By Steven D. Gatt, Automotive Editor
Most auto companies would be happy if their vehicle had only three faults. Not Toyota. At the end of the 1997 model year, the Previa is history. It will be replaced by a much more conservatively designed minivan: the Sienna.
What are those three faults of the Previa? The overall exterior styling is just weird: it is often referred to as the egg-mobile. Second, the lack of a second driver's side, sliding door. The Previa was designed long before the fourth door craze. The third fault is the intrusive engine noise. From the short previews the press has been given of the Sienna, I expect all these faults to be corrected in the new minivan. The Sienna is based on the same solid platform as the hot-selling Camry.
The Previa I test drove was well equipped with leather seating, quad-captain chairs, all-wheel drive and a super-charged 4 cyclinder engine. With all these features, the Previa enters the high-end minivan catergory. The base price for this Previa was $32,838; total price as tested with discounts and destination was $35,853.
The driving position of the Previa was high, similar to that of the old VW Bus. Even with the high ride height, the Previa did not feel tippy. It felt well grounded. Access to the interior wasn't difficult and once inside, the leather and other creature comforts made it feel like home.
It is a good thing Toyota builds a quality vehicle because maintenance on the Previa is almost certainly only done at the dealership. Getting anywhere near the engine is a difficult and cumbersome task. Even changing the oil couldn't be done at home.
The super-charged 4-cyclinder engine was underpowered for the chore of moving the Previa around. The All-Trac all-wheel drive system created drag on the system. Fortunately, the new Sienna minivan will have a V6 powerplant. The All-Trac system also had a negative impact on the fuel economy. Toyota reports to the EPA city mileage of 17 mpg and highway mileage of 20 mpg. During the week long test drive I achieved 19 mpg.
Overall, the Previa is a good minivan. Unfortunately for Toyota, the public did not accept the looks of this minivan. Toyota learned quickly from the Previa and the forthcoming Sienna will surely solve thier minivan woes.