Used 2006 Toyota RAV4 Consumer Reviews
Fun Efficient Hauls a large amount
Went from a Dodge Grand Caravan to the RAV4 and am totally happy with the excellent use of space available in the RAV. Smart engineering makes reconfiguring interior to haul stuff a breeze. The V6 is the way to go. Gobs of power and a low of 22 mpg and high of 28 mpg (AWD model). Did not know we would like it so much or I would have popped for the Limited. However, Base has all you need.
Great SUV
My wife's vehicle, she loves it. Looked at Honda CRV, no comparison. RAV is much sturdier and roomier. Great utility, Camry reliability, pretty good gas mileage (for SUV it's great) and lots of room. I can't imagine a more space efficient vehicle. Takes me a while to find a comfortable seating position for a long drive - I'm 6'2". Wife is 5'3", says the RAV is even more comfortable than my Camry for her. Swing-out back door is a little awkward at times, but you get used to it. Tire pressure sensor is a pain at times (cold weather), but you can disable it. Overall, we've had the RAV 15 months, couldn't be happier.
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,99541 mi away
- Limited 4dr SUVMSRP: $10,988159 mi away
- Sport 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,988158 mi away
Happily hooked on RAV4s
This is my 2nd RAV4 and I absolutely love it!! I've had it for 2 wks now. I had my first one for 6 yrs with no problems. This new RAV4 gives me what I didn't have in the 1st...it's a much quieter ride, it's bigger without being too big for manuverability, and it has more muscle in its 4cyl engine while still being more fuel efficient than some other SUVs. The durability and reliability I have had with my 1st RAV4 made the decision to buy another very easy, along with it having such a great, new "grown-up" look. It definitely has everything I loved about my 1st RAV4, and fixed most of the little things I felt needed improvement.
The great Rav 4 make over
This new design takes the best of the old and incorporates some much needed improvements.
Poor design
I've now owned three Rav's and every one has developed a creeky noise in the windshield and this one has a leak at the top of the windshield. The rear compartment has a light in the door which points away from the interior when it is opened. The compartment is dark. The rear door opens sideways which offers no cover from the elements and rear visibility is poor. The ABS works poorly on ice and snow. It pumped my foot off the brake pedal. The all wheel drive doesn't work well to get me out of my driveway. No way would I buy another. The dealer has been very helpful and pleasant to work with. But they haven't been able to fix the windshield problems. Think I may switch to Subaru.
Rave about RAV4
For a 6'2" 250 pound male this vehicle amazes me. This is a gift for my wife but the more I ride and drive the RAV4 the more I like it. I can actually get in and adjust the very comfortable seats (front or rear) and have plenty of room to drive or ride quite comfortably. This little buggy is a gas to drive and easy to park - you can turn around on a 2 lane street with one turn. The 17" wheels and tires provide a stable ride and the 4 speed automatic shifts smooth as silk. Third row seating would be a criminal option for this car because the rear compartment configuration is excellent and well designed. Getting in & out was the biggest plus for my wife and me - absolutely the perfect height.
Great compact SUV for the price
We basically bought the RAV4 to be able to tow a boat and haul the family on a 4 hr trip to the lake every weekend in warmer weather. It is worth it to upgrade to the limited package and the V6 which still gets pretty good gas mileage especially for having 269hp. Plenty of room for the kids in the back seat and the dog in the back. The under-floor storage area in the back is very handy too. We were very happy with this vehicle.
Good yuppie car
Excellent car in lieu of buying a comparable 4 door sedan. Shorter but roomier than Camry (thus easier to park). More utility (available 4 wheel drive) and younger persona than a Camry but close in price. Fills niche for people who want a reliable 5 passenger, fun to drive car with extra cargo room. No reason to get a 4 door sedan when a RAV4 is an option.
Great Value, Great Looks
Even though I got the 4 cycl. it has a lot of pick-up, but still has great gas mileage. I love the looks of it,inside and out. Perfect size for a carseat and two big dogs! Smooth ride too.
Top Pick
This is the best compact SUV on the market; I have read a couple of reviews that complain about the ride and noise. You want a car get a car, you want a great SUV get a RAV4. Apples to apples this is the best all round SUV on the market, and YES it does ride rougher than a Camry, thats why I like it. Lots of options, great power, excellent gas mileage, wish it came in a manual transmission. Some of the plastics inside can scar a little easily. Look at the others and you come back, they may be a little cheaper however, with Toyota's resale this car will cost you much less.
Reliable
I have 60k miles and no problems except tires at ~ 25k. Great gas mileage and dependable. Love the v6 power with lot's of pep!
Oh, what a feeling
My first Rav4 was a '99 - a fun, economical, dependable car. Was considering a Highlander until the '06 V6 Rav4 came out. I'm so glad I waited. I've only had the vehicle a few weeks, but I love it. The powered driver's seat is outstanding- it's so comfortable. It rides like an Avalon. Sound system is excellent. It's so spacious and classy that's it's like driving a much more expensive vehicle. The color is Everglade and it's gorgeous!
Raves for the Rav4
My husband and I traded in our second mid-sized SUV for the Rav4 and are thrilled with the car. The 4 cylinder is peppy and the car looks and feels like a luxury automobile. The inside rear compartment is smartly layed out and easy to adjust with the touch of a button. The car was originally for my husband, but I like it so much that I am trading in my treasured convertible so that I can drive this gem. We tested all of the competition, but as far as value, looks and being fun to drive, none even came close. It is our first Toyota, but it won't be our last!
Hard to beat
Big change from the 1998, manual 5 speed RAV4 with a lawn mower engine that couldn't even get out of the way of it self. I've driven it 1,000 miles and so far am very pleased
RAV 4 LOVE
I love it and really enjoy the driving. Great turning radius. Toyota is meant for Quality.
Not too big and not too small
The RAV4 V6 Sport has great pick up and is fun to drive. My husband and the men in his family are all over 6 feet tall. They can ride comfortably in the RAV4. The V6 has way more power than I really needed, but is useful for towing and heavy loads. The gas mileage is good. I drive on the highway and city streets a lot and get about 24-25 miles per gallon. I got more for my money horsepower and safety feature wise than I would have with the other competing brands. Plus Toyotas have a reputation for reliability.
Researched Choice
I researched a great deal to find a decent SUV that was reliable, appealing, and attained decent gas mileage. Boy was I thrilled to find the V6 Rav 4. Not only is it a much bigger vehicle than previous models, the performance of the V6 is phenomenal! I average 27 mpg on the interstate driving to work... incredible! The ride quality is wonderful and the increased amount of interior space makes trips so comfortable. I'm so happy with my Rav4 V6 and I haven't looked back. Do the research yourself, you won't be sorry... besides... it's a Toyota.
i love this car!!
This is my first SUV and my first Toyota. I have been driving this car for 3 months now, and I'm still loving it. I've made a couple snowboarding trips up the Rocky Mountains with 4 adult passengers and luggage, and the RAV did better than I had expected for an I4. I look forward to many years with this car.
Great SUV
What a great SUV. I enjoy driving it in all types of weather and on any type of road. Tight turning radius, very good power for a 4 cyl and it has a smooth ride.
Dude, where's my gas?
We bought the 4X4, V6 in Barcelona Red. We wanted the I4 but the salesman persuaded us to go big. Can't say I'm sorry except for the fact that the gas mileage is terrible. I am impressed with the fit and finish and anticipate years of Toyota reliability. Lots of cargo room so we may be able to ditch the roof rack/box. We love the dual climate control and the CD/MP3 player.
2006 RAV4 Limited V6
This car is very fun to drive. I love the pick-up/speed it has. I love its small size (easy to park/maneuver in traffic, etc), but it also offer a lot of power. I love the 3rd row seat/fold flat capability.
Uglee tires
This vehicle justified our reasons for purchasing. It performs decently in off road situations, has good clearance, mileage has been 22 city, 27 highway, exceeding expectations. Did not expect the rattles from Toyota. Did not expect the tires to be bald at 30,000 miles. Discovered Yokohama tires are crap. Am surprised Toyota's famed quality experts chose this particular tire. We knew we were sacrificing a soft ride to get limited off road capabilities. We like the spare tire where it is. Like the rear side opening door. Anybody who thinks differently should buy a danged van.
Worth the wait!
This SUV was worth the wait! We have 1000 miles on it so far and it's everything we expected and more relative to ride, comfort, build quality, cornering and performance. The roll over test which was not previously available came out very positive. Our Limited is fully loaded and the options were well worth it! It rides very smooth, has great acceleration and is noise free in the cabin. For styling, value and performance there is no competitor on the market today. You must drive this SUV!
Highly recommend!
I love my RAV4! I have had great experience with Toyota cars and was watching the RAV4 for a few years, but was disappointed in the rear seat and cargo space - until the 2006 model! The back seat space is awesome, and the seats even recline. The cargo space with the seats up is excellent, and with the seats down, it's hard to believe it's a "small" SUV. The audio system is excellent, ABS is standard, as is traction control, and the hamdling is responsive and nimble. I even went on a trip in March and got 34 mpg! Great car!
Better than before
I upgraded from a 2002 RAV4 that was totaled in an accident, and the 2006 model is an improvement in nearly every area. I was impressed with how the '02 RAV held up in the accident, so there was no hesitation to get another RAV to replace it. The '06 model has plenty of cargo room. I love that the seats don't have to come out to make room for large items. The 4 cylinder 4WD model has plenty of power, whereas I thought the '02 model felt underpowered. I am very happy with the safety additions of anti-lock brakes and side curtain airbags. This car is great, and you can't go wrong with Toyota quality.
Awesome SUV - Go Toyota!
Vehicle is brand new and I absolutely am loving it. I have wanted a RAV4 for a very long time, and since the redesign for 2006 I had to test drive it and that's all it took. The "SPORT" is the way to go w/18" tires. You give up the power driver seat & 3rd row seating but its a much better driving experience. Now my 1999 Camry is very jealous!
Pleased
I have had the vehicle for only 2 weeks and I have been pleasantly surprised. Roomy, sufficient power from the 4 cylinder, great looks. We needed a small SUV that will give good gas mileage and it looks like we got it.
The 2006 RAV4 won over my Outback
I was a solid believer in the Subaru Outback. My husband talked me into trading my Outback in for the new RAV4. I have to say the RAV4 won me over. The side curtain airbags are a definite bonus. Steering and turning are much better than the Outback. And I have to say it gets better gas mileage than my old car. I have the 4 cyl., in my opinion the V6 is too much power for the ride. And the gas mileage is much better with 4 cyl.
My rav 6
Traded in a 4 runner for the rav4 to increase gas mileage. I've gotten 30 mpg on the highway with the 6 cylinder, admittedly with conservative driving. The power with the v6 is outstanding! This is probably the fastest vehicle I have ever owned. I don't feel like I gave up all that much space as the rav is well packaged. Handling is very good. When winter comes I will find out about the 4wd system. The only drawback I have found is road noise. It's not bad but noticeable. More insulation would have been better.
It's what i expected
The look of the new RAV4 is very nice, much better than the previous models. The fuel economy is great.
A real value, and fun to boot
Finally picked up my new base 2006 RAV4, 4x4 with the 4 cylinder engine. Very happy with the gorgeous modern interior, nice exterior lines. The 4 cylinder is very strong. I traded in a 98 Ford Explorer with the 4 liter 6, and the RAV4 has nothing to be embarassed about. I took a lot of guff from the ladies at work about choosing a "cute" SUV, but I have to admit that its a very pretty car. Couldn't be happier. I'll supplement if possible after about a month.
Great little SUV
We wanted reliablity, safety, performance, and style without the price tag. The new Ravs gave us all that.
NO GOOD BUILD QUALITY
My first SUV, good fuel economy, good comfort & easy to drive. But in my opinion no good build quality, the brakes have been replaced twice, the first time was in Dec. 2007. The dampers has been replaced once. Noise in the back started six months ago, finally the last month Toyota Shop found the cause of the noise: one large screw of the left damper support is damaged!!!
Toyota answers the call!
I would put this 4WD system up against anything on the road for practical driving purposes. 9 inches of snow were no problem even with all season radials. We had a 1999 but it wouldn't fit an infant seat in rearward position of 2nd row without giving up the passenger seat. On the '06, I drive with my seat in furthest rearward position. My 6 ft. 3 inch friend sat behind me with room to spare between. The turning radius on this seems much better than the 1999 RAV4. Didn't check specs. on that. My wife is still thanking me for buying it (since 1/02/2006). Vermont mountain driving conditions can be scary. I'm glad she drives the kids in this.
sweet ride
Awesome vehicle, very quick pickup. (6 cyl.) fun to drive
Liking It
I had a 2002 Ford Explorer that I totaled in a roll over accident & I got the RAV4 to replace it, so far I think it was a great choice! I commute 50 miles to work & it was quite an improvement in fuel efficiency. I live in WI, so I needed something with 4 wheel drive to handle the poor winter driving conditions. After having driven a Ford there is a drastic difference in the design quality of the Toyota- seems to have the driver in mind with the interior layout. I miss having the smoother accelerating power of a V6, but will gladly take the better gas mileage of the RAV4.
2006 Rav
Absolutely love the vehicle. It is almost as big as the Highlander but with more power and better fuel economy.
Simply Spectacular!
I also own a 2006 BMW 325i, and I have to say that the new RAV4 V-6 is every bit as much fun to drive! The 269 hp engine delivers phenomenal torque, extending a challenge to my 325i for a race! Thumping the gas pedal is exhilarating and I can't recommend doing so highly enough! I leased this vehicle but will likely buy it at the end of the lease and just get leather seats installed. It'll be like a new vehicle and will probably only have about 30,000 miles by that time. And since it's a Toyota, I figure I'll get another 270,000 miles out of it! If you haven't driven the V-6 yet, get out there and run one! You'll love it!
Excellent car!
My family's had a '96 Rav4 for 10 years now, and we love that thing, but now that the new ones have arrived, we love this one even more! Its fun to drive, and its a lot more comfortable than the older model we own. (I've found that on long car trips my legs start hurting because the seats are so stiff, not a problem on this model!)
Great RAV4 & Fast too.
Great car, picked it up with just 2 miles on it. Sold my 04 RAV for the 06 RAV and couldn't be happier. It is much better in every way.
You Go Rav!
Agile handling, good gas economy with the inline 4-cyl engine but has plenty of power. Took five hour trip to bring daughter and her new baby home for a visit. Had my mom in front with me, my daughter and wife sat in the back with the baby/carseat in backseat center. Carseat installed easily. Fit our luggage in the well under the rear cargo floor, and filled the cargo area with all the baby paraphenlia with no problem whatsoever. Even with this full load, the 4-cyl had plenty of power for highway driving and it still handled like a dream. Son-in-law loved its rugged look; and we the interior dash is awesome looking - looked at the competitors and RAV beat them all
Great car, lots of power, high quality.
This car will exceed your expectations! You cannot find a better SUV for the price. Fast V6 at 269 horsepower and great fuel economy with 22 MPG city for me and 28 MPG highway. Great quality, no problems, large enough for the family and our Chocolate lab! Great Dog car, great for towing up to 3,500 lbs, great for hauling small to medium size stuff, great in the snow!
2006 Rav4 Sport 4WD
Just bought my 06 Rav and so far i'm very happy with it. The interior on the Sport is very nice, the seats are comfortable and supportive. There is almost no road noise in side the cabin, however VSC kicked in more than a few times and was annoying (we have about 6 inch. of snow in Winnipeg , Canada). There is an annoying beeping sound from VSC and there was no need for it to kick in at all. The V6 is very smooth and almost not noticable. It has good power, but not overhwelming like I read in reviews. Overall I'm very satisfied with the vehicle and would definitely recommend it.
Must be good, my 3rd one.
Love the style of the Sport. The firmer ride is hardly noticeable. Just turned 5000 miles and could not be happier. Toyota service has been one of the main reasons that I keep going back. Since this is my 3rd Rav, there are some features that I miss. Those grocery hooks are gone. Glad they moved the battery to a more accessible location. Also miss the overdrive button on the shifter. Don't like the 5000 mile oil change indicator reminder. Why did they change the emission control warranty from 80000 to 70000 miles? Seems like it must have cost them too much so they passed it on to the consumer. All in all, the Rav is really great.
Wonderful SUV!
This is such a great vehicle! I was tempted to get the Limited model, but realized the Base model had everything I needed. (Everyone who has seen it can't believe it's the Base model.) It handles like a car and gets great gas mileage. Although it only has a 4- cylinder engine, it has great pick-up. I love all of the little touches, like the quick release pulls in the cargo area that allow you to lower the rear seats without going around to the back doors. This car is truly a wonderful value.
former Ford owner
engine is great, mpg is fantastic for an suv on the highway. Ride is better than any suv I've been in. Plenty of storage for gear. Very quiet for an suv and scoots up steep hills as well as a sedan and small sports car. Will wait till winter to see what it does in snow. Only problem is that there is no satellite connectivity - have to wait for aftermarket dash fit kit to swap out for NAV/CD/SAT radio.
OK so far
Bought rav4 for the quality and it's been great in the snow and it did have 29000 when purchased. Few minor things, air pressure warning problems, some brake issues.
great driving
I've driven about 600 miles in my V6, half freeway, half city. So far it's been great. Lots of pep, looks beautiful, feels like a substantial car while maintaining a nimble feel. I've gotten 26 on the highway and 21 in the city. Once I get my aftermarket leather it'll be perfect.
Disappointing
The climate control display and radio displays are awful. You can barely see them in regular light but in sunlight they are impossible. It would have been so simple for Toyota to use the same type of display for these items as the odometer. The rear window is fixed and the rear door is heavy and opens to the side. Mileage is terrible.
2006 RAV4
Lots of fun to drive! An SUV that drives like a sports sedan. Very comfortable, roomy, exceeds all expectations. Decent fuel economy.