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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  Engine problems - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Somerset Ky - November 2 - 2:00 am

  With only one year and 9000 miles on the vehicle a piece fell from inside the valve cover and went into the engine doing about $3000.00 in damages to the engine. Dealership advised it was a bad design by Toyota, but would didnt think it would be recalled. The fan belt has a squeek in it ever since.

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  Powerless - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Paull - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Inexpensive mini-SUV that feels that way. Lots on interior squeaks and rattles, underpowered. Cant

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  Not so good Toyota - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Xpat - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Rough ride, extremely noisy - cannot hear radio or people talk on the road, uncomfortable, cannot see the dashboard from the steering wheel, hard to fold/remove rear seats, not enough power/fade-out on hills.

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  *BEWARE* - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Lee - May 10 - 4:50 am

  Loved this car at first, started getting a lot of wind noise, and noise from rear, had it looked at, but found nothing. Now, with only 120,000 miles on it, it started slipping. Had it checked and transmission is gone, of course its past warranty, plus the ECM (engine control module) would also need to be replaced, costing me $4,800.00.

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  Shocks & Struts need replacing - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By redwards - November 12 - 2:00 am

  It is a value-priced auto.

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  ECM Died at 105M - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By saddened customer - April 23 - 6:56 pm

  I originally posted at Edmunds how I loved, loved, LOVED my Rav4 at time of purchase back in 2002. However, car started jerking last week, couldnt accelerate, so towed it to dealer, went online, and discovered the brain/transmission problem! Paid over $1300 to replace the brain, and have no faith in my car anymore. Dealer couldnt guarantee it wont start lurching again, so its time to switch from Toyota, sadly. A company that doesnt stand behind a problem that it knows exists at least when I trade it in, I can show I paid to fix the ECM, but I pray the car just gets retired rather than potentially hurting another soul!

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  Big Problems - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Ravlight - March 17 - 6:43 am

  Im very displeased with the quality of this vehicle. I had numerous small problems that required several trips to the dealership, plus at only 60K, the AC compressor needs to be replaced (not covered by the warrenty). That and the fact that it is extremely underpowered, very noisy on the highway, and the back seats are very difficult to take in and out. It is very good on gas, rides and handles great in the city and has ample cargo room.

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  Poor Quality of work - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Pat McMullen - February 14 - 11:36 pm

  As a customer of Toyota, my wife and I are disappointed in the vehicle we have purchased. The Toyota Rav is only 7 years old and we need a new transmission. I have had 5 brand new cars in my life so far and never needed a new transmission installed as a maintenance problem with my cars. The Toyota was not in any kind of accident. I was told my the technician it was due to transmission fluid being low. I just think Toyota could do a better job of building their products than this. Everyone is saying how good Toyota is we decided to purchase our new Toyota vehicle but so disappointed to have the transmission gone with only 79,000 miles. Gear is slipping from 2nd to 3rd.

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  Okay I guess - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By barbian7 - March 19 - 4:16 am

  As far as exterior design, nothing beats it--its a cute car. But the power just wasnt there. My mom drives a 4-cylinder Ford sedan that seems to have far better power. It was really sluggish up hills. And the fuel economy really wasnt there either, surprisingly. It was reliable in terms of service though. I only recently had an engine light come on, and then a report came out that said it might just be a glitch. I traded it before I found out. For me the worst feature was interior noise. It didnt seem insulated or something-- just wasnt really smooth in that respect. Overall just really a so-so experience for me. I doubt Ill even buy a Toyota again.

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  One of many - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Fred - June 3 - 4:47 am

  You see them everywhere, except in junkyards. Ive been in and out of a few over the last year hunting for parts for my Grand Marquis. I havent seen a Rav 4 yet. Id like to get a spare steel wheel but I always turn up empty. If you want a car thats affordable, easy to handle, somewhat economical, and really reliable you wont go wrong here. Lots of cargo room if you fold down the rear seats. Even more if you lift them out ! Not the most stylish vehicle on the road but its not hideous either. Mines full time 4WD so it might be a little more aggressive when it comes to cabin noise but its livable. Superior road handling. Average everywhere else which truly isnt a bad thing. You could spend almost double on a Lexus but would your 5 or 6 bags of groceries in the back know or even care ?