Why did Toyota discontinue the Previa?
Toyota discontinued the Previa minivan in 2005 after a 12-year production run. The Previa was known for its unique mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive design, but it ultimately failed to gain widespread popularity in the minivan market.
Reasons for Discontinuing the Previa
There were several key factors that led Toyota to discontinue the Previa:
- Declining Sales - The Previa struggled to compete with more conventional front-wheel-drive minivans from rivals like Honda, Chrysler, and Ford. Its sales declined steadily over the years, falling from a high of over 50,000 units in 1993 to just 12,000 in 2004.
- Outdated Design - The Previa's mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout was unique but also more complex and expensive to produce compared to the front-wheel-drive minivans that were becoming the industry standard.
- Lack of Cargo Space - The Previa's unusual engine placement reduced its cargo and passenger capacity compared to competitors, making it less practical for many minivan buyers.
- Safety Concerns - The Previa's high center of gravity and rear-wheel-drive configuration raised some safety concerns, especially in emergency maneuvers. This was a growing issue as safety became a bigger priority for minivan buyers.
Ultimately, Toyota decided the Previa's niche design was no longer viable in the highly competitive minivan market, leading them to discontinue the model in favor of the more conventional Sienna minivan.
The Rise of the Sienna
The Previa was replaced by the Toyota Sienna, which debuted in 1998. The Sienna featured a more traditional front-wheel-drive layout and offered greater cargo and passenger capacity. It quickly became one of Toyota's best-selling models, helping the company maintain a strong presence in the minivan segment even as the Previa faded away.
The discontinuation of the Previa was part of Toyota's broader strategy to streamline its product lineup and focus on models that could better compete with the market leaders. While the Previa had its fans, its unique design and declining sales made it an increasingly difficult model to justify keeping in production.
How long will a Toyota Previa last?
What is Toyota Previa lifespan? The estimated lifespan of a Toyota Previa is 247,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit.
What was the last year of the Toyota Previa?
The Toyota Previa (also called Toyota Estima in Japan or Toyota Tarago in Australia) was a multi-purpose automobile (called a "minivan" in North America) that was made by Toyota since 1990. In the United States, the Previa was sold from 1991 to 1997. In 1997 it was replaced by the Toyota Sienna.
What Toyota has the longest life expectancy?
Top 30 Vehicles Most Likely To Last 250,000+ Miles
| Rank | Model | Chance of lasting 250k miles |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toyota Tundra | 36.6% |
| 2 | Toyota Sequoia | 36.4% |
| 3 | Toyota 4Runner | 26.8% |
| 4 | Toyota Tacoma | 26.7% |
What was special about the Toyota Previa?
One of Toyota's goals was to build "the sports car of minivans," which is what motivated the company to pursue a mid-engine-rear-drive layout. That scheme lends the Previa a low center of gravity, reduces the polar moment of inertia, and distributes weight evenly.
Why did they stop making Toyota Previa?
Known for its egg-shaped design, the Toyota Previa was sold in the US and overseas markets in the early 1990s. However, due to stiff competition from the Chrysler Town and Country, Dodge Caravan, and others, the Previa was discontinued in 1997.
What is Toyota's most unreliable car?
5 Least Reliable Toyota Models You Should Avoid (with a Smile)
- Toyota C-HR - The Crossover That Couldn't Crossover.
- Toyota Prius c - Small Car Big Problems.
- Toyota Yaris iA - The Subcompact That Subconsciously Annoys.
- Toyota Tundra (2007-2013) - The Truck That Didn't Quite Truck.
What replaced the Previa?
Sienna
The United States version of the Previa was discontinued after the 1997 model year, replaced by the more traditionally designed, front-wheel drive, US-designed and built, Camry-based Sienna.
Why was the Previa discontinued?
As minivan preferences shifted towards front-wheel-drive models like the Chrysler Town & Country and Toyota's own Sienna, the Previa's unique mid-engine layout became a harder sell. Production of the Previa for the U.S. ceased after the 1997 model year, as Toyota introduced the more conventional Sienna to replace it.
What is the rarest car of Toyota?
This mega SUV is the rarest production vehicle ever made by Toyota. Toyota's answer to the Americans' off-road mammoth, the Hummer, has been launched. First shown in Tokyo a few years ago, the Mega Cruiser has all the brute force and subtlety of its American rival.
What is the common problem of Toyota Previa?
A common issue on the Previa is for the arm rests to become loose. When they become very loose, they will not stand up when you try to move them out of the way. Instead they will fall straight back down.
