With a unique engine layout, the Toyota Previa was one of the weirdest minivans on the market.
While mounting the engine in the middle instead of the front of the vehicle put more weight over the rear tires and provided more traction, the Previa was equipped with an underpowered engine, as larger units did not fit.

As the Americans were used to large engines and power, the Previa was not among their favorite minivans. The 2.4-liter engine developed only 135 hp, and for a car that could accommodate up to 8 people, it was simply not enough.

Brought to life to replace the Toyota Van, the Toyota Previa was available with a rear-wheel or an all-wheel-drive system.

The Toyota Previa was available with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic gearbox.

Depending on the market, the minivan offered seating for 7 or 8 people, with three seating configurations available. In North America, the Previa was not offered the 8-passenger seat configuration.

Having the unusual engine layout, the Previa had a low nose, thus allowing tremendous front visibility for all occupants.

The minivan had either front discs with rear drum brakes or 4-wheel disc brakes.

If Toyota hoped to beat Dodge at their own game, well, they didn’t manage to do it.