Toyota introduced the first Previa model in 1990, the name was derived from the word “preview” in Italian. This vehicle is also known as the Estima in some markets. The first Previa’s came equipped with one sliding side door for rear passengers to enter along with two front doors for driver and passenger. The Previa was equipped with a unique mid engine design installed almost flat in the vehicle between both front seats. Some of the benefits of installing the engine like this were the ease servicing once the front seats were unclipped and folded back out of the way. All the engine driven ancillaries such as the alternator, power steering air conditioning compressor and the cooling fan were located under the front bonnet.
The accessories were driven by an additional accessory driveshaft. This set up allowed for even weight distribution which helped ride quality and handling. The first generation of the Previa was available in both rear wheel drive and all wheel drive this was called all trac by Toyota. They were available with a four speed automatic gearbox or a five speed manual box. Seating arrangements allowed for configurations of up to eight available seats.Additional points of interest about this first generation would be: The manual five speed previas released in north America between 1991 and 1993 did not come with supercharged versions.Vehicles sold outside the US had the option of an ice maker/refrigerator which doubled as a beverage heater so was actually a hot/cold box.
The second generation of the Previa was released in 2000 and run until 2006. It now had a slightly longer wheelbase than the original and was slightly more narrow and shorter than its predecessor. Toyota changed the exterior design to incorporate two sliding rear doors to make entry and exiting the vehicle for all passengers. Models were available with both petrol and diesel engine configurations. Either could have a five speed manual transmission or a four speed automatic.
The third generation of the Previa was introduced n 2006 and is still in production today. These came with such electronic advancements as automatic parallel and back in parking, track mounted second row seating with passenger foot rests, also available was power folding third row seats. The engines available for the new generation are still either the petrol or diesel offerings as well as a hybrid electric/petrol variant to help the environment.
Toyota has made a strong name for itself in the MPV market with the Previa, it offers unmatched seating, unparalleled comfort in its price range and reliable performance in day to day driving. All of this sums up to the Previa being an outstanding vehicle for people who need a larger family vehicle with some of the creature comforts built in.
