The Toyota Previa (also known as the Toyota Estima in Japan and Toyota Tarago in Australia) is a minivan produced by Toyota from 1990 to 2019 across multiple generations.
Key Highlights
First Generation (1990–1999) — The most iconic and unusual
- Mid-engine layout: The engine was mounted under the front seats at a 75° angle to lower the floor and center of gravity
- Rear-wheel drive (or optional AWD)
- Supercharged option available (in the US, ~160 hp)
- Distinctive "egg-shaped" aerodynamic styling
- Seating for 7–8 passengers
- Known for car-like handling but polarizing looks and higher maintenance costs due to the unusual layout
Second Generation (2000–2006)
- Switched to a conventional front-engine, front-wheel drive layout
- Available with a 2.4L 4-cylinder or 3.5L V6 (in some markets)
- More conventional styling and better interior space
- Renamed Estima in Japan, Tarago in Australia
Later Generations (2006–2019)
- Continued mainly in Japanese and Asian markets as the Estima
- Hybrid variants introduced
- Discontinued in 2019 due to declining minivan demand
Why the Previa is Notable
- The first-gen is a cult classic among car enthusiasts for its quirky engineering (mid-engine + supercharger)
- Popular for van life / camper conversions due to its flat floor and reliability
- The 2TZ-FZE supercharged engine is sought after for its torque
Common Issues
- First-gen: Supercharger wear, head gasket issues, timing chain noise, difficult engine access for repairs
- Second-gen: Generally more reliable, but watch for transmission issues and rust
Are you looking for info on a specific generation, buying advice, or repair help?
