What i have notice there are few differences between upto 1997 and 1998 - 2002 are as below;
Engine petrol version: 3RZ, if v6, 5vz
Diesel: 1KD
Outer:
Bumper changes, with foglights in Lamp glass inside the bumper
Front grills are of different design (toyota logo in centre chrome bar)
Head lights are more and less same.
Rims style is variable but not exactly the same of older model
the spare tire is used to under the trunk(most of people call it down steppny)
The side skirts and step are more refine and aligned.
Inside:
The steering is 4 spoke sedan type
Optitron instrument cluster
some models comes with beige interior
rest members with both models or one can explain more.