Overview & Reviews

Toyota's SUV receives minor changes. The most noticeable is the addition of the 2WD Limited to the model lineup. SR5 models receive new interior fabrics.

• Great looks and ground-pounding performance make the 4Runner an ideal choice for people who love the great outdoors as well as those who just want to look like they do.

• Steep price and choppy highway ride temper our enthusiasm for this otherwise outstanding truck.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 90.00

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  A Great Buy - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4RunnerEcstasy - May 23 - 8:50 pm

  I purchased this 4Runner on eBay. I then flew to California to pick it up and drove it back to Chicago! At the time of purchase it had 242400(!) miles but the truck drove well and it had no problem crossing the continent at the average speed of 75 mph. The one-touch 4WD is very neat but havent got chance to test its limit. Cant wait for the Chicago snow. The engine at below 70 mph is very quiet and strong. But the wind noise is very interfering. CD down, sun roof does not open, but antenna goes up and down. A/C cold. 3 weeks, so far as good! Wait for my follow-up reviews every year! I am going to test out how many miles can my 4Runner really go before it collapses.

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  solid vehicle - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By John T. - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned the vehicle since it was new and it has proven to be 100% reliable. Other than normal wear & tear Ive only had to replace the rear window wiper motor.

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  Best SUV Ever? - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Barry Bumm - April 1 - 9:33 am

  I bought this vehicle used with 98,000 miles. It has been a machine! Routine maintenance, tires, brakes,and the timing belt and water pump replaced at 100,000 and 200,000 miles. Electric antenna has gone out twice. This has been hands down the best vehicle I have ever owned. Gas mileage with V-8 has been 18 avg with 23 on interstate. Great off road as well. I will miss this as I am handing it off to my daughter as she heads to college. Im sure it will have a good time too!

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  Keeps on ticking - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By VDA - February 16 - 7:16 am

  I have been the owner for this car for the past 12 years and have spent less than $1000.00 total in repairs (excluding routine tune-ups, tires and oil changes). This car is amazing, never breaks down. It has 140K miles and is still going strong. Great investment. Very comfortable ride.

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  PA salt killed my frame - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By brian. - September 29 - 3:13 am

  1997 4Runner SR5 4WD. Bought it 7 yrs old with 103K miles. Replaced antisway bar link a year later and noticed a lot of new frame surface rust. 5 years since i bought it the frame rusted through. What a shame, it was a typical strong, solid Toyota. It would have run for 100K or more no problem.

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  My 2nd 4-Runner since 1990 - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Romer Maiel - February 3 - 10:00 am

  As long as the 4-Runner sold in the states is made in Japan, I will buy it.

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  Wouldnt Recommend - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Turner - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Dont trust everything you read in Conumer reports about this SUV. I purchase my 1997 4runner in August 2002. Vehicle had 57,000 miles and was a Toyota "Certified" Used Vehicle. Two months later I noticed a heavy shimmy when I applied the brakes between 40 and 50 MPH. Then on cold mornings the transmission wouldnt shift into drive until the engine warmed up. Took it to my dealer, $800...!! to replace front rotors and rear brake drum which had cracked (still under Certified warranty but brake parts not covered). Tech couldnt figure out why the transmission wont shift when cold...

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned - 42 years - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By thedadlord - July 17 - 2:50 am

  I paid $26,000 for mine new in 1997. I have over 198,000 miles now. The ride is a little unsettled, its better with a full load. Handling and steering is 2nd to none. I relocated the oil filter to the inner fender well with a bypass kit. I installed a hood deflector. I also installed a makeshift stainless steel screen inside the grill to stop damage to the radiator from road debris and bugs. The only repair Ive needed are the head gasket went out under the extended warranty. Also the front brake line cracked from fatigue after a mounting bolt rusted thru. Michelin LTX M+S are the tires of choice for this vehicle. I still have the original shocks, exhaust system, alternator, starter.

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  Great truck, not-so-great mpg, Good buy! - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Maki - February 24 - 6:16 am

  My first SUV. Bought it with 69K miles, now has 73K. Love the styling in and out, though THE FRONT CUPHOLDERS ARE HORRIBLE!!! Everyone complains about them because theyre in an awful location and they vibrate! Im planning to retrofit the newer 4Runner cupholders as others have done. Other than that, its a great truck! No problems whatsoever. Just change oil/filter every 3K and add gas, you can go anywhere. I take it snowboarding every weekend, drives great in the weather though I use chains in the snow...no 4WD. This car is a classic example of Toyota quality and no-nonsense styling. Toyota covered all of its bases, except the aforementioned cupholders and a little lack of grunt.

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  97 4 Runner - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By ntaylor - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Solid, reliable, and dependable. Tows boat with ease. Fits in garage ( Ford Expedition may not). Leather seats easy to clean.