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Used 2002 Toyota RAV4 Consumer Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
124 reviews

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4.63 out of 5 stars

new transmission,etc. and a rental car for free!

amigo4, 05/26/2011
2002 Toyota RAV4 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful

My transmission compleley died a week ago. I have some good news. It was towed to Precision Toyota, Tucson AZ; immediately I was told that there will be no charge for anything. And I was told just that way. I also was told that the repair can take up to 16 weeks. I called Toyota customer sercvice requesting a rental car for whatever time is takes for the repair. Received a call back the next day; I was advised to pick out the 2011 Toytoa car or van that I wanted to use from the rental department. I am now driving a 2011 Rav4 for free-and my car insurance covers the insurance. I am very happy!

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2 out of 5 stars

BEWARE of the computer! Good commuter.

Amy Grund, 10/10/2020
2002 Toyota RAV4 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

This car was simple in repairs and maintenance. Got good gas mileage in town and had decent acceleration. I had it for 4 years (until 2019). I got rid of it after the computer problem reared its head AGAIN. I bought the car and 2 years later I had problems with it braking when I was not pressing the brakes, and accelerating when I was either coasting or PRESSING THE BRAKES. I had it looked at and turns out multiple of these SUVs had computer problems that needed replacing. My mechanic could not find a compatible new part so I had to purchase a $500 computer from the same year and hope it did not display the same issue. Fast forward 2 years and it happened again. Only this time it was so sudden that the car almost hit someone and my brakes refused to work. That is when I got rid of it. If you get a specific vehicle that does not have this issue it is a great car, but be warned that it could pop up. Last had 180,000 miles on it. Not good in snow.

Safety
1 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
2 out of 5 stars
Value
2 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Good value & fun to dive

jscottj, 06/30/2019
updated 01/04/2021
2002 Toyota RAV4 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Purchased used at 98k miles, $10k New transmission & ECM @ 120k miles, $7k. New suspension units & bushings @ 310k miles, can't really tell much difference in feel. $1.5k New alternator @ 340k miles, $0.4k. New a/c compressor unit (to remedy its clutch failure), 0.5k New steering 'rack' @ 365k miles, leak. Love this car's size and utility. Biggest complaint: interior noise level. I'm six feet & 190 lbs. Drivers seat is saggy & uncomfable on longer trips, its upholstery is worn but intact & unstained, started around 300k.

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

problem fixed

krealtors, 12/12/2010
2002 Toyota RAV4 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

I also had a transmission problem, but because of toyota they have extended the warranty until 10 yrs or 150,000 on 2002's not sure about other years. toyota dealer just replaced my computer and if problem comes back they will replace the transmission for FREE, I also didn't pay anything for the ECU (computer). I also believe service lady said they will also cover TCU as sell. so check with your local dealer.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Auto transmission defect

JKT, 06/04/2010
2002 Toyota RAV4 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
6 of 15 people found this review helpful

129,000 care-free miles and THEN transmission failure with an incredible lack of consideration by Toyota. ECU/ECM (computer module of automatic transmission) failure leading to destruction of tranny. Will cost $4- 5000 and Toyota has been aware of this via TSB (technical service bulletin) since 2006. Affecting years 2001-2003 with automatic. If your get a RAV-4 make sure it's got STICK!

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1.25 out of 5 stars

Lemon

Rav Junk, 05/31/2002
2002 Toyota RAV4 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have had nothing but problems with this vehicle since I bought it. I have had it back to the dealership 4 times for a rattle in the dash board. On the third visit, the service tech severely damaged the dash board and surrounding components. Rattle still there. Filed under the Lemon Law. I can't wait to get rid of it!

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5 out of 5 stars

Best SUV on the road

Rav4life, 05/02/2003
2002 Toyota RAV4 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Extremely smooth and quiet ride. No drifting on the freeways, and very spacious for front-seat-only commuters.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

The Getaway Ride

Ronaldus, 05/12/2002
2002 Toyota RAV4 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great small truck to get away for a quick weekend trip with just enough room for 4.. and it saves you money on gas!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Compact SUV, fun to drive

photog4fun, 10/15/2006
2002 Toyota RAV4 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I've had my RAV4 for 4 1/2 yrs. now and it has been one of the best cars that I've owned in the past 35 yrs. Top qualities that I love: 1. Higher viewing position compared to a sedan 2. Short, compact with plenty of room inside 3.Comfortable seats, easy to reach radio, good drink holders, nice ride 4. 24-26 mpg mostly highway travel 5. Highly reliable car with almost no mechanical problems over the past 80,000 miles Cons: 1. Slippery in icy conditions 2. Body dings easily

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2.5 out of 5 stars

Please read before you buy!!

Debbie, 01/19/2009
2002 Toyota RAV4 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Purchased my RAV4 brand new. Check engine light was on after about one year. Catalytic conv or O2 sensors were always said to be the reason. At 100,000K it started to slip between 2nd and 3rd gear. Causes major issues! I just received something from Toyota saying that they will reprogram my ECM for no charge now, but unfortunately for me, this defect already ruined my transmission. Do not even think about purchasing a 2001-2002 RAV4 unless you have several thousand extra dollars to replace a transmission and ECM (avg.$4K). Trust me!!

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