Toyota RAV4

I own a 2009 Rav4 (Base 2.5L/auto/awd). It is a top tier model in the ever crowded small SUV segment. These are commonly called CUV's (Compact Utility Vehicles)and for many people, these models stike a great balance between drivability, economy and all weather capability. New for 2009, the base 4 cylinder engine gets a bump in displacement and power (2.5L and 180hp making it one of the more powerful base engines in the class).

The ergonomics of the interior are very user friendly with easy to use/find switchgear and good fit/finish. However basing this against my wife's 2008 CR-V, I find her vehicle's interior better thought out and constructed.
Interior Likes:
*Simple Radio controls (sometimes dials are better than rows of indicepherable buttons)
*Easy to find switchgear (i.e. HVAC controls)
*Very roomy for a small SUV, rear seats fold flat/recline for comfort.
*Remote fold flat latches allow the rear seats to fold forward while at the liftgate (very convenient)

Interior Dislikes:
*Radio and Clock use a LCD display which can be obscured when wearing sunglasses
*Interior fit and finish is good but not the best in class
*Some do not like the swing open door and while I like the design, I can see where it could pose a problem in confined spaces.

Exterior Likes:
*Very smooth body lines, excellent panel gaps, great visibility and ride height, body colored rear tire cover

Exterior Dislikes:
* I would have liked some plastic cladding on the bottom sections. That helds protect the paint from mud/debris from marring the paint
*paint is easily scratched

Driving Impressions:
The base engine is quick off the line and pulls easily. Yet if you are light on the go fast pedal, the Rav4 will return excellent economy. I have not driven the V6, but heard it is a real powerhouse. For me, the base 4cylinder is an excellent balance between power and economy. It is a typical smooth, refined Toyota motor. Punch it, an the engine reponds well with a nice throaty growl. I average 26-28mpg on mostly highway driving at a posted 65mph speed limit. (There is also a helpful instant mpg tab below the speedometer that helps you monitor the vehicles economy)

The Rav4 has AWD that will engage when the vehicle detects slipping from the wheels. It is not meant as a true off roader. However, Toyota has a button to lock the differential to evenly distribute the power front/rear. This is a nice added feature not found in many other CUV's.( and usually found in more dedicated 4wd vehicles) The Rav4 has a slighlty longer wheelbase than my wife's CR-V and it delivered a smoother highway ride. The cabin is quiet and road noise is at a minimum. (I will attest that my wife's seats in her CR-V are much more comfortable than mine). There are no noticable sightline problems and the rear tire is located low enough to not hamper rearview vision. There are two cupholder between the front seats (acceptable but not great) and built in cupholders on all the interior door panels(nice, especially for the kids in the back), plus cup holders in the center portion of the rear seats). The cabin is light and airy. There is an aux port and a 12V plug in the center console and an additional 12v plug below the HVAC?radio center stack. There is a hidden rear storage where the spare tire would reside (perfect for putting emergency supplies out of view).

So far, i have been very impressed by the Rav4. This is a competent vehicle in a very tough market segment.

Do I need to say more.... My Rav4, 6cyl can't be beat... It looks almost brand new and has 275K miles on it... This very quick SUV requires little maintenance. All I have ever done to this vehicle is change the oil every 5000-7500 miles, brakes every 50K-60K and a couple set of tires.... This vehicle still hums like the day I got it and I wouldn't sell if for any amount of money... The only negative that I have with it is that I am 5'11'' tall and weigh 225lbs. It is a tight fit for my legs and my knees are bent. This gives my right hip some issues/pain at times. Besides that, I can't say a bad thing about the vehicle. It's very good in all types of weather conditions. For an SUV it flies with that 274hp, handles very well and does ok with the gas... around 20-22 mpg. There is no doubt that I will be able to get over 300K miles on this vehicle in the next 6 months.... Wish I would have known how good this vehicle was going to be... I would have bought two at the time!!!

I won a vehicle item number 261079985111 on Aug. 19th, 2012. I talked to the seller on Aug. 20th. I told him I was going to make the payment on Aug. 23rd. When I called on the 23rd that I was going to make the payment, he said he already sold it to the second highest bidder. So, I lost it. But, I have a notification that should pay for item number 261079985111. I called him to find out if the item is still available, he said he sold it. If it's still available, I'll be glad to pay for it. Can you resolve this issue. I don't know why I should be owing on the item when it's not available or sold to someone else.
Thank you,

Martin.

One earlier note was probably comparing the performance of the 4 cyl RAV4 to a BMW 325i convertible. The V6 with its 274 HP does 0-60 mph in about 6.4 secs compared to the 325i's 7.6 secs. Road handling above 60 mph (and 70 and 80 etc...) is outstanding in the Sport model that I own, with the upgraded suspension and steering that come standard with this model.
This is a very reliable car, practical and fun to drive, very competent in any weather.

We love this vehicle. Great buy. We needed a car for our college age daughter, one dependable to get her to and from home. THere is nothing I dislike about this vehicle. It has an amazing turning radius.

Have gotton 27mpg on the highway, vehicle is very good in the snow and ice. Only one complaint I have is the lack of leg room in the front seat for a 6'2" person. I would definatly recomend this car.

I just purchased my second Rav4. I bought my first Rav in Feb 2009. It was a 1996, 2 door, with 144,000 miles. The car has never failed to start. Now with over 200k miles, i have decided to sell it and purchase another one. I found a 1997 with less than 100k miles on it. Hopefully this one serves me with over 200k reliable miles also. Although these older Ravs have the underpowered 2.0 liter engine and ride a lil rough, i can live with that. The fuel economy is better than the newer v6. If you are looking for a super smooth ride and not hear road and engine noise, this car is not for you. Go buy a Cadillac. I will stick with the simple, economic, and reliable ride that i am used to driving.

I bought this car as a second owner with 30 miles on it, I have owned it for 8yrs now and I have NEVER had anything go wrong with this car.. I have only done brakes and oil changes. If you want a no maintence suv, this is the one for you..

great vehicle very reliable and good quality I decided to buy it for my mother inlaw because it is a TOYOTA and it is a very strong and dependeble car and i feel confident having her driving it

Products never deliver a promised; the description was in eBay misleading.
I bought 2011 Toyota RAV4
Missing items in the SUV and there in nothing to like
Very poor comparing to other