The year is 1983.
Chrysler has just introduced America to the minivan, and it's a smash hit. Toyota, somewhat misreading the American market, introduces the LiteAce, which had been popular in Japan. Though surprisingly comparable to Chrysler's minivans in terms of performance and quite a bit cheaper, the Toyota LiteAce (sold simply as the Toyota Van in North America) was also noticeably smaller. Being an import didn't do much to help it, either. Most people understandably spend the extra money on the Chryslers for extra cargo space and parts that would be readily available. Two years later, Ford introduces the Aerostar minivan to compete with Chrysler's mighty Caravan, Town & Country, and Voyager. Toyota continues to sell the unpopular Van, and sales drop even further.

The year is now 1990. 
Toyota finally kills the Van, and replaces it with something magnificent: the model year 1991 Previa, also known as the Toyota Estima in Japan and the Toyota Tarrago in Australia.

Personally I love the styling, but I know that may not be your thing. It's definitely 90s, with some "spaceship" and "jellybean" thrown in. Bear with me here though, because that's not the best part about this van.

For whatever reason, I'm not even sure Toyota themselves know why, the Previa is mid-engined. Well, front-mid engine. Not the standard style of mid-engine, but the entire drivetrain rests between the axles so it still counts. The Previa's inline four engine is mounted at a 75 degree angle, nearly sideways, underneath the front row of seats with the transmission trailing behind. This layout, similar to that of the Mazda RX-7, results in a vehicle with a perfect 50-50 weight distribution. Additionally, it gives the Previa the lowest center of gravity of any minivan ever. Completely unnecessary for a vehicle that will never see a racetrack, but totally awesome.



The original 135 hp engine setup proved inadequate, so in 1994 the option of a supercharger was added, boosting power to 158 hp. This was comparable to Dodge's V6, though the Previa was heavier than the Caravan. Unfortunately, the addition of the supercharger removed the option of a 5-speed manual transmission. Can't have all the fun, I guess. The supercharger became standard equipment for 1996 and 1997. Rear-wheel drive was standard, while "All-Trac" all-wheel drive was an option.

I don't know if it's just me, but the idea of a mid-engined, supercharged minivan is just so absurd that it's amazing. I have seriously been considering one of these for my next vehicle.

Anyway, it'll probably be another 3 years before I post in this blog again. Keep it real.