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Used 2002 Toyota RAV4 Consumer Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
124 reviews

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5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Mini SUV

Monkeysahoy, 07/31/2002
2002 Toyota RAV4 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

At first, I was hesitant about the RAV 4 because of it's exterior looks. However, after taking a test drive and reading about it in Consumer Reports, I fell in love with it immediately.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Pretty Good Car

Leslie R, 01/29/2009
2002 Toyota RAV4 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've loved this car, mostly because it's just the right size for me. I can pack up half of my belongings and drive across the country (which I have to do occasionally because of my job), but I don't feel like I'm driving a tank around the city. I also feel confident that I'm not going to be stuck on the side of the road in the desert. The lack of power is a problem. Accelerating onto the freeway can be a little scary. Driving through the Rocky Mountains, I've felt like I might start rolling backward. Turning radius is amazing, though. My husband, who is very tall, thinks it's horribly uncomfortable to either ride or drive, especially over long distances.

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5 out of 5 stars

I got what I paid for

norm, 08/04/2002
2002 Toyota RAV4 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I paid 19750 for my RAV 4. After spending over 27000 on a 96 Grand Caravan it felt great to spend less for greater quality. My 2WD has performed well in heavy snow. Gas mileage has been almost 30 on the highway. The car handles responsively and has enough pep to get me up hills. The AC is ice cold and for a small vehicle the front interior is spacious. I've owned eight vehicles and this is my favorite. No need to get 4WD - the 2WD will take you just abo

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Niosey Rav4 ...

Vernie, 08/13/2002
2002 Toyota RAV4 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The SUV has been a good vehicle up to this point( I only have 12,000 miles on it). However the NOISE factor is annoying. Specifically, the BUZZ that's somewhere in the dash that the dealer can't find. I've had it in the shop twice and they couldn't find, let alone repair the problem. Intrestingly, when they told me it was fixed and ready to go the second time the BUZZ (not a rattle) was as alive and well as before it was "repaired". At that point I knew that it would be pointless to take it in again for this problem.

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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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3.13 out of 5 stars

drive on freeway before you buy

mandy, 08/19/2002
2002 Toyota RAV4 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought the RAV4 for reliability and comfort. I am an older female with a disablity. I have had this SUV for three months and wish I would not have bought it. It does not hold the road and vibrates the steering wheel at 65 mph. I am getting no help from the dealer..I am told it is because "I don't know how SUV's drive". Well, the car drifts all over the road...I thought a new vehicle should atleast hold the road. Beware before you buy.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

1st Time Toyota Buyer

Gushguire, 08/19/2002
2002 Toyota RAV4 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I got rid of my '96 GMC Jimmy and bought the RAV4. The 4-cyl. has good acceleration and nimble handling. I'm dissapointed in the gas mileage--21 mpg in the city. I've tried switching to an 89 octane with no better results, so I'm sticking to 87. The rear headrests can block your view, so if you routinely drive alone, I'd suggest removing them for the clearest view. I'm tall--5'10" and there is plenty of leg room on the driver's side. Annoying rattle behind the glove compartment at speeds in excess of 30. Rear seats remove and reinstall with ease. Nice feature to haul around the dogs.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

Great Car but horrible seats

Kristin S , 02/20/2009
2002 Toyota RAV4 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love my Rav4 with the exception of the seats. Toyota really skimped on the comfort factor. The seats are not supportive and feel like they are made out of foam. Other than that I have never had ANY problems with my RAV4. It is the most reliable car I have ever had. Great storage, especially with the large pack "trunk". Handles great, has a great turn radius. Easy to drive but it could definitely use more torque going on hill and passing cars on the freeway. In the next couple of months I am looking to sell my RAV4 and I am looking at Lexus and Acura. The number one feature I am looking for are ergonomic seats and dash board placement which the RAV4 certainly does not have.

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5 out of 5 stars

The Safety Factor

gnikgnik, 06/17/2002
2002 Toyota RAV4 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have a 2001 RAV4. Last Wednesday night, my brother had an accident on the freeway - he ran headfirst into the center divider doing 70 MPH and walked away without a scratch. If you are looking for a reliable, safe car that gets good gas mileage then the RAV4 is a great vehicle.

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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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