2006 Toyota RAV4 Consumer Reviews

OK so far

Written by: scott on 10/09/2009

Vehicle

2006 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Bought rav4 for the quality and it's been great in the snow and it did have 29000 when purchased. Few minor things, air pressure warning problems, some brake issues.

Favorite Features

The way it handles in the snow is great.

Suggested Improvements

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Liking It

Written by: Bree on 08/22/2009

Vehicle

2006 Toyota RAV4 Sport 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I had a 2002 Ford Explorer that I totaled in a roll over accident & I got the RAV4 to replace it, so far I think it was a great choice! I commute 50 miles to work & it was quite an improvement in fuel efficiency. I live in WI, so I needed something with 4 wheel drive to handle the poor winter driving conditions. After having driven a Ford there is a drastic difference in the design quality of the Toyota- seems to have the driver in mind with the interior layout. I miss having the smoother accelerating power of a V6, but will gladly take the better gas mileage of the RAV4.

Favorite Features

Honestly, the entire vehicle. I really love driving it. I also like the cargo nets and hooks for grocery bags.

Suggested Improvements

None at this time.

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Toyota good but certainly not perfect

Written by: TJ on 08/21/2009

Vehicle

2006 Toyota RAV4 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Original equipment tires wore out at 40000km (even though they were inflated and rotated at factory specs). Paint damage at 75000km is terrible. Rocker panels and lower door panels are full of rock marks (factory mud guards too small). Gas mileage has never come close to high end of rating, stays around 26- 27MPG (imperial gallons) regardless of city or highway driving. It is dependable but the worst, most disappointing thing is looking at the amount of paint damage on a 3 year old vehicle...unbelievable.

Favorite Features

This Rav4 is the "Limited" version so seating is nice, performance adequate ride is firm. The practicality of the Rav4 is very good.

Suggested Improvements

DEFINITELY needs improvements in rocker panel, lower door paint protection. Factory tires are junk good for 40000km's. Rear door can't be opened when ice and snow collects on the rear bumper.

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Great SUV

Written by: mike on 03/17/2009

Vehicle

2006 Toyota RAV4 Sport 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

My wife's vehicle, she loves it. Looked at Honda CRV, no comparison. RAV is much sturdier and roomier. Great utility, Camry reliability, pretty good gas mileage (for SUV it's great) and lots of room. I can't imagine a more space efficient vehicle. Takes me a while to find a comfortable seating position for a long drive - I'm 6'2". Wife is 5'3", says the RAV is even more comfortable than my Camry for her. Swing-out back door is a little awkward at times, but you get used to it. Tire pressure sensor is a pain at times (cold weather), but you can disable it. Overall, we've had the RAV 15 months, couldn't be happier.

Favorite Features

Space, utility, back seat is comfortable and very roomy - no complaints sitting back there. Wife loves sunroof, interior and exterior design, 18" wheels, sitting high, passing gas pumps (very good MPG for SUV).

Suggested Improvements

Occasional wind noise. Different tailgate design. Steering wheel seems like it could use more tilt angle (lower) and more telescoping length.

8 out 9 people found this review helpful

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Love it but improve all fabric & carpet

Written by: nanat94 on 03/09/2009

Vehicle

2006 Toyota RAV4 Sport 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Please note that the interior is black... not first, but only choice in the metroplex. I love driving the car and the design is great. Importantly, the one-inch difference between this updated model and the Highlander (previously owned the 2002) means a $10,000 savings. I can live easier with the lesser standard interior fabrics!).

Favorite Features

Quick and ease of putting rear seats down. Storage is abundant; The net secure for items. I love the design of the sport in particular; easily added bug shield. Bought inserts for the cup holders.

Suggested Improvements

The fabric on door shows smudges; carpet looks cheap, upholstery shows everything and is rough on bare legs. (REALLY disliked!) It is difficult to clean around tire cover and it gets scratched easily & is too low. Wish the rear window could be lowered. Needs all vinyl 2-tone interior choice!

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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RAV4 I$ A LEMON!!

Written by: RAV4 I$ A LEMON!! on 03/04/2009

Vehicle

2006 Toyota RAV4 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I commute from the SF Bay Area to Sacramento,70 miles each way. The stretch of freeway is rough & you feel every bump in the road. The seats are stiff and not enough thigh support. I had to get the brakes replaced at 40k with almost all freeway driving, not stop & go. The car sometimes doesn't start immediately (since purchase) and what I hate most is you can't get the key out of the ignition without moving the gear shift in park back & forth. The dealer says NOTHING WRONG... It had a major oil leak (covered w/power train) air noise from windshield, and rear door. rattles if not on a completely smooth surface. Needs torque & power to rear wheels in turns, & quick acceleration r feels unstable

Favorite Features

horsepower

Suggested Improvements

best way to improve would to buy a HONDA Pilot

2 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Excellent value and utility

Written by: medina607 on 02/22/2009

Vehicle

2006 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Traded in an Explorer for the RAV4 and haven't regretted it. Amazing cargo space with the back seat down, and pretty good with it up too. The 4 cylinder engine is very peppy, although with my lead foot and in-town driving I average 21mpg. No mechanical or electrical problems at 33,000 miles. For a single person, couple, or small family its great.

Favorite Features

Exterior looks; cargo room; peppy 4 cylinder.

Suggested Improvements

Seat/steering wheel/gas pedal relationship off, like it is in Corollas. Steering wheel too far away when seat adjusted right for gas pedal.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Good little SUV but no sizzle

Written by: RavCanuck on 01/30/2009

Vehicle

2006 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Nice little SUV that my wife loves to drive. Great for driving with car seat age kids due to ride height. 4wd pretty good in Canadian snow and has never been stuck even with the all seasons. Not the quietest or fastest with the 4 cyl but racing is not this SUV's forte anyways.

Favorite Features

4wd, ride height, styling, cargo space.

Suggested Improvements

Make aluminum wheels standard(steelies rust to early), give us a least a 5spd auto on all models, make the paint a little hardier. NVH could also be a little improved.

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Expected a little more!

Written by: cayugajim on 01/29/2009

Vehicle

2006 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I'll begin by saying that my RAV4 was purchased to replace a 2002 Buick Rendezvous. So for comparison purposes, the RAV is a far superior vehicle. However, the 4 cyl in my base model is underpowered and hesitates when cold. According to the dealer, this is normal and part of the vehicle's computer program to maximize efficiency. Fuel economy is also a bit disappointing. With a ratio of 70/30 city/hwy driving, I've never exceeded 22 mpg (usually around 20). On the plus side, the all wheel drive is great and the vehicle is very reliable. It's also quite roomy and easy to drive. The hard plastic spare tire cover looks great, but is a bear to put back on!

Favorite Features

Reliability, comfort, looks, rear seat fold-down latch. This vehicle is also great in the snow!

Suggested Improvements

4 cyl power and hesitation, fuel economy, road noise, radio is not as clear as my Corolla. The spare tire cover is difficult to replace and will destroy your knuckles. Also, the tire pressure monitor is extremely sensitive (I always find myself adding air when the outside temp changes).

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Best vehicle we have had.

Written by: Donna on 01/07/2009

Vehicle

2006 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Love the car. Gets us through the snow. Gas mileage is better than we could expect for being called a "truck". Stay with the higher rated Ethanol gas (manual states tested). We have on occasion had to fill up with the regular brands. Expensive!! Had a 1995 Altima before. It got us 100km more on ethanol. This vehicle gets us 100kms more than the Altima on a fill-up. (Both same size of tank.) Averaged 32 mpg on a trip that had freeway and city driving. Original tires were 17 inch all seasons. Very stiff ride. Felt all the bumps in the road. When needing snow tires, we called around and found out you could put on 16 inch tires. Saved us a lot of money, and, have a smoother ride.

Favorite Features

The ease of driving and feeling of stability on the road in adverse conditions.

Suggested Improvements

Do not like the accumulation of snow and slush on the back window. If driving in a heavy snowfall, the snow accumulates on the side of the window and tire and eventually covers the tail lights. If rear window is heated, how about heated tail lights for better visibility for oncoming cars?

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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