Overview & Reviews

Toyota has given the RAV4 a midcycle freshening for 2004. Notable improvements include a larger 161-horsepower, 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine, a mild restyling that gives it a more aggressive appearance, and inside, a new steering wheel and instrument panel. Standard equipment has increased significantly, with stability and traction control, antilock brakes, air conditioning and a six-speaker stereo heading up the list. Multistage front airbags are also new this year, and side airbags for front occupants and full-length head curtain airbags are now optional.

• Steers and handles like a car, thoughtful cabin design, exemplary build and materials quality, refined engine.

• Somewhat cramped interior, high repair costs in low-speed rear collisions.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 165.00

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  No serious issues but............ - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Firsttime ravowner - December 18 - 10:00 am

  My only complaint is that it shakes or shimmys at 65 mph or so. i asked my dealer to check tire balance and they only test drove it and then told me, "We dont find anything unusual here." So, what do I do? Believe me, the steering wheel shakes back and forth on smooth highways, at high speed. Anyone else notice this?

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  Solid Vehicle, Some Issues at 78K - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Jerry - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Our 2004 Rav 4 has been a very solid performer and been reliable until today. At 78,000 miles (we just learned) the steering unit is leaking, the front brakes need rotors turned and pads replaced (2nd time). Also the water pump is leaking. All told - it looks like Toyota will charge $1200 to get things fixed. These are the first issues weve had, so I cant complain too loudly. Savannah Toyota has exceptional service and sales staff - so we dont mind supporting their business.

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  love toyota - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By bambam - September 30 - 10:00 am

  love this suv. perfect and has a lot of pep.

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  Best car Ive owned (knock on wood!) - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Jim Nipe - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Well...Ive only had this car for 2000 miles, but its an extremely fun car to drive. Premium sound system was poor. I replaced it with four Infinity speakers and an Excelon Kenwood deck because I couldnt get the top of the line system Toyota offered. After about 1000 miles, the engine loosened up and now runs super smooth. Averaging about 28 mph.

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  A Great Small SUV - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Eddie O - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Weve only had the vehicle a little over a month. My wife and I looked at several similar vehicles before settling on the RAV 4. My wife drives the vehicle to work daily and the RAV 4s safety and handling features were much better than the competition. Specifically, it was the only small SUV to offer stability control and traction control. We looked at the Honda CR-V, Honda Element, Ford Escape, Mistubishi Outlander, and Subaru Forester. To date fuel mileage is better than expected.

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  My Rav 4 - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Jennypooh - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy my Rav4. It is a small suv, yet it is the perfect size for our growing family

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  rav4 my friend - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By mark r - August 10 - 10:51 am

  bought an 04 awd for 6500 with 80,000 miles- black with moonroof. It looks great. I bought bc the acceleration was fast and Toyota is a reliable car. I did hours of reading on consumer reports and opted for the 04 model bc the 01-03 model has ecm issues. Upon getting the vehicle I had to replace the rotors and pads, as well as an 02 sensor. I had an 06 outback trubo fully loaded and it died around 110,000 miles due to a failed turbo- never buy a car with a turbo. The front seats are not comfortable in the rav4 so I bought a lumbar pillow. I have a low mileage one and will keep up with the maintenacen schedule. it is fun to drive and Im glad I have awd here in new England. Almost bought a lexus but the having awd small suv was better than fwd sedan. Im excited and hope this car lasts a long time. I use premium gas only. I was also considering a crv but the 2004 crv looks to square and the 04 rav4 looks new still.

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  cute suv - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Rich Satter - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I love it I have a loaded L pearl white and it is not the only toyota I have I also have a 2003 Corolla le and a 2000 corolla le love them all

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  Black, auto. 2004 - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Jim F. - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Picked up my car on 10/6/2003. Traded in 2001 Rav4. This vehicle has more pep whitch makes it easier to drive. Handling and ride comfort are also improved. Not quiet but less tire and wind sound than 2001. Many new safety features. Interior is comfortable, materials are good.

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  8 months of experience - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By gueniverre - February 20 - 2:00 am

  I got the silver Toyota Rav4 Limited Edition as a graduation present in 2003. It`s a great car overall. The drives are smooth too, despite the potholes in New Jersey. My dad recommended it to me since it tends to snow in our area. It`s a great car for all seasons. I remember ramming up a huge hill of snow. You feel under control. The sunroof during the summer makes it look sexxxxxy.