1997 Toyota 4Runner Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
After a complete redesign in 1996, the 1997 Toyota 4Runner...
After a complete redesign in 1996, the 1997 Toyota 4Runner remained primarily unchanged. A new 2WD Limited V6 model was available, and leather trim was now available on all SR5's in addition to being standard on the Limited.
The base engine remained the 2.4-liter I4, while the 3.4-liter V6 rated at 183 horsepower remained the optional power motor. It has higher ground clearance than its competitors (Jeep Cherokee, Chevy Blazer, etc.), yet has many of the car-like luxuries that 4Runner owners have come to expect, such as an available moon roof and intelligently designed instrument panel.
Reviewers have continued to knock the power and gas mileage of the vehicle, while they praise its reliability and roominess.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 1997 Toyota 4Runner are very happy with their vehicles, praising its reliability, performance, and fuel economy. They love how it handles well in various weather conditions, especially snow, and appreciate the minimal maintenance required over the years. However, some drivers noted that fuel consumption could be a downside compared to newer models. Despite this, many see the 4Runner as a great investment that remains sturdy and fun to drive even after years of use."
Purchased new from Toyota dealership in May 1997. Very reliable, gets decent gas mileage for a late model SUV. Good hauling capacity. Great traveling vehicle. The steering is tight and more like a car than a truck. She's getting some miles on her now (currently 118,000) but still going strong. Recently bought new tires and it still drives like the day I drove it off the lot. With continued TLC, I'm hoping for another 15 years out of it
July 10, 2012This car has quick and precise handling, easy acceleration and you can whip right into parking space as if it was a car. You will be pleased to know that even at 14years old, this car requires minimum maintenance or repairs. Car still starts right up and runs smoothly. AC blows cold and cover the back area well. The appearance is traditional and even a 97 model with new wheels and tires looks great. SUV has solid craftmanship. The cost of gas beats any SUV now on the market - up to 25MPG. The SUV is great for school and sports moms. Great for traveling on just a great for a round about town SUV. I love love this vehicle!!
June 5, 2011To me, it is one of those cars that do not de-value in it's likeability. At 106K miles, it still looks cool, rides tough and I feel safe with my family in it. I've only made few repairs and no major problems. I paid $32K in 1997 and feel it was a very good investment.
September 11, 2007What owners say
Purchased new from Toyota dealership in May 1997. Very reliable, gets decent gas mileage for a late model SUV. Good hauling capacity. Great traveling vehicle. The steering is tight and more like a car than a truck. She's getting some miles on her now (currently 118,000) but still going strong. Recently bought new tires and it still drives like the day I drove it off the lot. With continued TLC, I'm hoping for another 15 years out of it
July 10, 2012This car has quick and precise handling, easy acceleration and you can whip right into parking space as if it was a car. You will be pleased to know that even at 14years old, this car requires minimum maintenance or repairs. Car still starts right up and runs smoothly. AC blows cold and cover the back area well. The appearance is traditional and even a 97 model with new wheels and tires looks great. SUV has solid craftmanship. The cost of gas beats any SUV now on the market - up to 25MPG. The SUV is great for school and sports moms. Great for traveling on just a great for a round about town SUV. I love love this vehicle!!
June 5, 2011To me, it is one of those cars that do not de-value in it's likeability. At 106K miles, it still looks cool, rides tough and I feel safe with my family in it. I've only made few repairs and no major problems. I paid $32K in 1997 and feel it was a very good investment.
September 11, 2007awesome vehicle - you can never go wrong w a 4runner!!!
March 21, 2008overall its a great car only downfall was the gas. Performance was great raced many sports cars and won. great car to have during the snow season, fun car to drive day or night. will get one again in the future
June 17, 2012no major problems starts great and hvac is the best.
January 21, 2008I love my 4Runner. It has NEVER let me down in any weather. What a perfect vehicle! It can blow a Jeep away in a heartbeat! And ground clearance.....nothing is better! It's so much FUN to drive. Plus, she gets great gas mileage!
December 10, 2009230K miles and still going strong. This is my 2nd 4runner and I'm getting ready for the 3rd one, exept this one still doesn't want to quit. If you are looking for a reliable SUV, that is not too expensive and not too fancy, this is the one you will never regret buying. I can promise you that. I've been on just about every road with this car and it has never let me down. I bought this SUV with 35K miles and after 200K miles driven, the engine still runs smooth and strong, as well as the automatic transmition, everything still works as the first day I drove it. It has all the basic features for today's standards. The 4runner is not a performance SUV, so don't expect it to run like a sports vehicle; this boy is built for reliability and rock solid durability.
February 10, 2009my 1997 Toyota 4 runner. Great SUV, I love it in the snow and not so friendly weather, or just playin in the mudd. 138 thousand and still going strong
December 30, 2007I like this ride as a all around get around. Its not to big but its not so small that it has a weeny engine. Mine puts out 200 horses and will tow 5000 lbs. Perfect car for my lovely wife. Around 23 mpg on th h way makes it a alright tripmobile
March 30, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $22,518 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 44.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $31,998 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 44.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $20,408 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 44.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $25,098 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 44.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $26,228 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 44.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $34,328 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 44.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
