1991-1997 Toyota Previa: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1991-1997 Toyota Previa and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Antilock brakes (optional)
- Passenger and cargo room
Cons
- Climate controls
- Engine noise
- Fuel economy
Vehicle Highlights
Previa minivans went on sale in 1990 as a replacement for the Toyota Van. Previa had either rear-wheel drive or permanently engaged 4-wheel drive (All-Tracs) and were offered in either Deluxe or LE trim. The only engine was a 2.4-liter twin-cam 4-cylinder rated at 138 horsepower. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard; a 4-speed automatic optional. The Previa's engine was mounted below the front seats, but tilted to one side in order to provide a flat floor. It's accessible through a panel in the floor or from underneath the vehicle. Fluid reservoirs and other vehicle service points can be reached by opening the hood. Four-wheel disc brakes were standard on LE models and an antilock system was optional. A sliding right-side door and a one-piece liftgate augmented the front doors.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Toyota Previa LE Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 48 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1991-1997 Toyota Previa. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1991-1997 Toyota Previa.
Year to Year Changes
1992 Toyota Previa:
Previa gains a driver-side airbag, knee bolsters under the dashboard, and a center high-mount rear stoplight, becoming the first minivan to meet all passenger-car safety requirements. Among other changes this year, antilock brakes become optional on Deluxe models as well as LE models.
1993 Toyota Previa:
Only minor equipment revisions are made to the 1993 Previa.
1994 Toyota Previa:
Toyota minivans add a standard passenger-side airbag and an available supercharged engine for '94. The LE S/C and LE S/C All-Trac models arrived in showrooms in the spring. S/C denotes models equipped with the supercharged version of the Previa's 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. It boosts power to 161 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 201 pound-feet of torque at 3600 rpm. Also, the previously available 5-speed manual transmission is dropped, meaning all Previas now feature the 4-speed automatic. Among the other changes this year are a new steering wheel, a pull-down strap on the inside of the rear liftgate, new front buckets seats with adjustable headrests, and a new front bumper and spoiler.
1995 Toyota Previa:
The supercharged engine became available on the lower-priced DX model for 1995. This increases Previa offerings from six to eight.
1996 Toyota Previa:
For '96, Previa is available only with the supercharged engine. As a result, the number of Previa model offerings shrinks from eight to four, with the DX S/C 2WD, DX S/C All-Trac, LE S/C 2WD, and LE S/C All-Trac making up the new lineup.
1997 Toyota Previa:
Revisions designed to reduce engine noise and vibration are the main changes made to the Previa, as it enters its final year of production.
Our road test for the 1991-1997 Toyota Previa includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1991-1997 Toyota Previa and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1991-1997 Toyota Previa is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Acceleration is decent, but when worked hard the engine gets noisy and sends an annoying vibration through the floor. It's responsive in everyday driving, however, thanks to an automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and promptly, and seldom hunts between third and fourth gears. We averaged 15 mpg in one test and 19 mpg in another. Though the 161-horsepower supercharged version doesn't move the Previa into the fast lane, it does make this minivan more responsive, particularly in passing situations. While the Previa holds the road well and seems composed going around corners, neither its ride nor overall handling match that of the class champion Chrysler minivans. The wild-looking W-shaped dashboard actually works rather well, putting most controls within easy reach, though the climate controls are poorly marked. Only the rear-seat headrests keep outward vision from being absolutely panoramic. Passenger space is ample, though the split third seat is too tight to accommodate three adults, and head room beneath the sliding sunroof is only adequate for 6-footers. The center seat is removable and rear seat is split so that both halves can fold outward against the sides of the vehicle.
Value for the Money
With its roomy, versatile nature and Toyota's reputation for reliability and durability, the Previa qualifies as a good family vehicle.
With its roomy, versatile nature and Toyota's reputation for reliability and durability, the Previa qualifies as a good family vehicle.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Toyota Previa LE Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 48 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Toyota Previa includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Toyota Previa .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
A faulty expansion valve may cause the air conditioner to gradually lose efficiency. (1992-93)
Air conditioner:
The (magnetic) valve for the rear air conditioner is prone to failure and the company has offered two revisions for both R-12 and R134a refrigerant systems. (1991-97)
Automatic transmission:
A-40 series automatic transmissions may shift harshly because rubber check balls become smaller, blow through the plate, and get dislodged. (1992-94)
Coolant leak:
Core plugs in the cylinder head may leak coolant. (1991)
Exhaust system:
In compliance with emission-control regulations, the oxygen sensor will be replaced free at the 80,000-mile maintenance. (1993-95)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $860 |
| Alternator | $390 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $830 |
| Brakes | $210 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $475 |
| Exhaust System | $337 |
| Radiator | $555 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $500 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $890 |
| Universal Joints | $135 |
Our price chart for this generation Toyota Previa details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1997 | |||
| Previa | $3,200-4,200 | $2,500-3,300 | $800-1,100 |
| Previa All-Trac | $3,600-4,500 | $2,900-3,600 | $1,000-1,300 |
| 1996 | |||
| Previa | $2,800-3,600 | $2,100-2,700 | $600-800 |
| Previa All-Trac | $3,200-3,900 | $2,500-3,000 | $800-1,000 |
| 1995 | |||
| Previa | $2,500-3,200 | $1,800-2,300 | $500-700 |
| Previa All-Trac | $2,900-3,600 | $2,200-2,700 | $700-800 |
| 1994 | |||
| Previa | $2,200-2,900 | $1,600-2,100 | $400-600 |
| Previa All-Trac | $2,600-3,200 | $1,900-2,400 | $500-700 |
| 1993 | |||
| Previa | $1,900-2,500 | $1,300-1,700 | $300-400 |
| Previa All-Trac | $2,200-2,800 | $1,600-2,000 | $400-500 |
| 1992 | |||
| Previa | $1,700-2,300 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| Previa All-Trac | $2,000-2,600 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| 1991 | |||
| Previa | $1,500-2,000 | $1,000-1,300 | $200-300 |
| Previa All-Trac | $1,700-2,300 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
|
|
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Toyota Previa include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 3-door van | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 112.8 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 187.2 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.8 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 68.7 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3755 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 152.3 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 19.8 | |
| Seating Capacity | 7 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.4 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 40.1 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.9 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.6 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Toyota's new Previa minivan debuted in 1991 with only one engine, a new 2.4-liter twin-cam 4-cylinder. It produces 138 horsepower at 5000 rpm (37 more than the previous Toyota Van) and 154 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard; a 4-speed automatic is optional. The engine is uniquely mounted below the front seats, but tilted to one side in order to provide a flat floor. It's accessible through a panel in the floor, or from underneath the vehicle. Fluid reservoirs, the air conditioning compressor, and other vehicle service points can be reached by opening the short, sloping hood. For '94, Toyota made a new supercharged version of the same 2.4-liter engine available for both DX and LE models, as well as the DX All-Trac and LE All-Trac models. It boosts power to 161 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 201 pound-feet of torque at 3600 rpm. Also, the previously available 5-speed manual transmission was dropped, meaning all 1994-97 Previas feature only the 4-speed automatic. Toyota drops the normally aspirated engine entirely for 1996, meaning all '96 and '97 Previas come equipped with the supercharged engine that was a $500 option in 1995.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 2.4 / 149 | 138 | 154 | 5-speed manual: 19/22 4-speed automatic: 17/22 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 18.5 |
| Supercharged dohc I4 | 2.4 / 149 | 161 | 201 | 4-speed automatic: 18/22 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: longitudinal mid-engine/rear- or all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Toyota Previa include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1997 Previa |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 3 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1991-1997 Toyota Previa directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1991:
Certain windshield-wiper components are subject to premature failure.
1991:
Failure of component in Fujitsu-Ten radio causes short circuit that could result in fire.
1997:
Oil leakage can occur at continuous speeds above 75 mph.
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