Toyota Previa: Innovative But Not Competitive

By Author: Tyler Dechant
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Toyota Previa: Innovative But Not Competitive

Toyota made a statement with Previa and showed the world how future MPVs should look and feel like. Previa was far ahead of its time in 1990 and introduced customer centric features like sliding back door, roomy interior and easily accessible flat placement of engine between front seats. Flat placement of engine offered numerous benefits that are included but not limited to easy repair, accessibility, better weight distribution and thus better handling and feel. Engine was fitted at a 75 degree angle and could be accessed from the hood and by removing front two seats as well. The rear wheel drive and optional, all wheel drive, Previa was launched in two varying specs initially. One was built for American market, with bigger dimensions, and the other one was designed for Japanese market, it was deliberately made smaller to benefit from tax system in Japan.

Toyota labeled its AWD system as TRAC, hinting at better grip and performance in diverse situations. Four speed auto and five speed manual transmission was mate with first generation 2.2 and 2.4 litre engines of Previa. ...
... American versions didn’t come with turbo chargers initially, they were added in subsequent generations. Additionally, Toyota cleverly installed a Hot/Cold box (not offered in US spec models) to make them more lucrative compared to other European MPVs, it improved Previa’s acceptance in Europe, where competition was already stiff.

Second generation came with a longer wheel base than the original but it had roughly same storage capacity as it was made narrow compared to its predecessor. However, addition of two sliding doors instead of one was a smart move and allowed more convenience to rear passengers. As far a engine and transmission are concerned, there wasn’t much of a radical difference between first and second generation.

Toyota pulled out its third generation Previa from Europe, in wake of more aggressive pricing from contenders like Ford and VW. However, it was launched in US, Japan and Asian markets. Third generation incorporated many improvements and inclusion of electronic gadgets like parking assist, electronically folding rear seats, foot rests in second row etc. hybrid engines were also launched in this generation, further expanding Previa’s brand line. Though Previa remained a front runner in consumer desirability index in Europe, that’s why they are holding their resale value better than their European counterparts, from business’ point of view it wasn’t as attractive as smaller SUV and SUVs category, so Toyota had to pull the plug to focus in more lucrative segments.

Tyler Dechant is an expert in Reconditioned Engines. If you are interested in learning more about quality Used Toyota Previa Engine, please contact us by visiting our main Used Toyota Previa Engine Page: Used Toyota Previa Engine or by calling us at 442085960396