It's hard to believe it's been just a dozen years since the first modern minivans
hit the market. Since then, they've revolutionized the auto industry and
largely replaced that mainstay of the "Leave It To Beaver" era,
the station wagon. During this relatively short span, a flood of minivans
has come, and a significant number has gone. That includes the Dustbuster-like
APV models from General Motors and virtually all the original products
from Japan.
It's surprising that the normally creative Japanese have had so much
trouble figuring out the formula for a successful minivan. Their products
have been too small or too tall, underpowered or just plain strange in
a niche where utility, function and safety are the guiding principles.
It looks like Toyota is about to finally crack the code with Sienna,
its third-generation minivan due out this fall. Sienna will, in many ways,
be a clone of the ever-popular Chrysler minivans, the market leaders and
style-setters. Perhaps more important, it will be American-made, and that
has both political and economic ramifications.
But some minivan fans aren't all that enthused about the arrival of
the Sienna. There's a small, but loyal, following for Toyota's current
entry into the market, the Previa. And with good reason.
The Previa's spaceship-shaped package is quirky, but far more functional,
lavish and well-mannered than other Asian imports. True, the price tag
of the Previa is high for the segment. But it is a Toyota, which means
rugged reliability. And that's an important attribute in a vehicle that's
bound to see use as the family bus. So, while it's tempting to dismiss
a product entering its last year of life, the Previa is worth one last
look.
Available in both DX and LE editions, we chose the upgraded LE with
the All-Trac full-time All-Wheel-Drive system to test.
When it made its debut during the 1991 model-year, Previa was a visual
stand-out in a market marked by boxy designs. Even today, as minivans become
more and more car-like, Previa's ovoid shape is distinctly different. It's
not the look for everyone, but there's nothing wrong with that, especially
when you're talking about a product that never had any pretensions about
becoming the minivan for the masses.
The unusually short nose gives an instant indication of one of the more
unusual aspects of the Previa's design. Its engine is mounted almost amidship,
under the front seats, and that has some pluses and minuses, as we'll get
to shortly. The minivan's egg-shell shape improves its aerodynamics, which
pays off in reduced wind noise and enhanced fuel economy. The ovoid shape's
expansive glass area also yields excellent visibility.
If Previa's design is dated in any way, it's in the minivan's lack of
a fourth door. That has become a must-have feature for most of today's
buyers, a solid selling point for such competitors as the Honda Odyssey
and Dodge Caravan.
The Jetsons would feel right at home inside the Previa. But its space
age, double-curved dashboard is more than just good looking--it's also
quite functional. Stereo and climate controls have been moved forward from
the rest of the instrument panel, putting them within easy reach of both
driver and front-seat passenger.
It's clear that ergonomics weighed heavily on the minds of Toyota's
interior engineers. Five separate stalks rise from the steering column,
letting you tilt the wheel, turn on the wipers and lights, set the cruise
control without having to move your hands very far. But it takes some groping
around before you've grown familiar with where everything is located. Despite
Previa's sci-fi styling, the instrument panel appears low-tech. There are
only three gauges, for speed, temperature and fuel.
We had to gulp for air after looking at the $37,168 price tag on our
test vehicle. It reflects the hefty penalty manufacturers must pay to import
vehicles from Japan during the era of the strong yen. But it is also a
result of some premium features, including the All-Trac all-wheel-drive
system, a CD sound system, power-operated leather seats and center-row
captain's chairs. Still, even a base Previa DX is no econobox at $25,228.
The one-size-fits-all body has plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
There's a 32.5 cubic foot well behind the split bench rear seat, and just
folding the bench out of the way adds an extra 30 cu. ft. In maximum cargo
configuration, you'll have enough space for 157.8 cubic feet worth of boxes,
bicycles or antiques.
Previa is cramped in one way. The center-mounted engine results in a
much higher floor than on most minivans. It's possible, but not easy, to
walk through from the front seats to the rear.
The minivan's extensive greenhouse allows plenty of visibility. That
same visibility allows a lot of heat in from the sun. Fortunately, Toyota
makes air conditioning standard equipment. There's also plenty of glass
to defrost during the winter. And on an especially cold, damp morning,
we put Previa's defroster to the test. It kept things clear, but only with
the blower on full speed.
Dual airbags and side impact door beams are standard. But ABS is an
option, something a bit hard to swallow considering Previa's base price.
In its original configuration, Previa was equipped with an undersized,
2.4 liter four-cylinder engine. It was smooth, durable and dependable,
but notably underpowered, particularly considering its price tag. In 1994,
Toyota came up with a solid solution by bolting on a supercharger. The
now-standard supercharged engine develops a competent 161 horsepower, well
up from 138 hp in the original Previa.
The engine is smooth, but a bit noisy, especially under heavy acceleration.
Though it set the standard in 1991, Previa is showing a bit of its age
and some of its competitors have surpassed it in terms of overall noise
levels.
By mounting the engine in the middle, Previa has a better front-to-back
weight distribution--and that results in better-than-average balance and
handling. The suspension is taut, at least by minivan standards, but did
an amazingly good job of minimizing the impact from Michigan's vast pothole
population.
Roadability is further improved by the available All-Trac all-wheel-drive
system. We had the opportunity to test our Previa during one of Michigan's
worst winter days and found it surprisingly sure-footed on unplowed roads,
even more impressive given its stock all-season tires.
The mid-engine location does make things a little more difficult to
service. And were it not for Toyota's reputation for bullet-proof powertrains
underscored by Previa's real-world service record we might have considered
this a fatal flaw. But the simple fact is you're not likely to find much
reason to get into the engine during the normal ownership cycle. And Toyota
has located all the critical fluid check points under the hood, where it's
easy to gain access.
There are some drawbacks to buying a Previa as it enters its final year
of production. There's the orphan syndrome, of course. And you'll pay a
premium for the Made in Japan badge. You'll pop for some options, like
ABS, that other minivans are now including as standard equipment. And you
won't be able to order a fourth door, one of today's hottest options.
But there are good reasons to keep the Previa on your shopping list.
It's got a solid, reliable powertrain that has stood the test of time.
And with its optional All-Trac system, you'll have to work hard to get
yourself stranded in a snow drift.
The styling is quirky, but you certainly won't look like you're driving
yet another minivan clone.