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 21 through 30 of 37.00

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  Long term relationship - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By IAM - November 20 - 2:00 am

  We have had this car since 1997, its reliability performance & style have all withstood the test of time. It rides today like it did 9 years ago.

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  Rav4 - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By ndrav - June 13 - 10:00 am

  The rav tends to be a ok car for what you pay for. Very loud on the road and has developed a lot of sqeakes and rattles. Underpowered and anemic when trying to pass. Gas mileage varys between 18 to 25. Car has a tendency to eat windshilds 1 per 15k miles avg. Mechanical reliablility has not been particularly good averageing between 1500 and 2k dollars a year in maint. Car currently has 170k miles on it and it will not be makeing 200k without a major engine overhaul. Decent offroad capability and hard to beat on snow and ice.

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  Burning oil like crazy at 100K - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By kimby - April 6 - 10:00 am

  oil burning began at 76K. At 100K looking at $3800 motor replacement. Car has been maintained (oil changes, tuneups) BEFORE required. Toyota cant explain it.

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  1997 Toyota Rav4 (auto 2.0l 4dr) - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By panowak2 - August 28 - 8:22 pm

  I owned this 6yr. old / 57000mi. Rav4 for 5 years, used it for USPS duty for 2 years. It had decent engine performance, but got worse in higher gears. Overall seating package was not very good, with awkward rear access coupled with poor thigh support made it uncomfortable for taller peoples. Gas mileage was fairly poor at about 22 mpg. overall; never got above 24 mpg. Traction on ice and snow was bad as can be for 4wd. Rear trunk room was good, as was overall reliability and materials quality. Engine and transmission usually were flawless. Almost no body rust at 11 yrs. old. Tire wear was a bit excessive over time, and getting tires for it was very expensive.

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  The BUV - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By woo2 - February 3 - 10:00 am

  Purchased to drive our bassets. Basset UV. It is wonderful, fun to drive and perfect for that. Took it over a CRV because it has the manual transmission. But it is just what I was looking for.

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

  Reliable, efficient, easy...nearly perfect

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  I loved that car - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By I loved that car - December 7 - 1:56 am

  I bought this car used with only 6k mls. It was always very reliable, enough room, gas mileage great. I still own the car, although some idiot decided not to look before pulling out into the highway and hit me in the side, my rav rolled 4 times. I climbed out without many injuries, nothing broken. My car on the other hand looks a sight. Although to everyones surprise, it still runs. Wrecker man brought it to my house and parked it on the street. I told him I needed it in the driveway, so he got in it and DROVE it to the space I wanted it. Still quiet running, sounds great. I dont know what I will do with it, I know I am going to miss driving it.

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  A great car - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By Mary Ann2 - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Reliable, fun, no frills, economical SUV.

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  LOVE my 1997 RAV4 - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By teresa31 - May 13 - 9:57 pm

  I purchased my 97 Rav4 14 years ago with approximately 30,000 miles on it. Today it has 103,000 miles and is still going strong. The paint looks fantastic. The sunroof has never leaked. Seats still look great. It isnt a "peppy" driving vehicle but it is the most reliable car that Ive ever owned. It goes in ANY weather. The amount of storage with the seats down is unbelievable. In 14 years the only repair (other than scheduled maintenance) has been to replace the oil pump. Since they had to pull the motor I had all belts replaced at that time (at approx. 85,000 miles). Ive test driven a few newer vehicles with all the bells and whistles, but they dont compare to my 16 year old Toyota.

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  1997 toyota rav4, 5spd. manual, 2WD - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By mustafa - January 29 - 10:00 am

  It is fun to drive. Nice body styling. Shifts a little rough. Good gas milage. Could have a better AM/FM Casette.