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 21 through 30 of 48.00

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  Buy Toyota - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By craig - October 18 - 7:56 am

  I put 145,000 on the truck and I bought it used. Ive done nothing to it but general maintenance. You cant go wrong with a Tacoma, its my second Toyota and I will be buying a third after I put 200k on this one.

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  Much better than expected - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By norque83 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Performs well; has excelent payload capabilty; best-in-class ground clearance; gas mileage isnt bad for a 4WD truck; the 4-cyl performs like a V6; the brakes are great; however, the handling is slightly ponderous at times and the seats can get uncomfortable during long trips

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  97 Tacoma 4x4 - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By jknutson - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Dependable, tough, stylish truck. The 2.7 liter, 4 cyl. motor suprisingly has plenty of pulling power with the 5 spd trans. Has never failed me in 12" of snow or 25 below temps. Paint holds perfectly, no chips, no rust, no fading. Nice comfortable ride for shorter trips, no more than 400 mi. Best of all, after 106,000 mi. the engine still runs like new.

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  1997 Toyota Tacoma - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By jenaka - March 7 - 10:00 am

  My experience with this vehicle has been great. The vehicle is reliable, sturdy and fun. The body has endured minor damage well and I have had no mechanical problems at all. I have always felt safe in my vehicle. The cab is spacious enough for 4 people if necessary but is more appropriate for 2 people and cargo.

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  Tess Tacoma - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By pacunas - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Great truck! Completely dependable.

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  Truck that keeps needing service - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By escargot - October 25 - 10:00 am

  This truck has been in the dealership once every 6/7 months. Its either a check engin light, overheating, cat. converted or rough iding. This is one of the worst truck I purchased for seeing the dealer on everything. I dont drive the truck hard and most of the time its highway miles.

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  Unbelievable - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bobo - September 19 - 8:10 pm

  260000 miles It still runs as good as the day I bought it. No oil leaks. 5000 miles between oil changes, oil is on the stick mark. No squeaks. Original clutch still very strong. Manual trans, all boxes very tight. No whines or noises. Steering box is perfect, The paint is still an (8+) This truck has taken me through more crap than any vehicle I can ever remember. Ive gone through 4 sets of front brakes, rear are originals, 1 starter, 2 batteries. I still have the second set of spark plugs in it and the second timing belt which I think I better change real soon. Dont let your wife use it or youll never get it back.

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  Reliable Tacoma - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dave - August 13 - 2:56 am

  I bought this truck with 58K and now have 103,000. I have the 5sp manual tranny. Ive not done anything but regular maintenance. I average 28mpg. Not real comfortable over long trips but very reliable and gets the job done. I wouldnt trade this for a new one.

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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.