2001 Toyota RAV4 L 2.0L 4 cylinder

Summary:

Fun car with little utility

Faults:

A rattle under the dash was fixed by the dealership under warranty. The rattle is back and the car will be spending another day with Toyota soon.

A plastic cover (covering bolts) on the roof rack fell off somewhere. Dealer replaced it at no charge.

General Comments:

This vehicle is too heavy for its 2.0L 4 cylinder engine. Although the engine has broken in nicely and gained power since it was new, it definitely needs a V6.

The car gets very poor gas mileage for only having a 2.0L 4 cylinder engine. I expected that the 4WD and the huge tires would take a toll on the mileage, but I think 22mpg average is a little low.

The gas tank is way too small for this car. At 22mpg, the range is only about 260 miles before having to stop to fill up. I think the RAV4 should have a tank that is at least 17 gallons and I am not even a commuter.

The passenger seat is extremely uncomfortable. I'm not sure why it's only this particular seat. It feels like the bottom of the seat is sloped forward and since I feel like I'm sitting on the seat rather than in it, I feel like a swift step on the brakes will send me onto the floor. The driver's seat also feels like it is tilted forward even though I have adjusted the tilt as far back as it will go. The rear seats are very comfortable especially reclined.

This vehicle handles very well for its size. I am very impressed by the precision of the steering.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th January, 2002

25th Jul 2004, 16:48

Don't feel bad, my 2001 Rav4 L is averaging 200 miles to a full tank. Be grateful for 22 mpg. I'm ready to just buy something else at this point-it's far poorer gas mileage than Toyota hypes.

13th Mar 2006, 08:33

Ever since I bought my 2001 Rav4 back in 2004 the gas mileage had been a stinker. A lot of it has to do with it being 4WD. I wish I could adjust it to 2WD in summer and 4WD in winter. Other than the gas issue, I love my Rav4.

2001 Toyota RAV4 2.0

Summary:

I will at least get 300k original miles on this beautiful vehicle

Faults:

There was a little dash rattle, but the dealer fixed it long time ago. It is fine now.

General Comments:

Our first sports utility vehicle ever and we love it. We don't have to worry about spending so much in gas and also have a light truck. Definitely not designed for drag racing, but has adequate power to pull 4 heavy people without hesitation.

It is very roomy from inside although from the outside it looks like a small truck. We love the design. It definitely turns heads. Nothing like it on the road. I hope not many people buy it as it would take the design uniqueness away from the roads.

I will be taking this small truck above 300k miles like I took my Honda Accord. I have no doubt in my mind.

It is easy to get in and out of as it is not too low and not too high that we need a ladder. Many people say that it needs 6 cylinders. They can buy the Toyota Highlander if a 6 is needed. The RAV4 should be left alone with a 4 cylinder because it is supposed to be a fuel efficient vehicle, not a drag racer.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th August, 2001

6th Feb 2002, 14:53

That guy that said bad things, he is wrong, I have one, it has good power and four wheel drive to get you almost anywhere. It is very sharp looking, better than any American car.

1st Jun 2002, 07:50

Rav4 is a beautiful car and I'm very happy with it. It certainly turns lots of heads, but I suppose it helps when you're a tall slim twenty something blonde! It just oozes street cred for the girl about town. Slightly underpowered, but excellent in every other way.