The Toyota Prado was produced for five years after it was introduced in 1997. Offered as a three- or five-door station wagon, the Prado has automatic, full-time four-wheel drive with front independent and rear live suspension. The Prado is available with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission and can reach 60 mph in 11.0 seconds.
The 1997 Toyota Prado comes equipped with either a 2.7-liter four-cylinder or 3.4-liter V-6 engine. The V-6 has a fuel efficiency of 17 mpg while the 2.7-liter engine gets approximately 25 mpg. The Prado has a full-time, four-wheel-drive system with a center differential, and the driver can choose between 4WD-high, 4WD-high locked and 4WD-low locked modes as appropriate for the driving conditions encountered.
The Toyota Prado front suspension is independent with coil springs and the rear suspension is a live axle. The fuel tank is located behind the rear axle. Both the front and the rear brakes are discs. Anti-lock brakes are not standard on the 1997 Prado, although this feature was offered as an option. The Prado rides on 265/71 R16 tires.
The 1997 Toyota Prado is equipped with driver and front passenger airbags. Buyers could purchase the car with or without air conditioning, a four-speaker sound system and seat belt pretensioners. According to Drive Arabia, the five-door Prado has ample room for the driver and passengers in the front seat and second-row, but third-row passengers may find it a tight fit.
The 1997 Toyota Prado is susceptible to crosswinds, reports Drive Arabia. Be aware when driving, especially at high speeds, that the Prado has been known to flip over in high winds.
