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1997
Toyota RAV4

Starts at:
$15,118
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New 1997 Toyota RAV4
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2dr Manual
    Starts at
    $15,118
    24 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Manual
    Starts at
    $15,818
    24 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Auto
    Starts at
    $16,168
    24 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Manual 4WD
    Starts at
    $16,518
    22 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Auto
    Starts at
    $16,868
    24 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Manual 4WD
    Starts at
    $17,218
    22 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Auto 4WD
    Starts at
    $18,268
    22 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

The good & the bad

This vehicle doesn't have any good or bad insights yet.

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Expert 1997 Toyota RAV4 review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

Oftentimes, there is a particular charm to being small. When you attach four wheels to it, the facet takes on a special meaning.

Whether you can call the 1997 Toyota RAV4 sport utility vehicle “charming” is a matter of conjecture. Consumers Union calls it the “Best Small Sport-Utility Vehicle.”

The RAV4 is a mini-SUV, as defined by its 86.6 inch-wheelbase and its 147.2 inch-overall length. That’s really a small package, but what it lacks in size, the little Toyota makes up in versatility.

Currently, the RAV4 is the only sport-ute to feature four-wheel independent suspension, courtesy of the basic floor plan it shares with previous generation Toyota Celica and Camry passenger cars.

This gives the mini-SUV a car-like ride without losing its utility aspects. The design enhances the stability via a wide front and rear track that forms a broad base.

With the short front and rear overhang of the strong unibody construction, the vehicle has a high degree of maneuverability. The versatility goes up with the 4X4 four-wheel drive version.

With 4X4 hardware on board, the RAV4’s shortness lets it attack acute approach angles to ascend or descend steep inclines.

The entry-level model features front-wheel drive. It performs quite admirably, but doesn’t quite have the off-road capabilities of four-wheel drive.

The vehicle’s all-wheel drive design is similar to previous generation All-Trac Camry, Corolla and Celica models.

For added off-road traction, the RAV4 4X4 offers a standard locking center differential.

On optional automatic transmission models, the center differential locks automatically when excessive slip begins between the front and rear wheels. When the standard five-speed manual transmission is used, there is a switch that allows the driver to manually lock or unlock the center differential.

Toyota juggles the gear ratios on its two-wheel and four-wheel drive RAV4s when the vehicles use the five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions. The final drive is quite a bit lower (ratio-wise) in five-speed form than as an automatic.

Driving all this mechanism is a dual overhead cam, 2.0-liter (121.8-cubic-inch/1,998 c.c.) 16-valve four-cylinder engine. The motor is rated at 120-horsepower, which is fairly basic output for this type of powerplant. Torque is 125 foot-pounds, which is sufficient to handle about 1,500 pounds of towing capacity.

It is interesting to note that there is not a major difference in fuel consumption between a two-door front-wheel drive with a five-speed and a four-door four-wheel drive with an automatic. At the top of the list is the front-drive’s 24/30 city/highway consumption versus the automatic’s 4X4 number of 22/27.

The RAV4 offers seating for up to five passengers. The driver cockpit arrangement is the standard two bucket seats in front and 50/50 split rear seats in the back. The rear seat back can be folded either forward or backward, or the entire seat folded forward. This opens up 34.7 c ubic feet of storage space in the two-door and 57.9 cubic feet in the four-door.

By removing the front headrests and reclining both front and rear seat backs, the seats can be converted into a bed.

As might be expected in a mini-vehicle, cargo space is not immense. However, it is sufficient to haul most items.

The instrumentation is standard fare in that the four-gauge system consists of a speedometer, tachometer, temperature and fuel level. There also is the trip odometer.

For a moderately priced sport-ute, the trim level and accessory equipment is pretty good. The interior features fabric seating, full carpeting, cupholders, front door panel pockets, intermittent front and rear wipers, a rear defogger and a digital clock.

Not too bad for a 4X2 two-door with a five-speed whose base price is a little more than $15,000. Going to four-wheel drive will run you an added $1,400.

If you want to go upstream, there is the 4X4 four-door with a four-speed automatic. It has a ma nufac turer’s suggested retail price of just a touch over $18,000. Add to this destination charges and options.

1997 Toyota RAV4 review: Our expert's take
By

Oftentimes, there is a particular charm to being small. When you attach four wheels to it, the facet takes on a special meaning.

Whether you can call the 1997 Toyota RAV4 sport utility vehicle “charming” is a matter of conjecture. Consumers Union calls it the “Best Small Sport-Utility Vehicle.”

The RAV4 is a mini-SUV, as defined by its 86.6 inch-wheelbase and its 147.2 inch-overall length. That’s really a small package, but what it lacks in size, the little Toyota makes up in versatility.

Currently, the RAV4 is the only sport-ute to feature four-wheel independent suspension, courtesy of the basic floor plan it shares with previous generation Toyota Celica and Camry passenger cars.

This gives the mini-SUV a car-like ride without losing its utility aspects. The design enhances the stability via a wide front and rear track that forms a broad base.

With the short front and rear overhang of the strong unibody construction, the vehicle has a high degree of maneuverability. The versatility goes up with the 4X4 four-wheel drive version.

With 4X4 hardware on board, the RAV4’s shortness lets it attack acute approach angles to ascend or descend steep inclines.

The entry-level model features front-wheel drive. It performs quite admirably, but doesn’t quite have the off-road capabilities of four-wheel drive.

The vehicle’s all-wheel drive design is similar to previous generation All-Trac Camry, Corolla and Celica models.

For added off-road traction, the RAV4 4X4 offers a standard locking center differential.

On optional automatic transmission models, the center differential locks automatically when excessive slip begins between the front and rear wheels. When the standard five-speed manual transmission is used, there is a switch that allows the driver to manually lock or unlock the center differential.

Toyota juggles the gear ratios on its two-wheel and four-wheel drive RAV4s when the vehicles use the five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions. The final drive is quite a bit lower (ratio-wise) in five-speed form than as an automatic.

Driving all this mechanism is a dual overhead cam, 2.0-liter (121.8-cubic-inch/1,998 c.c.) 16-valve four-cylinder engine. The motor is rated at 120-horsepower, which is fairly basic output for this type of powerplant. Torque is 125 foot-pounds, which is sufficient to handle about 1,500 pounds of towing capacity.

It is interesting to note that there is not a major difference in fuel consumption between a two-door front-wheel drive with a five-speed and a four-door four-wheel drive with an automatic. At the top of the list is the front-drive’s 24/30 city/highway consumption versus the automatic’s 4X4 number of 22/27.

The RAV4 offers seating for up to five passengers. The driver cockpit arrangement is the standard two bucket seats in front and 50/50 split rear seats in the back. The rear seat back can be folded either forward or backward, or the entire seat folded forward. This opens up 34.7 c ubic feet of storage space in the two-door and 57.9 cubic feet in the four-door.

By removing the front headrests and reclining both front and rear seat backs, the seats can be converted into a bed.

As might be expected in a mini-vehicle, cargo space is not immense. However, it is sufficient to haul most items.

The instrumentation is standard fare in that the four-gauge system consists of a speedometer, tachometer, temperature and fuel level. There also is the trip odometer.

For a moderately priced sport-ute, the trim level and accessory equipment is pretty good. The interior features fabric seating, full carpeting, cupholders, front door panel pockets, intermittent front and rear wipers, a rear defogger and a digital clock.

Not too bad for a 4X2 two-door with a five-speed whose base price is a little more than $15,000. Going to four-wheel drive will run you an added $1,400.

If you want to go upstream, there is the 4X4 four-door with a four-speed automatic. It has a ma nufac turer’s suggested retail price of just a touch over $18,000. Add to this destination charges and options.

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
7 years / less than 85,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12, 000 miles
Dealer certification
160- or 174-point inspections

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Consumer reviews

4.7 / 5
Based on 32 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.3
Interior 4.2
Performance 4.5
Value 4.7
Exterior 4.4
Reliability 4.8

Most recent

  • Fantastic driving car

    I had a chevy half ton for years until I bought a 1996 with some mechanical problems, it took less than 2 whole days to rebuild the front end suspension. AC didn't work either, but a can of refrigerant did the trick. The engine is gutless but with the gears it gets out of its own way fine. I loved it so much I had to get an awd 1997 model also with a 5 speed. They're fantastic cars, start and run like a clock, all the little accessories work, and almost all mechanical problems can be dealt with a single day of time. It can carry people and stuff, tow a light trailer, it’s as versatile as an SUV but built and drives like a tall corolla, so it fits almost anywhere. I hope to keep my 97 for many more years. 26-31MPG too
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • A Forever Vehicle

    I have a 5door '98 that I kept in fairly original condition with regular maintenance & part-time winter 4wd use (a '09Yaris for daily & an mr2-s for summer). Will qualify for collector plate status here (BC) come 2023 (soon!) meaning low insurance & can be covered all year round. 240k(kms) still going strong with just fluids, brakes & belts replaced. Lots of fa ebook groups for parts & friendly advice. Ill keep this & mr2-s forever for grandson to enjoy when everyone else will be on AI-autonomously boring vehicles!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Had no major problems in 250k miles

    Its not the fanciest car but it's dependable. Regular oil changes and no expensive repairs. It drives well and I don't worry about breaking down on the road at all
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    15 people out of 16 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • I love my RAV4!

    We bought this car in December on 2016 in Northern Arizona. I needed a car with 4 wheel drive for the snow. This one has push button 4 wheel drive. We paid $5000 for it. We have put that much maintenance into it since then. But it needed it. It only had 112,000 miles on it when we bought it!! I drive it everywhere up and down the state of Texas since we have moved back. My daughter calls it the fish bowl, because of the big windows. So it doesn't have all the bells and whistles, and it has crank windows too! I just take my portable blue tooth with me when I travel. LOL!! We bought a 2015 RAV4, but I don't want to part with my older RAV4. I have become attached to it. The KKBB says its only with $526!! But to me it's priceless.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    10 people out of 10 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Best SUV ever

    This is a 1997 with only a hundred sixty thousand miles on it. I purchased it in 2003. So I am the second owner. I take it to the beach I run it up and down the East coast. It is super super reliable. I change the oil and brakes regularly. It has never let me down. It is the backup to my BMW which are not known for their reliability. I will never never never give it up. It's a fabulous little car. It's a 4-cylinder it's not a lot of power when you merge on the highway but other than that it hauls what I need and gets me where I'm going. The AC is not as cold as it used to be. It's not the most comfortable car but it's actually okay on long trips. Yes she has some quirks electrical mostly but all in all i highly, highly recommend this car. Can't say enough good things about it. I love her.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Very reliable but mine stop good acceleration

    Is a nice one but have movement issues and have asked mechanics to fix it but have not gotten a better one to. Advice pls
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 3.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • How many years is this thing going to go?

    Like a lot of people here, I'm sure, I found this website after Googling how long a Rav 4 will last. Because my 1997 Rav has 220,000 miles on it and it's still running along. Now, to be fair, I have put a lot of money into it in the past few years. I somehow broke both axles...needed a new O2 sensor...brakes were dragging...the air conditioning fan squeals, and it's probably going to need a new timing belt soonish. So it's been a lot of little fixes that have added up to more than the cost of the car ($1,000 from a family friend)...but I'm attached to it and I never have enough saved up for a whole new car. (college.) Point is, it's still running and I have no idea when it'll die. It's a tough little thing and I've grown oddly attached to it. I always wanted a nice-looking fancy car but now I'm thinking I'll stick with Toyota forever. Oh, and it's great on gas too, takes about $20-$25 to fill up.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • 300k and still going

    This is my fun car. It tows my toys and goes off road in the mountains when I go camping. Never gets stuck and never breaks down (unless I've neglected some maintenance long enough) I wish they still made this exact model so I can buy another one.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • In very good shape and runs excellent

    The vehicle was as described. Runs excellent and no body damage. The vehicle had one single owner which was a plus. Definitely a good purchase.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Incredible value and reliability!

    The styling, ground clearance, gas mileage, reliability and compact versatility make this the best car I have ever owned! I have put 325,000 miles on this car in 21 years and it's been great. Very few problems and easy to work on. Even better than the 4 Honda Civics I drove before this. The only disappointing aspect I can think of is that Toyota has started to discontinue making some of the parts.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • HMy Baby

    Have had my Rav 4 from new for 21years and 8 months. We have driven 164 .ooo Kms. I will break my heart the day we have to part company.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Greatest car Toyota ever made

    Have owned my 97 RAV4 for 21 years -- currently at 263,000 miles and it still runs beautifully. Have put so little money into it I hesitate to buy a new car -- besides, I don't like the styles now. They all look the same - mine still has that distinctive sporty look that I love. The only thing I need to do is get a new radio. And I keep hearing, "if you want to sell it, just let me know." Never!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1997 Toyota RAV4?

The 1997 Toyota RAV4 is available in 1 trim level:

  • (7 styles)

What is the MPG of the 1997 Toyota RAV4?

The 1997 Toyota RAV4 offers up to 24 MPG in city driving and 30 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 1997 Toyota RAV4?

The 1997 Toyota RAV4 compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 1997 Toyota RAV4 reliable?

The 1997 Toyota RAV4 has an average reliability rating of 4.8 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1997 Toyota RAV4 owners.

Is the 1997 Toyota RAV4 a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1997 Toyota RAV4. 96.9% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.7 / 5
Based on 32 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.3
  • Interior: 4.2
  • Performance: 4.5
  • Value: 4.7
  • Exterior: 4.4
  • Reliability: 4.8

Toyota RAV4 history

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