2003 Toyota RAV4 L 4x4 review from North America
"Great car full of nice surprises"
What things have gone wrong with the 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!!!
General comments?
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).
Recommended reviews
| OK for a small SUV, very attractive and timeless design, but even Toyota is not bulletproof |
|
| Nice car but unpredictable |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 2003 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 12000 miles |
| Previous car | Pontiac Bonneville |
| Date of Entry | 17th May, 2004 |