Overall Rating |  |
The long-running Previa still gives more modern people carriers some serious competition, although it was originally too expensive for many family buyers. It's dependable, well built and very spacious.
For
- Roomy interior; eight seats in most versions
- Toyota reliability, durability and longevity
- Uncluttered body styling is ageing gracefully
Against
- Still expensive compared to some rivals
- Only one rear side door
- Quite a lot of cars don?t have air con
Road Test
Previa is impressive. It's not just its size - a foot longer and four inches taller than the early Nineties Espace. It's the styling - elegantly curves blending into large areas of glass. It looks sleekly efficient, adding appeal to Previa's flexibly generous capacity.
The cabin is long thanks to Previa's under-floor engine layout. Most models are eight seaters; the centre and rear rows are comfortable for all but large adults. The top GX has seven seats; twin centre seats are roomier and also swivel. GX is also the only version with standard air con - desirable, as the interior heats up quickly on sunny days.
The four cylinder 2.4 petrol engine gets thirsty when driven hard but is refined at cruising speeds. Beware of turbodiesels: these are 'grey' imports, Japanese Estima or Lucida.
Previa is nimble on the move and rides smoothly despite some body roll. It?s a bit bulky when parking.
Need To Know
NCAP: Not tested
Best Models: 2.4 GX 7-seater
Worst Models: Basic 2.4 to late 1993
Replacement: by current generation Previa in 2000
Alternatives
|
Star Ratings
Handling Comfort Quality & Reliability  Performance Roominess Running Costs Value for Money Stereo/Sat Nav  |
|
|
|
|
