Eye catching look! For a minute I thought it was a mini-me for the Mercedez
SUV. Couldnt pass by without dropping in the dealership. Great interior especially with the new improvement and larger capacity.

Still over priced like all the others. Could have added all leather for my L edition. Spare tire cover doesn't come with the lock, cargo net still an option?

As much as I would have like a full size suv, Toyota RAV4 gives me the same security of 4WD in a smaller package. Easier to find a parking spot, it still is an upgrade from my previous vehicle, and Im totally satisfied with its power. Some mentioned its 148 horsepower as weak, I say, go bigger then and spend your money foolishly. As for me, its my first full day with my new RAV, I just cant stop smiling as I watch the snow fall down to the ground continuosly knowing I'll be playing with it all day in my RAV!

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Hyundai Santa Fe...though its a Hyundai, it would have been my choice for the price, however--the RAV got the looks! Enough said

Cute inside out. That's about all I could say about this car.

1. Lack of power. This thing just doesn't want to move. Cute gutless wonder at a premium price is the best description of the car.
2. Gas mileage is worse than listed - I average only 17 mpg! Where is the promised good gas mileage?!
3. The front windshield squeaks and it seems that there is no way to fix it. Even after the dealer re-glued the windshield, it still makes noise.
4. Fixed antenna, hood support bar are from the 60s!
5. No sun glass holder, power seats, tow hitch for the "top" L luxury package. What is this?! Saving on weight and $?! It is a cheap move from Toyota.
6. The overall quality is not up to so much praised Toyota standards. After a while, you notice glitches here and there.

Cute gutless wonder with questionable quality at a premium price.

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Subaru Forester (ugly)
Ford Escape /Mazda Tribute(seems promising, but I haven't tried it enough)
Hyundai and other cheaper cars

Cute exterior, much improved "aggressive" body design compared to 2000 model, gorgeous modern interior design with "titanium" look (actually just painted plastic), great sight lines even with my 5'2" sister driving, ample cabin room for 4, decent storage capacity, good power and smooth power steering, so fun to drive!

Back door opens sideways (hinge on right curb side), difficult to open if a car or wall is up close to your behind. Slightly rough ride (stiff shocks?). High-end Limited edition still doesn't have all the perks, too many addons, no V6 engine, limited-slip differential only on high-end model. Some dash knobs seem very cheap (heat, fan, etc).

I took the 2001 CRV, Forester and Rav4 all for test drives this past weekend, all along the same country side road with some rough terrain to test out each vehicle. I really liked the Rav4 based on the great new looks, but I was concerned that a lot of people noted the power was poor, despite it having a lighter aluminum engine and 4 cylinder 148 HP engine. When I floored the pedal on the highway, I found it to be quite responsive and accelerated nicely! Now I didn't drive up any inclines, so not sure how much power is lacking there, but the engine does get a bit noisy as it reaches highest rev power at around the 5000 rpm before it upshifts gears. The shocks were rough, as my friends in the back seats let me know about each bump. Reminds me of the Integra that my sis bought, almost like racing car suspensions that let you really feel the road. The steering is buttery soft and very easy to maneuver the car in tight steering. All the buttons on the dash are a breeze to use, but the dials to turn the heat/fan are cheap looking. I wonder if the fake "titanium" looking painted plastic on the inside door handles will rub off with time? The back seats has good leg and head room (I'm 5"10), but 3 people in the back seat is very tight! Storage capacity is good, since you can either flip the rear seats or totally remove them. The rear door swings open on the left side and is an awful design (needs a lot of clearance room to open fully and get stuff out). The 2001 Rav4 is a fun vehicle to drive! Overall, this is the car that I will be buying next month, with the Forester following a close 2nd. The CRV doesn't cut it, but maybe a new design is due for 2002/3??

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CRV: so ugly, uncomfortable seats, more capacity room, poor poor accel power, stiff steering. Forester: more like a car/station wagon, better safety in crash test, more comfortable ride, more power, looks boxy/ugly, best 4wd of the bunch, less engine vibs @ high speeds.

Exterior lines, dashboard and interior design, seats material.

Poor millage, soft handling, fixed antenna, sound system could be better. Engine power is mediocre. Bumpy.

If you want a small suv that looks nice and feels nice, and you dont care about power, or too much luxury then the Rav4 is for you.

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Honda CRV: ugly

1. Style. It surely looks good, both inside and outside
2. Reliability and quality
3. Fuel economy
4. Handling
5. High enough from the groud to see better the road
6. Comfortable

1. Lack of power. Even with 148 hp, the car feels slow. It struggles on uphill, when passing, or with more than tow people.
2. No all disk brakes
3. Even for the upscale L package the car doesn't have little nice things like power seats, integrated antenna, hydrolic hood lifts (what's with Toyota - it is 2001, and they still use the iron rod antenna and hood support bar from the 60-s?! Trying to keep car weight down ?? Common, be serious.)
4. Lowsy stereo. For this money, they could have put a more decent stereo.
5. Noisy engine.
6. Rear view mirror is too small
7. Small. Not too much space even for 5'9" person. Especially, rear leg room is uncomfortably small
8. The car is overpriced (as most Toyota cars). For less money, you can get more from other similar cars.

This is a nice small SUV for those who have a small family and drive mostly on the road. All-sheel drive system make it more safe to drive in snow ans rain. This car may be great for drive around purposes, when fuel economy, reliability, and style are the main issues, when you don't need much space, carry heavy stuff, and don't care how fast you go. It seems that thos is trouble free car, relaible like most Toyota cars.It is comfortable and surely looks cute-it reminds of a more expensive car. But if you are interested in more serious driving, have bigger family, there other great alternatives for less money.

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1. Honda CRV
2. Ford Escape
3. Mazda Tribute
4. Subary Forester
5. Suzuki and other small SUV

Milage,Style

Rough handling
Not enough power (150 hp ??? where is it?)
Poor acceleration

Does not offer a comfortable ride like the other mini SUVs I've used or tested.
150 hp engine ??? Please check it again!
Please test it and the others before buying.I will keep it untill the new CRV comes (I hope in 2001)

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CRV : Much much better handling,accelerates better,handles like a car,Honda name,never failed so far (used 60k miles)
G.Vitara : Better off-road capabilities,better handling,better style (test drove)
Forester : Same as others, but better acceleration (my wife is using it,30k miles)

Exterior and Interior's excellent style. For interior, especially with the premium leather seats, which is from Lexus. Comfortable Seats and Ride. Great Steering and Handling! Excellent fuel economy at 27/32, even my car is still breaking in. I love everything about it!

Having to buy a Security System even though I have a Limited Edition.

This is a excellent car for everyone with a budget between the $20000 range. If you have more money to burn, get the RX300 for LEXUS and lesser tire noise. I would vertainly recommand anyone who are looking for some average off-road capabilities (best in it's class with the Limited Slip Differential: Toyota call it a Torsen type) and a car liked handling and ride. You definately won't regret after buying this and with Toyota's reputition, I tihnk there's not much to say besides: "TERRIFIC!"

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Honda CR-V, poor in handling and off-road capabilities, rougher ride, and not as comfortable. Subaru Forester, ugly looks, noisy, and uncomfortable seats. Nissan XTerra, everything like a truck based suv. Lexus RX300, excellent, better than RAV4, but cost $15000 more.

VERY ATTRACTIVE; HANDLES CURVES GREAT; UP HIGH; CONVENIENT BACKDOOR; DROVE 16 HOURS STRAIGHT WITHOUT ANY TROUBLE; OWNED 13 MONTHS NEVER BEEN IN THE GARAGE; PURCHASED CERTIFIED AND PUT OVER 60,000 MILES ON IT.

4 CYL. PERFORMANCE - (BUT FLIP SIDE IS GREAT ON GAS)

AM TRADING IN ON A NEW RAV4 ASAP!

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DROVE SANTA FE - TOO BIG/ TOO MUCH $; FORESTER IS TOO UGLY.

Extremely good handling, good brake, nice dash board, nice instrument panel, great seating, sporty look, Stronger engine than the previous one (150 ps) 16 inch MAG Wheels!, cup holders, extreior molding

No separate option for spoiler, leather seat, sound system, moonroof, cargo net/cover, Fixed antenna, cheap sound system, no Double Moonroof, Disc/Drum and not Disc/Disc brake, Engine(Could be more powerful, Sport suspension (too bumpy)

This car has a very good reselling values, Very attrative, Japnan made product (I JUST HAS IT FOR 2 DAYS, IT JUST CAME FROM JAPAN!!), VVT-i engine, very quiet, but could be better. the price range could be less if there's more competition over the market.

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CRV, GRAND VITARA, better reputation, but old model, not much styling as the RAV4 does

Very sexy and cute. High view on the road. Easy to drive and park. I can drive for 5 hours without any problem. Execelent quality. I just love it.

Horse power, Cup holders, no mirror in driver sunviser. Hand holders

If you do not need off road car , you are not a racer and you do need to think about repair is the SUV you have to get.

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Honda CR-V