Toyota Previa

The Toyota Previa is an MPV or multi-purpose vehicle (known as a minivan in North America) manufactured by Toyota since 1990. The Toyota Previa, also known as the Toyota Estima in Japan, and Toyota Tarago in Australia. The name "Previa" is taken from the Spanish and Italian for "preview," as Toyota saw the first Previa as a vehicle that would preview technologies used in future minivans.

The first generation started from 1990 to 1999. The first generation, designed by Toyota designer Tokuo Fukuichi and Calty designer David Doyle in 1987. It was launched on 27 January 1990. It had only one sliding side door for the rear passengers. It included a unique mid-engined platform, where the inline four cylinders gasoline-powered engine was installed almost flat (at a 75-degree angle), beneath the front seats.

The second generation started from 2000 to 2005. A new dynamically designed front wheel drive second generation replaced the first generation Previa. The second generation Previa had a slightly longer wheelbase (2900 mm) and was both narrower (1790 mm) and lower (1770 mm) than the first one; it switched to FF layout and was based on the Camry platform.

The third generation started from 2006 to present. The third generation was launched in 2006 in the Japanese and Australian markets as Estima and Tarago, respectively, and as Previa elsewhere. Features include an available second-generation Hybrid Synergy Drive drivetrain (only in Japanese markets), automatic parallel and back-in parking (only on Toyota Estima), track-mounted second-row reclining seats with footrests, and power-folding split third-row seats (for seven-seater models). It was facelifted in 2009.