The Complete List of Cars Made in 1997

The late 1990s were a turning point for car design and global markets, with familiar silhouettes and new engineering trends appearing on streets from Tokyo to Turin. Looking back at that year gives a quick snapshot of what buyers and manufacturers were prioritizing before the 2000s.

There are 60 Cars Made in 1997, ranging from Alfa Romeo 156 to Volvo V70. For each entry you’ll find below Manufacturer country, Body type, Production years to help you compare origins, styles and how long each model was produced — you’ll find below.

Which of these 60 models are still commonly seen on the road today?

That depends on region and maintenance: practical models with long production runs or strong parts support (for example many Volvo wagons) tend to remain common, while niche or low-volume cars like some European sports sedans are rarer. Use the Production years and Manufacturer country columns to gauge parts availability and likely survivorship.

How can I use the Manufacturer country, Body type, and Production years columns to pick models worth researching?

Start by filtering Manufacturer country for local parts support, then use Body type to match your needs (sedan, hatch, wagon). Production years show overlap and refresh cycles — longer runs often mean better parts availability and documented issues, which is useful if you’re restoring or buying a used example.

Cars Made in 1997

Images and Descriptions

Toyota Corolla

One of the world’s best-selling compact cars; the E100-generation Corolla was widely produced in 1997, offering reliable 1.3–1.8L engines and simple practicality that made it a staple for commuters and fleet buyers worldwide.

Toyota Camry

Mid-size family sedan (XV20) popular globally in 1997 for its smooth 2.2–3.0L engines and roomy interior. Known for comfort, strong resale values, and high production volumes in Toyota’s U.S. and Japanese plants that year.

Toyota Celica

Sporty compact coupe (seventh generation) produced through 1997, offered with 1.8–2.0L engines and a reputation for sharp handling and distinctive styling; popular with buyers seeking affordable performance and tuner potential.

Toyota Supra

High-performance sports coupe (A80) still in production in 1997, famous for its 3.0L twin-turbo six in certain markets. The Supra combined strong tuning potential with a robust, enthusiast-driven aftermarket.

Toyota RAV4

Compact crossover SUV in active production in 1997, gaining popularity for combining car-like handling with light off-road ability. Early RAV4s featured compact dimensions, economical engines, and became a pioneer of the modern small SUV segment.

Honda Civic

Sixth-generation Civic was in production in 1997 across multiple body styles, known for fuel-efficient 1.4–1.6L engines, light weight, and wide aftermarket support; a favorite for economical daily driving and modification.

Honda Accord

Fifth-generation Accord (U.S./global) still produced in 1997, offered reliable 2.2–2.7L engines, comfortable interior and strong sales. Popular with families and as a used-car choice thanks to durability and straightforward mechanics.

Honda CR-V

Compact SUV that reached many markets in 1997, offering a car-based ride, practical cargo space and a 2.0–2.0L engine. Early CR-Vs helped define compact crossover utility for everyday consumers.

Honda Prelude

Performance-oriented coupe (fifth generation) produced in 1997 with sporty styling and 2.2–2.3L engines; noted for handling balance, pop-up/modern headlights depending on market, and appeal among driving enthusiasts.

Nissan Primera

Mid-size family car (P11) produced in 1997 with a range of 1.6–2.0L engines, praised in Europe for its handling and safety features; represented Nissan’s mainstream offering in many export markets.

Nissan Skyline

R33-generation Skyline was in-produced in 1997, known for performance variants with inline-six engines and turbocharging. Skylines combined everyday usability with strong enthusiast appeal in certain markets.

Nissan Maxima

Full-size sedan produced in 1997 offering sporty V6 power and upscale features for the segment; popular in North America as a near-luxury family car with engaging engines and roomy cabins.

Nissan Altima

First-generation Altima was still produced in 1997 in some markets, offering comfortable mid-size packaging and 2.4–3.0L engines. It served as Nissan’s mainstream family sedan before the 1998 redesign.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Lightweight two-seat roadster in production during 1997 (NA generation ended that year), celebrated for balanced handling, simplicity and an engaging 1.6–1.8L engine; a widely loved affordable sports car.

Mazda 626

Mid-size family car available in 1997 with varied engines and body styles; noted for comfortable ride and competitive features in global markets, commonly used as a practical family transport and fleet car.

Mitsubishi Lancer

Compact family car produced in 1997 across multiple markets. Known for reliable 1.5–2.0L engines and a variety of bodystyles, it later spawned the high-performance Evolution line though mainstream Lancers were economy-focused.

Mitsubishi Galant

Executive-sized sedan produced in 1997, offering 2.0–2.5L engines and comfortable appointments. The Galant targeted families and business users looking for a practical, well-equipped mid-size car.

Mitsubishi Pajero

Full-size SUV in production in 1997, known for serious off-road capability, robust 2.5–3.5L engines and global rally success. Popular in markets favoring heavy-duty SUVs and long-distance touring.

Subaru Impreza

Compact car produced in 1997 with boxer engines and available all-wheel drive in many trims; gained reputation for handling and rally-derived performance versions that appealed to enthusiasts.

Subaru Legacy

Mid-size model in production during 1997, offered AWD across many markets, boxer engines, and a reputation for safety and durability. Frequently used as a family car and for light touring.

Subaru Forester

Compact crossover introduced in 1997 and produced that year; combined Legacy mechanicals with higher ride height and AWD. Early Foresters became popular for practical outdoor use and fuel efficiency.

Ford Escort

European-focused Escort models remained in production in 1997, offering economical engines and compact practicality. A common choice across Europe and other markets for affordable daily motoring.

Ford Mondeo

Mid-size family car in production during 1997, praised for ride and handling; the Mondeo served as Ford’s global D-segment contender with multiple body styles and a range of petrol and diesel engines.

Ford Taurus

Third-generation Taurus was in production in 1997, offering mainstream family-sedan packaging and V6 engines. Known in North America for interior space and comfort rather than sportiness.

Chevrolet Cavalier

Compact model built in 1997 in multiple body forms, commonly sold in North America with economical four-cylinder engines. A high-volume model for fleet buyers and budget-conscious private buyers.

Chevrolet Camaro

Fourth-generation Camaro was produced in 1997, offering V6 and V8 options and a classic American pony-car profile. Continued appeal among performance buyers and collectors.

Chevrolet Corvette

America’s long-running sports car was in production in 1997 (C5 model year began around then); known for strong V8 power, performance focus and a dedicated enthusiast base.

Dodge Caravan

High-volume minivan offering people-carrying practicality in 1997 with versatile seating, family-friendly features and a variety of engines. A mainstay of North American family transport during the decade.

Chrysler Neon

Affordable compact car produced in 1997, available as a sporty-feeling small sedan and hatchback. Popular for its low entry price, bright colors and simple mechanicals.

Jeep Cherokee

Compact/mid-size SUV (XJ) produced in 1997, lauded for durable boxy design and capable 4×4 systems. A go-to choice for buyers needing everyday utility and occasional off-road ability.

BMW 3 Series

E36 3 Series was in production in 1997, celebrated for balanced driving dynamics, a range of inline-four and inline-six engines and strong popularity among enthusiasts and professionals alike.

BMW 5 Series

E39-generation 5 Series produced in 1997 combined comfort and driving precision with strong six-cylinder engines; regarded as a benchmark mid-size executive car of the era.

Mercedes C-Class

Compact executive sedan in production in 1997 (W202), offering Mercedes’ focus on build quality, safety and a range of engines for private buyers and company fleets.

Mercedes E-Class

W210 E-Class was built through 1997, known for safety equipment, refined engines and strong global sales; a common choice for professionals and used-car buyers seeking longevity.

Mercedes S-Class

Flagship luxury sedan (W140) still produced in 1997, offering high-end comfort, powerful engines and advanced features for the era; a symbol of executive class transport.

Audi A4

Compact executive model (B5) in production in 1997; offered Quattro AWD in many markets and a mix of petrol and diesel engines. Positioned against BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class.

Audi A6

C5 A6 production began in 1997; the model arrived as a modern executive car with new platforms, updated styling and a range of inline-five and V6 engines for buyers seeking refinement.

Volkswagen Golf

Mk3 Golf was produced in 1997, a ubiquitous compact hatchback globally available with a wide engine range and body styles. Known for practicality and strong aftermarket/modification communities.

Volkswagen Passat

B5 Passat was in production during 1997, notable for an upscale interior and longitudinal engine layout in certain markets. Marketed as a family and executive transport with diesel and petrol options.

Volkswagen Polo

Supermini in production in 1997 (6N generation), compact and fuel-efficient with a selection of small petrol and diesel engines for city drivers and first-time buyers.

Volvo S70

Volvo’s mid-size sedan (S70) was built in 1997 and emphasized safety, comfortable seating and practical Swedish design; commonly chosen by buyers prioritizing crash protection and long-term durability.

Volvo V70

Practical wagon variant produced in 1997, offering spacious cargo area, robust safety systems and comfortable long-distance touring for families and business users.

Saab 9-5

New executive model whose production began in 1997; the 9-5 offered turbocharged engines and distinctive Scandinavian styling, providing an alternative to mainstream German executive cars.

Renault Megane

Compact family hatch produced in 1997 (first generation), praised for comfortable ride, varied engines and modern styling for its class, a staple across European markets.

Renault Clio

First-generation Clio remained in production in 1997, a popular supermini offering efficient engines and European city-friendly dimensions, widely sold across many countries.

Peugeot 306

Compact family car produced in 1997, admired for good ride and handling balance, available as hatchback or estate and in petrol and diesel forms for broad market appeal.

Peugeot 406

Mid-size model in production during 1997 with elegant styling, comfy ride and diesel options popular in Europe; often chosen by buyers seeking comfortable family transport with French flair.

Citroën Xantia

Mid-size car built through 1997 with hydropneumatic suspension on some variants, offering a distinctive ride quality and comfortable interiors; a recognizable choice in European family car markets.

Citroën Berlingo

Light commercial van introduced in 1996 and produced in 1997, used widely for small-business duties and as a compact people carrier; notable for practicality and modular cargo space.

Fiat Punto

Supermini produced in 1997 with compact dimensions and economical engines. The Punto was a common European city car known for value and straightforward maintenance.

Alfa Romeo 156

Launched into production in 1997 as a fresh compact executive saloon with distinctive styling and engaging engines; it represented Alfa’s return to a competitive family-executive segment.

Fiat Bravo

Small family hatchback produced in 1997, offering Italian styling and a range of practical petrol and diesel engines. Positioned as a more dynamic alternative to mainstream compact cars.

Opel Astra

Astra F was produced in 1997 and widely sold across Europe, offering various engines, practicality and estate or hatchback body styles for families and fleet customers.

Opel Vectra

Mid-size family/executive car in production during 1997 (B generation), offered comfortable interiors and a selection of petrol and diesel engines, popular with business buyers and families.

Mercedes Sprinter

Light commercial van built in 1997 and sold across Europe and elsewhere; used by tradespeople and delivery fleets for its spacious cargo area, durability and multiple body configurations.

Ford Transit

Long-running light commercial van produced in 1997 in multiple configurations worldwide; popular for cargo and passenger conversions and a common sight among small business fleets.

Renault Kangoo

Small van introduced into production in 1997 and immediately used as a compact cargo and people carrier. Its roomy interior and short turning circle made it popular for urban deliveries and families.

Toyota Hiace

Versatile light commercial van in production in 1997, widely used for passenger transport, cargo and camper conversions. Known for reliability and availability across many global markets.

Nissan Vanette

Compact van produced in 1997, commonly used for small-business and family transport. Offered in passenger and cargo versions with practical, low-cost mechanicals.

Daewoo Lanos

Entry-level compact car whose production began in 1997; offered simple, affordable transport with basic mechanicals and light styling, sold widely in export markets under the Daewoo name.

Cars Made in Other Years