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.
1997 Toyota Previa
Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.
You can interpret our ratings in the following way:
: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.
: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.
: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.
: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.
: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.
Overview
Specs & Features
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque | 2.4L I-4 / 161 HP / 201 ft.lbs. |
Drive Type | Rear-wheel |
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined | 18 / 22 / 20 Mpg |
Brakes | Front Disc/rear Drum / 4-wheel Disc |
Front Suspension | Strut |
Rear Suspension | Rigid Axle Multi-link |
Spare Tire And Wheel | Full-size Steel |
Fuel Tank | 19.8 Gal. |
Recommended Fuel Type | Regular Unleaded |
Average Cost To Fill Tank | $76 |
Maximum Cargo Volume | 157.8 Cu.ft. |
Passenger Volume | |
Exterior Length | 187.0 " |
Exterior Width | 70.8 " |
Exterior Height | 70.1 " |
Front Headroom | 39.4 " |
Rear Headroom | 38.9 " |
Front Legroom | 40.1 " |
Rear Legroom | 36.6 " |
Front Shoulder Room | 61.1 " |
Rear Shoulder Room | 61.6 " |
Front Hip Room | |
Rear Hip Room | |
Curb Weight | 3,755 Lbs. |
Wheel Base | 113 " |
Turning Radius | 18.9 ' |
Door Count | 3 Doors |
Wheels | 15.0 " Steel |
Paint | Monotone |
Exterior Mirrors | Dual Manual Remote / Dual Power Remote |
Bumpers | Black |
Grille Moldings | Body-colored |
Rear Spoiler | |
Exhaust | Stainless Steel |
Passenger Capacity | 7 |
Seat Trim | Cloth |
Front Seat Type | Bucket |
Heated Front Seats | |
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls | 4-way |
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls | 4-way |
Front Armrests | 4-way |
Rear Armrests | Center |
Rear Seats | Removable Full Bench |
Radio | Am/fm Stereo, Clock, Seek-scan / Am/fm Stereo, Seek-scan |
Speakers | 6 |
Radio Steering Wheel Controls | |
Apple Car Play | |
Android Auto | |
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity |
Steering Wheel Type | Tilt |
Climate Control | |
Cruise Control | |
Sun Roof | |
Rearview Mirror | Day-night |
One Touch Open Window | Driver |
Tinted Windows | Light / Deep |
Vanity Mirrors | Passenger |
Remote Keyless Entry | Keyfob (all Doors) |
Power Outlets | 1 |
Overall Crash Safety Rating |
Not Yet Available
|
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating |
Not Yet Available
|
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating |
Not Yet Available
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Rollover Crash Safety Rating |
Not Yet Available
|
Front Impact Airbags | Driver And Passenger |
Driver Side Impact Airbags | |
Knee Airbag | |
Passenger Side Impact Airbag | |
Rear Side Airbag | |
Seatbelt Pretensioners | |
Anti-Lock Brakes | 4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs) |
Forward Collision Warning | |
Blind Spot Sensor | |
Lane Departure Warning | |
Autonomous Cruise Control | |
Pedestrian Detection | |
Driver Attention Alert | |
Daytime Running Lights | |
Auto High Beams | |
Adaptive Headlights | |
Parking Sensors | |
Security Systems | Security System |
Panic Alarm | |
Ignition Disable | Immobilizer |
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles | 36 Months / 36,000 Miles |
Major Components Months | 60 Months / 60,000 Miles |
Included Maintenance Months | |
Roadside Assistance Months | |
Corrosion Perforation | 60 Months / Unlimited Miles |
Accessories Months | 96 Months / 80,000 Miles |
Used 1997 Toyota Previa for Sale
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