1997 Toyota 4Runner Base 4x2
All photo credits
- Photo: 2001 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD, front left, 08-24-2022 by MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 99-02 Toyota 4Runner Limited by MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 3rd gen Toyota 4runner Limited side by BrokenSphere, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Smile (15541431101) by Zach Dischner, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Endless Possibilities (11533326155) by Zach Dischner, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 1997 Toyota 4Runner Base 4x2 is a 150-hp SUV with a 5-speed manual overdrive; 4-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive available and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $20,408 MSRP and is rated at 18 mpg combined.
It makes 150 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 177 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway (18 mpg combined).
The 4Runner measures 178.7 inches long on a 105.3-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,440 lb.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | SUV |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $20,408 ($41,325 *) |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 2.7-liter DOHC 16-valve EFI 4-cylinder, cast iron block with aluminum alloy head |
| Horsepower | 150 hp @ 4,800 rpm |
| Torque | 177 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, 4-valve/cylinder |
| Bore and Stroke | 3.74 x 3.74 in. |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Injection Type | EFI |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | Rear-wheel drive (2WD) |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual overdrive (standard); 4-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive (ECT) available |
| 1st Gear | 3.954 |
| 2nd Gear | 2.141 |
| 3rd Gear | 1.384 |
| 4th Gear | 1 |
| 5th Gear | 0.81 |
| Reverse | 4.091 |
| Final Drive | 3.727 |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 17 MPG |
| Highway | 22 MPG |
| Combined | 18 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | 87-octane unleaded (regular) |
| Suspension | |
| Front Suspension | Independent double-wishbone with coil springs, low-pressure gas-filled shocks, and stabilizer bar |
| Rear Suspension | 4-link coil spring with low-pressure gas-filled shocks and stabilizer bar |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | 1.02 in. |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | 0.75 in. |
| Brakes | |
| Front Brake Disc | Ventilated disc, 11.6 in. |
| Rear Brake Disc | Drum, 11.6 in. |
| Tires & Wheels | |
| Wheels Front | 15 in. (styled steel) |
| Wheels Rear | 15 in. (styled steel) |
| Tires Front | P225/75R15 |
| Tires Rear | P225/75R15 |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 178.7 in |
| Width | 66.5 in |
| Height | 67.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 105.3 in |
| Front Track | 59.3 in |
| Rear Track | 58.9 in |
| Ground Clearance | 9.8 in |
| Approach Angle | 32° |
| Departure Angle | 26° |
| Cargo Volume | 44.6 ft³ |
| Curb Weight | 3,440 lbs |
| Interior | |
| Headroom Front | 39.2 in |
| Headroom Rear | 38.7 in |
| Legroom Front | 43.1 in |
| Legroom Rear | 34.9 in |
| Shoulder Room Front | 53.9 in |
| Shoulder Room Rear | 53.9 in |
| Hip Room Front | 49.8 in |
| Hip Room Rear | 51.4 in |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 1997 Toyota 4Runner Base 4x2 with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
| Overall | Not rated |
| Frontal crash | Not rated |
| Frontal – driver | ★★★★★ |
| Frontal – passenger | ★★★★★ |
| Side crash | Not rated |
| Rollover | Not rated |
Recalls
4 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1997 Toyota 4RUNNER. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Apr 7, 2009 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
NHTSA campaign 09E012000
May 24, 2006 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
NHTSA campaign 06E049000
Mar 23, 2006 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
NHTSA campaign 06E026000
Jan 18, 2002 · SUSPENSION
ON CERTAIN 2-WHEEL-DRIVE (2WD) AND 4-WHEEL-DRIVE (4WD) 4RUNNER SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, A COMBINATION OF HEAVY LOADING (SIMULTANEOUS LOADING TO REAR GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING AND GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING) AND SEVERE STEERING MANEUVERS COULD CAUSE THE 2WD 4RUNNER TO LOSE DIRECTIONAL STABILITY.
Consequence: THIS MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE REAR SUSPENSION PARTS. ALTHOUGH THE 4WD 4RUNNERS DO NOT EXHIBIT THE HANDLING CONDITION, TOYOTA WILL RECALL THESE VEHICLES TO AVOID ANY PUBLIC CONFUSION AS TO WHICH VEHICLES SHOULD RECEIVE THE REPLACEMENT PARTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 28, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
NHTSA campaign 02V021000
264 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1997 Toyota 4RUNNER
Owner Complaints
264 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Toyota 4RUNNER (35 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 16 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov
| Suspension | 95 |
| Structure | 75 |
| Hydraulic | 28 |
| Service Brakes | 28 |
| Power Train | 25 |
| Unknown Or Other | 21 |
Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.