1997 Toyota 4Runner consumer reviews

I bought my truck with 79k miles and piled on another 170k in the next 7 years before I developed engine problems caused by a broken timing belt tensioner. I had a tough decision to make: Replace or repair? In the end, I could find nothing on the market that could touch the versatility and value that my truck represented and I opted for the repair (I found a replacement engine with 86k verified miles!). IMHO, this truck is the perfect blend of comfort, versatility, toughness and go-anywhere-fun. Now, if I could just move those dog-gone cup holders!

Not sure about the newer models but I had a 1998 and I would take it anything I threw at it and kept on ticking. I had it for 5 years and it never let me down. I did a lot of trip between LA and Seattle. This amazing suv was sold to my best friend in 2003. He is still driving now as of 2013. The only major incident was the radiator blew because he never care to check coolant level or do regular oil change.

This car was given to me as a duty car by the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations when i served in the mission in Eritrea. I drove it for two years through very difficult mountainous terrain crossing the border between Ethiopia and Eritrea, often at 7500 feet in the mountains. Road handling is fantastic and i never experienced a breakdown. Acceleration made me feel like i could disappear in a cloud of dust if the rebels ever decided to chase..... . My present 2010 SUV from a rival maker is like plastic compared to this. Great piece of equipment

Have owned our 4runner since 1999. Love to drive it. Seems like part of our family. Great style, condition,looks great. Many people give the 4r the eye when on the street. Several people want to buy it. Right now, not for sale..I used it mainly for my business but if I need too drive it privately, no others thoughts about jumping in and drive off. Plus, we are Toyota family, we own a 2-tundra"s, 4runner and highlander. They all are great!! Best vehicles on the road and very reliable.

I had a 1996 4Runner and sold it a few years ago. I missed it so when I totaled the awful Saturn Ion that I inherited I decided to get another 4Runner. I found an amazing green 1997 with 117k miles (April 2011) for $5500. It looks and runs like a new car. I love everything about it.

Bought used in 2009. 84,000 miles, I am the 2nd owner. Just did 120,000 mile maintenance at Toyota dealer. Nothing wrong, clean bill of health. I'm 63 yrs. old and expect to have my 4Runner until I'm too old to drive. I absolutely love it.

My 97 4Runner has turned out to be a diamond in the rough. After having my mechanic initially look it over and give it a simple tune-up, the SUV has been a tank. It had 144k miles on it when I bought it, and I see no reason why it won't last another 150k. Very mechanically sound and reliable.

I purchased this vehicle used 5 years ago, and have done nothing but regular service items. Couldn't ask for a more reliable vehicle.

I use it for my business, great! Got it from my mom, she past away. Had 92,000 miles, now 240,000 and still going great.

My mother bought the 97 4runner brand new. She bought a new 2010 Camry and passed the 4runner down to me. Ive put this truck through a lot and it still runs strong. 211,000 MILES AND STILL GOING! I dont think this truck has a "Check Engine" light cause Ive never seen it! Toyota is the greatest, Im sure my Runner will see 300K easily!!