1996 Toyota Previa Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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For 1996, Toyota eliminated the less powerful engine and only offered the Previa with the supercharged engine. Compared to American made minivans’ V6 engines, however, the Previa was still far less powerful than its competitors. Because of the engine’s position under the front seats, the Previa was unable to accommodate a larger engine.
The 1996 Previa came in four trims: the DLX, the DLX AllTrac, the LE, and the LE AllTrac. All shared a supercharged 2.4-liter, 161-horsepower four-cylinder engine. Fuel economy was about 17/21 mpg. The 1996 Previa sat seven people, and had the option of captains’ chairs in the second row instead of a bench. The last row of seats could be pinned to the sides of the car to create more cargo space.
The 1996 Previa is well liked because it offers more room than many other minivans; owners claim that even the third seat is roomy enough for adults. The front seats also offered plenty of legroom, and with the second row captains’ seats, the minivan is comfortable for passengers of all sizes. Those who still drive them today wish they had more modern features, like dual sliding doors, and many complain that the engine is not powerful enough for such a large vehicle. Because of the location of the engine, owners say repairs can be expensive.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1996 Toyota Previa
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by Anonymous
Dec 20, 2012
I always wanted a Previa when they were new. The cost @ $25,000 in 1990-91 was far too high. I managed a used one in 2005 @ $7,900. That may seem high but it was a good investment. very happy. Engineering is first rate. I wish there was a hybrid version f this.Dec 20, 2012
by Mike R
Jun 30, 2009
Amazing handling for a minivan! Comfortable and reliable. Some squeeks that were irritating, expensive to run and maintain. But great for a (wealthy) family of 7! Excellent in ice and snow too, due to mid engine design. Heavy on tyres!Jun 30, 2009
by Ravi D
Mar 06, 2008
This has got to be the worst car I have ever driven. Yes, even worse than the PT CruiserMar 06, 2008
User rating:
by Anonymous
Dec 20, 2012
I always wanted a Previa when they were new. The cost @ $25,000 in 1990-91 was far too high. I managed a used one in 2005 @ $7,900. That may seem high but it was a good investment. very happy. Engineering is first rate. I wish there was a hybrid version f this.Dec 20, 2012
by Mike R
Jun 30, 2009
Amazing handling for a minivan! Comfortable and reliable. Some squeeks that were irritating, expensive to run and maintain. But great for a (wealthy) family of 7! Excellent in ice and snow too, due to mid engine design. Heavy on tyres!Jun 30, 2009
by Ravi D
Mar 06, 2008
This has got to be the worst car I have ever driven. Yes, even worse than the PT CruiserMar 06, 2008
by Anonymous
Sep 08, 2007
With 161 hp the Previa s/c is an excellent van that performs like a top car. Unfortunately, Toyota made limited editions of the s/c plus discontinued the Previa making parts very pricy.Sep 08, 2007
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1996 Toyota Previa Pricing
Original MSRP
$24,738 to $32,618Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
OEM roof height: undefined
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Third Row Seat
Type: 50-50 split bench
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
OEM roof height: undefined
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Third Row Seat
Type: 50-50 split bench
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: captains chairs
Roof
Moonroof: power · OEM roof height: undefined
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Third Row Seat
Type: 50-50 split bench
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
OEM roof height: undefined
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Third Row Seat
Type: 50-50 split bench
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent