Toyota RAV4 — Fuel Economy, Cargo Room and Fun
January 29, 2009 by Brad - Your Car Guy
The Toyota RAV4 is the original compact SUV and, even after an influx of competition, still a leader in its class. As such it has earned a significant following of loyal fans and is attracting more daily. Because of this, and because of all this vehicle has to offer, the Toyota RAV4 has earned the third spot in this month’s top ten used cars list.
The First RAV4, The First Compact SUV
Originally debuting in 1994 the RAV4 was designed to meet the needs of those who didn’t want to give up fuel economy but did want a vehicle that served more purpose than the average urban commuter. Toyota answered the call by producing a vehicle that not only offered four wheel drive recreational fun but also lots of cargo room and superb fuel economy. Called the RAV4, an acronym for Recreation Active Vehicle with 4WD, Toyota’s creation not only carved out a unique market niche but created a class of vehicle that other makers clamored to imitate.
Second Generation RAV4, Great Used Car Value
The second generation RAV4 spans the year models 2001-2005 and offers a lot of value for used car shoppers. Though there are slight changes between year models the overall vehicles across the second generation are similar in style and equipment and offer those in search of a used compact SUV a lot for their money. Tough RAV4s hold their resale value well, as most Toyotas do, second generation RAV4s are still a great value and there are plenty on the market that meet most buyer’s price range.
RAV4′s Outstanding SUV Fuel Economy
The second generation RAV4 can be found with either a 148 hp 2.0l dohc 4 cylinder or the slightly beefier 2.4l 161 hp 4 cylinder engine depending on year models. Both engines offer sufficient power, though neither is what one would refer to as performance oriented. But screaming performance is not the rAV4s goal. The real excitement is in this used compact SUVs 22 city 27 highway mileage when paired with a 5 speed manual treansmission and its 23 city 27 highway when paired with a 4 speed automatic. Both these numbers rank the RAv4 at the top of its class for fuel economy in non-hybrid models.
The RAV4 can also be found in either full time 4WD or 2WD models. Four wheel drive models deliver power to front and rear wheels via a viscous coupling differential that tranfers needed power dependent on wheel slip. Though this Toyota is not a serous off roader the 4WD models offer better traction on a wider variety of road conditions and can get you places the two wheel drive model can’t.
Customary Quality Toyota Interior
I say this in every Toyota review and it is true for the RAV4 as well. Interior fit and finish are top quality. The RAV4 is another comfortable Toyota that makes use of quality materials to produce a pleasant driving environment. It doesn’t have the room of larger SUVs but with 68.3 cubic feet of cargo room a used Toyota RAV4 offers plenty of space to get you, your passenegrs and lots of stuff wherever you need to go.
The instruments and controls are convenient and simple to use and the driver’s view of both gauges and the roadway is clear of obstruction.
Used Compact SUV Safety
Compact SUVs aren’t known for their safety with some having problems with rollover or inadequate impact test ratings. The RAV4 however is a vehicle that will get you and your most precious cargo where you want to go inexpensively and with peace of mind. In frontal crash tests the RAV4 scored 4 stars for both driver and passenger.
As you can see a used Toyota RAV4 has a lot to offer. If you find yourself in the market for a used compact SUV I would suggest you make it one of the top options on your list just as I have hear on my list of Brad Your Car Guy’s Top Ten Used Cars for January of 2009.
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