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

• 

  What a junker - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By jjb - June 2 - 2:00 am

  This peice of junk was never any good from day one! Its just one thing after another. Then you take it in to be repaired and they cant figure out what is wrong! I will NEVER BY A TOYOTA AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!

• 

  my truck - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By me123456789 - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Great reliability and gas mileage.

• 

  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.

• 

  Very happy with this truck - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By ryanmiller98 - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I’ve had my Tacoma for nearly 5 years and plan on driving it another 5. After 117K miles, the only problem was w/ the air conditioning - a difficult- to-diagnose leak costing $380 at the dealer. Other than that, Ive changed tires as needed, the engine oil every 4- 5K, and trans/diff every 15K. New plugs, air/fuel filters, EGR Valve - routine self-performed minor tune-up. Ive done a bit of 4WD (6X/year) - Handles solid in snow and trail. The check engine light I used to get? - hasnt done it once since I turned the gascap at least 3 clicks after fillup. I strongly recommend it and will likely buy a newer one - probably around 2008

• 

  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.

• 

  It will outlast you - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By AlabamaGuy - November 27 - 5:26 am

  Ive had my V6 4WD towing package Tacoma for 160,000 miles since 1997. It has hauled heavy loads, pulled heavy loads, been seriously offroad (fire roads, creeks, 4wd tracks, mountain trails). Truck still cruises at 85-90 mph for hours, still climbs rocky trails like a champ. In 8 years, has only needed gas, oil, and tires, and one set of shocks. Gets 22 mpg hiway, 17 around town. Locking gas cap. Paint still great, nothing rattles, everything works as well as day 1.

• 

  One of the best trucks ever made - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By Brushymount - September 7 - 2:00 am

  This is hands down one of the best trucks I have ever owned.It had 45000 miles on it when it was bought.It now has 113000 miles and has not missed a beat.I have used it like a truck as well; from hauling heavy loads to driving 1000 miles to visit relatives and the occasional romp in the mud.This truck has never and I mean never let me down.

• 

  One word - RELIABLE - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By bucnasty - February 23 - 8:56 am

  My tacoma has 190k on it and it has started and gotten me where I needed to be every day. Motor still runs like new, the only thing I have ever had to do to the truck was put brakes on, replace shocks and CV boot covers, and replace a rack and pinion mounting bushing, Ive probably only spent around 500 dollars on maintenance on this truck and have owned it for 6 years, with 190+ K miles on it. I honestly think it would run forever.

• 

  Great Truck that keeps on going! - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By jwpcpa - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Having had 4 Toyota 4x4s this is the first in the Tacoma Series and the first X-tended Cab. This truck has cost only oil changes, nothing else over 5 years. Rotate the tires every 5,000 miles. To this day there is not a rattle anywhere to be found and living in New England, going off road, driving in Boston, that says something about build quality. I will keep this for a long time. The appearance may be that you pay more for a Toyota, in fact you get more and when it comes time to sell. the value will surprise you, compare to others,Total cost of ownership is less than $1K per year, and I have something that will run for the next five years. Try that with another brand.

• 

  Very reliable and a great truck - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By Zac Price - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Had 5 Toyotas now and love em. The 97 4x4 Tacoma is awsome. Have 96k on it witout any probs and love it.