2003 Toyota RAV4 Sport 2.0L 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

It's a wonderful vehicle

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Handles like a small car, very nimble.

Very responsive for a 4 cylinder engine. Could use more power for hills, but the new 6 cylinder in the 2006 should remedy that.

With the removable rear seats it has tons of room in back. I go backpacking with friends and we can get all our gear in the back with removing only one seat.

Gas mileage is excellent.

I have 40,000 totally trouble free miles on this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th March, 2006

11th Jun 2006, 06:25

I must disagree with the "excellent fuel mileage" bit. I own a RAV4 AWD and the fuel economy is anything but excellent.

2003 Toyota RAV4 L 4x4 2.0 from North America

Summary:

Great car full of nice surprises

Faults:

After 12000 miles no repairs, but there are things that need to be addressed. The windshield wipers squeak just sitting there, the roof trim (plastic inserts) is anxious to pop out. Due to the floating calipers, the brakes tend to scare the drivers sometimes. Engine cranks for 2-3 seconds before it starts.

INTERIOR MATERIALS AND OUTSIDE PAINT SCRATCH VERY EASILY -- VERY!!!

General Comments:

The engine is quite flaky - sometimes it has more power than you would ever need to speed up, but at other times you have to get out to push it. Automatic transmission feels like it is going to die at 80 MPH. Very high fuel consumption (avg 20 mpg) due to full time 4x4.

Despite it's mini SUV size, the car is very very roomy. Good comfort and great handling. Great in snow or dirt roads. The car can go up to 100 MPH which is more than sufficient. Great resale value. Fantastic adjustable/reclining rear seats that add to the roominess.

All in all, I would happily buy this car again anytime, but in manual and 2x4 version (or the diesel engine that is sadly not offered in US).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th May, 2004

2003 Toyota RAV4 GX 2.0 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A RAV4 all reasons

Faults:

Nothing. Perfectly reliable. Oh, there was a buzz from the gearstick when lugging in low gear.

General Comments:

Charismatic, sturdy, strong and reliable go-anywhere family transport.

Difficult to fault as an all-round family car. Handles like a saloon car, which is unusual amongst 4x4s, economy is mid-high 30s, which is great for the gutsy performance on offer. Accommodation is superb for 4, fine for 5, though the boot could be slightly bigger and have a wider opening.

All fixtures and fittings are of a very high quality, nothing has broken at all despite hard family and business use.

Looks good, interior wears really well. I am trying to think of a real fault and cannot. Sure, its not gonna climb Everest, but as an all-weathers Family car its excellent, even the recent snow didn't stop us. Could use a remote stereo control on the steering wheel and, erm...It's a real step up in quality and charisma from our previous Citroen Picasso. Highly recommended to anyone who wants a fun workhorse with personality and ultimate reliability.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th February, 2004

2nd Jul 2007, 05:22

Original poster here.

Well my RAV4 went today after 4 ultra-reliable years of service.

44k miles isn't a huge mileage, but the car coped well.

The interior proved really difficult to keep clean, with even water staining the fabric of the seats. This is a problem with kids and a dog.

Also there really isn't that much room in the cabin for a big-ish car. Not that comfy for three across the rear split bench.

The seats proved quite heavy and awkward to remove and replace to accommodate large loads, and the tailgate not quite opening fully was also awkward to load.

However the car was peerlessly reliable and the engine is better and smoother now at 45k miles than it was at 1000 miles. No rust, and still cleans up very well.

If you want a go-anywhere family estate, and you don't need acres of space the RAV4 comes highly recommended.

Replaced by a pathfinder.

2003 Toyota RAV4 Rav 4 L Pkg. 2.0 4 cylinder. DOHC VVT-I from North America

Summary:

All around dependability at a great price

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

Comfortable seats, adequate acceleration, noisy air conditioning at high speeds, radio could use upgraded sound system, wish engine had more horsepower. Decent gas mileage, key less entry, cruise control, braking, handling, all excellent features.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th September, 2003

2003 Toyota RAV4 L Series 2.0 from North America

Summary:

People take notice, it's unique

General Comments:

I compared all the small Sport Utility Vehicles in this class, and the Toyota Rav4 took top honors. It is cute, sporty and fun to drive. It handles like a dream.

There is plenty of room for my family of five. There is plenty of front leg room and the seats are comfortable.

The controls are easily accessible, and neatly designed.

This is my first new vehicle and I am totally impressed. The people who work for my Toyota Dealership are great. Customer service is exceptional.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st February, 2003