2008 Toyota RAV4 Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.45/5 Average
133 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The Toyota RAV4 carries over unchanged for 2008.

Pros:
  • Superb power and fuel economy for optional V6, balanced ride and handling, roomy second row, low cargo floor, solid construction.
Cons:
  • Interior has a budget feel, side-hinged rear gate impedes curbside loading, driver seat a tight fit for tall drivers.

User Reviews:

Showing 71 through 80 of 133.00
  • Love it - 2008 Toyota RAV4
    By -

    We bought a Honda crv first and in our opinion the 2008 Honda CRV can not compare with the Toyota. It has a great comfortable interior and has extras the Honda does not. Roof rack, hands free dialing and a unbelievable comfortable seat. Leg room is excellent and even the back seat has lots of leg room.

  • What fun! - 2008 Toyota RAV4
    By -

    I love the way this vehicle handles. It is quite nimble and quick. In the V6 model acceleration is better (much better) than I had with a V8 Explorer. Interior room is very satisfactory allowing me to have my large breed dog crate in the back without issue and to also offer room to the other dogs. It is fun to drive!! We did some off road driving yesterday through mud, up hills and over some rough terrain. I have the V6 Ltd model and am very pleased so far. I am small so the seats work well for me as does the rest of the car. The best thing about this SUV is the handling. It is so fast out of the starting blocks it was tough to get used to. Turning radius is on a dime. Stopping on a dime OK.

  • Leg cramps from uncomfortable seats - 2008 Toyota RAV4
    By -

    I really cant wait to get rid of this car. Its nothing like my old 4runner. Drivers seating position is so uncomfortable I have constant leg cramps. I tried spacers under seat legs, extra spring on gas pedal, lumbar pillow, seat cushion, none worked. I have to drive for now but this is the last toyota for me. That is saying a lot from a guy that had 4 so far but this one is not my favorite. Really dont like silly side-swinging rear door. Dash rattles. It struggles to get the rated MPGs. Transfer case whines a bit a certain speeds. I am just plain unsatisfied.

  • I would prefer to buy - 2008 Toyota RAV4
    By -

    I like this SUV, more comfortable and fun to drive. I have Sport V6 with 3.5 L, excellent pickup.

  • Toyota is Slipping - 2008 Toyota RAV4
    By -

    I bought this car for the engine, and it remains the best feature of the car. But I have had ongoing problems with the transmission, and many others have, too. This is only true with the 5-speed transmission on the V6 (not the 4-cyl.) The now infamous "whining transmission" noise that has been well documented on the owners forums (search transmission noise on RAV4 World and others) is something you will want to consider when youre buying this vehicle used. Also the poor response from Toyota in fixing the problem under warranty has completely soured me on the ownership experience, so I wouldnt be able to recommend this car to anyone. Go with Honda.

  • Awesome - 2008 Toyota RAV4
    By -

    Still breaking this car in, have only driven about 250 miles, but am totally impressed with the entire package. Fast, responsive, comfortable, quiet, good visibility, spacious, tight handling, great looking, nice riding, solid car. Cruising at 70 mph, and tach only reads about 2000 rpm. My old car, a v6 also, used to read 3000 rpm. I live in the U.K. where sometimes its better/safer to drive on the freeways fast (80mph+). I used to be a little concerned about motor wear in my old car. I dont think Ill have to be concerned about it anymore. I dont think that the 5 speed auto trans has any big issues. The V6 version is the best.

  • It is what it is - 2008 Toyota RAV4
    By -

    Pros: lots of power; fun to drive; shiftronic transmission; roomy interior; excellent AC; great JBL stereo-the bluetooth feature is excellent; very good gas mileage so far; good quality leather interior. Rear reclining seats on an adjustable track. Moonroof is a nice feature. Cons: center console needs to he higher for use as an armrest; no AC blower control on steering wheel; clock hard to see; trip computer is very mediocre-need to improve; Home Link should be offered at least as an option. Cargo net in rear is cumbersome.

  • 2008 Rav4 Sport 4wd V6 - 2008 Toyota RAV4
    By -

    After trading in my Xterra, I am very happy with my RAV4 Sport model. What impressed me was the tremendous acceleration of the V6, the safety features and the "on demand" 4WD system. No more locking in hubs or shifting into 4WD. It took a while getting use to the different configuration of the stick shift. There is good visibility out the front windshield due to the short angled hood. Road noise from the tires is apparent and is probably due to the brand of tires. The seats are not too comfortable on the Sport but these shortcomings are minor to me compared to my previous vehicle. The gas mileage is quite good although it needs more breakin to see more improvement.

  • RAV4 with V6 - Awesome! - 2008 Toyota RAV4
    By -

    I swore I didnt want or need a V6. I wasnt even going to test drive one but after I did I was absolutely hooked! The V6 engine paired with 17" wheels is a killer combo. I cant believe how smooth and quiet this car is. My wife and I love it! It has great acceleration and handles extremely well. We are averaging about 25 mpg in mixed driving and even got 28 mpg on a recent trip. I am convinced that this is the best SUV in its class!

  • Not Happy - 2008 Toyota RAV4
    By -

    Just bought my Rav-4 and am already not happy. I have been getting some back pains since buying the car. Test drove a couple of small SUVs because wanted to downsize and at the dealership this was great, but have started to have problems with the back hurting, no place to put change with out it ringing all the time, push button dash area stinks because everything I put in it slides and bangs, car bounces more than I like on highway, and cargo area light is a joke. My SUV also does not ding when the lights are left on, I plan to check when I go in for my first service.

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