2001 Toyota RAV4 Review
Price Estimate: $1,152 - $1,937
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Average price: $6,659
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- More room, more power, improved styling, whiplash injury-lessening seats.
Cons
- No V6 engine option, engine makes power too high in rev range, most desired equipment is optional.
What’s new
Completely redesigned, RAV4 grows in size and gets a more powerful engine, along with edgy new styling.
Edmunds says
A solid and pleasing package, if a tad bit small.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
20 listings
- 167,747 miles
- Insurance loss reported, 5 owners, personal use only
- 5 Seats, 20 City / 25 Hwy MPG
- DealHunter Autos (37 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
Close
Located in Stafford, VA
4D Sport Utility, 2.0L I4 SMPI DOHC, 4-Speed Automatic, AWD, Cloth. 2001 Toyota RAV4 Base AWD 4-Speed Automatic 2.0L I4 SMPI DOHC23/27 City/Highway MP...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Issue reported
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (20 City/25 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JTEHH20V910045292
Stock: DHA-045292
Certified Pre-Owned: No- $4,999good price$826 below market
- 180,771 miles
- 1 accident, 2 owners, personal use only
- 5 Seats, 20 City / 25 Hwy MPG
- LBSI Automotive (134 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
Close
Located in Uniontown, PA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (20 City/25 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JTEHH20V410104393
Stock: 6107
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 09-04-2025
Vehicle overview
Back in 1996, the term "cute ute" was coined when Toyota released the RAV4, an acronym for Recreational Activity Vehicle with 4WD. While Suzuki had been plying these waters for years with the Sidekick (and its Chevy Tracker twin), it wasn't until the car-based RAV hit the market that small SUVs became popular.
For 2001, Toyota has redesigned the RAV4. Available in five-door wagon configuration, the new RAV is taller, wider, longer and heavier than the original flavor, which results in more cabin space. To offset the weight gain, a new, all-aluminum, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is under the hood, mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic driving the front or all wheels.
Making 148 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 142 foot-pounds of torque at a lofty 4,000 rpm, a front-wheel-drive RAV4 with a stick shift should accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about 10.5 seconds. Adding weight, in the form of 4WD, passengers, cargo or an automatic transmission, will slow the already sluggish RAV in the stoplight drag race. Toyota needs to offer more power. Despite the inclusion of variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i), the new, larger, and heavier RAV4 has difficulty getting to speed. But, on a positive note, the RAV4 is certified a low emission vehicle.
Exterior styling takes cues from the existing RAV4, and melds them with a dash of Lexus RX 300 here and Infiniti QX4 there, which is entirely a good thing. Inside, overtones of Celica can be seen in the gauge cluster, steering wheel, and metallic trim pieces. Overall, the RAV has been nicely tidied up, while still adhering to the tenets of the cute ute philosophy.
Standard equipment is sparse, with most of the good stuff like antilock brakes, aluminum wheels, air conditioning, remote keyless entry and a power sunroof optional. An option package bundles power windows, doors and locks with A/C, cruise control and a six-speaker sound system with both cassette and CD players. Upgrade to the "L" package and you get these goodies plus heated exterior mirrors, floor mats, dark tinted glass, fog lights, and special exterior trim. The "L" package is also your ticket to leather upholstery. A limited-slip differential is a stand-alone option on 4WD versions.
New whiplash-preventing seats, combined with added passenger room, make the RAV more comfortable. Cargo area has also grown, to a maximum of 68.3 cubic feet with the rear bench seat removed (space measures 29.2 cubic feet with the back seat in use).
Five new colors are available: Titanium, Impulse Red, Vintage Gold, Rainforest Mica, and Spectra Blue Mica. They complement carryover colors Natural White and Black, and all can be mated to either Gray or Oak (or both) interior hues.
Equip one with leather, and you just might confuse it with a Land Cruiser -- from a distance. On second thought, naaaah.
Owners' Opinions
What Owners Like
Owners consistently appreciate the 2001 Toyota RAV4 for its durability and reliability. Many have reported reaching high mileage, some well beyond 300,000 miles, with minimal major mechanical issues. The vehicle’s fuel efficiency, particularly on highways, is another highlight, offering significant savings over larger SUVs with less effective mileage. The intuitive handling and compact size make it a breeze for city driving and maneuvering through tight spaces, a feature especially valued by urban dwellers. In terms of maintenance, it often requires only routine services like oil changes, which contributes to its cost-effectiveness over time. The adaptable cargo space, with seats that can be easily reconfigured or removed, provides ample room for carrying various loads, enhancing its practicality for a range of uses. Hence, the RAV4 is seen as a dependable companion for both daily commutes and long journeys, ensuring owners feel ready for any road trip or spontaneous adventure.
Common Issues
The 2001 Toyota RAV4's most common annoyance among drivers is the recurring need for repairs as the vehicle ages. Many owners have noted issues with the vehicle’s oxygen sensors and catalytic converters, which can lead to bothersome check engine lights and costly repairs if not addressed promptly. The gas mileage, while reasonable for its time, can be underwhelming for some, especially in city driving conditions, where it dips below expectations. The ride quality can feel harsh over uneven surfaces due to the shorter wheelbase, a point of concern for those prioritizing comfort. Transmission issues have also been reported, sometimes necessitating replacements or expensive fixes, particularly around the 100,000-mile mark. Additionally, the vehicle’s interior can suffer from rattles and noise, detracting from the overall driving experience, especially over rough roads or at high speeds. There’s also the occasional frustration of minor but nagging issues like frequent headlight bulb replacements, which can add to maintenance costs over time.
Final Takeaways from Everyday Drivers
The 2001 Toyota RAV4 leaves a lasting impression of steadfast reliability in everyday use. Drivers frequently express a deep sense of satisfaction with how the vehicle performs over long distances and through daily commutes. Its practical design allows for easy navigation through city streets, while also offering enough versatility and space for longer trips. Owners often cite the vehicle's ability to maintain consistent performance with basic maintenance, contributing to its reputation for longevity. Despite some concerns with aging components, the frequency of problems doesn't overshadow the vehicle's overall dependability. The subtle balance between size, efficiency, and utility has endeared the RAV4 to many, making it a trustworthy choice for countless owners. It's clear that this small SUV holds a quiet charm that earns affection mile after mile, as owners continue to trust it with their daily drives and road adventures alike.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$144/mo for RAV4 Base
RAV4 Base
vs
$154/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Reliability
The 2001 Toyota RAV4 has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and no recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
There are no recalls for the 2001 Toyota RAV4Warranty
3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 5 years / unlimited miles
Toyota RAV4 Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(64%)
4(26%)
3(8%)
2(2%)
1(0%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
203k miles and still going strong
4 out of 5 starsandymick32, 08/13/2013
2001 Toyota RAV4 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
Great Toyota Reliability.
Have owned for 12 years with no major mechanical problems.
It has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned.
At 203k miles now and think I should hit 300k.
No rust on the body in a bad NorthEast climate.
Not the most exciting vehicle to drive, but it is very economical with a solid 4WD system.
You really can't beat Ravs for their overall value.
Raving Over My 2001 RAV4
5 out of 5 starsJo Gordon, 08/02/2017
2001 Toyota RAV4 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
I bought my 2001 Toyota RAV4 used from a dealership in Maryland in Spring of 2017. I had bought a Chrysler Town and Country used for my father to take him to doctor appointments and I needed a vehicle to transport both of my elder parents. Unfortunately, my father had to have his leg amputated early on into the year and I was stuck with a large mini-van that now had very little use. … So I went out shopping for a SUV that wasn't going to stick me with sticker shock or expensive insurance. The dealership had the RAV4 listed for $7200 and this was the basic model - it was the 2.0 engine with front-wheel drive, cruise control, power mirrors and locks, cassette/cd stereo, but no moonroof or leather seats. I have never owned a SUV and still had my 1998 Toyota Corolla which I loved as well and only had 84,000 miles on it. I only test drove the car once and fell in love with it. It handles very well - takes curves like a charm, loves the asphalt and the gas mileage was way better than my Chrysler Town and Country mini-van at only 19 mpg. The only minor complaint - it's a bit noisy and bumpy on crowned asphalt roads. But other than that, I wouldn't trade this car in for anything. Oh, by the way, we talked the dealership down and got the RAV4 for $6900 plus a Shell gas card worth $50! So now I have two Toyota vehicles sitting in my garage and wouldn't sell them for nothing - 2001 Rav4, 85,000 miles and a 1998 Toyotal Corolla LE with 84,200 miles on it. All you need to do is change the oil every 3,000 miles and you have a vehicle that will last a very long time. One happy Toyota owner!
2001 RAV4 Bullet proof reliabilty
4.88 out of 5 starsJimboo2, 09/18/2009
2001 Toyota RAV4 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
We bought in Dec. 2000 brand new to replace Tercel. Love compactness with great interior room. Fun to drive fits anywhere. Bulletproof reliability. Wife never wants to sell. Replaced timing chain at 60K and had O2 sensor done at 62K. I really wonder if dealership is the best place for repairs, very expensive. Live in New England and put on Bridgestone Blizzaks in Nov. runs thru … foot of snow like AWD. Excellent value.
used RAV4 after 6 years
4.75 out of 5 starsBikerrandy, 11/21/2009
2001 Toyota RAV4 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
We bought our RAV4 used after a lease turnin @ 36K miles. We've put 46K on it so far. At first we drove it 100+ mi. a day commuting. Now we're both retired and it get's a lot less use, but it is 1 of the best cars we have ever owned in so many ways. On the road we get 30-31 mpg on reg. I've towed 1,500#s of stuff from norCal to Canada effortlessly. I've heard lately some owners … have had auto. tranny disasters. We have seen nothing of that so far. I wonder if it's how others use their RAV4. We don't do much stop & go. Finally had to replace the front brake pads at 73.6K mi. I've owned Toyotas both new & used since `75 and have never regretted it. We hope to keep this car forever
2001 RAV4 Highlights
| Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $16,365 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $144/month |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 29.2 cu.ft. |
front wheel drive | |
| Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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