Overview & Reviews

Toyota's mini-SUV receives just a couple cosmetic changes this year. Models ordered with the Quick Order package now have gray-painted bumpers and overfenders, and Toyota has added color-keyed bumpers and overfenders to the "L" package. There are also three new L package colors: Rainforest Pearl, Spectra Blue Mica and Pearl White (Natural White and Vintage Gold have been discontinued).

• Steers and handles like a car, thoughtful cabin design, well-built interior.

• No V6 engine option, noisy, most desirable equipment is optional.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 117.00

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  Disappointed by Repairs - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By myravsucks - May 23 - 5:44 am

  Bad camshaft had to be replaced at 90k miles. Vibrations and noise from manual transmission at 80k miles -dealer could not find anything wrong. Started slipping out of 5th gear at 100k miles requiring new transmission. This car has been babied and driven gently by one owner. All preventative maintenance performed regularly.

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  ECM Killed the transmission - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Rav4 the junk heap - December 2 - 11:20 pm

  A week ago I wouldve rated this car a 4 out of 5 stars. Yesterday driving home the transmission went out. I lost the Drive gears and made it home in Low 2nd. Went online and discovered it is a common problem with 2001-05 Rav4s and is actually caused by a bad ECM (Engine Control Module). I called the dealership in the morning and they said it would be nearly $5,000 to replace the ECM and transmission. This is really bad for a Toyota with only 72,000 miles. Found out later that Im covered by a Federal Emissions Warranty mandated by the government. Called Toyota back and yes, I am covered after all, but only for the ECM and not the transmission. How ridiculous is that?

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  Buyer Beware - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By catrna - November 21 - 6:52 am

  I have owned a 2002 for 5 years and while it seemed like a good car at first it is not. At 89000 miles the transmission died and is no longer covered buy warranty. After doing more web serarching I found that Many 2001-2003 Rav 4s have presented with this problem Toyota is aware of this but has not recalled. So unless you have monney in your pocket to shell out for car repaires dont buy.

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  Thanks for nothing Toyota!!! - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Toyotasux!! - August 12 - 1:10 am

  Well I bought this vehicle back when Toyota still had a good reputation but sadly I will NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER TOYOTA. The computer gave out so there was $1,300 to pay and after that the transmission went kaput so there goes another $3,000. Not to mention the horrifying experience of it stopping when turning left. Toyota does not care about its customers all they care about is your $$$$.

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  Please read before you buy!! - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Debbie - October 8 - 10:36 pm

  Purchased my RAV4 brand new. Check engine light was on after about one year. Catalytic conv or O2 sensors were always said to be the reason. At 100,000K it started to slip between 2nd and 3rd gear. Causes major issues! I just received something from Toyota saying that they will reprogram my ECM for no charge now, but unfortunately for me, this defect already ruined my transmission. Do not even think about purchasing a 2001-2002 RAV4 unless you have several thousand extra dollars to replace a transmission and ECM (avg.$4K). Trust me!!