2001 - 2005 Toyota RAV4 review
Available as two- or four-wheel drive, the RAV4 has car-based unibody construction with a transversely-mounted 4-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The RAV4's full-time 4WD system uses a viscous coupling center differential to distribute power to front and rear sets of wheels. When front wheels start slipping, more power is transferred to rear wheels and visa versa. Although this four-wheel drive system is not designed for heavy off-roading, it will offer you some advantage in bad weather. The RAV4's interior is comfortable. Tall driving position offers good visibility. Controls are conveniently located and easy to use. Fit and finish is good. Rear door glass does not open separately as in Honda CR-V, but low cargo floor makes loading easier. On the downside, rear seat space is fairly limited and driver's seat feels a bit small. Toyota RAV4 offers good agile handling with almost car-like ride. Engine is a bit noisy and lacks highway passing power, but it's a trade-off for better fuel economy. In the NHTSA frontal crash tests, the 2001-2005 RAV4 scored four stars for both the driver and the front passenger. In the side-impact crash tests, the 2002-2005 models received five stars for both the front and the rear seat. For more details visit Safercar.gov |
Engine
Starting from the 2004 model, the RAV4 received the 2.4-liter engine with 161 hp. Both engines use maintenance-free timing chain; there is no timing belt to replace. Both engines are very reliable if maintained properly. |
Strengths
- Sleek Styling
- Versatility
- Great fuel economy
- Car-like handling
- Fun to drive
- Built quality
Weaknesses
- Driver's seat is not very comfortable in a long run
- Cramped interior
- Rear door glass doesn't open separately
- Lack of highway passing power
- Road noise, engine noise, rattles
Overall
If you are in the market for a small SUV, Toyota RAV4 is worth considering. It offers stylish look, car-like handling and versatile comfortable interior. The RAV4 is fun to drive, especially with manual transmission; it doesn't need too much maintenance and is one of the most economical in its class. The RAV4 was pretty reliable, but there were some complaints about the automatic transmission in early models.
You may also look at the Honda CR-V, which likewise offers versatile interior and good fuel economy for an SUV.
Check more Used SUV reviews
What to look for buying a used Toyota RAV4
Definitely check the used car history records to protect yourself from hidden problems,
follow this link: How to check used car history
- Check the service records if available - it's important to verify that the car was properly maintained.
- If the "check engine" light is on, have the problem assessed with your mechanic or a dealer before buying a car; in worst cases repair might be quite expensive.
- Black soot in the exhaust or a smoke may indicate excessive oil consumption.
- When test-driving, make sure, the automatic transmission shifts properly and smoothly in all conditions.
Learn more what to look for when buying a used car
- Prior purchase have the car inspected by a mechanic of your choice.
Shop wisely, check few cars to compare; it's worth to pay a little extra for a well-maintained vehicle in good condition.
Check our step-by-step used car buying guide for more information.
Some models may be costly to insure. Get the insurance quotes first.
Consider an extended warranty to protect from unexpected repair costs.
Few maintenance tips
- Wash and wax your car regularly to protect the paint.
- If you live in the area with high humidity, rustproofing will help to protect the car body from corrosion.
- Regular oil changes are very important to keep your engine in a good shape.
- Check your tire pressure regularly, unequal tire pressure causes increased wear of the 4WD system components.
- Change transmission fluid regularly using only original transmission fluid.
- Stick with original parts.
- Follow recommended maintenance schedule and keep all the fluids clean and topped up.
- Have your car inspected, at least once a year, in a garage on the lift (e.g. when doing tire rotation) to keep it safe. Many components (e.g. brakes, steering, suspension) cannot be properly inspected by simple visual inspection at fast lube places; the vehicle must be on the lift.
Check more Car maintenance tips
2005 Toyota RAV4 short specifications
| Dimensions: | |
|
Overall length: Overall width: Overall height: Wheelbase: |
166.6 (4232 mm) 68.3 (1735 mm) 66.1 (1680 mm) (4WD model) 98.0 (2490 mm) |
| Seating capacity: |
5 |
| Cargo capacity: | |
|
Behind rear seats: With rear seats out: | 29.2 cu. ft 68.3 cu. ft |
| Towing capacity: | 1500 lb (680 kg) |
| Engine: |
2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with VVT-I
161 hp @ 5,700 rpm, 165 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| EPA Fuel Economy: | |
|
2WD Automatic: 2WD Manual: 4WD Automatic: 4WD Manual: |
city: 24 MPG (9.8 L/100km) hwy: 29 MPG (8.1 L/100km) city: 24 MPG (9.8 L/100km) hwy: 30 MPG (7.8 L/100km) city: 22 MPG (10.7 L/100km) hwy: 27 MPG (8.7 L/100km) city: 22 MPG (10.7 L/100km) hwy: 27 MPG (8.7 L/100km) |
| Recommended Fuel: |
Regular unleaded
|
| Fuel Tank Capacity: | 14.7 US gallons (56 liters)
|
Links
Toyota.com - Toyota official website
Toyota.ca - Toyota Canada
Fueleconomy.gov - compare fuel economy ratings.
Insurance quotes - compare insurance quotes before buying a car.
Extended warranty - find out more about an extended warranty for your car
Toyota Owners - Toyota car care tips, maintenance schedule, Do-It-Yourself advice and more
Used car history - check used car history records before buying a car.
Edmunds.com - new car invoice pricing.
If you are looking for Service Manual
If you want to find more technical information such as repair manual, check engine codes description, electrical diagram, diagnostic procedures, vacuum line diagram, fluid type, maintenance schedule, component location, technical service bulletins (TSB), etc. follow this link: Where to find repair manual
by Vlad Samarin
