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 11 through 20 of 37.00

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  97 RAV 4 - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By weber - November 16 - 1:43 am

  One less thing to worry about with our daughter away from home at college. The RAV just does not fail. Other than standard brakes/oil/tires, no repairs in 84000 miles. Paint stays rust free, shines with a wax job. Not going to light em up at the raceway, but will always get there.

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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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  UNDER POWERED BIG TIME - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By stargazer32 - April 7 - 2:00 am

  This SUV has been reliable the gas milage varies 21-25 avg. It is very noisy when the engines revs high going up hills the trans works hard with many down shifts as the engine comes within a 100 RPMs of redline, very under powered.

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  Rav 4 AWD - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By Adel - February 24 - 2:00 am

  NOT BAD , POOR ON GAS BUT FUN TO DRIVE

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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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  I will sorely miss this car! - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By Judy - November 28 - 3:53 pm

  I bought this vehicle new in 1997 and never regretted a day of driving it. Sporty little number that always turned heads - Ive had several people want to buy it but of course I turned them down. I kept it maintained but in the end (July 2008), I didnt pay attention to oil leakage and the engine died. I went to several auto mechanics (personal friends) and was willing to pay $2500 to get another engine but decided after driving it for eleven years that I didnt want to take the chance (on expert advice) that another engine could fail in six months. Annoys me that had I paid attention, I could still be driving it another five years!

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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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  RAV is a dependable car! - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By Lainie - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Got my 97 RAV used in 99. Ive only had to replace brakes in 2001 and from there, just regular maintenance. I rarely seem to see them for sale used, so I think there are several happy customers out there...

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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.