RateItAll: The Opinion Network

I've got a RAV-4 from 2004 and it's a great car. best thing about it is that is was well-thought out when it was designed. It is a smaller SUV that drives like a car. it's comfortable with enough room to do SUV-type stuff without being huge like it's larger, gas-guzzling counterparts. Toyota also put some thought into it's design. It has a tape deck, a rear seat cup holder, a compartment for a garage door opener and a number of other crafty compartments and pieces that work well. you can drive it in the City and park easily and the ride is smooth. Disadvantages are a small break pedal and a lack of strong acceleration. Still this is a tough car. Already I've had it banged up three times without any engine work. it takes a licking and keeps on running.

Great little car, Toyotas are the best, and its really good on gas.

I own a 2003 Rav4L 4wd. It has almost every option but the best thing is....drum roll..it's a toyota. It's a very smooth quiet car/suv with excellent cargo room for it's class. Yeah it could use more power, but hey, it's a small suv...isn't that the point..to be good on GAS?...you can't have everything PEOPLE!! Versitility is its trademark, the rear seats fold down move forward or come out completely...leave the left or right one in individually for a 3rd person and your good to go.

nice looking car ( 2001 on wards ) previously it was more like a ladys' car , it lacks the power should be more than 2 ltrs at least 2.3 - not to be used in desserts - the 1 specs. looks amazing - sound system is funny , bumpers are slightly weak - dash board is okay

the most great car suv ever....

A very good choice for a compact SUV. As usual, reliability has always been excellent. It shouldnt be off road, and cargo room is small, but Rav4's are the longest lasting compact SUV's. Very good gas mielage. If you need more room, the only real good choice in a compact is the Escape. Both the Rav4, Wscape, as well as the CRV are my only recommended small SUV's.

I miss the bells and whistles, but my Rav4 has been fabulous!

I have recently bought a 1999 Toyota certified Rav4. It is the best vehicle I have ever owned. I would recommend it to anybody. It looks cool, rides well and handles like a car. I will definitely buy another one someday.

Own a 2001 RAV 4 and I have to say I am somewhat disappointed in the vehicle, considering my previous positive experiences with Toyota. It's too small (my wife likes it much more...I ended up gettin an Escape which is a much better SUV)have had several brake problems, a broken door hinge, development of squeaks after six months...it has ok handling, but not much power...prefer the V/6 engine in my Escape...I do like the look but wouldn't purchase another one. I absolutely hate the Toyota's service department at the dealership where I bought it...so I have to go out of my way to another delership to have the car serviced. Overall not the best experience!

eeeeeewwwww

OK, but new CR-V is much better.

I test drove a RAV before I test drove and bought a Santa FE. The ride was okay. The cargo area was small IMO. It problably would not store stroller, baby playpen, extra diapers, small ice chest, clothes for 2 people and a baby.

I have a 98, 4-door, stick shift, Limited version and so far, no problems at all! The biggest complaint I have is lack of power. Although, Anthony_Michael says HP has been increased in the 2001 model. I would also recommend replacing the radio- the Toyota one is horrible (even to an untrained ear).

I test drove a 2001 - very underpowered & overpriced. It doesn't handle as well as I expected it to.

I have a '98 with 110,000 miles on it. I love the car but have had problems with my local dealer.

Too small, NO POWER, looks like a mini mini-van. Great if you are looking for a toy SUV.

Well-designed, well-built, nicely styled, reasonably priced, fun to drive, great mileage (26.5+ per US gallon with auto trans and AWD); no complaints after 7,800 miles. Glad I bought it.

Just got our 5 speed 2001 RAV4 last Saturday, only 1 week after order (Was told may be up to 6 weeks). Apparently 5 speed is easiler to found than automatics. Solid construction, very quiet engine and versatile seats. Still try to adjust to the orange colour guages and the high driving position (Verse my old 91 Integra). Otherwise everything else is just like a car(may be better than some cars!) Louie

The Rav4 is A perfect urban vehicle with the right size power and styling it is a fun car to drive and I reccomend the Rav4 to anyone who is looking for a fun car to drive.

Took delivery of my Rav 4 NV 3 door 2wd this week..both me & my wife luv it..the interior spec is better than I had ever dreamed..my only criticism is the hefty cost to upgrade the radio/cassette to a cd player..£600!!...I thought the new VW Beetle was a good looking motor but the new Rav 3 door beats it..sorry can't add much at moment in the way of constructive criticism as only had the car 5 days.

Good Car, and reliable

I own the car, and i feel great with it

I own a 2001 RAV4 L, in Natural White with fender flares and alloy wheels. I really enjoy driving it, and the versatility of the seating/cargo area is impressive. Since it's based on the Celica platform, it really does feel like a "sports car with ground clearance." The full-time 4-wheel drive is great, too. The RAV has great traction in any weather, and no steering torque like most front-drive vehicles.

This car have many noise problem (the worst one is the horrible break noise). Toyota quality control is not that great as you think it is

I have owned both style Rav4s a 1998 and now a 2001 limited. They have done a fine job redesinging the new Rav4 has more room, more h.p. I am averaging 26 m.p.g. For people who think it is underpowered, I can tell you this it went head-to-head recently with a V6 Santa Fe and beat by two car lengths and in the slalom. Its great looking and turns a lot of heads. And don't forget the best part the warranty, 3yr/36k-bumpertobumper,5yr/60k powertrain,5yr/unlimited rust through also don't forget Toyota's quality, dependability, and reliability.

The RAV4 is the perfect blend of fuel economy, power, roominess, handling, and all with exceptional styling. You feel the presence of a truck, but it handles like a car. Many SUV's have V6's with more power, but they also come with an extra 1000 to 2000 more pounds and greatly reduced fuel economy.

First of all, there's no way of judging how one SUV is better than another until you evaluate your needs. You can only compare SUV's side by side if they're in the same class (mini-SUVs, luxury SUVs, midsize SUVs, large SUVs, etc.). With that said, if you're looking for a mini-SUV and your top priorities are maximum quality and longevity with a minimum of repair, maximum fuel mileage, and a versatile interior, it's hard to beat the newly-designed 2001 RAV4!!! I would not recommend the new RAV if you need to haul more than 4 avg. to large-sized adults and their luggage, or if you have to tow a decent-sized trailer. The new RAV's 2.0L 4-cyl motor is the only option, and at 148hp, it does a good job of transporting the vehicle around efficiently. If you want maximum performance out of your RAV, get the manual transmission like we did. If you can't drive a manual or if you will use it in lots of stop-n-go traffic, then get the automatic. Many of the automatic owners are satisfied with their choice. The new RAV's rear bench is split 50/50, and each side can tumble forward and lock, or they can be removed completely. Very nice feature for hauling cargo. Taking the seats out (takes about 20 seconds for both of them, literally) turns the RAV into a mini cargo van. The one-piece rear door is hinged on one side (passenger's side), so when you open it you have total access to the cargo area. The load-in height is low so back strain is minimal. Great design!! The vehicle has a great-looking interior and fit and finish is typical Toyota high-quality. Very comfortable driving position, even for me at 6'1" 240 lbs. There's plenty of interior room despite the smallish-looking exterior dimensions. You'd have to be a huge cow to not fit comfortably in this vehicle. The exterior looks are a major plus, it's a head-turner. If you shop, you can find one and you can get a deal. We paid $300 over invoice at $19,400 total for a loaded 2wd 5-spd. with L-package.

This SUV has everything I am looking for in a SUV as soon as I saw it I knew this is the vehicle I want to have.

I have this vehicule since october 2000 (it's a 2001) and I still enjoy it every time I drive it, I love it driving in the snow and very comfortable on freeway, nice also offroad but I wont use use it in deep offroad. Enough roomy for my needs. It's style make head turning. No problem at all yet.

A lot of people mentioned that the car looks cute. I will say the interior looks even better. Plus, I like the cup holders, one push up/down driver's side windows, one push open power sun-roof, white 3D instrument cluster, super comfortable front seats, multi ways of adjustable rear seats, 5 3point seat belts and etc. After breakin period, the car seems that it has gained more horse powers. I do agree that I didn't feel enough power when I test drove the car. Now the car moves fast. 0-60mph is 9sec. That shall beat a lot of sedans on the road. The best of all, the cost of ownership is much lower than other SUV or sedans. First, there is no timing belt but timing chain so you don't need to replace timing belt. Second, it is equiped with Iridium Spark Plugs so you don't need to replace them until it reaches 100,000miles. Third, there is no distributor, nor spark plug wires. Last, with Toyota's reputation it can really save your money and time. If this car came with V6 engine, I would give it 6 stars. It is just too nice to not to have this car.

This is a fun car to drive! Compact for city driving, but not too small. Very efficient use of space. Good gas mileage and a pleasure to drive. All that and good looking too!

I've been shopping for a "mini" suv for the wife for a few months. The Rav4 struck my fancy as cool styling and ergonimcally pleasing, but after giving it a test drive and checking out the specs, I'm going to pass. Underpowered and WAY too overpriced for this little thing. It's bacisally a cool looking KIA Sportage. I'm going with the V-6 Ford Escape or Jeep Liberty...

I like the new RAV4. Its better looking than its competitors at Suzuki and Honda as a Toyota its bound to be bullet proof. As for Bob2's comments, he seems to conveniently forget that the imports also have manufacturing plants set up in North America. So there's no excuse for buying 'American' just for the sake of 'protecting' local jobs. Toyotas and Hondas assembled in North America contribute to the US and Canadian economies. So don't bad mouth the imports just because the domestics let themselves get behind Bob2. You can keep your Chevette! By the way if you pull your head out of the sand you'll notice that the RAV4 doesn't even look like the Santa Fe, idiot.

I purchased my new 2001 RAV4 5-speed "L" model on 2/27/01,and I am very pleased. With exception of an automatic transmission, I ordered every available option, and so equipped, it is very nice looking and quite comfortable. The fit and finish is first rate, goes and stops well, and handles great. The ride is well controlled with comfortable seats and low wind noise. If you want a small SUV with good gas mileage and reasonable size (driver and front passenger have ample room, and two rear passengers fit easily), test drive the new RAV4. I think you will be surprised at how much this new model has improved.

Just bought a 2001 RAV4 L last week. I compared to all the other small SUVs (Honda CRV, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Kia Sportage) and the new RAV4 won hands down. Much more refined, plenty of power (not a powerhouse, but none of these are), drop dead gorgeous looks, etc, etc, etc. So far I love it!

coolest, nicest looking car around!!

All I can say is that the 2-dr RAV4 is the best looking SUV in the market.

The 2001 RAV4 is the best looking Toyota out there and that's not saying much for it. Where's the V-6? Who did Toyota copy when they made this one? The Santa Fe? Even the Santa Fe has a V-6 available. Give me an Escape at least it's made in the USA!

I am a current owner of a 1998 Toyota RAV4, 4dr, 2WD. This car is SPIRITED, FUN, ECONOMICAL, SPORTY, EASY TO DRIVE AND PARK, SIMPLE MAINTENANCE, AN ALL-AROUND WONDERFULLY BUILT CAR! I PLAN TO KEEP MINE FOR AT LEAST TEN YEARS! : ^ )

Excellent product! Great on and offroad. Gas maileage is acceptable, and gives the ride of a car. If a bit less noisy, it would earn a perfect 10!!!

I owns a '99 RAV4 and LOVE it. It's not to big and not to small. It is fun to drive and pulls my Waverunner with no problem. It's been a trouble-free vehicle and I have no complaints!

I have been a happy and very satisfied RAV4 owner for over a year now. The RAV4 is a comfortable driving machine as well as a functional one. I take very seriously my purchase of vehicles. I have a high standard to which I compare and rate vehicles when I am purchasing. When all was said and done, I chose the RAV4 because of its dependability, durability, among functinoality (among other things). I would highly suggest this vehicle to anyone looking at a CRV, Escape, Tracker, whatever...you won't regret it.

I own a '99 RAV and love it. Its great on gas and the 4WD gets me through the great canadian winters. Its car like feel makes it fun to drive. Overall great SUV!

My RAV4 is a 96 4WD 5 spd that has 58000 miles of trouble free driving. I live in snow country and the all wheel drive takes me anywhere I want to go - in town, highway driving, hunting in the boondocks, wherever - without a gas guzzling monster V8 engine, and at about 25 mpg. It's noisier than I like on the road and the speakers were poor but have long since been replaced. I don't need to seat 8 people, tow a two ton boat or pull a tree out by the roots - this thing fits me just fine. And 150,000 miles from now when the Explorers, Durangos, Suburbans and other "real" SUVs are dead and gone, I'll still be motoring along.

I just pruchased the 2001 Rav4 Limited edition. I love it. It is very practical. I take the seats out and my 100 pound dog lots of room. The back seats are roomy and fully adjustable. They recline! My husband (6'3") can comfortably seat in the back. That's a first. The controls are placed in good locations. Cup holders are adjustable, water bottle and extra large soda cups don't spill. Lots of storage compartments. I test drove the CRV, nice but rear seats don't come out. I have driven an Explorer and Blazer on road trips. They drive like trucks, big and heavy. The Rav4 drives like a car. Overall, I am very pleased with the 2001 Rav4.

I bought my 2001 Rav4 about a month ago and I love it! It's fun to drive and really comfortable and it gets decent gas mileage. It also holds lots of stuff which I appreciate, since I always used my car to haul stuff. The only complaint I have is that it doesn't have ABS. Of course I didn't have ABS before and it wasn't a problem, so it's probably okay now, too.

Just test drove the 2001. Felt too small and the price was too expensive, especially the options. The ride was decent, the inside was much nicer than the previous. Not much power expecially on the interstate. Seems like Toyota is getting overly proud and deciding to stick it to the consumer. I think I'll try the santa fe or escape.

I recently purchased a 2001 RAV4 with 4WD and the "Limited" package. I was interested in a small, fun to drive SUV that would handle like a car, but could also be used off-road and in bad weather. I do a lot of camping and 4 wheel drive is a must. I originally was going to purchase a Honda CRV and test drove a 2000 model, but I'm glad I waited for the new 2001 RAV4. Styling was what originally caught my eye, and the new RAV is gorgeous. It reminds me of the Lexus RX300. The whole package looks very refined inside and out. I love the interior and the console controls are very well laid out. The radio sits above the climate controls which I find much more convenient than traditional configurations. Lots of compartments for extra storage including cup holders for all passengers. Power locks/windows and keyless entry are nice features. The "L" package also includes privacy glass on the rear windows, floor/cargo mats, a solid spare tire cover, and a tape/CD player. The heated side view mirrors are very handy on those cold morinings. I also opted for the power moon roof, rear spoiler, and roof rack and I'm glad I did. I'm very impressed with the solid feel of the new RAV. Handling and breaking are excellent. Shifting is effortless and the short throws of the gear lever are like a sports car. Acceleration (although not stellar) is adequate for my needs. The 4 cylinder motor gets great mileage. Toyota fit and finish are evident everywhere on this SUV and I look forward to many years of trouble free driving. If you're considering a small SUV I would highly recommend at least a test drive in the new 2001 RAV4.

I bought a used Rav4 and it's the best thing I could have ever done. It's a dream to drive and I love it more and more!!!!!

Still could use a couple of extra cylinders...

The RAV4 is the perfect mix of practicality, convenience and drivability.

Terrific vehicle for getting around in an urban setting, I'd hate to have to drive a full sized SUV in a similar setting. The Rav is small and nimble enough to get itself out of some pretty close situations. It could use a bit more power occasionally, but with a 5 speed is decent. On the other hand, gas mileage is great for an SUV, I don't think I'd want to be driving around in a V6 equiped SUV with gas nearing $2 a gallon!

We're new to the RAV4 experience, but our 2001 2wd L model amazes us daily with its ... styling, comfort, ride, handling, mileage, fit & finish, quietness, etc. In fact, our only complaint is that the intermittent wipers only have one speed. That's it. A great little car that deserves to be compared against its competition withing its market segment. NOT SUV behemoths like Tahoes & Explorers. Both types of vehicles have their merits, but direct comparisons are like apples to oranges. Best Regards, Archie R. Houston, TX http://lonestar.texas.net/~arch/ mailto:arch@texas.net

Handles well on ice and snow, fun to drive, good economy and that Toyota quality. Traded in a 4Runner for one RAV4L and traded in our Celica ragtop for the second RAV4L, both are 4wd.

This is an almost-perfect small SUV. Great handling, mileage and reliability -- Toyota hallmarks -- carry through on the RAV4. If you live anywhere 4WD is helpful (or in MN, necessary!), this is a fantastic vehicle. Rear seating and cargo room are small, so keep that in mind. Quality and reliability all the way through.

It would be the ideal suv with a reduction case.

Owner of a 1997 RAV4 Just enough kick to make it fun to drive, the nimbleness of a car, the utility of an SUV without the abysmal gas mileage, not too big to be overwhelming to drive or a chore to park. A great little SUV! Power is a bit lacking and that's my only real gripe, but I'm looking forward to test driving a 2001 to find out if I want to step up to a newer model.

I drive a 2-door -96. I very agile vehicle.Fun to drive. Girls turn their heads after it - I like that. Extremely reliable. So far 96.000 km with just regular maintenance. No repair cost. I drive economically and get 26 mpg in winter, 28 mpg in summer. This is not a offroad vehicle as there is no low gear but operates greatly on anything that resembles a road or track. A bit noisy - later versions are better in that respect.

I own a 4wd soft-top which I have driven for two years.I have had no problems and in my opinion, the quality is tops.I find the car fun to drive and the power is adequate for my needs. I read a lot of complaints about the RAV being underpowered, but when I bought the vehicle I wasn't looking for a hot rod. It gets between 23 and 25 mpg mostly in city driving.

I got an 01.The car is OK, but Toyota service and sales is terrible! I wanted a rook rack and was told they would not be available for 6 months and if I wanted one now it would be 2000 dollars! Felt like I was decieved and Toyota does nothing to alleviate the problem. Good car, but shoddy job supporting it.

The Rav4 is one of the best built SUVs on the market. It holds its value and is built to last. I have a small 2 dr and it fits my needs perfectly.

Nothing compares to Toyota's quality and reliability.

Too small to be considered a SUV...lack power, if you want quality go with Toyota's 4-Runner.

This vehicle is a piece of s***. They should stop making it or at least stop calling it an SUV.