2003 Toyota RAV4 Reviews - Page 2 of 3

Transmission/ECM problems at 68,000.

Cooling system problems at 57000.

Until last month I loved this car, but the transmission freeze came on so fast, without warning or any problem light on, and has not been adequately fixed that I cannot afford to buy another Toyota. I've owned only Toyota (5 of them) for the past 29 years and never conceived of this kind of repair necessary on a car with so few miles on it.

Naturally the 60,000 mile warranty expired and Toyota has not offered enough to correct this problem. Now I see on this and other web sites that this type of problem has been known to Toyota who has done nothing to notify '03 Rav4 owners that this problem exists. I have lost complete and total faith with the Toyota brand and can't wait to get rid of it to buy one of the brands that offer a 10 year/100,000 mile warranty. It's been nothing but a nightmare for the past 6 weeks, and I have had no vehicle.

So much for Toyota's Customer Retention Dept!

-Right rear control arm had to be replaced after only 42,00 km (3 years) at my cost (very expensive). Toyota refused to fix it under warranty claiming someone may have hit my wheel in a parking. When they (Toyota) realized there was no support to their claim because there was no dent/scratch/damage, they still refused to budge.

-Cruise control was recalled, but because Toyota sent my notice to an old address, despite having my new one on file in excess of 12 months, they refused to address it unless I pay for it. Toyota Canada head office blamed the dealership for the mixup and vice versa. I was unimpressed with their approach/finger pointing.

-Excessively frequent wheel alignment. Toyota said it's normal stating "the higher the vehicle from the ground, the more chance of misalignment". I read this problem was highly reported among Highlander owners.

I have owned this vehicle since new (coming on 4 years) and I am undecided what to do at lease end. I'ma huge car fan and I pamper all my vehicles, synthetic oil, preventative maintenance, all fluid changes exactly when required (even a little before to ensure nothing is neglected). But because I had a reliabilty issue with the rear control arm, I fear there may be other big surprises in the long run. Fuel economy is OK for a vehicle of this size with AWD, but given the rising fuel cost, I may opt for a Civic.

Nothing.

Handles like a small car, very nimble.

Very responsive for a 4 cylinder engine. Could use more power for hills, but the new 6 cylinder in the 2006 should remedy that.

With the removable rear seats it has tons of room in back. I go backpacking with friends and we can get all our gear in the back with removing only one seat.

Gas mileage is excellent.

I have 40,000 totally trouble free miles on this car.

After 12000 miles no repairs, but there are things that need to be addressed. The windshield wipers squeak just sitting there, the roof trim (plastic inserts) is anxious to pop out. Due to the floating calipers, the brakes tend to scare the drivers sometimes. Engine cranks for 2-3 seconds before it starts.

INTERIOR MATERIALS AND OUTSIDE PAINT SCRATCH VERY EASILY -- VERY!!!

The engine is quite flaky - sometimes it has more power than you would ever need to speed up, but at other times you have to get out to push it. Automatic transmission feels like it is going to die at 80 MPH. Very high fuel consumption (avg 20 mpg) due to full time 4x4.

Despite it's mini SUV size, the car is very very roomy. Good comfort and great handling. Great in snow or dirt roads. The car can go up to 100 MPH which is more than sufficient. Great resale value. Fantastic adjustable/reclining rear seats that add to the roominess.

All in all, I would happily buy this car again anytime, but in manual and 2x4 version (or the diesel engine that is sadly not offered in US).