Overview & Reviews

The Toyota RAV4 carries over unchanged for 2008.

• Superb power and fuel economy for optional V6, balanced ride and handling, roomy second row, low cargo floor, solid construction.

• Interior has a budget feel, side-hinged rear gate impedes curbside loading, driver seat a tight fit for tall drivers.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 133.00

• 

  One year old - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Fred - July 12 - 1:00 am

  I purchased an 07 RAV4, February, 2008, used, from a Toyota dealer, replacing a 01 Ford Taurus. Bought a 4 cyl, fwd. Use for daily commuter and weekend chores. Occasional trips. Just recently, averaged 27.5 mph at a steady 75 mph on a 500 mile round-trip. Around town, am getting 22 to 24 mph. As a daily driver, the car is excellent. Perfect for weekend chores. The swing rear door does cause some problems while carrying lumber, however, I knew that when I purchased the vehicle. Otherwise, car is perfect for intended use. Am very pleased with performance, handling, and overall build.

• 

  Got one of the last few 08 RAV4 left - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By BenLiu - June 17 - 4:30 am

  Bought one of the few 2008 V6 AWD base model left after comparing Honda CRV, Subaru Forester, and 08 Highlander. Perfect size for my family of 4 with 2 teenagers. Like the efficiency of the electric-on-demand AWD with reasonably good mpg and absolutely fun to drive. However, dont expect the quietness/refinement of a Camry. Road vibration/noise sometimes noticeable at any speed. If you want to take advantage of the last few 08 RAV4 left like I did, make sure you check out the 09 model before making the decision as Toyota made some good improvements which may be important to you.

• 

  Practical SUV - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Veldboom - February 13 - 7:16 pm

  The height and size of the doors enables easy entry and exit. Forward visibility from the drivers seat is excellent. A short turning radius is helpful when parking. The power seat and tilt & telescoping wheel help to gain a comfortable seating position. The ride is stiffer than a car’s ride. It seems like a 5-speed transmission would be helpful also for the 4-cylinder engine. The RAV4 is quick and does not have the usual 4-cyl engine noise at highway speeds. There is a transmission clunk on the first engagement of ‘Drive’ each morning.

• 

  A Great Compact Utility Vehicle - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By JBOS - January 2 - 8:46 pm

  This is a great car with the exception of the stock tires. If you get this vehicle, get new tires (I have Assurance Comfort Treads by Goodyear). We just had 16 inches of snow and not only did the Rav handle it like a champ it exceeded all expectations. The 4WD did exactly what it was supposed to do. The drive is steady and the V6 is very powerful. Just step on the gas and you will feel the 269 horses propel you out of the thick of traffic. It is a reliable car of good quality that doesnt feel heavy or cumbersome to drive.

• 

  2008 Rav4 V6 - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Max - June 9 - 6:56 pm

  We traded in our sports car for the new RAV4. Our hope was to achieve the gas mileage abilities of our Nissan Maxima (family car) while gaining a more versatile vehicle. We did have one noise issue that was hard to track down since it would only happen at freeway speeds. The source of the noise was the roof rack cross member (it was loose). This caused a noise as it shifted position due to wind speed pushing it backward. The 2nd noise source was a loose radio antenna. We are averaging between 22.5-24 MPG in mixed driving (65%+ city) with the V6. Our RAV has just over 1000 miles on it and I suspect the MPG will be increasing.

• 

  08 RAV - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By dennism - June 2 - 3:36 pm

  After one month Im fairly happy with the RAV. There are a lot of little touches like the lighted vanity mirrors, hidden storage etc. Im totally impressed with the performance of the 4 cylinder engine! CD player and sound system are great.

• 

  Happy Camper - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Wm Leider - March 27 - 5:50 pm

  I bought my 2008 Rav4 Jan 2010 and traded my 2006 Matrix. Wife and I wanted something a little bigger and easier to get in and out of. Im very pleased with both Toyotas and will buy another when I tire of this one.

• 

  Beware of interior - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By JFlaggot08 - November 26 - 5:16 pm

  I love the exterior design and engine of the RAV4, but if you are expecting typical Toyota quality the interior of the RAV4 will disappoint. I have had to have parts of the dash replaced as pieces did not fit securely and rattled, in fact lots of squeaks, creaks and rattles in interior. Many parts of the interior just feel like they dont fit together or are loose. Feel stuck with the RAV4 rather than loving it. Though it is small, tall drivers will fit comfortably. Lots of storage spaces in both front and rear.

• 

  Need improvements - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By mart - November 15 - 12:03 am

  Bought 2008 rav v6 limited 4wd in august 2008. Vibrations at 80 km/hrs. 4x4 assembly was changed but did not solve problem. Finally replace the drive shaft. Now its fun to drive. Noise isolation is bad particularly in the back. Seats are not comfortable. Very hard. Other then that its a great car and VERY performant.

• 

  RAV4 at 2,000 miles - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Kevin - August 1 - 11:50 pm

  I traded in my 1999 Sienna since the kids are older and dont need the van with mediocre mileage and performance. I test drove the RAV4 with a 4 cylinder and was unimpressed, very noisy during acceleration and not much power. Then I tried the 6 cylinder and it is awesomely powerful off the line. I have put on 2,000 miles in about 6 weeks and I have gotten 23-24 mpg. Im sure I would do better if I could keep it under 75. So far, the RAV4 has been fun to drive and performs more like a car then other SUVs I have driven. Took the kids skiing in the Catskills and it took the mountains effortlessly. Cant wait to try the 4X4 in the snow.