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 31 through 37 of 37.00

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  RAV is the way to go - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By R. Gary - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I an very happy with my RAV4. My husband and I like to go off road and it has done better in some areas then his Jeep Comanche does. I have gone places in just the AWD that he has had to put his in four wheel for. Granted that it doesnt have the clearance that a truck has, but it is so much CUTER!!!

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  Excellent Value - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By Susan - July 30 - 7:00 pm

  I havent had any problems with my Rav4. The only work Ive had done is normal maintainance. The only things I dont like about the car is that it doesnt turn on a dime. It is a pretty wide turn and it is difficult if not impossible to u-turn on a two lane road. You will inevitably need to go off the road a bit. Other than that I love my Rav. It is really fun to drive, has good pick up and is very reliable.

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  I Love This Car - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By Olympia - June 25 - 11:56 pm

  Easy on gas, fun to drive, roomy, sporty and everything (almost) works well. Whats not to love? Even the paint looks great after 8 years (and no garage). I had a dead battery once, big deal. The biggest problem I have had were lame brain other drivers bumping into me in parking lots. The doors had bad problems with not wanting to open in the winter and one door lock stopped working altogether one summer (had to operate on it and fixed it). If that hadnt happened, I would have kept this car for ever. However, I am buying another one, so that shows you how much the positives outweigh the negatives.

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  It takes a licking and keeps on ticking - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By Kimbo873 - June 1 - 2:46 pm

  We live in Florida and my husband surfs the roof racks are great to hold his boards. We have put many,many miles over 202,000 and This car is still going. Love everything about this car.

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  RAVARATI? - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By Smoph - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Glad I have the manual transmission since its underpowered. Gas consumption isnt SUVish, but not as good as a 4cyl sedan. Can haul quite a bit of stuff, but it slides around alot (no stability in cargo area). I like that you sit higher than regular cars, but it doesnt drive like large SUV. Parks like a dream in the city. Best on city streets, country roads. Ok on the highway but a bit noisy. Ride isnt the best -- more trucklike than carlike. Fun to drive! Very handy for hauling smaller items, except golf clubs dont lay flat across trunk - one rear seat has to be folded up.

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  GAS GUZZLER - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By THOROUGHBRED - April 17 - 10:00 am

  THIS THING IS A LITTLE PORKER..I AM LOOKING FOR A HONDA CRV FOR BETTER MILEAGE.DOES ANYBODY HAVE ANY SUGGESTION FOR IMPROVING FROM 15-17 MILES PER GA.1997/4DOOR AWD?DOES TIRE SIZE MATTER?

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  Very reliable AWD car - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By Bill - April 5 - 9:00 pm

  I actually own 2 1997 RAV4s. These cars have been very economical and no problem mechanically. I am in the mountains of North Idaho where there is lots of snow and ice. They perform very well on all-season tires. I am now looking for a third RAV4 and I will pass the older model off to another child of mine.