1997 Toyota Tacoma Consumer Discussions

Toyota Tacoma Exhaust System Problems

• 1997 Tacoma cat converter in CA

  Written by: margaret97 on May 21, 2009 4:16:35 PM

  My catalytic converter was stolen a few days ago. with no damage to sensors. My neighbor says I can use an aftermarket cat. con. to replace it myself, but will need to fabricate some flanges. My mechanic says I must use a true Toyota cat. con. as others are illegal and won't work long term and won't pass smog test. Can anyone tell me what's what with replacing one?

Toyota Tacoma 2004 and Earlier Frame Problem

• Re: 1995-2000 Toyota Frame Rust Buy-Back Program [david311]

  Written by: dpalmerini on Nov 3, 2008 7:44:46 PM

  Guys I need your input. Read a bunch of posts re. the tacoma program. So I bought one about a month ago and brought it to my regular dealer for some service (OLF) tires, and the radio be repaired. They told me about the customer program and how the truck "failed" the inspection and that I would be contacted by someone with further details. So yesterday someone from the corporate office ... Read More

• Very pleased and suprised with Toyota.

  Written by: rcoole on Aug 22, 2008 6:06:11 PM

  Toyota bought my 2000 standard cab 4 cyl 5 spd manual with 39500 miles for $15,585. With the $1,000 coupon and getting the dealer down a couple of thousands from sticker price($29809.00), I have less in this 2009 Tacoma double cab V6 SR5 with towing pkg than I paid for the 2000 Tacoma ($16,320.00). Toyota is even running a special on financing for the month of Aug. 2.9% for up to ... Read More

• Re: when will we know if it failed? [schukanuoslady]

  Written by: annjot on Aug 4, 2008 8:43:53 PM

  We just bought it in July 08. We live in Alabama. The people we bought it through had it 18 months here and before that it was owned by a friend of theirs in Ohio and Maryland before that(found that out via carfax after the fact). The dealership that inspected it has our address and registration information and said they would let us know if it failed or not via letter ... Read More

• it's time for a class action suit

  Written by: reuser on Aug 3, 2008 5:28:54 AM

  I own a 1999 Tacoma which I purchased less than 2 years ago with 39000 on it then, 54000 now. It failed the test two weeks ago despite undercoating. I DID NOT make out as well as those who enthusiastically sold their 1997 Tacomas with 400000 miles on them [sic] since I had only recently purchased this vehicle (replacing a 1990 pickup), and it was in fine shape other than the ... Read More

• 1995-2000 frame rot reimbursement for repairs

  Written by: stormpup on Jun 24, 2008 6:00:24 PM

  I have a 1997 tacoma which i have had frame rot repairs done twice prior to 3-08. This was pretty costly, about $1,700 , and was needed to pass NH state inspection. Just wondering if anyone else has had frame rot repair bills and was reimbursed for them by toyota?

• RAV4 1997 K-Frame holes

  Written by: rav4frame on Jun 10, 2008 2:34:18 PM

  Since it's not a Tacoma even though 6 independent mechanics say this is not at all normal wear, Toyota Canada and our dealer refuse to pay. You'd think someone would have seen this since the RAV4 was at the dealer 2-3 times a year for oil changes. It's like it wasn't ever rustproofed prior to it's initial install. Sorry I won't post the whole story here since I already put in ... Read More

• 1997 Taco-VT winters

  Written by: lariatsam on Jun 10, 2008 10:30:06 AM

  Just had my 97' Tacoma inspected. Perforation in right rear (over axle) and small hole in front. Amazing since I live in Vermont, (road salt 7 months a year). I expected worse. I've checked with a local certified welding shop, no problem fixing. This is by far the best vehicle I've ever owned, and I've had a ton of them. Toyota corp., (bless their hearts) are super cool about the offer, ... Read More

• Buy another rust bucket???

  Written by: vogrin on May 10, 2008 5:44:35 AM

  I too like everyone else on this site has Tacoma problems. I own a 1997 Tacoma extended cab 4x4 which I bought new and now has only 61,000 miles on it and is in SHOWROOM condition!!! I inspected the frame myself and yes, there are a few small rust holes in it, destined to fail Toyota's inspection! I have a May19th appointment to take it into the dealership for them to ... Read More

Toyota Tacoma Performance Tips and Mods

• Re: 1997 Toyota Tacoma performance tips [gvcenter54]

  Written by: jettaface on Apr 8, 2008 9:16:23 AM

  Hi..thanks for the info. What name muffler system did you use or is it just the stock one? Not sure I understand, novice..sorry. I am thinking you cut the muffler out of the system, but I could be wrong. I too have 31" tires and for a 4 cyc you think I would get better gas mileage than about 15 mpg...ish. Thanks.

• Re: 1997 Toyota Tacoma performance tips [lopezbrass]

  Written by: gvcenter54 on Apr 7, 2008 8:17:49 AM

  i own a 99' tacoma 2.7L and i change the oil and everything regularly but i have 31 inch tires on it all around and am getting about 12 mpg. i have a K&N filter for mods but nothing really exciting. i wanted a louder exhaust so i cut the old rusted exhaust and welded up a 2 inch straight pipe and used the existing tail pipe. its alot louder but ... Read More

Toyota Tacoma 2004 and Earlier Frame Problem

• 1997 tacoma with frame rust

  Written by: theta1 on Oct 31, 2007 6:17:41 PM

  My body shop guy says this is a known problem....he suggested finding a welding shop to repair the frame. I just got it back and it looks like a good job....should keep the truck going for several years. I didn't even try to get Toyota to take responsibility like they should. I love Toyota, but with my Highlander they denied the oil sludge problem I had....then two years later it comes ... Read More

• Re: 1999 Toyota Tacoma Frame Problem [berdman21]

  Written by: rayslogcabin on Oct 6, 2007 6:03:09 PM

  I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY 1997 tOYOTA AND SUBMITTED a COMPLAINT WITH THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (ODI Number) is: 10205140

• Re: 1999 Toyota Tacoma Frame Problem [taullauf]

  Written by: rayslogcabin on Oct 6, 2007 5:48:22 PM

  Hi, I also live in NY and have a 1997 Tacoma. Within one year the frame has rusted to the point that I can put a screwdriver thru it and it cant be repaired. I fear I'll have to junk the vehicle. What type of metal did they use? Toyota or consumer affairs should look into this. The rest of the truck is fine. If anyone know who can help please ... Read More

Toyota Tacoma Diesel?

• Re: the Isuzu deal [blufz1]

  Written by: rcolemanaz on Jul 6, 2007 12:38:04 PM

  I currently drive a 1997 Toyota T100 3.4v6 and 5 speed 4x4. It is now 10 years old and I hope to one day replace it but not till I can buy a Tacoma or Nissan with small diesel and 5 or 6 speed manual and 4x4. I will wait another 10 years if I have to but I can not reason myself into a Gas powered pickup again. Toyota are ... Read More

Toyota Tacoma Tires and Wheels

• Front Tires are Rubbing

  Written by: ryand82 on Jun 13, 2007 8:38:08 AM

  About 5 years back I put larger tires on my wimpy 1997 2WD Toyota Tacoma truck. Everything was fine until I had those tires replaced. The tire store put on the same size tires, but with a much larger tread and now whenever I hit a bump or pull into a driveway, my two front tires rub the top side of the wheel wells. Is there anyway I can fix this? ... Read More

Toyota Tacoma Real World MPG Numbers

• Access, Prerunner, 4 c, 5 spd -MPG - S. California

  Written by: aaapuppy on Apr 6, 2007 2:46:51 PM

  I've run through my second tank of gas now (well, third, but I didn't count the first dealer fill up). The following mpg are incredibly disappointing: 19.64 and 19.98. Somebody told me that the stringent CA emissions actually lower mpg, but I have nothing to support that. My sister's '06 V6 auto double cab is getting 21.8 (highway mpg). She's in Georgia. I just don't understand. This is the third Toyota ... Read More

Toyota Tacoma Transmission Problems

• Toyota Tacoma 4WD problems

  Written by: theck on Feb 28, 2007 12:13:45 PM

  I have a 1997 toyota tacoma (extended cab, automatic, 2.7 4 cyl) who's 4WD stopped working after a six month period of non use. There were never any signs of damage to the 4wd system, it just stopped working. When I shift the 4wd lever everything feels right but the dash light never shows 4wd and only one wheel is getting power. I did try letting it roll a little and ... Read More

Toyota Tacoma Performance Tips and Mods

• Re: 1997 Toyota Tacoma performance tips [95tacotruck]

  Written by: flyguy8 on Nov 18, 2006 6:04:29 AM

  Niether will help performance,that stuff you bought is just false marketing like the Tornado gas saver. To improve airflow do a deckplate mod or elbow modification one costs less than 5 dollars to do and the elbow mod costs 0 dollars and you get the same performance that you think your getting with the high priced setup.Look here www.gadgetonline.com/airinduction.htm and find knowledge power seeker.

• Re: 1997 Toyota Tacoma performance tips [lopezbrass]

  Written by: 95tacotruck on Aug 15, 2006 8:17:30 PM

  I own a 95 Tacoma 2.4L. I removed the stock intake and installed a K & N intake which cost about $200 on e-bay. I also added a throttle body spacer and both combined added lots of power. I hope this helps.

• 1997 Toyota Tacoma performance tips

  Written by: lopezbrass on Jun 29, 2006 8:58:13 PM

  I just bought a 1997 Tacoma and I was wondering what improvements I could make to the truck to increase its performance, such as intake, air filters, etc. It would be a great help if these improvements could be on the low priced side of auto parts. Thanks!

Toyota Tacoma: Problems & Solutions

• Question about leaf spring interchangability 98-04

  Written by: bill70 on Sep 7, 2005 1:41:10 AM

  I just got a used 1999 Tacoma - 2WD regular cab non-prerunner - and noticed the back of the bed is leaning to the left. I took it to a couple tire places and body shops and 3 out of 4 thought I had a bad leaf spring. I have seen a few used leaf spring sets for sale on ebay by people who install new springs to beef up their ... Read More

Toyota Tacoma Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• $ cylinder OR V6?...and Why?

  Written by: trailrunners on Feb 6, 2005 8:20:22 PM

  I'm looking to purchase a used Toyota Tacoma (1997-2000), and I'm looking for a 2.7 L 4 cylinder 4x4. The main reason I'm leaning towards the 4 cylinder over the V6, is because I'm looking for the best mileage possible in my 4x4, and I've heard that the I4 is basically bulletproof. It looks like the 4 cylinders are rated to pull 3,500 lbs. and the V6's 5,000 lbs. I don't ... Read More

• Which Tacoma 4x4 to Buy???

  Written by: trailrunners on Feb 5, 2005 11:20:37 PM

  I'm in the market for a new used Toyota Tacoma. Right now I'm looking at 2 Tacomas.   One is a 2000 Tacoma 4x4 3.4L v6 extended cab with 143,000 miles and a nice fiberglass cap with a negotiated price of $9,500.   The other is a 1997 Tacom 4x4 3.4L v6 extended cab with 106,000 miles, no cap, but a bed cover with a price of $7,500.   Both are ... Read More

Toyota Tacoma (2004 and earlier)

• Which Tacoma 4x4 to Buy?

  Written by: trailrunners on Feb 5, 2005 11:15:26 PM

  I'm in the market for a used Toyota Tacoma. Right now I'm looking at 2 Tacomas.   One is a 2000 Tacoma 4x4 3.4L v6 extended cab with 143,000 miles and a nice fiberglass cap with a negotiated price of $9,500.   The other is a 1997 Tacoma 4x4 3.4L v6 extended cab with 106,000 miles, no cap, but a bed cover with a price of $7,500.   Both are in ... Read More

Toyota Tacoma: Problems & Solutions

• stuttering problem resolved (tps)

  Written by: majcommo on Nov 23, 2003 6:03:56 PM

  I think I've finally resolved the stuttering problem on my 1997 Tacoma, with the help of some postings here, and no help from my local Toyota service shop. My Tacoma started stuttering very interminently about 15K miles ago at hi way speeds and recently began cutting and surging at street speeds and accelerations too. It was awful to drive. It always starts great and idles fine. I changed the plugs, wires, ... Read More

Toyota Tacoma Care and Maintenance

• 1997 Tacoma 4wd, regular cab

  Written by: 615694 on Nov 4, 2002 4:14:32 PM

  I just bought this one, but it didn't have an owners manual and neither did the dealer. Any suggestions on how to get one? I've owned 4 Toyotas and driven over 400,000 miles with no breakdowns so there will be more!

Toyota Tacoma vs. Ford Ranger, Part XII

• Yes,

  Written by: scape2 on Oct 1, 2002 7:11:15 PM

  I will keep coming back to this room every couple of weeks eagle.. I joined Edmunds back in late 1997 after I bought my 98 Ranger. People like allknowing, know me as Vince8 as do other Tacoma boys. After being told over and over by "the Toyota crowd that my Ranger was going to "fall apart", "junk", "unreliable" I have proven every Toyota fan wrong, and am a Toyota fans worst ... Read More

Compact Pickup Comparison: Frontier, Ranger, Tacoma, S10, Dakota, B-Series, & Hombre

• midsize?

  Written by: sc0rpi0 on Apr 5, 2002 6:50:36 AM

  Unless I'm wrong (which is possible), there's only 1 midsize pickup: dakota. Tacoma, Frontier, Ranger and S10 are compact pickups. F150, Tundra, Silverado, Ram are fullsize. As far as compacts go: 4-door Tacoma with 4x4 will be $25K at least. You can get an xtracab Ranger with 2 real doors and 2 half doors (it's not a double/crew cab, it's an extended cab). Best gas milage: Taco or Ranger. An xtracab ... Read More

Toyota Tacoma vs. Ford Ranger, Part XII

• Explorer and Ranger recalls

  Written by: sc0rpi0 on Jan 23, 2002 3:53:51 PM

  Ok. Taken from alldata.com (you are not going to disqualify THAT site too, are you?) Explorer 2001: The all-famous Supplemental Tire Inflation Label (sounds like someone is telling customers to change their PSI in tires). Other TSBs that sound awfully interesting: 1. Heater Core: repeated failure. 2. Front Axle: vent tube fluid leaks. Now why is that? 3. Here's my favorite, tells all about "The Ford way": Fuel Pump whine heard ... Read More

• kg11

  Written by: eagle63 on Jan 15, 2002 12:58:27 PM

  "TWO Toyota trucks ,6 years apart,same problem.Most recent recall for V6 head gasket-1997.The problem spanned 8 years in MY experiance.I havent researched to see if it's a continueing problem." -according to the NHTSA site, the tacoma didn't have any recalls in 1997, in fact between 1996 and present it's only had 2. (neither being head-gasket)

Compact Pickup Comparison: Frontier, Ranger, Tacoma, S10, Dakota, B-Series, & Hombre

• Mazda B4000?

  Written by: dw94 on Feb 14, 2001 7:25:15 PM

  I am needing to get a new vehicle before I go off to grad school. As I am poor, I am looking for a decent price, but especially low maintenance costs and a vehicle I can rely on for the next 4-8 years. As a Caver, hiker, camper, etc. I am looking for a compact truck. I was originally sold on the Toyota Tacoma 4x4, until I found that living in ... Read More