Despite its shortcomings, I'm very happy with my Toyota RAV4 and I haven't seen another vehicle in the small SUV category that I would want instead. I used to have a Toyota pickup and that vehicle convinced me of the quality of Toyota products so when I wanted an SUV with a little more interior... Read full review »

Why I, an Automobile Ignoramus, Love My RAV4

bypookiebear6 Jun 21, 2000

31 Helpfuls 32 Helpfuls 4 Comments

Pros Absolutely comfortable, wonderful handling, relatively safe and economical

Cons Rear legroom

Recommended it? Yes

I admit it. I know next to nada about cars in general. In fact, I consider it an achievement that I can check my oil and levels on my battery, transmission, and windshield washer fluid. Still, that doesn't mean that I can't love my RAV4, and I am not without opinion on it.

The one... Read full review »

Fun on the Road

byrongould Aug 26, 2000

18 Helpfuls 19 Helpfuls Comment

Pros Fun to drive; Great handling

Cons Slightly underpowered

Recommended it? Yes

I bought a used 1996 Toyota RAV4 this week and have already decided it is one of the most fun to drive vehicles I have ever owned. I got the two-door, 2WD model which has the shortest wheelbase and tightest turning radius of any of the RAV's. The suspension is stiff without being harsh and gives a... Read full review »

Female Friendly Vehicle

byDebVA Sep 24, 1999

15 Helpfuls 16 Helpfuls 4 Comments

Pros looks, reliability

Cons AC controls, cup holder

Recommended it? Yes

I have a 1996 RAV4 that I got new. I was the first person in our area to get one. I'm petite, 5'4", and this vehicle appealed to me because it's not one of those bulky, clunky SUVs that you need a step stool or a boost to get in to. It is easy to get in and out of the RAV4. The seats are nice,... Read full review »

LOVE MyRAV4!

byfoster Dec 24, 1999

13 Helpfuls 14 Helpfuls Comment

Pros Reliable car that combines many of the benefits of a car, a truck, and a SUV

Cons Wide turning radius, not a lot of space in the back seat area

Recommended it? Yes

I am a small person, five foot. But I needed a car that could do "big" things, like get around in the snow (I'm in WI) and haul the occasional piece of furniture or pile of lumber, etc. But I still needed it to be a family car, since I have two preschool age children. The RAV 4 excels in all these... Read full review »

Good used car value.

bymetaldj666 Sep 26, 2006

10 Helpfuls 11 Helpfuls 1 Comment

Pros Lots of cargo space, corners well for a truck

Cons Lack of acceleration, interior noise, TERRIBLE radio

Recommended it? Yes

After 3 months of reviews and test drives, the RAV4 was my final choice for my first car I ever bought.

I was attracted by the gas mileage, large carrying capacity and Toyota reliability.

I bought my RAV4 secondhand from an architect who used to travel to construction sites... Read full review »

Warning to 2nd-hand buyers

bybengibbs Jun 29, 2000

9 Helpfuls 10 Helpfuls 1 Comment

Pros Fun to drive, good headroom, 4WD

Cons Bad legroom, not for serious off-roading

Recommended it? Yes

The RAV4 is a great car but if you're buying a used 1996 make sure that the recall work to the front differential has been done or at least checked for damage. Toyota issued a recall notice to all known owners about a year ago asking them to come into a local dealer and have the differential... Read full review »

Wonderful vehicle! - the energizer bunny...! (2/09)

bymagnoon Apr 24, 2001

7 Helpfuls 8 Helpfuls Comment

Pros Maneuverable, reliable, versatile... consistently durable.

Cons Rear door is fragile. (1/09 - no other CONS after 13 years)

Recommended it? Yes

When I first saw the RAV-4 on my way to work in 1996 I knew that it was perfect for my wife. We usually have owned a 4x4 of some type but found most of them to be lunky, hard to maneuver and park, and terrible on gas. My wife likes the driver height in 4x4s because it generally provides better... Read full review »

More Utility Than Sport

byrj64299z Aug 11, 2000

6 Helpfuls 7 Helpfuls 5 Comments

Pros Reliability, "cool factor"

Cons High maintenance costs, rip-off manufacturer warranty, interior noise

Recommended it? Yes

My wife and I bought our '96 RAV4 4D automatic used in early '97. RAV4 was the only sub-$20k car both my wife (5'5") and I (6'2") could sit in and drive without spending three minutes adjusting the seat and the mirrors. We live in the boonies but commute to the city every day, so 4WD was a factor... Read full review »

GREAT BUY

bysleslieb Jul 8, 2000

6 Helpfuls 7 Helpfuls Comment

Pros Great for hauling

Cons Damages easily

Recommended it? Yes

I always research a car before I make a purchase. Before I bought my RAV 4 I owned a Toyota Camry and put 200,000 mile on it. My Toyota experience as with my three Honda experiences were excellent. I bought the Rav 4 because I loved the way the hatch opened, the size of the SUV and the style... Read full review »

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