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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  Very good - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By will199104 - December 1 - 5:21 pm

  I bought my Tacoma new, it now has 190K and still running strong. I have never had any problems with this truck; actually it has required very little maintenance. Very well build. It gets excellent gas mileage.

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  Bury me in my Tacoma! - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By jgpaige - July 23 - 11:09 am

  I bought my Tacoma new in December of 1996. I confess that I havent been the most responsible owner regarding regular maintenance and the like. It doesnt seem to matter, though. My Tacoma, now at 198,000 miles, turns over and purrs like a kitten every morning. I have driven it cross-country 7 times and would still have the confidence to do it today at its current mileage. Ive used it for hauling construction debris, towing a loaded U-haul trailer up a mountain, and even fit two men over 6 tall in the regular cab with me. Ive proven it can run on no oil (per my mechanics chagrin) and an empty gas tank. This machine is truly remarkable and, at times, even miraculous.

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

  Great reliability and gas mileage.

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  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

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  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.

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  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.

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

  Great truck! Completely dependable.

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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.