2001-2005 Toyota RAV4: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

2001 Toyota RAV4
2005 Toyota RAV4
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2001-2005 Toyota RAV4 ▼

  • Price Range:  $7,500 - $14,700
CG Rating

51

out of 100

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2001-2005 Toyota RAV4 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Maneuverability
  • Visibility
  • Instruments/controls

Cons

  • Acceleration
  • Rear-seat room
  • Engine noise

Vehicle Highlights

Toyota's smallest sport-utility vehicle was redesigned for 2001 with a huskier, more contemporary appearance. Built on a wheelbase 4 inches longer than its predecessor, the reworked RAV4 measured 1.3 inches longer overall, and 2.4 inches wider. According to Toyota, torsional rigidity of the car-based wagon improved by 20 percent, allowing the suspension to be retuned for a more compliant ride. The four-cylinder engine was a new all-aluminum design with Toyota's VVT-i variable-valve-timing system. Horsepower rose by 21, and engine torque grew by 10 pound-feet. With the new engine, the RAV4 qualified as a Low-Emissions Vehicle (LEV) in California. Inside, RAV4 was roomier than in the 1996-00 generation--nearly 3 inches more leg room in front, but 0.6-inch less in the rear. Head room in back shrunk by the same amount, while front head space grew an inch, courtesy of the new arched roofline. Cargo volume behind the rear seat increased by 2.4 cubic feet. The back seat was now a removable 50/50 split bench with reclining backrests, which could be slid forward or folded in sections to add cargo volume. Like the original, the new RAV4 came with either front-drive or permanent all-wheel drive, and either 5-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions. Options included four-wheel antilock brakes, air conditioning, keyless entry, a power moonroof, rear privacy glass, mudguards, and aluminum wheels. An "L" package included power door locks, heated door mirrors, six-speaker CD/cassette audio system, foglamps, and a hard cover for the outside-mounted spare tire. Leather upholstery was available separately. Dual front airbags were standard, but side airbags were not available.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category Toyota RAV4 w/auto Rating
Performance 4
Fuel Economy 6
Ride Quality 5
Steering/Handling/Braking 5
Quietness 4
Controls/Materials 7
Interior Room 4
Room/Comfort (rear) 3
Cargo Capacity 7
Value within Class 6
Total Score: 51
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2001-2005 Toyota RAV4. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2001-2005 Toyota RAV4.

Year to Year Changes


2002 Toyota RAV4: Little changed for 2002. An Upgrade L Package option included air conditioning, cruise control, and power windows/locks/mirrors. It also included a hard cover for the outside spare tire and color-keyed body trim.
2003 Toyota RAV4: A new Sport package included fender flares and nonfunctional hood scoop. When equipped with the Sport option, a RAV4 got a unique grille, gray bumpers and flares, and a tubular stainless-steel roof rack.
2004 Toyota RAV4: Toyota's smallest SUV gained revised styling, a larger engine, and available side and curtain airbags in 2004. The new engine was a 2.4-liter four with 161 horsepower, up 13 from a year prior.
2005 Toyota RAV4: RAV4 is little-changed after its 2004 update. A redesigned RAV4 with an available V6 is scheduled for the 2006 model year.

Our road test for the 2001-2005 Toyota RAV4 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2001-2005 Toyota RAV4 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2001-2005 Toyota RAV4 is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Acceleration with the 2.0-liter four is adequate unless this compact SUV is carrying a heavy load or needs to pass. Highway, passing power is modest, so you can expect laborious highway passing. The new-for-'04 2.4-liter four feels much more lively--especially with manual shift. With all-wheel drive and a manual gearbox, a 2.0 RAV4 averaged 21.7 mpg; a automatic model did better averaging 23 mpg. The 2.4-liter engine proved to be even more efficient, a manual-transmission model averaging over 25 mpg over one two-week test. Although the RAV4 never rides uncomfortably, it does bound a bit over big bumps and feels unsettled on washboard surfaces. Honda's CR-V rides better overall. Quick steering is accompanied by good feedback, but the RAV4 can be buffered by gusty crosswinds. Low-speed handling is competent. Hard cornering induces a fair amount of body lean and tire scrub, but not the tipsy sensation that plagues many SUVs. Simulated emergency stops are marked by nosedive and mild wander. Wind and road noise intrude, but they're no louder than in most subcompact cars. The engine suffers from high-rpm boominess, though it's relaxed enough in top-gear cruising. Again, CR-V is quieter overall. Instruments and controls are simple and convenient, including the old-fashioned radio tuning knob and dial-type climate controls. More than most Toyotas, the cabin exhibits some design flair, with a pleasing mix of textures and shades, classy low-grain molded plastic, legible semiretro gauges, and a sporty, thick-rimmed steering wheel. Entry/exit into the front is easy, with good room for adults. Seats are very firm but comfortable enough, though taller drivers may wish for more rearward travel and a greater range for the tilt steering wheel. Visibility is fine, partly because the external spare tire mounts low enough to avoid interference. Rear head room is good but leg, toe, and shoulder space are limited. The rear bench seat reclines but isn't all that comfortable. Narrow rear-door passages impede entry/exit, too. The back seat folds or removes easily, leaving enough room behind it for at least a dozen plastic grocery bags. The swing-out tail door can be clumsy, however, and unlike some competitors, the RAV4 has no separate-opening window.
Value for the Money
On the whole, a RAV4 is more suited to suburban errand-running than to long-distance people-hauling or even moderate off-roading. Still, it's an attractive compact SUV. Many rivals offer more space and stronger performance, but only Honda matches Toyota's reputation for quality and durability. High resale value, on the other hand, means used-RAV4 prices will be high. Don't buy without also giving the CR-V a trial run.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category Toyota RAV4 w/auto Rating
Performance 4
Fuel Economy 6
Ride Quality 5
Steering/Handling/Braking 5
Quietness 4
Controls/Materials 7
Interior Room 4
Room/Comfort (rear) 3
Cargo Capacity 7
Value within Class 6
Total Score: 51

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.

Brake noise: The front brakes may groan and revised brake pads were made available. The rear brakes may squeal which is corrected by installing revised brake drums. (2001-02)

Engine noise: Belt squeal and rattle on cold engine due to faulty tensioner on 2AZ-FE engine requires updated tensioner. (2001-04)

Rear wipers: The rear washer may not clean adequately due to a problem with the nozzle for which there is an improved part available. (2001)

Vehicle noise: Squeaks and rattles from the A-pillars, rear windows and glovebox require felt inserts that are being covered under the 36/36,000 warranty. (2001)

Wind noise: If the roof rack rattles or buzzes, there is an improved crossbar that has an additional thumbscrew for better attachment. (2001)

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 $825
Alternator $710
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $1,995
Brakes $755
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $560
Constant Velocity Joints $670
Exhaust System $755
Radiator $720
Shocks and/or Struts $860
Timing Chain or Belt $420
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
2005
RAV4 2WD $13,800-14,800 $12,600-13,500 $8,300-8,900
RAV4 4WD $15,200-16,200 $13,800-14,700 $9,600-10,200
2004
RAV4 2WD $12,300-13,300 $11,100-12,000 $7,000-7,600
RAV4 4WD $13,700-14,700 $12,500-13,400 $8,200-8,800
2003
RAV4 2WD $10,800-11,800 $9,700-10,600 $5,800-6,400
RAV4 4WD $12,000-13,000 $10,800-11,700 $6,700-7,300
2002
RAV4 2WD $9,500-10,500 $8,600-9,500 $4,900-5,500
RAV4 4WD $10,700-11,700 $9,600-10,500 $5,700-6,200
2001
RAV4 2WD $8,300-9,300 $7,500-8,400 $4,300-4,800
RAV4 4WD $9,300-10,300 $8,400-9,300 $4,800-5,400
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 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 98.0
Overall Length, in. 166.2
Overall Width, in. 68.3
Overall Height, in. 65.3
Curb Weight, lbs. 2877
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 68.3
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 14.7
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 41.3
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.4
Rear Head Room, in. 38.4
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 32.6

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

initially, the only RAV4 engine was a dual-overhead-cam 2.0-liter four-cylinder that developed 148 horsepower. Either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission could be installed, with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (which lacks low-range gearing). In 2004, Toyota ditched the 2.0 four for a larger 2.4-liter unit with 161 horsepower. It again mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in		 Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy		 Consumer Guide Observed
dohc I4 2.0 / 122 148 142 5-speed manual: 22/27
4-speed automatic: 23/27		 5-speed manual: 21.7
4-speed automatic: 23
dohc I4 2.4 / 144 161 162 5-speed manual: 22/27
4-speed automatic: 22/27		 5-speed manual: 25.7
4-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Built In:  Japan
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Toyota RAV4 include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test 2001 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 2001-2005 Toyota RAV4 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.

NHTSA Recall History

2005 RAV4: Some air bag inflators were produced with an insufficient amount of the heating agents. In this condition, the expansion force of the gas may be insufficient to properly inflate the air bag, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. Dealers will replace the specific SRS air bag.

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