Used 1997 Toyota RAV4 SUV Consumer Reviews
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LOVE my 1997 RAV4
teresa31, 12/28/2012
1997 Toyota RAV4 2dr SUV AWD
35 of 35 people found this review helpful
I purchased my '97 Rav4 14 years ago with approximately 30,000 miles on it. Today it has 103,000 miles and is still going strong. The paint looks fantastic. The sunroof has never leaked. Seats still look great. It isn't a "peppy" driving vehicle but it is the most reliable car that I've ever owned. It goes in ANY weather. The amount of storage with the seats down is unbelievable. In 14 years the only repair (other than scheduled maintenance) has been to replace the oil pump. Since they had to pull the motor I had all belts replaced at that time (at approx. 85,000 miles). I've test driven a few newer vehicles with all the bells and whistles, but they don't compare to my 16 year old Toyota.
LOVE MY RAV4!!!
Cathy, 11/26/2015
updated 06/04/2018
1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV AWD
28 of 28 people found this review helpful
Bought my 1997 in 1999 with low mileage. It has been wonderful. I spend a lot of time in it and it has always been reliable. It has safely transported my kids and their friends as well as my grandkids in comfort and safety. HAVE looked at newer models but I don't like them - too big, wasted interior space. i.e. dashboard too deep and too busy.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
It takes a licking and keeps on ticking
Kimbo873, 06/10/2010
1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV
25 of 25 people found this review helpful
We live in Florida and my husband surfs the roof racks are great to hold his boards. We have put many,many miles over 202,000 and This car is still going. Love everything about this car.
Excellent quality
Ray, 05/29/2010
1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV AWD
28 of 29 people found this review helpful
Had this car for over 13 years. No mechanical defects and 270,000 miles. Usually got around 28 mpg. It didn't have the pep that some later models had but it always got me where I needed to go.
Would Buy it Again
MC , 08/24/2009
1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV
24 of 25 people found this review helpful
I fell in love with this car before I even bought it. It just looked like it was fun to drive. I live in Florida but have driven it to Texas and New York. The drives were very comfortable and I didn't feel like I was driving a small vehicle. Even drove it during a snow storm and it handled great. Since it's raised a little you have good visibility all around. Mine is a manual 4-speed. I've never had any mechanical problems with it - I do have regular maintenance from a trusted Toyota mechanic (not the dealership) I've already decided that if I ever need any major work done I'll pay to have it done before I buy another car.
Long term relationship
IAM, 11/30/2005
1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV AWD
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
We have had this car since 1997, its reliability performance & style have all withstood the test of time. It rides today like it did 9 years ago.
1997 Toyota Rav4 (auto 2.0l 4dr)
panowak2, 06/22/2011
1997 Toyota RAV4 2dr SUV AWD
15 of 17 people found this review helpful
I owned this 6yr. old / 57000mi. Rav4 for 5 years, used it for USPS duty for 2 years. It had decent engine performance, but got worse in higher gears. Overall seating package was not very good, with awkward rear access coupled with poor thigh support made it uncomfortable for taller peoples. Gas mileage was fairly poor at about 22 mpg. overall; never got above 24 mpg. Traction on ice and snow was bad as can be for 4wd. Rear trunk room was good, as was overall reliability and materials quality. Engine and transmission usually were flawless. Almost no body rust at 11 yrs. old. Tire wear was a bit excessive over time, and getting tires for it was very expensive.
I will sorely miss this car!
Judy, 08/02/2008
1997 Toyota RAV4 2dr SUV
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I bought this vehicle new in 1997 and never regretted a day of driving it. Sporty little number that always turned heads - I've had several people want to buy it but of course I turned them down. I kept it maintained but in the end (July 2008), I didn't pay attention to oil leakage and the engine died. I went to several auto mechanics (personal friends) and was willing to pay $2500 to get another engine but decided after driving it for eleven years that I didn't want to take the chance (on expert advice) that another engine could fail in six months. Annoys me that had I paid attention, I could still be driving it another five years!
Excellent car
Paati, 08/07/2009
1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I have my four door auto for seven years and I have yet to be disappointed by it. A lady at my local plant nursery has been dogging me to sell it to her after seeing what I packed into it over the years and how it has held up. It is going to go to my daughter since KBB does not even come close to giving it a value worthy of its abilities. If you are in the market for one buy it and don't wrangle because it will be gone very quickly.
The BUV
woo2, 06/04/2002
1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV AWD
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
Purchased to drive our bassets. Basset UV. It is wonderful, fun to drive and perfect for that. Took it over a CRV because it has the manual transmission. But it is just what I was looking for.
Ravioli Returns
Tab, 09/22/2008
1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV AWD
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
This is my 2nd Rav, first was 5 speed, I sold it and regretted so I bought an auto. Stick shift needs another gear for sure, tachs at about 3k at 60 mph, but hey it never let me down the 3 years I owned it. Now the auto is better but for a 4 cylinder and its get up it should do better ( 23 city ). I love it, awesome in the snow, rain any weather. Would buy another, I am a Honda lover also. Auto shifts so smooth you almost don't feel it.
My Tonka
Raven, 11/02/2008
1997 Toyota RAV4 2dr SUV AWD
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I like the sporty, good in snow, cool looking, weird little truck car. Unfortunately I've had problems with door latches, all latches, metal rusting and breaking... odd little things. I've replaced my windshield three times for cracks and pits. Mostly on major driving it never lets me down. I live in the upstate ADKS, so there is a lot of salt and hard wear, but no excuse for the bad metal situation. Still at 167,000, I'm having trouble parting with this cool truck. Put a rack on it, I can stuff it with travel gear and take my pet!!! It's a noisy truck, so I turn up the music. It's a blast on backroads and snow with loud music. What do I do with this now, how long can I make it last.
Very solid small SUV
nickyreviewer, 06/06/2002
1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV AWD
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
The RAV4 is a very solid car like all Toyotas, and fun to drive. You can see above the cars in traffic, but parking in the city is a breeze due to its short length. With regular maintenance, I've had no problems whatsoever with the car. The ride is not car-like however, but it is a truck afterall.
Very reliable AWD car
Bill, 08/07/2005
1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV AWD
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I actually own 2 1997 RAV4's. These cars have been very economical and no problem mechanically. I am in the mountains of North Idaho where there is lots of snow and ice. They perform very well on all-season tires. I am now looking for a third RAV4 and I will pass the older model off to another child of mine.
Excellent Value
Susan, 05/23/2006
1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
I haven't had any problems with my Rav4. The only work I've had done is normal maintainance. The only things I don't like about the car is that it doesn't turn on a dime. It is a pretty wide turn and it is difficult if not impossible to u-turn on a two lane road. You will inevitably need to go off the road a bit. Other than that I love my Rav. It is really fun to drive, has good pick up and is very reliable.
Rav4
ndrav, 06/23/2003
1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV AWD
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
The rav tends to be a ok car for what you pay for. Very loud on the road and has developed a lot of sqeakes and rattles. Underpowered and anemic when trying to pass. Gas mileage varys between 18 to 25. Car has a tendency to eat windshilds 1 per 15k miles avg. Mechanical reliablility has not been particularly good averageing between 1500 and 2k dollars a year in maint. Car currently has 170k miles on it and it will not be makeing 200k without a major engine overhaul. Decent offroad capability and hard to beat on snow and ice.
I loved that car
I loved that car, 09/21/2008
1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used with only 6k mls. It was always very reliable, enough room, gas mileage great. I still own the car, although some idiot decided not to look before pulling out into the highway and hit me in the side, my rav rolled 4 times. I climbed out without many injuries, nothing broken. My car on the other hand looks a sight. Although to everyones surprise, it still runs. Wrecker man brought it to my house and parked it on the street. I told him I needed it in the driveway, so he got in it and DROVE it to the space I wanted it. Still quiet running, sounds great. I don't know what I will do with it, I know I am going to miss driving it.
Best vehicle I've ever owned. . .
Janet Wimmer, 05/08/2005
1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Purchased the RAV new in 1997. Had the brakes replaced twice, timing belt once as routine and nothing else besides ongoing maintenance. Drives beautifully in all weather conditions. I'm a small person (5"2") and love the way I can see and maneuver in this SUV. Gas mileage is great. At over 208,000 miles, it continues to be quiet, smooth and very dependable. I will drive it until it dies! I'd purchase another RAV in a heartbeat.
I Love This Car
Olympia, 01/01/2005
1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
Easy on gas, fun to drive, roomy, sporty and everything (almost) works well. What's not to love? Even the paint looks great after 8 years (and no garage). I had a dead battery once, big deal. The biggest problem I have had were lame brain other drivers bumping into me in parking lots. The doors had bad problems with not wanting to open in the winter and one door lock stopped working altogether one summer (had to operate on it and fixed it). If that hadn't happened, I would have kept this car for ever. However, I am buying another one, so that shows you how much the positives outweigh the negatives.
Great gas mileage, SAD tires and noise
Loydetta Webb, 01/21/2006
1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV AWD
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
We really enjoy this little suv. Ours is a standard transmission. It's 4wd kicks in when you need it. Gas mileage is a plus, plus. We use ours on dirt roads as a SUV. The tire performance is very poor with only 4 plys, we continually have flat tires. The rear door noise is horrible, and could use some insulation or additional soundproofing. We recently utilized the lay down front and rear seats, for our son with a hip cast. A good buy for the dollar. We will buy a newer model in the future.
great small suv 140,000 and going strong
mes, 04/04/2003
1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV AWD
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I bought my Rav4 new and it has been a great car. I put lots of miles on and am a demenading driver. The only repairs I have needed are brakestires and a new battery. I also use it to tow a small trailer and have been very happy with the performance. I plan to drive it well past 200,000 miles. It doesn't rattle or shake and is a very sturdy car. My only complaint is that it sometimes seems loud inside, but I think this is becasue of the AWD. This was a terrible winter here (lots of snow) and the AWD performed great!. This is the best erpforming car I have ever owned.
rav 4 thumbs up!
chicken, 07/20/2003
1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I am a college student and I have owned my Rav-4 for 4 years now. I have had no problems with it whatsoever! It gets great gas mileage, is the perfect size, and drives really well. At 6.5 years old, my rav-4 has never broken down nor had any mechanical problems. It is a good buy!
Burning oil like crazy at 100K
kimby, 09/22/2002
1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
oil burning began at 76K. At 100K looking at $3800 motor replacement. Car has been maintained (oil changes, tuneups) BEFORE required. Toyota cant explain it.
RAVARATI?
Smoph, 05/27/2003
1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV AWD
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Glad I have the manual transmission since it's underpowered. Gas consumption isn't SUVish, but not as good as a 4cyl sedan. Can haul quite a bit of stuff, but it slides around alot (no stability in cargo area). I like that you sit higher than regular cars, but it doesn't drive like large SUV. Parks like a dream in the city. Best on city streets, country roads. Ok on the highway but a bit noisy. Ride isn't the best -- more trucklike than carlike. Fun to drive! Very handy for hauling smaller items, except golf clubs don't lay flat across trunk - one rear seat has to be folded up.
Rav 4 AWD
Adel, 12/12/2002
1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV AWD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
NOT BAD , POOR ON GAS BUT FUN TO DRIVE
97 RAV 4
weber, 05/18/2005
1997 Toyota RAV4 2dr SUV
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
One less thing to worry about with our daughter away from home at college. The RAV just does not fail. Other than standard brakes/oil/tires, no repairs in 84000 miles. Paint stays rust free, shines with a wax job. Not going to light em up at the raceway, but will always get there.
A great car
Mary Ann2, 05/16/2004
1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Reliable, fun, no frills, economical SUV.
Love My RAV4!
Kerrie, 10/07/2005
1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've owned this '97 RAV4 for seven years and it still runs like the first day I bought it! I really love how it handles, very responsive for an SUV, like an extension of my body... great on gas, excellent visual access (no blind spots!), and so reliable! (Well, it IS a Toyota!) No problems, have just kept up the servicing and off I go... into the California Sunset!
1997 toyota rav4, 5spd. manual, 2WD
mustafa, 05/02/2003
1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
It is fun to drive. Nice body styling. Shifts a little rough. Good gas milage. Could have a better AM/FM Casette.
A great car to drive
Felicia, 11/20/2002
1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV AWD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have been driving it for more than a year and it hasn't given me a single problem. It a great car for travelling as well great storage space.
Love my car
DHT, 04/06/2022
1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Had this car sent 1998, bought it with low mileage. I have bought infinity, and Jaguar and I love my RAV4. My other cars are great too. This car has been in my family for my kids and now my grandchildren. When all other cars was down this one was on the road. 24 years of service to me and my children and grandchildren and my engine just went out they all want to get it running again. This car is our to go car when the other are down. It has serve three generations in my family it’s time to serve it. It kept us rolling an we are going to keep it rolling. ❤️ 2022
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Great vehicle
eeeg, 01/31/2003
1997 Toyota RAV4 2dr SUV
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Reliable, efficient, easy...nearly perfect
RAV is the way to go
R. Gary, 06/11/2003
1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I an very happy with my RAV4. My husband and I like to go off road and it has done better in some areas then his Jeep Comanche does. I have gone places in just the AWD that he has had to put his in four wheel for. Granted that it doesn't have the clearance that a truck has, but it is so much CUTER!!!
RAV is a dependable car!
Lainie, 09/08/2003
1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Got my 97 RAV used in 99. I've only had to replace brakes in 2001 and from there, just regular maintenance. I rarely seem to see them for sale used, so I think there are several happy customers out there...
Been a reliable little SUV
Joe B, 05/20/2022
1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my 97 Rav4 L about 1 year ago at 202k on the odometer, now I'm at 212k and still driving great. I've had to put some money into it since I've had it. Needed new brakes all around & some exhaust work but other than that I'm really satisfied with this car. I mostly use this car as a delivery car with Doordash & Grubhub. Not the fanciest car on the road, when I bought it there were a couple dings & dents but for a 97 the ride & suspension still feel tight & I feel comfortable driving down the HWY!!! Very satisfied with this first Gen Rav4
25 years solid!
Ben, 09/26/2022
1997 Toyota RAV4 2dr SUV
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My 97 2dr has been on the road with no serious problems for 25 years. I wish they still made cars like this. Fun to drive and still amazing fuel economy due to small footprint.
RAV
FRED DURST, 06/21/2003
1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
HARD RIDE NO FUN TO DRIVE SEVERAL TRIPS BACK FOR NOSIE IN CAR
problems...problems
jacobmarley, 09/20/2002
1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
overall this has been a great little around town car, though is the past 6 months we have had to re-build the automatic transmission, (very expensive) and replace the front struts (also expensive and hard to find). we have had the car back to the shop 3 times to stop leaks or turn off engine dash light, after the re-build. would not buy another automatic, but would consider a stick shift.
good second family car
chando, 11/25/2002
1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
great for hauling kids and gears around town but bit busy on the engine when push hard, so far so good
UNDER POWERED BIG TIME
stargazer32, 12/23/2002
1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This SUV has been reliable the gas milage varies 21-25 avg. It is very noisy when the engines revs high going up hills the trans works hard with many down shifts as the engine comes within a 100 RPM's of redline, very under powered.
Just lost it in a wreck and now gone
Kneedragger777 , 09/24/2021
1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
So sad, my 97 RAV4 was hit in the left front and was a total replacement required of the front clip. Let me say that with the exception of a few rattles,this car was one of my Altima favorites- reliable and simple- some of the biggest attributes was it maneuverability, economy and ease of visibility from the driver’s seat. I also love the functionality of the rear hatch and folding rear seats.
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- Performance
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Absolutely a tank
Kyle Coates , 05/15/2023
1997 Toyota RAV4 2dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have owned the car for 4 years. Put over 210,000 miles on it. Bought for $700 and put about $1700 in it. No other maintenance and the car still runs great.
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GAS GUZZLER
THOROUGHBRED, 05/05/2003
1997 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
THIS THING IS A LITTLE PORKER..I AM LOOKING FOR A HONDA CRV FOR BETTER MILEAGE.DOES ANYBODY HAVE ANY SUGGESTION FOR IMPROVING FROM 15-17 MILES PER GA.1997/4DOOR AWD?DOES TIRE SIZE MATTER?