2000 TOYOTA Previa 2.0 D4-D 5MT (116 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Toyota introduced the second generation of the Previa in 2000, but its main target was no longer the U.S. market, unlike its predecessor.

It was a significant change for the Japanese minivan. While the 1990 model featured a mid-engine and rear-wheel-drive configuration, its successor came with a front-engine front-wheel-drive setup. The MPV was mainly prepared for the European, Asian, and Australian markets. For the U.S. customers, Toyota offered the Sienna, which ended up being a safer car than the first Previa generation, but more prone to break on the roads. At least it provided a V-6.

From the exterior, Previa’s second-generation looked stunning for a minivan. It featured a steep front fascia, with an arched line that continued from the bottom of the grille, along with the hood and the gigantic windshield, and up to the roof. From there, the arched line continued a soft descending slope toward the rear roof spoiler. From its sides, the blackened side pillars left the impression of a floating roof. A pair of sliding doors made the ingress and egress easier to the car.

Inside, it offered room for up to eight people, but the best choice was the seven-seat version with middle captain seats that could rotate and slide back and forth. At the front, the car-like dashboard design featured a semi-hidden center-mounted instrument cluster, which could have been seen only by the driver. Toyota installed the audio and climate controls on the center stack’s upper side and a storage area at the bottom.

Under the hood, Toyota installed a choice of two engines: a 2.4-liter gasoline and a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel. The latter was the best choice for a long-distance runner since it provided outstanding fuel efficiency.