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Used 1997 Toyota 4Runner SUV Consumer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
101 reviews

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4 out of 5 stars

Another dependable Toyota

John Bowling, 10/03/2016
1997 Toyota 4Runner 4dr SUV
4 of 5 people found this review helpful

I have had this 1997 2 wheel drive 4runner for seven months. It had 138000 miles when purchased and now has 145000. It has been a very dependable, reliable vehicle so far. I receive about 20 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The gas gauge falls very fast once it reaches the quarter tank level. The v6 engine provides all of the pick up I need in the traffic conditions I have encountered so far. I have had only one problem. The sunroof drain leaked onto the headliner. I had to buy a new motor for the sunroof which cost 700.00 at the dealer. They told me it was the only way to move the roof so they could clean out the drains. As with all Toyotas they are well engineered but the parts and labor are overpriced. Who wants to spend over a hundred dollars for floor mats? I owned a 1996 Toyota for 12 years previously and it was the best vehicle I have ever owned. Overall very pleased so far with this 4runner.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
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4.63 out of 5 stars

Great car.

nick28powell, 07/14/2011
1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV
4 of 5 people found this review helpful

I just recently had a unfortunate traffic incident where an ignorant woman ran a light ad hit my back end. i have a small dent in the body work no larger than a football. however her car was cremated her hood is screwed lights smashed wheel arches bowed out. good safe strong reliable car and not to bad on gas either.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

4Runners Rule - 197K and Going

ToyFan1, 05/08/2009
1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I purchased this vehicle new and it has been the most reliable vehicle I have owned. I've had other brands Honda's, Chevy's, Ford, GMC.... and nothing compares to Toyota quality and reliability (not even my Honda Accord). The only maintenance has been oil changes, tires, timing belt per owners manual and brakes (probably weakest feature - upgraded to Tundra front discs last year). I would buy another 4Runner, but this one still has years of reliable service left.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

240k runs great!

4everRunner, 07/21/2008
1997 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Purchased this truck two months ago and am very satisfied with it. The highway mpg is 20 but city driving returns terrible mileage, at about 14. Hesitant before finally deciding to buy due to its high mileage, but after starting driving, it is very satisfying, particularly the engine. Some interior rattling over bumps but highway cruising is fairly pleasant. 4WD is noticeably more smooth and accelerate more powerfully than rear wheel drive, but probably consumes more gas. Perhaps due to its high mileage, when 4WD is engaged, the turning of front wheels can't reach maximum angle. I plan to drive until the truck dies - if gas price allows.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Best vehicle I've ever owned - 42 years

thedadlord, 07/13/2009
1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I paid $26,000 for mine new in 1997. I have over 198,000 miles now. The ride is a little unsettled, it's better with a full load. Handling and steering is 2nd to none. I relocated the oil filter to the inner fender well with a bypass kit. I installed a hood deflector. I also installed a makeshift stainless steel screen inside the grill to stop damage to the radiator from road debris and bugs. The only repair I've needed are the head gasket went out under the extended warranty. Also the front brake line cracked from fatigue after a mounting bolt rusted thru. Michelin LTX M+S are the tires of choice for this vehicle. I still have the original shocks, exhaust system, alternator, starter.

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