1996-2000 Toyota RAV4: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1996-2000 Toyota RAV4 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Maneuverability
- Visibility
Cons
- Rear-seat room
- Noise
Vehicle Highlights
Toyota launched a pint-sized sport-utility vehicle early in 1996. Based loosely on the sporty Celica coupe platform, the RAV4 departed from truck-based SUVs by featuring a fully independent suspension, unitized construction, and no separate low-range 4WD gearing.The RAV4 wagons came in 2- and 4-door form, with front-wheel drive or permanently engaged 4-wheel drive. Sole engine was a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, initially rated at 120 horsepower. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard, with 4-speed automatic optional (except for the 2-door 4x4). Manual-shift 4x4s came with a center differential lock, however, which could be useful for off-road operation. Antilock brakes were optional on all models. Designed especially for the U.S. market, the 4-door RAV4 rode a wheelbase 8.3 inches longer than the 2-door's, and measured 16.1 inches longer overall. The 2-door was a hardtop wagon, with a swing-out tailgate and an optional twin tilt/removable aluminum sunroof. Dual airbags were standard.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Toyota RAV4 4-door w/auto Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 5 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 39 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1996-2000 Toyota RAV4. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1996-2000 Toyota RAV4.
Year to Year Changes
1997 Toyota RAV4:
A sliding front passenger seat went into 2-door models, and 4-doors could now get an optional moonroof.
1998 Toyota RAV4:
Several new features went into the 1998 models, and the engine gained a bit of horsepower and torque. A new grille was installed, along with multireflector headlamps and bolder taillights. Audio systems were upgraded, and a revised gauge cluster included digital odometers. New options included a swing-open left-rear side window for 2-door models, and power windows for 4-doors.
1999 Toyota RAV4:
Toyota dropped the 2-door hardtop wagon, issuing a 2-door convertible in its place. A folding fabric roof went over rear seats, and a solid removable sunroof covered the front seats. Antilock braking was not available for the convertible.
2000 Toyota RAV4:
Sluggish sales caused Toyota to drop the 2-door semiconvertible, leaving only the 4-door wagon, now with a standard full-size spare tire. Except for redesigned cupholders, little else was new.
Our road test for the 1996-2000 Toyota RAV4 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1996-2000 Toyota RAV4 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1996-2000 Toyota RAV4 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
The RAV4 delivers a softer, more-compliant ride as well as more-responsive steering than truck-based SUVs. Unlike the Sidekick/Tracker, which often feels ready to lean over, the RAV4 feels stable and carlike while cornering swiftly, and robust when traversing rough roads. Its permanent 4-wheel-drive system is more convenient than the on-demand systems used by the early competition. Still, you can expect some choppiness on scalloped freeways and over patchy pavement, especially with the shorter-length 2-door model. Tire roar is always noticeable, and wind rush rises sharply as speed increases. The engine becomes quite boomy when worked hard, too. RAV4 also lags behind most small cars in terms of performance. A manual-shift 4WD 2-door accelerated to 60 mph in 10.5 seconds, but an automatic 4-door needed about 13 seconds--and that was without a load. We've averaged a disappointing 20.8 mpg from an automatic 4WD 4-door in city/highway driving. The lighter-weight front-drive models should be a little thriftier, and also quicker. Four adults fit comfortably inside a 4-door RAV, but back-seaters don't get much leg or knee room. Rear entry/exit is a squeeze for larger folks, too. The 2-door is best enjoyed with two adults up front and two children in back, because its rear seat is even tighter than the 4-door's. Rear access also is more difficult, despite a slide-forward feature on the right-front seat. Cargo space is good in both body styles, considering their exterior dimensions. Though not as commanding as in some SUVs, the driving stance allows clear views all around, in either hardtop body style. In the recent convertible, however, the over-the-shoulder view is impaired when the rear roof is in place. On the plus side, the convertible's top fits well, though it takes a while to raise or lower. Most people are likely to be satisfied inside, though more rearward seat travel would be nice--especially for taller folks. The carlike dashboard is simple and convenient.
Value for the Money
Despite the RAV4's pluses, Honda's CR-V is roomier, quieter, and more practical--a better compact wagon and miniSUV than Toyota's offering.
Despite the RAV4's pluses, Honda's CR-V is roomier, quieter, and more practical--a better compact wagon and miniSUV than Toyota's offering.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Toyota RAV4 4-door w/auto Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 5 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 39 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Toyota RAV4 includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Toyota RAV4 .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Audio system:
The CDs get stuck and may not eject from the Fujitsu-Ten CD player. (1997)
Audio system:
Static can be heard on the AM band when other electrical items such as wipers or turn signals are used due to a bad ground for the antenna. (1996)
Brake noise:
The rear brakes make a whining noise because the backing plate is too thin. A thicker one is available. (1996)
Cruise control:
Delayed upshifts into overdrive while using cruise control can be remedied by a revised control unit. (1998-2000)
Manual transmission:
Revised synchronizers aid in shifting into fifth gear in the manual transmission. (1997-2001)
Rear wipers:
Toyota RAV4 The rear washer may not clean adequately due to a problem with the nozzle for which there is an improved part available. (2000)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $810 |
| Alternator | $475 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,080 |
| Brakes | $160 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $610 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $500 |
| Exhaust System | $560 |
| Radiator | $580 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $800 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $220 |
Our price chart for this generation Toyota RAV4 details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2000 | |||
| RAV4 2WD | $5,700-6,700 | $4,900-5,800 | $2,300-2,700 |
| RAV4 4WD | $6,400-7,400 | $5,600-6,500 | $2,800-3,300 |
| 1999 | |||
| RAV4 2WD | $4,200-5,500 | $3,400-4,500 | $1,400-1,900 |
| RAV4 4WD | $4,900-6,200 | $4,200-5,300 | $1,900-2,400 |
| 1998 | |||
| RAV4 2WD | $3,300-4,600 | $2,600-3,600 | $800-1,200 |
| RAV4 4WD | $3,900-5,200 | $3,200-4,300 | $1,200-1,600 |
| 1997 | |||
| RAV4 2WD | $2,700-3,600 | $2,000-2,700 | $600-800 |
| RAV4 4WD | $3,300-4,200 | $2,600-3,300 | $800-1,100 |
| 1996 | |||
| RAV4 2WD | $2,200-3,000 | $1,600-2,100 | $400-600 |
| RAV4 4WD | $2,600-3,500 | $1,900-2,600 | $500-700 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Toyota RAV4 include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door convertible | 2-door wagon | 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 86.6 | 86.6 | 94.9-98.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 147.6 | 147.6 | 163.8-165.1 |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.7 | 66.7 | 66.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 65.0 | 65.2 | 65.4 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2723 | 2701 | 2789 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 35.3 | 34.7 | 57.9-68.3 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.3 | 15.3 | 15.3 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 4 | 45 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.0 | 40.0 | 40.3 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 39.5 | 39.5 | 39.5-42.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.6 | 38.6 | 39.0 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.9 | 33.9 | 33.9 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Only one engine has been available: a dual-overhead-cam 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, producing 120 horsepower (later, 127). Either a 5-speed manual transmission or optional 4-speed automatic might be installed. Automatic has not been available for the 2-door 4x4.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 2.0 / 122 | 120 | 125 | 5-speed manual: 22/26 4-speed automatic: 22/26 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 20.8 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Toyota RAV4 include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 RAV4 |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1996-2000 Toyota RAV4 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1998:
Audiovox Securikey+ Security Systems can malfunction causing electrical failure; can cause engine to run poorly and stall, and electrical components can intermittently fail.
2000:
If the vehicle is repeatedly parked by shifting into "P" without applying the parking brake, the lock rod could break rendering the parking-lock system inoperative.
2000:
The front disc-brake rotor can develop stress fractures if the lug nuts are too tight. If the disc rotor breaks, braking action on that wheel will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
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