Overview & Reviews

Leather seats and color-keyed body cladding are now available as part of the "L Special Edition" package. Color-keyed mirrors and door handles can also be had this year and the spare tire is now a full-size steel wheel with a soft cover.

• Unique styling, pleasant on-road manners, and a long option list for personalizing your RAV4.

• Anemic power reduces its otherwise capable off-road/people hauling ability.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 33.00

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  Durable and reliable - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By GF Jones - April 27 - 11:16 pm

  Never had repair work other than routine maintence in 140,000 miles. Ours was destroyed when a Jeep Cherokee ran a red light and slammed into the front end as we were crossing traffic. The Jeep lost the battle as it bounced off and rolled over 1.5 times. The Rave stood its ground and the frame is still straight. However, damages are in excess of its value. We are looking for another one.

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  Satisfied Customer - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By Toyota Woman - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Reliability, a good engine, fun to drive - I love my 1999 RAV4. Other than somewhat uncomfortable front bucket seats which slope downward and a headrest that pushes fwd, mechanically it behaves and has surprising surge power on the highway, when you press the power button.

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  Saved My Life - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By Maria C - February 2 - 7:36 pm

  On Dec 16th 2005 I T-boned a 2004 Ford Explorer truck and both vehicles were totaled. Im black and blue, no broken bones and lucky to be alive. It didnt buckle around me, roll over, or spin out of control - what it did was save my life. My significant other always teased me and my putter-mobile because of its slow pick up but is now grateful that I was able to walk away from the accident w/just bruises. Im sold on the Rav4 and if the price is right will purchase another one. Maria

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  Quality-built, Fun Car - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By Mellie Mel - November 10 - 10:00 am

  A sure-footed, compact pseudo-SUV thats fun to drive. Consistently gets 26mpg and drives great in all weather. Feels nice sitting high but it cant corner without feeling tippy. Acceleration is poor (compared to my 98 corolla). Hate that the tailgate doesnt open down or up or have a window that opens. Theres no way to carry long items such as a ladder or PVC pipe. Cargo footprint really is no bigger than a Camry so "SUV" seems kind of a misnomer. Due to small cargo space, non-opening rear window & lack of power we are looking to replace our RAV4 with a Suburu Baja.

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  Small but rugged - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By pgwhite - August 21 - 10:00 am

  85k miles and no mechanical problems so far. Had one instance where engine would not turn over. Towed it to the dealer (100k warranty) and it started up for them. Never a problem since. Cant believe the power of this 2 litre engine, even with the auto transmission!! Traction is excellent, 8 inches of snow was no problem during a bad storm. My wife wants a van now that we are a foursome. She thinks Im going to sell my full size truck...HA...the sad truth is, I hate to part with the RAV4. I just might give up the GMC, especially with todays gas prices.

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  It is a great little suv - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By Picky driver - October 30 - 2:00 am

  My Rav4L has performed well. It gets great gas mileage and after over 90,000 miles it still runs pretty much like a new car. I bought the RAV4 for the best gas mileage in an suv and because of Toyota reliability. I got what I was hoping for. It is a cute car. My husband says it is more suited to a woman though because it looks so cute.

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  Love my little "beep beep"! - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By smokefan - June 17 - 5:02 am

  In 2007, I totaled out my 2000 Dodge Neon (good little car, too) and my brother and his wife gave me their 1999 Rav 4 L to drive. At first, it was a rocky relationship b/c I couldnt drive a standard...but once I got the hang of it, I learned two things: Standards are way more fun and this little truck is one of the best investments you could ever make! The truck had around 80K when I got it and Ive put another 100K on it. The only thing Ive had to do is replace the timing belt, which is an item you can expect to replace after time anyway. Other than diligent oil & fluid changes, Ive not had to put any money into the "beep beep" and I think shell stay in my family for years to come!

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  Nearing 240K!! - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By Quinn - June 9 - 2:33 am

  Cant believe just how this toy Sport Vehicle has held up thru the years. Got it as a demo model in 1999, and have pretty much only had basic regular service done. Really comfy and quiet, I still have to pinch myself sometimes since I cant believe Ive been so lucky w/ this car. Recently, I got a 2004 Tacoma and passed the RAV onto my daughter. Were hoping it makes it to 300K!!

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  Great Vehicle - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By RevsRav - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Currently at 93,000 miles, this Rav has been a gem. It has seen all types of terrain. In wind gusts, tends to feel too light on the road, but has not been a problem as far as staying in the lane. Does well in the snow. Will keep it until it dies (which wont be any time soon).

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  my rav - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By chash - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Rav4 in 1999 brand new and I fell in love with it. I have never had any problems with it and right now it has right around 47,000mi. My only prob with this sport ute is the inside space I want Toyota to make nicer arm rests on this car and also come on little more room for those back seat drivers that get their dirty shoes on the backs of my seats..Otherwise wonderfull car I love it. oh the best part it is the mistic teal mica I have the only one around.. Which also makes it pretty unique...