Used 2002 Toyota RAV4 Consumer Reviews
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RAV4 L
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
drive on freeway before you buy
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.
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,599104 mi away
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $8,960170 mi away
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $6,500179 mi away
Toyota Rav4
nice small suv much better than the new crv and all the other small sized suv's
1st Time Toyota Buyer
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.
Great Car but horrible seats
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.
The Safety Factor
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.
Watch out for minor annoyances
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.
U got to love the RAV
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.
*BEWARE*
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.
2002 RAV4 5spd
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!!!