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Used 2002 Toyota RAV4 Consumer Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
124 reviews

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4 out of 5 stars

Watch out for minor annoyances

T_Sport, 08/20/2002
2002 Toyota RAV4 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Problems: The 3-spoke steering wheel doesn't move down nearly enough to get a comfortable grip. If you like to drive, holding one hand or both on the bottom spokes, you will NOT like the Rav4 steering wheel. The other major flaw with the car is the pathetically weak factory stereo. My car had the 'upgraded' stereo which results in two more useless paper tweeter speakers. Unfortunately, at this time, Crutchfield doesn't support the 2002/2001 Rav4, so speaker upgrades are tough. I replaced the factory head unit with a Sony unit which resulted in more power but ZERO bass, and distortion above 30% power. If you love good music, buy a Nissan.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

My Rav

Roberta, 11/01/2006
2002 Toyota RAV4 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is one of the best cars that I have ever had, It is small easy to handle and roomy enough for long legs.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

RAV4 L

SandyT, 08/14/2002
2002 Toyota RAV4 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We shopped around at several dealers. We found the best price at the larger "city" dealer. The car runs very well and is just the right size for commuting to work in all seasons. The L upgrade offers some nice extras such as moonroof and cd/tape/stereo radio. Our dealer lowered the MSR by $2,500 and provided a fair value for our 1995 Nissan Altima trade-in. The only problem we had was that the radio was defective. The dealer replaced it the next day

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5 out of 5 stars

Impressed with little SUV

Jetmyke, 04/14/2003
2002 Toyota RAV4 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased this RAV 4 used with 12000 miles on it. I was looking for something a little larger but with gas prices at $2.00 a gallon, my wallet was my guide. I have been very impressed with this vehicle. It is very responsive (5 speed manual) and has excellent handling. While it is not suited for rugged 4 wheel drive terrain like my truck, it handles rough roads well and climbs well for not having a low range transfer case. As far as the daily commute, I am averaging 26.5 mpg. Other than an occasional dash rattle, I am very happy with the RAV 4.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

U got to love the RAV

ozeross, 09/10/2002
2002 Toyota RAV4 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The performance of the vehicle is excellent and it give a decent fuel economy in its class. Its roomy, has good looks both interior and exterior (with L Pack)and leather interiors and one can surely say that this vehicle could have easily carried a LEXUS badge. Talking about power and torque, in its class its really good. Yes, one can of course argue that the others in the segment have more HP than RAV4, but let be practical, this is a recreational vehicle and not a truck. And of course, the HP was will neve end..., I would say it you can make a deal on this buddy, PEACE OF MIND is guranteed.

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3.25 out of 5 stars

*BEWARE*

Lee, 07/23/2008
2002 Toyota RAV4 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Loved this car at first, started getting a lot of wind noise, and noise from rear, had it looked at, but found nothing. Now, with only 120,000 miles on it, it started slipping. Had it checked and transmission is gone, of course it's past warranty, plus the ECM (engine control module) would also need to be replaced, costing me $4,800.00.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

2002 RAV4 5spd

RB, 03/06/2009
2002 Toyota RAV4 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought new in 2002. 5spd Stick, original clutch still going strong at 100000+... oil changed regularly, front brakes once, tires once, wiper blades, a couple of light bulbs... THAT's IT! Terrific little wagon!!! Best vehicle I've ever owned. Check Engine Light came on after about a year, reprogramming of the module was done at no cost and has never come on since! I'd definitely buy another!!!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Carlos's Toy

BuddyBoy, 09/17/2002
2002 Toyota RAV4 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have owed my 2002 Rav4 for 5 months now and driven it 9,000 miles. On back roads it does great, takes the curves like a little sports car. I get 24 miles per gallon. Good ride. Does great on the highway except when you go up prolonged uphill grades, the car wants to kick in and out of passing gear. The major complaint that I have about this vehicle is the passing gear. Do not try to pass someone on a 2 lane road except when you have a lot of time to do it. When you punch the accelerator down into passing gear, you think the car is going to take off like a rocket, but when you pull out into the passing lane the vehicle doesn't go anywhere.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

First Birthday

Carol1460, 09/30/2002
2002 Toyota RAV4 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My silver Auto 2WD 2002 RAV4 is celebrating its first birthday next week with 19K miles. About 3 weeks after I purchased this SUV, it developed the infamous rattle in the dash. I've had it to the dealer twice, but it was never fixed. I was told to turn up the radio. After about six months, the rattle had become less annoying (perhaps I'm getting used to turning up the radio) and intermittent - seems to be worse in the cooler weather, but disappears when its hot or when the heater is on in the winter. Other than this annoyance, I'm happy with the RAV4.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

best dollar value in a SUV

ic, 11/07/2002
2002 Toyota RAV4 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Outstanding value.. Terrific reliablity, Gas mileage of 28+MPG. Loads of usable space.

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