Used 2006 Toyota RAV4 Consumer Reviews
Love my Rav4!
I spent 6 months researching and looking for a 4wd, fuel efficient vehicle. I previously drove a Subaru Outback, which did well in snow, but was too small. When I finally purchased my RAV4, I loved it. As the days and weeks went by, I love it more! It's comfortable, quiet, sporty and just plain fun to drive. I love how it looks. I've stuffed it full of antiques with roon to spare. On the down side, I agree with another reviewer that the cup holders don't hold any cup I own (no room for handles). I miss my heated mirrors and seats. And I wish I had fog lights. All that being said, have I mentioned I love my Rav4?
My Rav4
I bought my Rav 4 Limited 4x4 in September, I have put nealry 4,000 miles on it already. I love it.
- Sport 4dr SUVMSRP: $8,995158 mi away
- Limited 4dr SUVMSRP: $8,500201 mi away
- Limited 4dr SUVMSRP: $8,950266 mi away
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!
Good little SUV but no sizzle
Nice little SUV that my wife loves to drive. Great for driving with car seat age kids due to ride height. 4wd pretty good in Canadian snow and has never been stuck even with the all seasons. Not the quietest or fastest with the 4 cyl but racing is not this SUV's forte anyways.
Love my Rav4 Sport
I own a 4x4Rav4 V4 sport Silver.I love its cool exterior styling, the side mouldings, sports tuned shocks, thicker tyres gives it an edge over the limited. I've added mud- guards,side-guard and sun-roof visor to give it a distinct look.The dark windows on a silver body of the Rav4 is worth a second look. The V4 engine is peppy,responsive. In the city i get 21mpg and close to 27mpg highways.
I'm in love
I just bought this beautiful car and I am really happy with it, it has good power, stability and the looks. The interior on the sport is pretty neat and the sunroof and 18" allow weells make a difference on it. The JBL sound system rocks, if you are looking for a RAV4 invest a little more and get the premium sound, fog lights and sunroof
So Far So Good!
Only had it for the weekend and 100 miles, but so far so good! Solidly put together with a reassuring thud when doors close. Car is definitely roomy enough in the back for babyseat and 2 kids. Interior ergonomics is perfect for a car of this price.
I Almost Love My RAV4.
This is my first Toyota. I selected the RAV4 based on Toyota's reputation for reliability. I love the exterior design of the RAV4, it looks sharp with the optional 17" alloy wheels and crome stepbar. The interior is roomy and comfortable. I highly recommend against purchasing the 4cyl because of the extremely sluggish acceleration. I rated the Performance a "4" and Fun To Drive a "6" because of the acceleration (or lack thereof). I would love my little RAV4 if I weren't so afraid of it ending up a little pile of scrap metal on the interstate.
After six months . .
Fun to drive, eye-catching looks, lots of zip. Really suits our needs for occasionally hauling stuff. Waiting for winter to see how it handles in snow.
Fun for Mommy and kids
At first I thought it might be a bit small for my 2 toddlers, but it is so roomy in the back seat a tall person fits comfortably, lots of leg and head room, my kids love it and I agree. The fuel efficiency is excellent, I sometime feel like I am driving a car. It handles great.
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.
Great
I love my RAV. It has great get up and go. I have had little problems on the recent snow and ice ( usually when I floor it on the ice ) The step kids friends think it is 'cool'. No problems whatsoever. I reset the maintence light myself. The owners manual tells you how to do it. Backseat is a little crowded with a carseat in it.
Really like my Rav
really like the SUV. Even more than I realized I would. It's a little stiff interior wise but could be I'm used to car. Handles extremely well and easy to park and manuever it tight spots. Really like the looks of the vehicle. 4 cyl seems to have sufficient pick up necessary to deal with city and highway traffic.
Don't Buy 4 Cyl 4WD
When I read the reviews last fall, this sounded like a great vehicle. The dealer didn't have any RAVs in stock when I ordered, but I figured the pre-delivery test drive would indicate if I would be happy with it. What a huge mistake and disappointment. I should have test driven where I drive daily. I live in the mountains of Northern AZ (Flag, Prescott area), but I thought 166 horsepower should be adequate in a smaller vehicle. The transmission constantly downshifts on practically every uphill section, which of course is ruining my mileage. Even trying to maximize economy after 1500 miles I have yet to average 20 mpg for even one tank. Not worth $25K for a 4 cyl. Spend the extra $ for V6.
best in class
What a rocket @ $10K les than BMW/LEXUS. Colossal inside storage w/nifty nooks in sides and under floor. Great visability and driveability. Took it Xcountry west to northeast with 2000lbs of college gear.Averaged 26-27 mpg @ 80mph on interstates. Passed semi's in a wink, blasting up to 100mph by end of pass. A very stable and safe platform. Luv it.
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.
Love my RAV
I love it. As I do heavy traffic driving it has all the power I need to get me out of any situation. Plenty of cargo room, great fuel economy.
Great little SUV
We wanted reliablity, safety, performance, and style without the price tag. The new Ravs gave us all that.
Almost a year
I bought my Rav last year. I have absolutely no complaints about it. It has performed very well, no problems at all. I have the 4cyl 4WD which is very peppy, no problems passing on highways. Handles flawlessly on snow and ice. The only thing I would suggest to anyone considering a base model... don't. Mine is a base and I regret not getting the Sport for about 1200 more. Am not crazy about the base seats, they're light colored and can easily show stains.
Too new to tell
I am very impressed with vehicle's performance to economy ratio, although I only have driven it 500 miles. Would like to re-review in about 6 months.
Rav4
I just love my new Rav4. It is so fun to drive. The get up and go is great. I can get to 80 real fast. It is a smooth ride and I think it is so cute. There is plenty of leg room in the front and back seat. It really has more room than my Nissan Quest did as far as leg room. I know Toyota is a good product because this is the fifth one I have had.
Love It
Excellent vehicle. A little noisy on the road but not annoying. Handles great. Auto. gear shift can move to neutral with a light bump.
Good Car!!... get the V6
I've had this car for just over a month. NICE suspension, but lacking majorly on power especialy when the AC is on. I wish got the V6. I had a full load of passengers on a hot day with the AC blasting... no power at all. Other than that it's pretty quiet, lots of room, and very easy to drive. Disclaimer on the "sport" version. It has good suspension, but if you really want it to be "sport" get the V6 haha!
Not a bad miniSUV
Despite what people seem to think, the 4-cyl engine is more than adequate around town, and if you put on a set of dedicated snow tires, you won't need AWD (especially with Toyota's traction control). Mileage is in the mid to low 20s in mostly stop and go traffic with the AC going. (One minor gripe is the first 3 fan settings on the AC are fairly weak and while the 4th is decent, it sounds like a jet engine.) Tons of leg room in every seat and the rears recline as well. Plenty of storage room, both in the cubbies and in the "trunk". The rear door can be a bit heavy and hard to open for curb-parking, but the detent holds it well, even on hills.
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.
Disappointed
The RAV runs great, but rides like a light little toy, too much road noise, maybe the tires? The hood looks likes it's going to fly off going down the freeway, my front bumper popped out a couple of times, cheap plastic clips that melted in the Arizona sun. The right mirror rattled so much they had to replace the whole assembly. My latest disappointment is that my air compressor just went out! Not a good thing in the middle of summer in AZ.
sweet ride
Awesome vehicle, very quick pickup. (6 cyl.) fun to drive
Excellent overall
We've now owned this vehicle for almost a year, and have found quality and reliability to be excellent. The power from the V6 is without peer in this class, and the fuel economy is the icing on the cake (note: a light foot helps achieve those window sticker EPA numbers). Interior room is excellent both for passengers and cargo. The JBL stereo is decent for a factory upgrade. With AWD the RAV4 is surefooted in winter, and with the side curtains and stability control it's a safe ride. No complaints about seat comfort (ours is the Limited with leather). The ride is firm but comfortable. After almost a year on the road it's still tight and a pleasure to drive. Recommended.
So so
This SUV is great until you have to fill it up. It says it is suppose to get 20+ MPG, but I have only gotten 15- 17 MPG, a huge disappointment. If I knew that this was going to happen I probably would of gotten a Ford Escape. Though I do love the traction control like nothing else. On pure ice I have been able to keep control of this baby with no problem. It is absolutely amazing there. Pick up is okay, the driver seat takes a little getting used to feel wise.
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 Outdoor/Commuter Vehicle
I bought this car to replace my 15-year-old Camry. I like to go on hiking trips, and this thing has the suspension and the room to get me where I want to go. It's also a great commuter car, handles well in traffic, takes potholes with aplomb. No significant problems, great mileage for an SUV. Being tall, I enjoy not having to duck my head when getting in and out. I have driven this car over deeply-rutted, sandy and rocky dirt roads with ease, and have slept in the back during a 3-week camping trip. I was thinking about a pickup truck, but now I really don't think I need one - this car has gotten me to all the trailheads I have wanted to get to. After 27,000 miles I couldn't be more pleased.
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.
Poor Design
After driving this Rav4 Limited for 32000 miles I recently noticed that when it rains all my stuff in the rear compartment gets wet when the door is opened. Also there is no rear dome light. The light was put in the door which when open shines the light away from the compartment. A representative said it was a bad design and suggested I switch to a Highlander. Toyota should reconsider this rear hatch design. Honda has with its CR-V. I love everything else about the car. Please to Toyota make some changes. At least figure out a way I can add on a dome light.
Love my RAV
This is the best car I've every owned. I loved my Scion tC also, but didn't feel as safe as my RAV4. I want to drive this car forever!
Love it but improve all fabric & carpet
Please note that the interior is black... not first, but only choice in the metroplex. I love driving the car and the design is great. Importantly, the one-inch difference between this updated model and the Highlander (previously owned the 2002) means a $10,000 savings. I can live easier with the lesser standard interior fabrics!).
Glad I Chose It
This car rides just as well as the family's Benz sedan or Infiniti suv. It's been great in stop and go, as well as on the highway. The cloth seats feel both durable and comfy. Real world fuel economy has been more along the lines of 22.5/25 vs. 23/28 advertised, par for the course if not better. The 4cyl can chase down your normal traffic without even punching it. This car deserves a look for cargo space alone, which even includes an extra few cubic feet buried beneath the mats. Take a seat in the back and you'll immediately notice how far away the front seats really are. Passengers have plenty of leg room and can even recline if need be. It gets a lot of looks for its exterior too.
Great midsize suv
Tthis is my first suv, and am very pleased with it, although it does seem to have a little delay in power when first pressing the gas pedal, and the gas mileage could be better. Overall I am quite happy with this car. Looking forward to testing the 4wd in the winter :).
Love it!
I drive to work about 25 miles back and forth and once a month I will drive out of town (250 miles). The ride is very smooth and comfortable. I love everything in this car. I have nothing to complain. The space is incredible! I really love the hidden compartment in the back! I can carry three mtn bikes in the suv with three people in it and the full size cooler. The gas mileage is GREAT!! I have driven other suvs before and it is all right. Nothing can beat 2006 Rav4. My mother drives the Lexus RX 330 and she mentioned that she loves my car better than hers. ;)
Satisfied but could be happier
Clocked around 5000 miles in 3 months, including many 200 mile trips. Let me directly go to drawbacks.... 1.) No auto headlights/door locks. 2.) Window controls invisible in dark and look cheap. 3.) Cupholders are atrocious. 4.) Expensive and no negotiations. 5.) Transmission, hesitant initially, then kicks in. 6.) Temp display could be better. 7.) Cruise control initially confusing. 8.) Maybe it is unique to me, but the gas level indicator is very misleading. The last quarter is over in less than 30 miles. 9.) The gas low indicator should blink or something. 10.) Of course, mileage is around 19/20 only.. But then I drive at around 80-85 in highway. 11.)Rear door should open up. 12.) Very noisy ride with moonroof open
Almost perfect...
Wanted a mid-size SUV and hated everything out there except Rav4. Stylish outside and high-tech inside. Other comparable vehicles out there did not match up. I wanted a luxury vehicle without the luxury price. The Rav4 is almost perfect.
My opinion
All around fun SUV. Clock and radio readouts hard to see. Transmission shifts very different than I am used to, my other car is a benz. Body style is blahh. Radio with CD is above average.
Cheap Cheap Cheap
We've had our 2006 Rav4 Limited 4WD for less than one year - the back seat stitching is already coming apart. It's uncomfortable for both me and my husband to drive more than an hour, no matter how we try to adjust the seat. The plastic dashboard is just cheap - everything about the car, except the price, appears cheap. We love Toyotas but will definitely re-think before we buy toyota again.
RAV4
Exelent vehicle for an excelent price. No complaints so far about the vehicle.
High quality design
Love the car, plenty of power and it is built like a higher priced luxury vehicle. The design is much classier than the last generation of the RAV and it turns heads everywhere I drive it.
I don't know...
After a long hard decision making, I picked the RAV4 believing that I'll get good gas mileage as advertised and overall good quality, hey its a toyota. After a month of using it mostly on highways the most I got was 19 mpg. The suspension is very disappointing, very stiff, the clock placement, the kick you feel as you shift from reverse to drive, engine noise, tire noise, idle noise, the small knobs for the stereo are all negative factors. I'll just finish the lease and say bye-bye.
Great Vehicle
This has been a great vehicle in the 8 months that I have owned it! The V6 really moves and the fuel economy is great for the power that you get. It's hard to keep your foot out of the gas. :-) The handling in the Sport model is also impressive. Everyone who rides in it likes it. I would buy another one in a second.
No more Toyotas
There is something very wrong with this car. The list of problems with this car is huge. It grinds, growls, shifts hard, steers hard, and every time I go in for an oil change I have to replace or repair something. I have replaced steering column, and it needs to be replaced again, I replaced battery, front brakes, rear brakes, air filter, fuel filter and all the pricey tune-ups. Replaced spark plugs, wires, and right now I am so sick of Toyota, this was a new car.
Lady owner
This vehicle is wide, roomy, zippy, comfortable. Has plenty of pockets and storage places. Nice to have spare wheel out of boot compartment. So easy to get in and out of with higher seats and doorway large enough to allow for a tall person without unnecessary stooping. But topping everything is the ease of the electronic steering and the use of cruise control on longer trips on the flats. The only con is the surging of the auto gear system, at unexpected times.
2 Years with the Rav
Noticed that many have only had their cars for 2 months and are extremely pleased. Had mine for 2 years so here's a real review. Fit and finish, build are very good. I have the base 4WD. Handles great in the snow. The only thing I would improve on is the mileage. I get 22 city/hgwy. After 2 years am bored looking at it. Am waiting for something a little more sporty, that gets better mileage. Am sure I'll plenty to choose from, then I'll say bye bye Rav.