Used 1998 Toyota RAV4 SUV Consumer Reviews
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Great Car But...
JK, 10/02/2009
1998 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV AWD
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
I have owned the car for 9 years and overall it has been very reliable. However, it has not been without problems. Cons: An emissions sensor had to be replaced at 70k (over $700 repair). The front struts had to be replaced at 75k ($1200 repair). The actuator rod for the driver door remote auto-lock mechanism failed at 80k (It's a $1000 repair). Finally transmission failed at 128k. Overhaul parts and labor put the repair at over $3400. A little underpowered and a little loud at highway speeds. Pros: Better than my Jeep Cherokee in the snow and rain. Comfortable driver position (I am 6'1"), good turning radius and great handling. Fun to drive.
Awesome
Morgan, 06/01/2005
1998 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV AWD
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
My Mom bought this car used in 1998, and puts absolutly hammered it with miles. We are now at about 205000 miles. But it has never had any major problems. It is a great car and I would recommend it to anyone. Especially with gas prices being the way they are. (27-29 mpg)
Great Vehicle
MSB, 02/12/2010
1998 Toyota RAV4 L Special Edition 4dr SUV
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Absolutely great vehicle. Bought with 112,000 miles- have driven for 1 1/2 years with no problems. Runs like a champ. Plan on giving to daughter to drive 5 years from now. Should easily get another 150,000 on this vehicle.
Old Faithful
Carol, 04/13/2009
1998 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Finally replacing Old Faithful after over 10 very reliable years. Seats are losing their bounce and it's showing it's age a bit, but still runs like a charm. The 2.0 4cyl is a bit wimpy for hwy driving, but MPG is great. I truly wish the US would build affordable quality products. The materials/fit & finish are so chintzy in comparison, or incredibly overpriced. Looks like another import vehicle again for me.
A True Statement of Toyota Reliability!
Daily Driver, 08/29/2010
1998 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV AWD
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
Though I believe Toyota is the best car brand on the road, I admit I was still a little bit skeptical about buying a '98 with a little over 100,000 miles but this has definitely been one of the best decisions of my life! The thing I love most about my Rav4 is how safe I feel driving it. Especially for those snowy/rainy days in Ohio; the 4wd gives me so much peace of mind! I travel 60 mi/day for school & in the 8 months I have owned it, I have put over 10,000 miles on the car already. So far, the only expenses has been 3 oil changes & 1 pair of windshield wipers. Toyota dependability holds true with this Rav4! I LOVE THIS CAR! & I will never drive anything but a Toyota again.
1998 Rav4 L
jackdave, 06/23/2006
1998 Toyota RAV4 L Special Edition 4dr SUV
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Just needs Capt'n chair arms for both the Driver and Psgr.!
Best little SUV I've owned
Denton Dunn, 04/16/2019
1998 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV AWD
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I own the 98 Toyota RAV4 AWD with the differential lock and this thing will go anywhere, snow, sleet, mud, or rain can't slow it down or stop it. I've owned it for 2 months now and I've already put 6,000 miles on it problem free. I purchased from my neighbor, he's the 2nd owner of last 11 years and did a very good job on the maintenance. Paid $1800 and it had 295,000 miles, no rust, no leaks, no issues other than that the CD player won't work or the cruise control but I'm fine with it because it's fun to drive and great on gas. Road noise is a little disturbing but that's the only flaw I have with it. Took it offroad just to see how the AWD worked and it really suprised me because as soon as the front wheels even begin to spin the back wheels start pulling...and you don't have to worry about locking it in like a 4wd, just go where you want and it will take u there...it also has a button that will lock the front and back differential so that all 4 wheels pull at the same time and once it reaches 25mph it kicks back out to awd...I love it and very happy that I purchased it, if you are considering buying one I'd highly recommend it as long as it's been taking care of and maintenance kept up on it, you can't beat them for their reliably and off-road capabilitys...they're really good vehicles.
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Perfect for Tucson, AZ
desert rat, 11/11/2004
1998 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV AWD
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Bought this '98 Rav4 in 2001 for driving around town and light off-road excursions. It has been extremely reliable and performs well in Southern Arizona. Handles well in tight spots and seems to be holding up to the rugged road conditions in "The Old Pueblo." Took it off-road a few times and the AWD was perfect on dirt roads. The 4 cyl. engine is a little underpowered, but great fuel economy. No major problems in over 3 years.
Great mini SUV
montclan, 04/08/2002
1998 Toyota RAV4 L Special Edition 4dr SUV
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This mini-SUV Toyota has the build quality, fit and finish that Toyota products are known for. It performs well within the constraints of which it was manufactured. The power and fuel efficiency are as advertised, and in around town driving it performms well. The ride is great and the maintenance has been nill. Ideally it could have 10-15 more hp, but then the gas mileage would decrease. I've had no problems and it seems to be a great fit for my needs. The resale value seems to be holding up well and I plan on years of trouble free driving.
My Rav4
GOTREALITY2, 07/26/2004
1998 Toyota RAV4 4dr SUV
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have had this car 1 year and have not had one big problem with it. Im very much pleased with its performance. I will buy another Toyota without hesitation.
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