Toyota Previa 1991 - 1997 review

Overview

Toyota Previa 1991-1997. Photo: Toyota

Introduced in 1991, the Previa was an excellent, long-lasting minivan. The only problem, it was designed for the Japanese market with only a four-cylinder engine available. In 1998 the Previa was discontinued and replaced by the Sienna in North America, although it was still sold in other markets.

The Previa has rear-wheel drive; an all-wheel drive version was available. The longitudinally-mounted 4-cylinder engine is located under the floor between the front seats; to fit the tight space, it's tilted towards the passenger side.
There was only one engine choice: the 2.4-liter four cylinder 16-valve twin cam engine. Earlier models had only 138 horsepower. Starting from 1994 model, the supercharger was added to increase the engine power to 161 hp.

The Previa's spaceship-like interior is roomy and comfortable. The fit and finish is very good. The driver's place is comfortable; with great visibility. The third-row bench seat is split in half and each section folds up easily against the sidewalls, making a lot of space for cargo.
On the road, the Previa offers great maneuverability and rather car-like handling. The
ABS was optional. In the NHTSA frontal crash test, the 1994-1997 model received four stars for the driver and three stars for the front passenger protection.

The engine

Toyota Previa comes with a DOHC 4-cylinder 16-valve 2.4L engine with 138 hp (161 hp starting from 1994), with a cast iron block and an aluminum alloy cylinder head. There is no timing belt; to increase durability a maintenance-free timing chain is used to drive the camshafts. The Previa engine is proven to be very durable and can last very long if properly maintained.

Pros

- Very reliable powertrain
- Comfortable driver's place
- Spacious interior
- Car-like handling
- Folding up rear bench seat

Cons

- Some parts are quite expensive
- Slightly underpowered
One of the common problems is the supplemental accessory drive shaft (SAD shaft). It starts making noise at high mileage. According to Toyota, the complete shaft must be replaced (around $1000), although there is an aftermarket repair kit available.

What to look for when buying a used Previa

First, check the used car history records. A history report may help you to uncover problems the car might have in the past such as accidents, flood damage or rolled back odometer. Follow this link: How to check used car history.
- Watch for leaks
- Make sure the air conditioner works
- Look for corrosion, especially around the wheel arches.
- Check if the stereo works.
- A clacking or knocking noise when cold or under acceleration or when the A/C is on might indicate a problem with accessory drive shaft; it's a very expensive part to replace, although the aftermarket repair kit is available for around $200.
Check for more tips what to look for when buying a used car
- Before buying a car, have it properly inspected by a mechanic on a lift, because many components (e.g. ball joints) can not be properly inspected during a simple visual inspection.
Check our step-by-step used car buying guide for more information.

Maintenance tips

The Previa's oil feeder system is only designed to automatically top up the engine oil; change the engine oil regularly. When changing the spark plugs, it's good idea to replace the distributor cap, rotor and wires at the same time. Avoid overheating the engine, as this may cause plenty of problems. Undercoating may help to prevent corrosion. At least once a year have your Previa inspected on the hoist in a repair shop to keep it safe. Check more car maintenance tips. If you need a technical information, like the diagrams, do-it-yourself repair guides and mechanical specifications, read here: where to find technical information about your car.

Toyota Previa specs. (1996 US model)