventional norms of family vehicles in the 1990s. Over the years, the Toyota Previa has garnered a cult following. Fans of the van appreciate its quirky design, solid engineering, and the reliability associated with the Toyota badge. It’s not uncommon to see well-maintained examples on the road today, with proud owners showcasing their unique family hauler. Many argue that the Previa deserves a modern-day revival, potentially as a hybrid or electric vehicle (EV).
Given the current trend toward eco-friendly vehicles, a hybrid Previa could make sense for Toyota, especially given the brand’s history of brilliant hybrid vehicles such as the Prius. A revival of the van’s futuristic design would make it a standout among more conservative competitors, and its legacy could be updated for a new generation of drivers. Toyota has already revived other classics as hybrids and EVs, leading fans to hope that the Previa might one day return.