Used 2002 Toyota RAV4 Consumer Reviews
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Excellent value
Camille, 10/11/2009
2002 Toyota RAV4 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I've had my Rav4 for nearly 8 years and the only issue I ever had was with the engine light coming on within the first 2 or 3 years. Since the car was still under warranty, the O2 sensor that was causing the light to go on was replaced/repaired, and I've had no problems at all since then. With a standard transmission, it not only gets over 25 MPG even in city traffic, it also has great pick-up. I like having plenty of room. It came in handy when I moved. Removing and replacing the rear seats is challenging (but doable) for me, but for someone who isn't petite it might not be too difficult. I still think it's a good looking car, too. It's one of the wisest purchases I've ever made.
Beware I'm done with all Toyota products
2002Rav4Sucks, 07/30/2010
2002 Toyota RAV4 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
20 of 27 people found this review helpful
Don't buy Toyota. Read the reviews here. All of them. Some people even posted a good review before the on- board computer fried and then burn the transmission. Or before the engine burnt from the known oil sludge problem. Then wrote another bad review. I paid $14,000 used. Good deal private party with 40k miles. At 88k miles the engine blew-up from oil sludge. I didn't know about the "oil sludge recall" until after I had it rebuilt for $4,500. Then at about 97k miles the jerking shifting started. This is my daughter's car so I took it in to my mechanic. He said on board computer $1300 and the transmission is cooked because of the computer problem. $5,600 for rebuild and new computer (cont'd
2002 Toyota RAV4 for sale near you
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Disappointed by Repairs
myravsucks, 03/27/2012
2002 Toyota RAV4 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
13 of 17 people found this review helpful
Bad camshaft had to be replaced at 90k miles. Vibrations and noise from manual transmission at 80k miles -dealer could not find anything wrong. Started slipping out of 5th gear at 100k miles requiring new transmission. This car has been babied and driven gently by one owner. All preventative maintenance performed regularly.
One of many
Fred, 05/08/2017
2002 Toyota RAV4 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
You see them everywhere, except in junkyards. I've been in and out of a few over the last year hunting for parts for my Grand Marquis. I haven't seen a Rav 4 yet. I'd like to get a spare steel wheel but I always turn up empty. If you want a car that's affordable, easy to handle, somewhat economical, and really reliable you won't go wrong here. Lots of cargo room if you fold down the rear seats. Even more if you lift them out ! Not the most stylish vehicle on the road but it's not hideous either. Mines full time 4WD so it might be a little more aggressive when it comes to cabin noise but it's livable. Superior road handling. Average everywhere else which truly isn't a bad thing. You could spend almost double on a Lexus but would your 5 or 6 bags of groceries in the back know or even care ?
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Thanks for nothing Toyota!!!
Toyotasux!!, 07/14/2010
2002 Toyota RAV4 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
10 of 13 people found this review helpful
Well I bought this vehicle back when Toyota still had a good reputation but sadly I will NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER TOYOTA. The computer gave out so there was $1,300 to pay and after that the transmission went kaput so there goes another $3,000. Not to mention the horrifying experience of it stopping when turning left. Toyota does not care about its customers all they care about is your $$$$.
sadness
katie, 01/10/2010
2002 Toyota RAV4 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
12 of 16 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2002 Rav4 as a certified used car from a Toyota dealership 3.5 years ago. In the first few months I took it in several times for minor bits here and there, no big deal. In the last year I have had to have the window edges re-wrapped due to premature? rusting (500.00) a new speed sensor (500.00), and found out the drivers side door was missing over 10 screws and that was why the lock mechanism was able to be pulled out and back window could not be rolled down. Now I find out the transmission computer is broken, and the transmission is probably ruined to the tune of 5,000.00, which after reading reports online is very common. Really disappointed, I thought this car would last.
ECM Killed the transmission
Rav4 the junk heap, 03/09/2010
2002 Toyota RAV4 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
A week ago I would've rated this car a 4 out of 5 stars. Yesterday driving home the transmission went out. I lost the Drive gears and made it home in Low 2nd. Went online and discovered it is a common problem with 2001-05 Rav4s and is actually caused by a bad ECM (Engine Control Module). I called the dealership in the morning and they said it would be nearly $5,000 to replace the ECM and transmission. This is really bad for a Toyota with only 72,000 miles. Found out later that I'm covered by a 'Federal Emissions Warranty' mandated by the government. Called Toyota back and yes, I am covered after all, but only for the ECM and not the transmission. How ridiculous is that?
RAV4 U
Marcus/markmils, 12/31/2002
2002 Toyota RAV4 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I was skeptical about buying an SUV because I don't want to like SUV's. I think full size SUV's should serve more of a practical purpose instead of just burning fuel (towing or hauling loads). I also was concerned about the high ride height and resulting safety. Well the ute class of SUV's are practical and fun to drive and don't burn a lot of fuel. The RAV4 can be a daily commuter without giving away ride comfort. I hate to say it but I rather like the RAV4 and I've been a long time car owner. Good thing to be open minded!
ECM Died at 105M
saddened customer, 06/24/2010
2002 Toyota RAV4 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I originally posted at Edmunds how I loved, loved, LOVED my Rav4 at time of purchase back in 2002. However, car started jerking last week, couldn't accelerate, so towed it to dealer, went online, and discovered the brain/transmission problem! Paid over $1300 to replace the brain, and have no faith in my car anymore. Dealer couldn't guarantee it won't start lurching again, so it's time to switch from Toyota, sadly. A company that doesn't stand behind a problem that it knows exists at least when I trade it in, I can show I paid to 'fix' the ECM, but I pray the car just gets retired rather than potentially hurting another soul!
2002 Toyota RAV4
MANISH PATEL, 02/16/2017
2002 Toyota RAV4 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Excellent Reliable SUV
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value