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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  Love our RAV4!! - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By mrbsmallz - June 18 - 10:18 am

  Bought the RAV4 used in 2004 for my wife. At the time it had 99K miles. Recognizing it was time for service, I immediately invested $400 to replace the timing belt, water pump, and replace fluids. 100K miles later (199K), this little truck is still going strong and continues to look brand new inside and out. Everything works except minor items (seat belt light blinks constantly on dash ). The maintenance is due again and Im glad to invest another $400 to keep her going. Planning to pass along to our son in the next few years. We have had NO problems with this truck. Only replaced the battery, spark plugs, regular fluid changes, brakes, and tires. Would definitely recommend!

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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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  1999 Rav AWD - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By John Capp - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Excellant car for the young and small family. Only problem was that it lacked some needed power. In 3-1/2 years I only had to change the oil. Never a mechanical failure of any kind. Additionally, the resale value actually decreased the year to year expenditures relative to like vehicles.

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  Dont know why its so much fun! - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By Brett - February 25 - 10:56 am

  Got it used with just under 80K on it, and after some clean up and maintenance, it is like a new car. Very fun off road, we do a lot of off road and it never gets stuck or breaks. Love the looks, inside and out, the 5 speed manual makes it very fun to drive, the average MPG is 26 with a lot of short trips. Plenty of power for me, comfortable, reliable, large cargo area with the seats out, great to load the dog into. We plan on keeping it forever.

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  danger k frame rustout - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By larrr - September 5 - 1:50 am

  Danger front k-frame rust out can cause fatal accidents. Toyota and NHTSA know about this but they dont care. check before you buy check it if you own it repair about $1.5-2k more things to fix on this car 125k mi. than my old Dodge Caravan 173k mi. never trust Toyota again

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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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  Love my Rav - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By daisy1 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 3 Toyotas, this being my first Rav. I love it. The ride is great, the dependability being a toyota was a major selling point. It is cute and sporty and is perfect for my family. I have a hitch in the back for a great bike rack. I would recommend it to anyone. I just wished the seats in the back could go back a bit farther for a little more leg room for the kids.

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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.