more about this model
In a class where "cute" styling is even more important than true ruggedness, the RAV4 still looks the part of a modern, downsized SUV. The sculpted bodylines and exaggerated wheel flares create an attractive package that says, "My owner can scale rock faces and appreciate the outdoors without spending 50 grand on a sport-ute that gets 15 mpg." At half the price of Toyota's Land Cruiser, the RAV4 offers younger, less affluent buyers a chance to board the SUV trend, uh, I mean train, without sacrificing their entire college fund.
Way back in 1996, that was enough to keep RAV4s from gathering any dust on dealer lots. But circumstances in the automotive marketplace change faster than a presidential statement, and as we roll into 1999, the RAV4 is faced with powerful competition from the likes of Honda, Subaru and Suzuki. Although we tested a 1998 model, changes to the '99 RAV4 will amount to cosmetic upgrades and a full-size spare tire. In the face of Honda's more-powerful-for-'99 CR-V and Suzuki's all-new V6-powered Grand Vitara, the anemic and buzzy Toyota is beginning to show its age.
The 120-horsepower, 2.0-liter inline four found beneath our RAV4's hood is the weakest aspect of this mini-ute. It offers some initial pep when pulling away from stoplights, but any serious attempt at acceleration results in nothing more than noise and vibration. The engine gets particularly obnoxious above 4,500 rpm where underhood clatter is enough to stifle conversation between passengers. This would be more acceptable if accompanied by even a modest form of forward thrust. Unfortunately, it's not. For '99, all RAV4 models will get a slightly more powerful 127-horsepower 2.0-liter engine that makes 132 foot-pounds of torque as opposed to the '98 line up where only the two-door convertible model had this engine.
When we opened the hood to take a gander at the culprit behind our lackadaisical propulsion, we noticed that the oil dipstick handle is located about two centimeters from the heat shield covering the exhaust header. Now, in case you don't know, the term heat shield is a misnomer. It does reduce the amount of heat coming off the header and filling the underhood area, but the shield itself still gets VERY hot. In other words, either wait until the engine has been dormant for several hours before checking the oil level, or get one of your college buddies to do it for you (maybe bribe him with a beer or a poster of Jennifer Love Hewitt).
The 2.0-liter can be mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. We drove a five-speed and were impressed by its refined and confident feel. Aggressive shifting was easy and allowed us to keep the engine in its sweet zone, almost making up for the RAV's lack of power ... almost. If every aspect of the RAV4 was as well-executed as the tranny, Toyota would still be at the head of this class.
While the transmission couldn't make the RAV4 any faster, its low gearing made our brief off-road excursion an enjoyable one. The all-wheel-drive system, formerly used on Toyota's Celica All-Trac, provided the necessary grip for climbing steep embankments and was augmented by the optional limited-slip differential. Ground clearance proved adequate, with only one minor scrape occurring between undercarriage and trail ledge (shhh, don't tell Toyota).
Another unexpected delight we discovered while slicing through L.A. traffic is how well-behaved this "cute-ute" is during cornering maneuvers. Like most SUVs, it's got an initial lean that can be somewhat disconcerting. But the "suspension give" only allows minimal tilt before tightening up, making the RAV4 a capable performer on twisty roads. It manages this without an excessively harsh ride, by SUV standards. Twenty-somethings with lots of adventure, but not a lot of cash (the RAV4's target audience), probably won't even notice the freeway-expansion-joint bounce.
It's at those freeway speeds where the RAV felt most out of place (and power). Besides the groaning engine's lack of passing ability, the overall body structure feels less solid than Honda's CR-V. Rattles and squeaks were non-existent (either that or drowned out by engine noise) and door "thunk" was better than expected. Still, if you're expecting Camry-like refinement, the RAV4 will not deliver. High-speed buzziness was further hindered by an out-of-balance, or bent, wheel (I believe the front driver's side). Correcting this certainly would have curtailed freeway vibrations, but not eliminated them.
Highway reverberations aside, the RAV4's interior is not a bad place to hang out. The front and rear seats recline to offer a wider range of comfort for adults of varying size. Even with the rear seat up, cargo space is a healthy 26.8 cubic feet. Fold down the second seat and that number jumps to 57.9 "moving-into-my-first-dorm-room" cubic feet. Gauges are easy to read with an interesting checkerboard background that maintains the RAV4's stylish feel even when seated behind the steering wheel. Less than impressive interior materials and a single, non-adjustable cupholder were two problems with our '98 that have been corrected on '99 RAV4s. However, a center console/armrest is still nowhere to be found.
We have to give Toyota props for being the first to enter this market with an all-new design back in 1996. The concept of creating mini-utes based on car platforms has proven successful and, just like with the full-sized SUV models, every automaker on the planet is scrambling to introduce its own trucklet and grab a piece of this ever-expanding pie.
While the RAV4 was never a hot rod, its lack of power was forgivable in a world of Sidekicks and used Amigos. But with Honda bumping the CR-V to 145 horsepower and Suzuki offering a V6 Grand Vitara, the RAV4 is rapidly becoming an "also ran" in this burgeoning market. Throw in competitors from Mazda and Ford (both of which are on their way) and Toyota could find themselves in a rare position for this company: at the bottom of the heap.
With no substantial performance upgrade in the works for '99, Toyota fans will have to wait another year for the RAV4 to get the power boost it needs. We still think the mini-ute has plenty to offer in the way of styling, handling, cargo capacity and off-road ability. It's also got an impressive list of options with which buyers can create anything from a low-cost utility vehicle to a high-end, leather-lined people mover. Additionally, thrill seekers can opt for the two-door, soft-top variant, which offers something the CR-V can't: open-air cruising.
Until we get some side-by-side seat time in the new entrants from Honda and Suzuki, we'll reserve final judgment on the RAV4. But, at the very least, Toyota no longer has the luxury of being the only game in town. As this market gets increasingly crowded, the RAV4, in current form, will become less impressive.
What's a good price on a used 1998 Toyota RAV4 ?
Save up to $0 on one of 1 used 1998 Toyota RAV4s for sale at dealerships within 25 miles of Ashburn, Virginia with prices as low as $3890 as of Apr 20, 2018, based on data from 1 dealers and 11 consumer-driven dealer ratings ranging from 4.6 to 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Price comparisons for used 1998 Toyota RAV4 trim styles:
The used 1998 Toyota RAV4 Base is priced around $3890 with average odometer reading of 130228 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, Virginia. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
What options are available on the 1998 Toyota RAV4?
Available Toyota RAV4 1998 Submodel Types: SUV
Available Toyota RAV4 1998 Trims: XLE, LE, Limited, Adventure, SE, Sport, Platinum, Base
Exterior Colors: Magnetic Gray Metallic, Super White, Silver Sky Metallic, Galactic Aqua Mica, Ruby Flare Pearl, Barcelona Red Metallic, Classic Silver Metallic, Black Currant Metallic, Electric Storm Blue, Blizzard Pearl, Pyrite Mica, Pacific Blue Metallic, Shoreline Blue Pearl, Blue Crush Metallic, Hot Lava, Black Forest Pearl, Spruce Mica, Everglade Metallic, Spectra Blue Mica, Nautical Blue Metallic, Flint Mica, Sandy Beach Metallic, Titanium, Blizzard White Pearl, Titanium Metallic, Natural White, Rainforest Pearl, Savannah Metallic, Impulse Red, Vintage Gold, Alpine Silver Metallic, Black, Deep Jewel Green Pearl, Venetian Red Pearl
Interior Colors: Black cloth, Ash cloth, Black leatherette, Ash leatherette, Nutmeg cloth, Sand Beige premium cloth, Ash premium cloth, Sand Beige cloth, Latte cloth, Latte leatherette, Cinnamon leatherette, Nutmeg leatherette, Dark Charcoal cloth, Gray cloth, Dark Charcoal leather, Taupe cloth, Ash leather, Dark Charcoal premium cloth, Beige cloth, Gray, Gray leatherette, Beige leatherette, Sand Beige leather, Terra Cotta leatherette, Dark Charcoal, Oak, Taupe
Popular Features: Fold Flat Rear Seats, Rear Bench Seats, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Warning, Aux Audio Inputs, Bluetooth, Trip Computer, USB Inputs, Back-up camera, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-collision safety system, Auto Climate Control, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Sunroof/Moonroof, Keyless Entry/Start, Blind Spot Monitoring, Heated seats, Power Liftgate/Trunk, Power Driver Seat, Navigation, Upgraded Headlights, Upgraded Stereo, 3500lb Towing Capacity, Parking sensors, 360-degree camera, Remote Start, Leather Seats, AWD/4WD
Engine/Mechanics: 6, 4 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC, MANUAL
Fuel Types: regular unleaded
Drivetrains: front wheel drive, four wheel drive, all wheel drive
Used 1998 Toyota RAV4 Overview
The used 1998 Toyota RAV4 is offered in the following submodels: SUV. Available styles include 2dr SUV w/Soft Top, L Special Edition 4dr SUV, and 2dr SUV. Pre-owned RAV4 models are available with a 0-liter gas engine, with output up to 0 hp, depending on engine type. The used 1998 RAV4 comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 5-speed manual.
