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 11 through 20 of 48.00

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  Ol Reliable - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By ThirdGear - January 23 - 10:03 am

  Awesome vehicle! After 128k miles, no problems. Engine and cruise control work perfectly. Interior components have started to rattle a bit, but that is to be expected on a truck with so many miles. Good gas mileage, good power in V6 model. Speakers arent great. Back seats dont have enough room for passengers (but space is good for cargo). Front seats also a little uncomfortable, especially if youre tall.

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  Your basic perfect 2nd vehicle - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By RFox - January 11 - 7:00 am

  bought used for daily commuter and occasional hauler. This vehicle is solid, reliable, surprisingly powerful, inexpensive to maintain, and fun to drive. I find I leave my M5 in the garage most weekdays now.

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  Most basic truck - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By dexyuen - September 17 - 9:34 am

  Maybe my truck is just having its time and I probably would have rated higher if I had it earlier but Its been Ok truck I bought it with 237,000 miles and I have 320,000 on it since Ive owned it I replaced the radiator, dropped a K&N filter in replaced the transmission gasket (I have an auto), the electrical, tires, ball joints, bearings, front calipers, CV boots, alternator, this all happened within 3 months of owning it so @ about 250,000 I replaced all this and lasted to 320,000 I hope it just last now I did most of the work myself so it was some what worth it. I love parking this thing in the city though when Im working out there.

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  Tacoma - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By tacoaLX - March 15 - 8:13 am

  Great truck, very reliable and good on gas. Also has off road features, 5.5" lift, Rhino lining bed spray.

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  Runs till it Rusts! - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By Taco Owner - January 5 - 8:26 am

  I have owned my 1997 Taco since 1998 and now have 200,000 miles on it. very reliable 2.7 4 cylinder. Only a few problems like starter and clutch fan. Now for the bad. Frame rust! I am looking at costly frame repairs, but I am sure that the truck will last another 100,000 miles once I get this done.

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  Yota - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By ryan lock - December 10 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable, if maintained properly

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  1997 Tacoma Extended Cab 3.4L 2WD - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By T. Clemens - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. Only negative trait is the large turning radius. It (the turning radius) was reported as a negative in Edmunds review, but I didnt think it would be too much of a problem. But it is. Not to the extent of not buying one, but one must be aware of the large turning radius when operating it. It affects parking capability, U-turn capability, and close confinement capability. A few more inches of clearance would be beneficial as well. I think these issues were addressed with the 98 Tacomas. So, a few (2-4) inches of clearance would be nice, but a smaller turning radius would be much, much better.

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  Handy Inexpensive Reliability - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By marko9 - November 27 - 6:16 am

  With 120,000 miles on a truck picked up used with 60,000, it has been a hard- working reliable partner on a mess of major remodel projects over several years. Most reliable vehicle I have had in 32 years, and the one I have worked the hardest (I had to replace one spring due to heavy loads).

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  Cant beat the price! - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By Amensmasher - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Purchase a preown off a dealership with 9K on it. it has been great so far.. Its equiped the 5 SP. Air, bedliner And it provided adeq. Power, For basic truckin need. A 2WD will do. Just its horrible on SNOW.. It slides all over the place. The cabin is made for Japanese people where if you are over 6 foot tall, it can be uncomfortable. OK.. I think I have wrote enough. Let me sums it up. This truck is perfect if you are. A) Under 6 foot tall, B) Local Commute, C) Dont want to spend any money on repair. D) Love to pick furniture off the street. And not good for. A)Giant, b)Offroad Demons, C) People who like FORD, CHEV, or Dodge. D) Family Trip.