2008 Toyota RAV4 Consumer Reviews

After one day I like it

Written by: thedarius on 06/21/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I bought the 2008 4 cyl. Limited. Best looking small SUV as far as I'm concerned. Lots of cargo space. Tremendous functionality. It has the smoothest ride I've ever felt in any truck style vehicle. If someone tells you it has a harsh or rough ride, they haven't driven it. I have many steep hills where I live and it tackles them with little effort. I'll update this in 3 months.

Favorite Features

Cargo space and large hidden compartment space. Lots of room for a small truck. Decent gas mileage.

Suggested Improvements

That rear door. I understand why they made it open horizontally rather than vertically due to the spare tire weight, but is the only inconvenience so far.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Great Value

Written by: EdLee on 06/12/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Traded in a GMC Envoy for our RAV4 and couldn't be happier. We looked at CR-V, Rogue, Equinox, and Mariner. After driving the RAV4 there was no comparison. It simply is the best value for the money. I was afraid the RAV4 would be too small compared to the Envoy, but I believe there is actually more room inside the RAV4, and a nicer interior. Ergonomics are great. Good choice for anyone looking at a smaller SUV.

Favorite Features

Power, good mileage, user friendly interior, bluetooth in radio, good looks (Classic silver color), side open tailgate.

Suggested Improvements

Wish it had power passenger seat and a more informational trip computer, better cargo area light.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Update To Review on 5/28/08

Written by: Toyota man since '77 on 06/12/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Just a quick update to my earlier review. One month and 800 miles later, and it just gets better and better. I'm now nudging 26 mpg combined (35% hwy, 65% city). Sticker said 20 city, 25 highway... don't you believe it. Drive sensibly and you'll blow the doors off the posted mileage ratings. I'm planning a trip in the next month, and fully expect to get better than 30 mpg. Not bad, for a 4 cyl. AWD SUV. The roads here are still being repaired from the bad winter...pot holes everywhere. But not a squeek or rattle from my RAV4. Love it more each day. Couldn't be happier.

Favorite Features

(See earlier review)

Suggested Improvements

(See earlier review)

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Love my ride!!

Written by: luv2laff on 06/08/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I absolutely love my RAV4. I have the most basic model, but I love it. I traded in an aging Camry -- this is my third Toyota and they continue to be my favorite. Kids gone, so this is my 50th birthday present to me, and I don't regret the purchase at all. Handles well, love the interior, does have a transmission clunk when put into drive in the morning, but otherwise it's great. I did a lot of research before purchasing this SUV, and I definitely do not regret it. Getting older, so I love being able to "throw my hip" up into the seat instead of squatting down to get into a sedan (smile). No effort getting in or out for my elderly Mom.

Favorite Features

I do not like to drive without music. I absolutely love the jack inside the console for my iPod. Now instead of CDs and CD cases everywhere, all I need is my iPod where I can shuffle 2,000 songs. Love the cargo space and dual glove compartments. Love the exterior. Handling is great!

Suggested Improvements

Hide the spare tire inside the cargo area. Have to get used to the difference between the fuel economy of my traded-in '99 Camry and an SUV. Even still, I highly recommend the RAV4.

7 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Beware of interior

Written by: JFlaggot08 on 06/05/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I love the exterior design and engine of the RAV4, but if you are expecting typical Toyota quality the interior of the RAV4 will disappoint. I have had to have parts of the dash replaced as pieces did not fit securely and rattled, in fact lots of squeaks, creaks and rattles in interior. Many parts of the interior just feel like they don't fit together or are loose. Feel stuck with the RAV4 rather than loving it. Though it is small, tall drivers will fit comfortably. Lots of storage spaces in both front and rear.

Favorite Features

Looks great, rides great on highway, lots of power on V6; great hidden storage in rear cargo compartment; almost no blind spot; ability to move second row seats forward/backward/recline

Suggested Improvements

Tighter/better build quality on interior; make latch in rear used to flip down seats easier to use; better display options such as fuel mileage.

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V-6 Sport is a fun car.

Written by: Rob M on 06/04/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Great car. 30 mpg on highway. Fast when you want it. Sturdy, excellent handling. JBL stereo not too bad. Lots of space. Electronics are solid

Favorite Features

Power

Suggested Improvements

None

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Love Love Love

Written by: Pickles on 06/02/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I've had my car since May 16th, 2008 and just love it. Its Everglade Metallic, beautiful green color, it does look silver sometimes. I love the moonroof, didn't think I would, nice to watch the rain. Back seats have lots of leg room. We seem to get good gas mileage, haven't been on a long trip yet though. I love the inside door handles, very neat looking and the bluetooth is great. I also had to get dealer to help me with that. I had a 2000 Rav 4 and this is much larger and still easy to drive and park. I did have a Nissan Murano that was totalled in October.

Favorite Features

Bluetooth, power seats and moonroof. Love the net and cover in the back and the rear door. Murano door was hard to lift. Love the two dash compartments.

Suggested Improvements

Make clock easier to see, if you have sunglasses on, you can not see the numbers, you can't see the radio dial either. Moonroof is hard to remember how to open and close as to which button to push.

3 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Love My RAV4

Written by: Jay-Jay on 05/30/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

We wanted a vehicle that had lots of storage space. We went with the V6 for the tow package, if and when we may need it. Taking our daughters to and from college was a little tight in my 99 Camry. So I'm happy to say that I just love my RAV, I got a car that looks great, handles great, and is truly fun to drive. Plus serves the purpose of the purchase. Just got back from picking up daughter at college 2200 miles round trip and average 25 mpg, that's loaded right up for the trip home. I would make this purchase again in a heart beat.

Favorite Features

V6 power, storage, and styling

Suggested Improvements

Old Camry headlight came on automtically at dusk, this one doesn't, But I was aware of that prior to purchase, from other reviews.Was not an option that detered me from this purchase. (My husband has an issue with the lights.) But its pretty much my vehicle, and I don't have an issue with it.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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I love it!

Written by: BamaEskie on 05/28/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I've had my RAV for two months now and absolutely love it! I have three dogs and am easily able to fit three 36" long and 21" wide crates in the back (two side by side in the cargo area and one placed sideways behind the passenger seat). My husband has a 2006 CRV and is so jealous of my RAV!!

Favorite Features

Cargo room, audio controls on steering wheel, V6. (It's just fun to drive!!)

Suggested Improvements

I've never bought a Toyota before, so I was so disappointed at how I had to buy so many options for my RAV. After spending that much on a vehicle, you'd think there would be some floor mats in it.

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

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I'm home again!

Written by: Toyota man since '77 on 05/28/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I ventured from Toyota in 2006 to a Kia Sportage EX V6 AWD w/leather. Nice, but just not the overall quality/style of Toyota, not good mpg, strange shifting pattern in AT. I asked myself what I'd want to see in the driveway 5 years down the road. So, I got my RAV4. When I get behind the wheel, I'm at peace. It's more solid, handles better, and I'm getting about 24-25 mpg combined so far. The quality and value will always be there, and the RAV4 will far outlast any 10 yr. 100k warranty others offer, and without problems. I opted for the 4 cyl., but see the V6 is rated higher MPG??? I'll believe it when I see it. The 4 cyl. has ample power without gulping down your paycheck in gas.

Favorite Features

Rear door entry, solid-well built, good mpg for an AWD SUV, nice styling, fold- flat rear seats, rear sub-floor storage compartment, lighted vanity mirrors, dual dash storage on passenger side, rides solid, great drive handling feel, good seats, 17" wheels, 4 wheel disc brakes, quiet for base model.

Suggested Improvements

Make clock and odo/trip/temp display easier to read. Mini trip computer/miles left on tank would be nice, but not critical. Start thinking about a Hybrid RAV4.

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

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