Overview & Reviews

New fabric debuts on the two-door RAV, and a sunroof is finally available on the four-door. Improvements have also been made by using sound-deadening material in the dash area, reducing engine noise in the passenger compartment.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 37.00

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned. . . - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By Janet Wimmer - November 5 - 10:53 pm

  Purchased the RAV new in 1997. Had the brakes replaced twice, timing belt once as routine and nothing else besides ongoing maintenance. Drives beautifully in all weather conditions. Im a small person (5"2") and love the way I can see and maneuver in this SUV. Gas mileage is great. At over 208,000 miles, it continues to be quiet, smooth and very dependable. I will drive it until it dies! Id purchase another RAV in a heartbeat.

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  Excellent car - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By Paati - June 7 - 4:50 am

  I have my four door auto for seven years and I have yet to be disappointed by it. A lady at my local plant nursery has been dogging me to sell it to her after seeing what I packed into it over the years and how it has held up. It is going to go to my daughter since KBB does not even come close to giving it a value worthy of its abilities. If you are in the market for one buy it and dont wrangle because it will be gone very quickly.

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  rav 4 thumbs up! - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By chicken - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I am a college student and I have owned my Rav-4 for 4 years now. I have had no problems with it whatsoever! It gets great gas mileage, is the perfect size, and drives really well. At 6.5 years old, my rav-4 has never broken down nor had any mechanical problems. It is a good buy!

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  Would Buy it Again - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By MC - June 18 - 7:50 am

  I fell in love with this car before I even bought it. It just looked like it was fun to drive. I live in Florida but have driven it to Texas and New York. The drives were very comfortable and I didnt feel like I was driving a small vehicle. Even drove it during a snow storm and it handled great. Since its raised a little you have good visibility all around. Mine is a manual 4-speed. Ive never had any mechanical problems with it - I do have regular maintenance from a trusted Toyota mechanic (not the dealership) Ive already decided that if I ever need any major work done Ill pay to have it done before I buy another car.

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  Excellent quality - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By Ray - May 19 - 10:06 pm

  Had this car for over 13 years. No mechanical defects and 270,000 miles. Usually got around 28 mpg. It didnt have the pep that some later models had but it always got me where I needed to go.

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  Love My RAV4! - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By Kerrie - December 1 - 3:10 pm

  Ive owned this 97 RAV4 for seven years and it still runs like the first day I bought it! I really love how it handles, very responsive for an SUV, like an extension of my body... great on gas, excellent visual access (no blind spots!), and so reliable! (Well, it IS a Toyota!) No problems, have just kept up the servicing and off I go... into the California Sunset!

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  A great car to drive - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By Felicia - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving it for more than a year and it hasnt given me a single problem. It a great car for travelling as well great storage space.

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  great small suv 140,000 and going strong - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By mes - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Rav4 new and it has been a great car. I put lots of miles on and am a demenading driver. The only repairs I have needed are brakestires and a new battery. I also use it to tow a small trailer and have been very happy with the performance. I plan to drive it well past 200,000 miles. It doesnt rattle or shake and is a very sturdy car. My only complaint is that it sometimes seems loud inside, but I think this is becasue of the AWD. This was a terrible winter here (lots of snow) and the AWD performed great!. This is the best erpforming car I have ever owned.

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  Ravioli Returns - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By Tab - March 12 - 5:13 pm

  This is my 2nd Rav, first was 5 speed, I sold it and regretted so I bought an auto. Stick shift needs another gear for sure, tachs at about 3k at 60 mph, but hey it never let me down the 3 years I owned it. Now the auto is better but for a 4 cylinder and its get up it should do better ( 23 city ). I love it, awesome in the snow, rain any weather. Would buy another, I am a Honda lover also. Auto shifts so smooth you almost dont feel it.

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  Great vehicle - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By eeeg - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Reliable, efficient, easy...nearly perfect