2008 Toyota RAV4 Limited 3.5L
Summary:
Excellent jack-of-all-trades
Faults:
There has been a very intermittent rattle in the center stack since new. I haven't bothered to take it in for service as it is very minor: The duration of the rattling occurrences is only 5-15 seconds, and it has only done the rattle 3-4 times so far since purchasing the vehicle. I cannot willingly reproduce it, and it does not affect functionality.
General Comments:
I purchased this vehicle after having done extensive research, wanting a car that would serve many purposes:
*Not too slow, and decent passing power.
*Capable of light towing.
*Sizable cargo space (but huge space not necessary).
*Capable of seating four adults comfortably.
*Decent gas mileage for the vehicle class.
*Sufficient ground clearance for sharp angles between driveways and roadways (a problem where I live).
*Reasonable safety features and crash-test ratings.
*AWD.
*Projected reliability is not below average, and preferably above average.
*Available with cloth seats on whichever trim/equipment level I choose.
The RAV4 perfectly fits these criteria. I recommend it to anyone looking for an all-purpose vehicle.
One of the nice things in this car is that there are a lot of little touches, at least compared with many of my past vehicles. Several places that would otherwise be dead-space are turned into a small cubby or storage area. The seatbelts have height adjusters. The sun visors have pull-out tabs to help block additional sun. The automatic function on the driver's side power window has both auto-up and auto-down capability (in my experience, most cars will only do one or the other). Various things like this make me feel that someone designed this car with a lot of thought on practicality and usability.
Gas mileage is decent; it's no economy car, but it is easy to beat the EPA 2008 estimates. I've gotten over 28mpg and have yet to take a trip where I drive 100% highway miles.
Alltogether, the vehicle instills a sense of trust in me, as I know that for 99% of the driving situations I may face, the RAV will do the job.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 26th July, 2008
15th Sep 2008, 20:48
Original poster here: The 28 mpg was from the one time I took a mostly-highway trip. I did about 80-85% highway that time. As a result, I'm pretty sure I could hit 30 with a full highway trip--and others with the same vehicle have done just that.
Most of the time, I get 24-25 in suburban or suburban/highway mix. Though, if I have to do a good amount of stop-and-go, it drops to around 23.
I live in Texas--generally flat, and warm, with no "winter blend" gas that I've seen. I generally accelerate gradually, keep a good distance from the vehicle ahead of me, and try to avoid abrupt stops. When coming up to a light or a turn, I sometimes take my foot off the gas and coast for a bit before braking. And I use my cruise control a lot.
6th Dec 2008, 21:30
2008 Rav4 limited -Great car. Comfortable, handles well on these Northern NY snowy roads. Very peppy. I have the V6 model so I only get about 16-17 mpg. The car is very nice looking.
I would rate this car a 10 plus, except the trouble lights keep coming on. When this happens I lose cruise control and 4wd. I have had it back to the shop 4 times and I am now without cc and 4wd while we are waiting for parts. I only have about 3,500 miles. I know of 1 other person that is having the same problem. Is this a common occurrence for this model?
4th Jan 2009, 01:32
It's easy to get high road gas mileage on a V6, they usually run at low RPM. I have a '98 Malibu and I get 27 mpg, even while driving @ 75 mph and a trunk full of junk.
7th Apr 2009, 12:33
I own the 2008 RAV 4 Sport. Awesome vehicle. I love the 18" wheels. I live in Canada and it handles snow very well when equipped with snow tires all around. It's the AWD version.
Only problem back to the dealer was for a leaky rear seal. Fixed without incident. Highway mileage is excellent if you stick below 70 mph/110 kph.
This vehicle is all I expected from Toyota. I have been a GM guy for 30 years and I am extremely pleased with my Toyota purchase.
5th Jan 2010, 20:47
I am interested to buy a Toyota RAV4 Limited version, but I am confused now after reading this review...
4th Sep 2008, 12:14
HOW are you getting 28MPG??