Used 1997 Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab Consumer Reviews
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Most basic truck
dexyuen, 10/25/2011
1997 Toyota Tacoma 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.4L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Maybe my truck is just having it's time and I probably would have rated higher if I had it earlier but It's been Ok truck I bought it with 237,000 miles and I have 320,000 on it since I've owned it I replaced the radiator, dropped a K&N filter in replaced the transmission gasket (I have an auto), the electrical, tires, ball joints, bearings, front calipers, CV boots, alternator, this all happened within 3 months of owning it so @ about 250,000 I replaced all this and lasted to 320,000 I hope it just last now I did most of the work myself so it was some what worth it. I love parking this thing in the city though when I'm working out there.
Bury me in my Tacoma!
jgpaige, 01/25/2011
1997 Toyota Tacoma 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.4L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my Tacoma new in December of 1996. I confess that I haven't been the most responsible owner regarding regular maintenance and the like. It doesn't 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. I've 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. I've proven it can run on no oil (per my mechanic's chagrin) and an empty gas tank. This machine is truly remarkable and, at times, even miraculous.
Cant beat the price!
Amensmasher, 02/21/2003
1997 Toyota Tacoma 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.4L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Purchase a preown off a dealership with 9K on it. it has been great so far.. Its equiped the 5 SP. Air, bedliner And it provided adeq. Power, For basic truckin need. A 2WD will do. Just its horrible on SNOW.. It slides all over the place. The cabin is made for Japanese people where if you are over 6 foot tall, it can be uncomfortable. OK.. I think I have wrote enough. Let me sums it up. This truck is perfect if you are. A) Under 6 foot tall, B) Local Commute, C) Dont want to spend any money on repair. D) Love to pick furniture off the street. And not good for. A)Giant, b)Offroad Demons, C) People who like FORD, CHEV, or Dodge. D) Family Trip.
no worries
happytoyotaguy, 01/08/2006
1997 Toyota Tacoma 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.4L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
By far and away, the most reliable vehicle i have ever owned... at 100,000 miles it's just getting broken in... the a/c and heater work almost too well... with toyota quality there are no worries
1997 Toyota Tacoma
jenaka, 07/08/2002
1997 Toyota Tacoma 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (2.7L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Truck that keeps needing service
escargot, 08/28/2002
1997 Toyota Tacoma 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.4L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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 don't drive the truck hard and most of the time its highway miles.
Love it!
JKFlip, 08/12/2003
1997 Toyota Tacoma 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (2.7L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love my truck. Bought it 3 1/2 years ago already 3 years old and have never had a single bit of trouble with it. Great in snow/ice with 4 wheel drive on and couple sand bags in bed. AC ice cold, runs smooth, great for hauling stuff around. Seems to be holding it's value great and every time I got to Home Depot someone offers to buy it! I'd buy another in a minute!
my truck
me123456789, 10/12/2003
1997 Toyota Tacoma 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.4L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great reliability and gas mileage.
Awesome Truck!
Slvrado03, 03/28/2004
1997 Toyota Tacoma 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (2.7L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 1997 Toyota Tacoma used. It only had 46,000 miles on it. I have never owned such a great vehicle. This is my first used vehicle, and I have had not one single problem with it. Even after 72,200 miles. I would recommend a Toyota to anyone looking for a vehicle.
High mileage review
43Ejumper, 09/16/2004
1997 Toyota Tacoma 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.4L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Only problems in 162000 miles: replaced catalytic converter, both O2 sensors, lft. rear axle seal, that's it. Dealer serviced completely. Extremely reliable transportation.
Your basic perfect 2nd vehicle
RFox, 11/15/2004
1997 Toyota Tacoma 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.4L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
No Problems
lrffe, 05/23/2003
1997 Toyota Tacoma 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (2.7L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my truck for nearly 5 years, I forget to get my oil changed and I don't get my tires rotated. I run my tank nearly on empty all the time, and I have never had anything go wrong. It does great in snow. The only maintenance I have done is get new tires, and added wind shield washer fluid. I don't even check the oil..the Air conditioner is always cold. It runs just like the day I got it. I will keep it forever.
Very good
will199104, 11/21/2011
1997 Toyota Tacoma 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.4L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
The best truck i have ever had
Taco man, 03/19/2019
updated 09/21/2020
1997 Toyota Tacoma 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (2.7L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This little truck never dies. Over 324k and never any mechanical problems. Runs and drives perfectly. Only thing is the paint is fading and the interior has some ware on it. Never quit or broke down on me.
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Failed Inspection
Arcric, 01/15/2019
1997 Toyota Tacoma 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (2.7L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 7 people found this review helpful
The truck itself was OK. The interior was kind of shredded. I know it’s a Toyota but not worth what it was listed for in the condition it was in. My biggest concern was that this truck was listed with a failed inspection for three different things. Who lists a truck that hasn’t even passed inspection!? I was told I could take it at a reduced price “as is”. First off, I have NO idea as to the specifics as to why it failed, only a category. Who would take on that liability!? Second, it’s not even legal to drive off the lot! The whole thing was shady...
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What a junker
jjb, 10/30/2002
1997 Toyota Tacoma 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (2.7L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
0 of 8 people found this review helpful
This peice of junk was never any good from day one! Its just one thing after another. Then you take it in to be repaired and they can't figure out what is wrong! I will NEVER BY A TOYOTA AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!