Scouting, Volume 85, Number 2, March-April 1997 Page: 42
58, [32] p. : ill. (some col.) ; 28 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
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1997 TOYOTA PREVIA
The Previa sets itself apart from other mini-
vans in its unusual rear-drive, mid-engine
layout and its space-age appearance. Inside and
out, the Previa looks more futuristic than any
other minivan on the market.
But that doesn't mean everyone likes the
design.
In fact, some test drivers didn't care for the
futuristic appearance at all. One family noted it
felt as if they were driving around in a fishbowl.
Another said it was too "spaceship-looking."
The Cub Scout-age set, however, said the
Toyota had "the coolest" look of all the mini-
vans. They were often observed behind the
wheel of the parked vehicle, pretending they
were driving along the freeways of the next
century.
Test drivers felt the Previa had a top-heavy
feel while driving, due to its height and high
center of gravity. Others, however, noted the
Previa had an advantage over many other mini-
vans with all-wheel drive available as an option.
The Previa is imported from Japan and has
suffered from "price creeping." Toyota has been
forced to raise Previa prices due to the strength-
ening of the Japanese yen against the U.S. dollar.
This fall, Toyota plans to introduce a new,
front-wheel-drive minivan. Based on Toyota's
best-selling Camry, the 1998 model appears to
be far more traditional in design.
carry more people and more gear
longer distances," said Oberlee,
who has taken Scouts on expedi-
tions as extensive as a weeklong,
1,400-mile, round-trip canoe out-
ing to Minnesota.
The Oberlee family minivan, a
1993 model, has already racked
up 143,000 miles; its predecessor
logged more than 100,000 miles
before retirement.
Likewise, Paul and Debra
Hartman of White Lake, Mich.,
who have two sons and a daugh-
ter in Scouting, have a minivan
which often is pressed into ser-
vice for Scout outings. These can
vary from an afternoon visit to a
local nature preserve to a week-
end trip.
"Our troop has taken some
long trips—to Dayton, Ohio, for
camping at an Air Force base
and to Dorchester, Ontario, for
a major event involving 5,000
Scouts," said Hartman.
The Hartmans' minivan,
which can carry up to seven
boys, offers more versatility
than other vehicles, like station
wagons. Removing some seats
makes room for two boys as well
Type: Front-engine, front-
wheel-drive, 7-passenger
minivan
(Top) Venture offers separate
audio controls for passengers
in the middle-row seats. (Above)
Minivans are great vacation
vehicles for destinations such
as Walt Disney World's Wilder-
ness Lodge Resort. (Above,
right) The Chevrolet Venture
debuts with the 1997 model.
Powertrain: 3.4-liter, 180-
horsepower V-6 engine with a
four-speed automatic trans-
mission.
Fuel economy: 18 miles per
gallon city/25 miles per gallon
highway.
Dimensions: Wheelbase—
120 inches (long wheelbase
version), overall length—200.9
inches, curb weight—3,792
pounds.
Price: Base price (long
wheelbase version)—$23,269;
price typically equipped—
approximately $25,000.
Safety features: Dual air
42
Scouting March-April 1997
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Boy Scouts of America. Scouting, Volume 85, Number 2, March-April 1997, periodical, March 1997; Irving, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth353563/m1/76/: accessed April 24, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Boy Scouts of America National Scouting Museum.