Toyota reputation, new design, solid car, low gas consumption, center front console, simple, practical and powerful enough for everyday use. Stereo seems good enough, if it lasts for many years. 16" Alloy tires with the C-Package. Has automatic lights, key in ignition warning, etc.

Uncomfortable exit from rear seats because they are right above the tires, Material used for seats seems like an easy rip type and would be the type that is cold in winter and hot in summer. No sunglass holder. Option packages are expensive.

Great looking car, stylish and elegant. I like the new design of this model, and the features it has. Dashboard looks really nice, and I like the floor transmission compared to the steering ones. Also like the grocery bag hooks and the power outlet in the cargo area.
I have driven the car in the city and on the highway and find the engine noise to be minimal, there is enough power for the highway, stereo's got enough amps for regular music lovers.

I don't see the A/C control buttons to be cheap like other reviewers mentioned, I believe this is part of the new age design Toyota has chosen.

I didn't feel any wind noise or rattle as others mentioned, but I haven't had the car for that long anyway.

If you don't have a garage remote you can use its holder to keep your sunglasses if they fit.

The Salesman (Dario) at Regency was really good, no pressure at all, tolerant, cooperative, understanding. I had visited several other dealers and didn't feel comfortable until I went to Regency. Hopefully I won't have to deal with Toyota corporation and face the arrogance others have mentioned in their reviews.

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Honda-CRV (nice but not as powerful as RAV), Xterra (a real truck better for off-road), Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute (bad news), Pathfinder (too expensive), Subaru (didn't like the design)

4wheel drive

Everything and Engine, seats, room, cargo space, stereo, etc, etc, etc.

My girlfriend bought this overpriced contraption for $26,000 CDN and I have never been so unimpressed by a Toyota product. I used to have a lot of respect for Toyota until I drove this. Engine has poor acceleration and sounds like a Sherman tank at anything more than 4500 RPM. It corners ok, but not great. It is an SUV after all. Excessive road noise at anything more than 100 kph. I am 5'10" and had a hard time sitting in the drivers seat (Is this as far back as it goes?), to say nothing of the stiffness and lack of comfort. No room in the backseat for a child older than 5. Cargo space is scarce in the back. Stereo is absolute garbage. I mean for $26,000 you can get a 2 year old Jeep Grand Cherokee, to which the RAV4 doesn't even compare.

If you are 5'2" and need a vehicle for winter driving, and don't mind spending lots of money, you've found your niche. Enjoy.

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Nothing compares

good gas mileage, rear folded seats, good handling, higher seat elevation, ok offroad handling. Realibility.

expensive, problem with the IC valve (engine dies when the car is at idle), which I think it's a defect. The IC vale get clogged over time and causes the engine to die when the engine is warmed up and in idle speed. Needs more horse power under the hood. Too much road noise, weak stereo. Uncomfortable driver seat

It's a toss up. I like the legendary Toyota reliability. I think I read on the newspaper that Toyota RAV4 is the most reliable min-suv in the market. Howerver, RAV4 needs more horse power under the hood and the ride needs to be better. Watch out for the IC valve. It gets clogged over time and needs to be cleaned or replaced. A new IC valve costs about $180, excludding installation. I had mine replaced at 62,000 miles. It makes a big difference afterwards. The engine is livelier now.

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Honda CRV

Small, relaible, good handling, Good MPG, adequate room.

Under powered, Does not accelerate well and if going uphill stay in the Rightmost lane!

I have used the RAV for quite a few long trips all over the US it is a good reliable vehicle but lacks the power to do what you want it to do, when you want it to do.

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Fun to drive, corners well, great taction on snow and wet pavement. The ABS brakes work very well. Smooth ride for a short wheel-base. Good visibility (but not backwards). Has plenty of power, this years engine is an improvement - I do not understand how people can still complain about this. This year's model also has more room - still tight with 4 adults though, but it is designed to be this size, buy a Suburban if you are going to complain about this.

Toyota makes great vehicles, but they area overpriced. The B option package we purchased did not have roof racks. Which we wanted but did not want all the other options (and expense) that go with the C package. We mistakenly assumed we would be able to purchase Toyota racks. First of all, "Sport/Utility" vehicles should come with roof racks period - although most people use them to go grocery shopping, they are SUVs. I am getting mixed messages about getting the stock roof racks. Some dealers say they are not available. Others say they can get them but it will cost me $1500 CAN. I finally talked to a dealer in Bellingham Washington who know his product - they cost about $900US - Toyota is price gouging. Toyota Canada tell me they will have to drill holes in my roof to install them - Rav's have pre-threaded attachment points for their stock racks (a big bureaucratic organization that does not seem to know much about their product or care about their customers). And I can't see, to be able to find a roof rack deal here that has racks that fit the new Rav4 body. It is frustrating. I am quickly learning that I do not like Toyota the corporation.

It is a very well made vehicle, fun to drive and practical. But I actually wanted something more truck-like that was better on rough terrain. I chose the RAV4 because I am tired of paying so much for gasoline and the prices are taking off. Thus I am happy at the gas pumps but still not sure this is the vehicle for me. I also kind of feel like a yuppie driving it - it now looks too much like the Mercedies.

So far have not had any problems (other than the roof rack problem) but have only had it for two months. Gas mileage is good for an SUV.

Finally, Toyota make fine vehicles but they are overpriced, charge way to much for parts and repairs. Toyota the company is also not very nice to deal with - money hungry corporation that doesn't really treat it's customers very well.

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Honda CVRs seem to be very popular here. I do not understand why. Compared to the RAV they seem less powered, wimpy and lightweight. It felt like the stickshift was going to break off in my hand. Also, I do not like the part time 4W drive concept - it has to start to slip before it clicks in - not what I want in snow. And do not like how the rear opens.
Also considered the Nissan Extera - great vehicle, but the gas mileage is not acceptable - Nissan has to do better. Also do not like how the rear door opens - it is a pain with kayaks on the roof, and the hydraulic units that hold the door open will eventually fail, probably the day after your warranty expires.

I like the new style and design, has an sporty look, has cup holders for driver, passenger & rear occupants. The power accelleration is great w/ Super Unleaded, ( Sunoco ) 94 Octane, but not so w/ regular gas, but overall it rides nice on trips.

The rear door swings out from the left side, hinge on right side. make it inconvient if you go to the grocery store alot.

This is a great car, really sporty for young and old, not so for tall people or big :) . Ive look at all Japanese import SUV, no others can compare for value, and reliablity.

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Honda CRV- reliable car, but junk, no anti-lock brakes on either base model, or topline models.
KIA- Dont buy it, you'll regret it !

1.Good 4-Wheel-Drive system in 2 feet of snow.
2. VVT-I engine brings out the power.
3. Sporty look.
4. very good handling
5. 4 star front crash test 5 star side crash test.
6. Lots of room
7. Removable rear seats.
8. All 3 point seat belts
9. Refreshed look from old Rav4
10. Nice rims
11. Like the tailgate+bumper
12. Pretty good off road capabilites
13. Good colors
14. Areodynamics system
15. Toyota quality/reputation
16. Good warranty
17. Nice seats
18. (g's!) very very nice overall
19. RAV4 stands for Recreational Active Viechle woth 4 Wheel drive according to Toyota.

1. Bad tires (Traction B Temp. A???!!!)
2. could use a V6
3. Could use low range gearing
4. expensive to fix
5. not lots of leg room in rear seat.

The 2001 RAV4 L is a great car overall and its great in snow. My mom bought it i helped pick out im 13 im gonna drive it at 17. good looks. I would reccommend it to tall, short, fat, skinny, anyone!!!!!

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Kia Sportage: Dont buy. Sucks
Honda CR-V: Poor 4WD system
Hyundai Santa Fe: Better vrash test
Ford Excape/Mazda Tribute: DONT BUY POOR CRASH TESTS!!!
Suzuki grand vitara: Not as good quality.

All time 4wd,easy to upgrade,good trunk space to put a sound system,turbocharger available for it.

needs a little bit more power which i already know what to do and is no big of a deal i can just turbocharge it and it will haul a$$

i got a sound system in it i replaced it all i got four 12 inch subwoofers 1000 watts each, i got 2 amps they are both 600 amps, and i replaced the stock radio to a ALPINE CD-Player,put new speakers front door and back replaced old ones,on front i got Boston Acoustics,put tweeters on the front too they are Boston Acoustic,i put on the back Alpine Speakers,I replaced the Noisy Tires cus my car already had wheels ENKEI and i replaced the noisy Tires to FALKENs is a much quieter ride sportier and lowers ur car a little too so is good to spend 500 dollars in tires soon im gonna get INTAKE,MUFFLER,TURBOCHARGER,MSD WIRES,EIBACH LOWERING SPRINGS....I highly recommend a RAV4

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Engine:-

UNIfilter rampod filter, GReddy Z-31 (300ZX) intercooler, GReddy Type-R BOV...GReddy TD06-20G turbine, GReddy wastegate Type-C...(just in case you were wondering, it's an SW20 3S-GE engine), 2JZGTE forged pistons (87mm), TRD cables, TRUST spark plugs, 1.6mm MHG, four 550cc (RX-7) injectors, Nismo fuel pressure regulator (boost dependant), GREX oil cooler, Nissan Pulsar GTiR (N14) TR exhaust (phew!).

Suspension setup:-

K-Mac springs and anti roll bars, MR2 front shocks by TRD, Way-Do rear TRD shocks, front and rear strut tower braces (rear taken from an AE92 Toyota Corolla), SIMMONS 3 piece rims 17 x 10, 265/40ZR/17 Falken GR-B RS Tune II tires.

Moving on into the interior where a plethora of gadgets can be found, like your basic Profec, warning meters, APEXi rev/speed meter hooked up to a custom made shift light, Wolf air/fuel ratio meter...and a Link Engine Management system.

This system basically IS the cars ECU with the delightful added ability to adjust ANYTHING the heart desires like ignition, fuel curve, at what temperature the radiator fan comes on, like I said, anything.

Driveline:-

TRD short shift, Cusco clutch, and a TRUST 3S-GTE flywheel, all mated to the stock 5 speed manual RAV-4 tranny.

Aero enhancements:-

Bomex front fiasca, Verio side thingys and the top spoiler.

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Aggresive looks, full time AWD, lots of options, and amenities available to suit your needs. Outstanding ergonomics, very well designed compact SUV. Outstanding fit and finish. Best looking airbag steering wheel I've ever seen!

No data avail. All new model. Should expect the traditional Toyota quality, dependability reputation. Why not offer an optional 16x8 rims with 255/50/16? Where is the subwoofer? How about an optional, turbocharged or supercharged 4. Maybe a V6? Come on TRD go to work!Someone will be real happy!

Runs/drives great, stable at freeway speeds. Very comfortable. Brand new, AWD, L package, a/c, p/s, p/b, pdl, tilt, remote alarm, roof rack, flip up, slide in tinted sunroof, AM/FM, CD/cassette, six speakers, cruise, alloys, 235/60/16, abs, full size spare alloy rims and tires, color keyed cover. Metallic titanium silver. Very me.

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Looked at all compact SUV. Little pricey but you get what you paid for. The best looking compact SUV for 2001. My opinion, that is. My story and I am sticking to it. Look and test drive the 2001 RAV4 before you buy a compact SUV!