Overview & Reviews

The 1997 Toyota Tacoma receives several new value packages that make optioning the truck easier. A locking rear-wheel differential is now available on all 4WD models. Bucket seats can be had on all Xtracab Tacomas this year; not just the SR5. Two-wheel-drive models have new headlamps and a new grille that make the vehicle look more like the T100.

• Powerful, rugged, and reliable.

• Luke-warm about the revised styling. Dangerously close to full-size truck prices.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 48.00

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  No Problems - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By lrffe - July 29 - 10:00 am

  I have had my truck for nearly 5 years, I forget to get my oil changed and I dont get my tires rotated. I run my tank nearly on empty all the time, and I have never had anything go wrong. It does great in snow. The only maintenance I have done is get new tires, and added wind shield washer fluid. I dont even check the oil..the Air conditioner is always cold. It runs just like the day I got it. I will keep it forever.

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  Great truck - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By h20bugz - July 14 - 8:40 am

  This is the first truck I have ever owned. I drive it hard and it has made 4 cross country trips pulling a fully loaded u-haul. I am about to roll 200K and besides tires, oil and timing belts I have only had the brakes and the clutch master cylinder go out. I bought it because of the reliability Toyota is praised for and I will definitely go back for another one. Problem is I dont see me trading mine in for another couple of years.

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  High mileage review - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By 43Ejumper - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Only problems in 162000 miles: replaced catalytic converter, both O2 sensors, lft. rear axle seal, thats it. Dealer serviced completely. Extremely reliable transportation.

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  GREAT TRUCK - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By MichaelJ - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Bought truck in Fla. with 23k on it.Use d it for business, lots of miles. Now live in Pa. Truck has 97k on it, other than routine maint. it has only needed the clutch fan replaced,tires at70k,and I chose to replace the clutch at 80k but could have gone much longer.I love this truck it seems like it will run forever. I do wish it was 4WD back here in Pa.

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  None like it on the road today - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By None like it - August 4 - 5:43 am

  This is an incredible truck. Good looking, reliable, fast, hardworking. I bought it with 54k on it and now it has 167k. Never has skipped a beat. Have taken it offroad many times and it did the job effortlessly. This is quite possibly the best truck you can buy.

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  Toyota Tacoma - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By tennisond - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I have only performed normal maintenance on the truck. Great Machine.

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  I am so Proud of our Tacoma!!! - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By Donna Burgstrom - June 26 - 4:13 pm

  My husband has used our Tacoma for his handyman business for the past 3 years. He carries a FULL load of tools in the back daily under the shell AND tows a trailer filled with you name it (heavy weight) stuff on a daily basis. It just turned 178k miles and has never had ANY problems. He just put it through smog to get it registered and it went through with flying colors. It is just an awesome truck!!!!

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  Awesome Truck! - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By Slvrado03 - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 1997 Toyota Tacoma used. It only had 46,000 miles on it. I have never owned such a great vehicle. This is my first used vehicle, and I have had not one single problem with it. Even after 72,200 miles. I would recommend a Toyota to anyone looking for a vehicle.

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  The best of the best - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By Aubrey - April 3 - 4:26 am

  I now have over 300,000 miles on this SR5 4x4 and other than regular maintenance, the only problem was the starter. Still shines like new, the ABS works great, all electrical is working and I know it will start every time I want to use it. I have hauled, towed and loaded this truck to the max and it has never let me down. This is my fifth Toyota product and I have yet to have any in the shop which is better on my wallet as well as peace of mind.

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  Toyota 97 4x2 5speed 2.4L Extra cab LX - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By 97toyo - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Very reliable vehicle. Has never failed to start since 1997. Routine maintenance has been performed regularly. With 110000 miles it is just starting to use about a quart of oil between oil changes. The gas mileage is 30 miles per gallon consistently. Check engine light came on at 100000, dealer said it was the catalytic converter. One pint of "Sea Foam" gas treatment in half tank of gas and the light went off and stayed off. A very good truck overall. Small and sporty, easy to park, good power from the small four since the truck is light weight.