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When did Toyota start making vans?

Toyota, the renowned Japanese automaker, has been a dominant force in the global automotive industry for decades. However, its foray into the van market is a lesser-known chapter in the company's history. The Toyota van, a versatile and practical vehicle, has been a staple in many parts of the world, catering to the diverse needs of businesses and families alike.


The Origins of Toyota's Van Production


Toyota's venture into the van market can be traced back to the 1960s. The company's first van model, the Toyota Dyna, was introduced in 1959. This light-duty commercial vehicle was designed to meet the growing demand for reliable and efficient transportation solutions, particularly in the commercial and industrial sectors.


The Toyota Dyna was followed by the introduction of the Toyota Hiace in 1967. The Hiace, a larger and more versatile van, quickly gained popularity for its spacious interior, robust construction, and adaptability to various applications, from passenger transport to cargo hauling.


Expansion and Global Reach


As Toyota's van models gained traction in the domestic Japanese market, the company began to expand its van production and distribution to international markets. The Toyota Hiace, in particular, became a global success story, with its presence extending to Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.


The versatility and reliability of Toyota's van models, combined with the company's reputation for quality and innovation, contributed to their widespread adoption worldwide. Toyota's commitment to continuous improvement and customer-centric design further solidified its position as a leading manufacturer of vans in the global automotive landscape.


Adapting to Changing Needs


Over the years, Toyota has remained responsive to the evolving needs of van customers. The company has introduced various iterations and upgrades to its van models, incorporating advanced features, improved fuel efficiency, and enhanced safety standards. This adaptability has allowed Toyota to maintain its relevance and competitiveness in the van market, catering to the changing preferences and requirements of both commercial and personal users.


Today, Toyota's van lineup continues to be a significant part of the company's global product portfolio, serving as a testament to its ability to identify and address the transportation needs of diverse communities around the world.

What was the first minivan in 1983?


Dodge Caravan
Ultimately, the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager debuted in 1983 as vehicles that friends and family conveniently stepped into, like a car, rather than climbing up and into a full-size van. First models include Dodge Caravan, Dodge Caravan C/V and Plymouth Voyager…



What was the 80s Toyota van called?


Toyota MasterAce Surf



What replaced the Toyota Previa?


Toyota Sienna
In the United States, the Previa was sold from 1991 to 1997. In 1997 it was replaced by the Toyota Sienna.



What is the name of the small Toyota van?


Every job counts. Deliver your best day after day with the Proace City, the compact van with big ambitions. Driven by technology, it features seamless connectivity and an advanced electric powertrain option.



Did Toyota make a minivan?


Toyota Sienna
Three-zone automatic climate control, a choice between second-row captains chairs or available Split & Stow 3rd Row® seats, and power sliding side doors round out a Toyota minivan that's crafted for comfort.



What year did the Toyota van come out?


In 1985, Toyota offered the Van in both passenger and cargo configuration.



What was the Toyota van before the Sienna?


In 1997, Toyota launched the front-wheel drive 1998 model year Sienna in the North American market as a replacement for the mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive Previa.



When did Toyota stop making the Sienna?


2011 – 2020 Toyota Sienna (XL30 3rd Generation)



What is the smallest Toyota made today?


Toyota Aygo
The smallest Toyota car currently available is the Toyota Aygo.



Why was the Toyota Previa discontinued?


While the Previa proved more popular than the Toyota Van which it replaced, it did not acquire significant market share from Chrysler—due to its higher price, controversial styling (for its time), lower fuel economy and engine performance—and also due to Chrysler launching redesigned minivans around the same time.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.