GO
GoAutoLogo
MENU

Make / Model Search

Car reviews - Toyota - RAV4 - 5-dr wagon

Our Opinion

We like
Zippy, comfortable, fun and economical 4WD with city-friendly proportions and a handily versatile cabin
Room for improvement
Slightly rough around the edges, wagon's awkward rear styling

23 Jul 2003

TOYOTA launched its RAV4 sports-utility vehicle in July, 1994, pioneering a new segment that is now awash with imitators like the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester and Land Rover Freelander.

The RAV4 was the first to combine off-road looks with real car- like dynamics, comfort and four-wheel drive (4WD) security.

Toyota created the RAV4 by raiding its parts bin. The old Celica GT4 donated its full-time four-wheel drive system and independent suspension while the gutsy twin cam, 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine is Camry derived.

In mid-1995 the hugely successful three-door was joined by the larger, family-orientated five-door wagon, which addressed buyer resistance to the three-door's limited interior space.

The extra doors aid entry while the luggage space, due to a stretched wheelbase and a longer rear overhang, is more than just a token gesture. It holds 409 litres of luggage, which is comparable to a regular hatchback.

The rear bench will seat three people whereas the three-door only caters for two, although they may not necessarily be all that comfortable.

The low-set seat means taller passengers' knees tend to be jack- knifed into a tiring position.

Age has not withered the RAV4's impressive road manners, even against the newer sport-utility pretenders.

Performance losses against the lighter three-door RAV are almost undetectable. The powerful engine hustles the lightweight RAV4 along nicely while being commendably economical.

Although rough roads can unsettle the three-door RAV4, the five-door's longer wheelbase also adds stability. Its independent suspension absorbs bumps with ease while providing a suppleness to the firm ride.

Combined with 4WD, the RAV4 is a tidy and secure handler. It corners with agility and grip, staying composed at speeds higher than the shrunken-LandCruiser looks may suggest.

Despite those looks, the RAV4 cannot traverse rivers or climb mountains. Sand, paddocks and unmade roads are about it.

There is some tyre roar and drivetrain noise entering the cabin. In this regard the Toyota shows its age against, say, a Subaru Forester.

The interior may seem a little dated but it is typically Toyota. This means sound ergonomics, light controls and good build quality. There is an appealing utilitarian mini-LandCruiser look about the architecture.

Comfort is good for front passengers - who enjoy excellent all-round visibility - but those in the rear will notice the lack of space and a too low cushion.

The lack of a luggage cover is a serious omission.

The RAV4 is quite a basic vehicle with only central locking, power steering and a radio/cassette player as standard.

The popular "Cruiser pack" adds a sunroof, alloy wheels, power windows and mirrors, CD player, locking centre differential - which assists with traction in slippery conditions - Torsen limited-slip rear differential and alloy wheels.

Air-conditioning, anti-lock brakes and a driver airbag cost extra.

Each year there has been a limited edition, well equipped RAV4. In 1996 a Winter model appeared, 1997 saw the Oasis, the soccer- inspired World Cup came out in 1998 and in 1999 it was the Max.

Reliability and durability are RAV4 strengths as it uses so many tried and tested Toyota mechanicals. Nevertheless, buyers should look for signs of off-road abuse such as undercarriage and body damage.

Click to share

Click below to follow us on
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram

GoAuto can help you buy a new RAV4

Customer Terms and Conditions – New Car Lead enquires

Agreement

This is an agreement between GoAutoMedia Pty Limited ACN 094 732 457 of PO Box 18, Beach Road, Sandringham, VIC, 3191 (“we/us”), the owner and operator of the GoAuto.com.au website (“the website”) and the person wanting GoAuto.com.au to provide them with a lead for the purchase of a new car (“you”).

By completing a New Car Lead Enquiry, you agree to the terms and conditions and disclaimers and acknowledge the policies set out below.

Terms and Conditions

  • In order for us to effect a lead you must you must complete a New Car Lead Enquiry (“Enquiry”).
  • We will call you as soon as possible after you complete the Enquiry and certainly no later than the next business day. When we call, we will discuss with you your new car requirements.
  • You consent to our passing on the Enquiry and your requirements to an appropriate authorised motor car dealer as a lead.
  • We will contact you again in approximately eight days following your initial enquiry to check on the progress of the Enquiry.
  • While we will provide the dealer with the Enquiry and details of your new car requirements, we take no responsibility for what happens after passing on that material as a lead.
  • You acknowledge that we are a new car information service providing new car editorial information, pictures and prices to our customers as a guide only. Any new car prices published on the website are the manufacturers’ recommended retail prices and do not include delivery charges and on-road costs. Any authorized motor car dealer to which we pass on your Enquiry as a lead will provide you with full details of the price at which the vehicle will be sold to you.
  • You acknowledge that we do not sell motor vehicles. Any sale of a new car to you by a dealer after we have passed on your Enquiry to that dealer as a lead, is a sale by that dealer not by us.

Privacy Policy– New Car Lead Enquires

  • We take privacy very seriously. We understand that you will only complete an Enquiry if you can trust us to protect your personal information and use it appropriately. Our policy is to ensure that the personal information collected when you make an Enquiry is only used for the purposes of connecting you with an authorised motor car dealer.
  • We do not on-sell information collected from you or any other customer.
  • From time to time, we may email you with information or promotions that may be relevant for car buyers. You will continue to receive communications from us unless you tell us that you do not want to receive any advertising or promotional information in the future by unsubscribing from these communications.
close
* Denotes required field
** Australian inquiries only

RAV4 pricing

Motor industry news

GoAutoNews is Australia’s number one automotive industry journal covering the latest news, future and new model releases, market trends, industry personnel movements, and international events.

Catch up on all of the latest industry news with this week's edition of GoAutoNews
Click here