2000 Toyota RAV4 review from North America

After two years the front brakes developed an annoying squeal. Had new pads installed and the rotors turned. After a week, the squeal was back. Took it back to the shop, they installed shims, made no difference. Drove car with the brake squeal for about a year until it became a very bad grinding sound. Took it into the Toyota dealer and they said it needed new calipers, rotors and pads (quoted $1000). I ended up doing the brake job myself and installed new rotors and ceramic pads (the calipers were fine-typical dealer trying to rip you off). The brakes occasionally made a low grinding sound, but it was better than the squeal. The back exhaust rattles if the car isn't warmed up and you accelerate quickly.

We bought this SUV new and have generally been happy with it. Aside from the brake problem, it has been a very reliable vehicle. The four wheel drive comes in handy in the snow and we've even done some light off-roading in the desert. Passenger room in the back is very small. The ride is a little stiff, but fine for short trips. We replaced the stock Bridgestone tires with Michelins (much better ride). Acceleration with the 5 spd manual transmission is OK, but the engine really revs trying to get up to highway speed. Gas mileage is about 21 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway (if you don't rev the engine too much you can get slightly better gas mileage). We ended up selling the RAV4 after we had another child (too crammed for a family of four). Great car for a young couple or as a second vehicle.