2008 Toyota RAV4 Consumer Reviews

Toyota is Slipping

Vehicle

2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I bought this car for the engine, and it remains the best feature of the car. But I have had ongoing problems with the transmission, and many others have, too. This is only true with the 5-speed transmission on the V6 (not the 4-cyl.) The now infamous "whining transmission" noise that has been well documented on the owner's forums (search transmission noise on RAV4 World and others) is something you will want to consider when you're buying this vehicle used. Also the poor response from Toyota in fixing the problem under warranty has completely soured me on the ownership experience, so I wouldn't be able to recommend this car to anyone. Go with Honda.
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Fun, reliable, good fit for tall people

Vehicle

2008 Toyota RAV4 Sport 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I am 6'7" (36" inseam) and love my Rav4 Sport w/the V6. The JBL audio is excellent. I have had this car from day one, 25k miles, never a problem - other than flipping a coin for who has the car for the day. Winter (northern Vermont) with Firestone Winterforce: excellent. I've tried getting it to skid, nearly impossible. Never stuck, stomping on the pedal and all four wheels really grab. I am 6'7" tall and have no issue on the driver side (passenger side is ok, I don't sit in the rear but could if the driver seat wasn't all the way back). My only beef is the small light in the rear door. Minor annoyance.
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Pleased Overall, With Some Caveats

Vehicle

2008 Toyota RAV4 Sport 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Took over the lease on this car. Engine is powerful but vehicle does torque a bit when accelerating quickly. Quiet enough on the highway but the audio system is poor. Nice high driving position. Interior is versatile; seat fabric in Sport Model is very thick synthetic something or other. I like this car much better than my old g'friend's '08 CRV EX-L. Some small things left out, e.g., no light in glove compartment. Looking forward to replacing the OEM tires (Yokohama) - they're not great. Easy to back up for an SUV - spare tire helps you gauge how close you are to whatever's behind you. If I can find a way to upgrade the stereo, I'll definitely by the car when the lease is up.
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Will not buy about another Toyota

Vehicle

2008 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

First off, I've had three yodas: 89 corolla 214,000 mi, 95 Camry 250,000 mi and this rav4. The rav just feels cheaper: the paint has way to many chips, the transmission is horrible, rough ride in the city, the stereo sucks, interior is loud, not enough room in the driver (I'm 62" 200 lbs) and passenger seat, we are expecting our third child and have to buy three new car seats because the second row is so narrow and it just doesn't feel like it is going to hold up. Now the good: zero problems in the first three years (of course it's just past the three year mark), awesome second row leg room and cargo, great in the snow, gas mileage is decent, and the wife loves the second glove box.
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Rusty

Vehicle

2008 Toyota RAV4 Sport 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Bought my rav new in 2008, now with 32,000 miles muffler has rusted out, front breaks wore funny, just replaced them. OEM tires are a death trap in the snow, must put snows on in the winter. And for the fool who wrote 4 wheels cuts out at 26mph you are a fool sir. The 50/50 split cuts out at 26 not 4 wheel drive. The car is always 4x4 mode, and it changes as the wheels slip, per the on board computer. The button locks in the 50/50 split. Read sir, it came with a manual.
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RAV4

Vehicle

2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

V6 is very peppy engine. CONS:Driver's seat does not go back very far. I'm only 5'6" & I would like more leg room. Since getting the car I have always noticed a humming noise whenever I'm accelerating & at all speeds, but especially between 40-45 mph. It has never impacted the performance of the car. I just took it into the dealer to address this sound. The dealer confirmed it IS a problem with the Rav4. They will be replacing the L side engine mount, rear engine mount & L side drive axle damper. They said IF that doesn't do the trick it will have to get a new transmission! What a surprise that was! Thank goodness I took it in before the warranty expired! So be aware...and listen.
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Good Vehicle but Overpriced

Vehicle

2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

OEM tires worn out at 37,000 miles. More noise than I would like on concrete highways. Wind buffets when windows are down to the point they have to be rolled up. Rear seats not very comfortable.
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I would prefer to buy

Vehicle

2008 Toyota RAV4 Sport 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I like this SUV, more comfortable and fun to drive. I have Sport V6 with 3.5 L, excellent pickup.
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Happy Camper

Vehicle

2008 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I bought my 2008 Rav4 Jan 2010 and traded my 2006 Matrix. Wife and I wanted something a little bigger and easier to get in and out of. I'm very pleased with both Toyota's and will buy another when I tire of this one.
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Not so reliable as they say

Vehicle

2008 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I don't know what the fuss is all about. It's nice for the first few months, then you start seeing all the negative aspects of the car. Yes, it looks nice, it has lots of room, but there are issues. Overall, very overrated car. In reality, as an owner - I'd say it's terrible.
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