1997 Toyota Previa Review
1997 Toyota Previa Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful engine and unique shape.
Cons
- High price. All-new replacement is being introduced later this year. (Of course, that one doesn't have a supercharged engine.)
What’s new
The 2.4-liter supercharged engine received numerous improvements to reduce noise, vibration and harshness. Non-ABS models get larger brakes while all models received revised wheel covers. Two new colors added: Glacier Green Metallic and Deep Violet Pearl.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Toyota Previa DX All-Trac 3dr Minivan AWD and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$250/mo for Previa DX All-Trac
Previa DX All-Trac
vs
$178/mo
Avg. Compact Minivan
Vehicle overview
What runs on supercharged power, has available all-wheel drive, met 1997 passenger car side-impact standards six years early, is as reliable as a Retriever, and boasts one of the most uniquely attractive shapes on the road? A high-profile sports car? A concept vehicle from the early '90s? Give up? It's the Toyota Previa minivan. That's right. A minivan. And in addition to all of these fine attributes, the Previa adds dual airbags, comfortable seating for seven, optional antilock brakes, and up to 152.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
Toyota minivans come only with a supercharged engine this year; a wise move by product planners since the old base four-cylinder engine was a wheezemeister when it came to traversing anything with an incline. Previas are sold in DX or step-up LE trim, either rear-drive or with permanent All-Trac four-wheel drive.
Acceleration with the 161-horsepower, 2.4-liter supercharged engine is strong. However, it tends to be noisy, and gas mileage isn't the greatest. Worse yet, premium fuel is recommended. A four-speed automatic is the only transmission choice. The engine is mounted amidships, below the floor, but major service points are accessible from under the front hood. Although this is the Previa's last year, Toyota has tried to quiet down some of the engine racket with the addition of more sound deadening material.
Seven people sit in reasonable comfort, with a fair amount of cargo space out back. Either or both sides of the split rear seat folds outward against the bodysides for extra cargo-hauling capacity, while the two-passenger center seat can be removed completely. Swivel-recline captain's chairs can be installed instead, and two-wheel-drive LE Previas can have dual power moonroofs--that's right, a pair of openings to the sky. Standard LE fittings include power door locks and windows, as well as dual air conditioners.
Unlike some competitors, Previas exhibit a distinctively rounded profile--one of the first minivans to go with curvaceous lines rather than a boxy shape. Previas aren't exactly cheap, and lack a V6 engine option, but like other Toyotas, they provoke relatively few complaints from owners. Unfortunately, people haven't been buying the Previa fast enough to suit Toyota, so this will be its last year.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Toyota Previa.
5 star(79%)
4 star(21%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
29 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
Great minivan
rcd, 01/16/2010
1995 Toyota Previa LE 3dr Minivan w/Supercharger
Bought it used 3 yrs old with 39,000 mls on it. Now I got 196,000. After 12 yrs. of driving, kids grown, still love it. So far the major parts I change are the auxillary shaft and the catalytic converter which I need another one. Won't trade this van to the latest sienna or Odyssey. Love it much.
4.88 out of 5 stars
My Favorite Van Ever
Dennis, 11/13/2008
1997 Toyota Previa LE All-Trac 3dr Minivan AWD
I have owned lots of vans, and the Previa is far and away the best van I have ever owned. Build quality is unbelievable (it's a Toyota, stupid), handling is exemplary with the mid- engine and AWD. Fuel mileage is 19 mpg around town, with up to 24 on the highway. I'm a Toyota salesman, and I sold this van new to an engineer and bought it from the family after he passed away. I … constantly am amazed with the number of people who ask me if I want to sell it. Never is a hundred years.
5 out of 5 stars
Best car I have ever owned!
Tom Mullaney, 07/01/2009
1995 Toyota Previa DX All-Trac 3dr Minivan AWD w/Supercharger
No major problems in 177,00 miles. Mileage has been constant :18 in city 22 on highway. Very comfortable seats and flexible seating and easy removal for carrying bulky items: furniture etc.
4.25 out of 5 stars
Fun and reliable van
Hnn, 03/06/2003
1995 Toyota Previa DX 3dr Minivan w/Supercharger
The car is fun to drive due to its rwd.
Handling is very well for a tall
vehicle. Power is adequate, but
supposed to be much better than the non-
supercharged model. Nice big front
seats compared to the Siena. This car
runs and runs with little trouble even
at 160km. I even skipped all the minor
services. I can't think of an excuse
to sell it even it's old with 160 … km.
I think this model has a defected
muffler. Also, the infamous SAD
(Auxilary Drive) problem that make the
car vibrate during idling at the stop
lights. Toyota has a fix kit that cost
$200 instead of replacing the whole
thing for $1200.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 Toyota Previa, so we've included reviews for other years of the Previa since its last redesign.
1997 Previa Highlights
DX
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $236/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 32.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalPoor
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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