2002 Toyota RAV4 consumer reviews

RELIABLE, SMOOTH RIDE, TROUBLE FREE,GOOD ON GAS AND I ENJOY DRIVING THIS SUV. I INTEND TO PASS ON TO MY SON THIS GREAT CAR IN NEAR FUTURE INSTEAD SELLING OR TRADING.AND THIS WILL BE MY SON'S FIRST CAR WHICH HE HAS DRIVEN RECENTLY AND HE LIKED IT VERY MUCH.

We purchased this car with 60,000 miles on it, and the only issue we had was the tranny computer, which was, later on, recalled by the company. Toyota issued a good faith recall for up to 8 years or 150,000 miles, whichever was first. The car suited our needs so well that we just fixed it and kept on driving. And driving. And..... driving. Very minor repairs, if any. It now has close to 200,000 miles and never fails to start or get from point A to point B. This car sees an average of 25-30,000 miles a year, all kinds of weather, and not a great schedule of upkeep. This engine can have a gelling problem, if you don't use synthetic oil or change regular oil every 2-3000 miles. Great for people with disabilities such as bad hips, or for those who have difficulty getting in and out of a regular car. Also the back door and roof line are so tall that you can remove the seats and it becomes almost like a small van in back. There is so much space, four bikes can fit easily! Road noise is definitely there, but for what the car is, that is a minor annoyance. Have had several Toyotas, and our only disappointment was the 06 V6 4x4 Rav we bought new. It was terrible in the snow, had a lag/surge problem with the tranny, and was dangerously overpowered. We still have our '02 and plan to buy another '04-'05 with 4WD. Hope this information helps someone out there who is considering one. They are a bit pricier, but if you don't like trips to the mechanic, then this car is for you... you will LOVE the resale value!

The 2002 RAV 4 was a great vehicle. My wife owned it for six years and traded it in on a newer model (2007). The RAV 4 was a 4WD and did exceptionally well on slick roads, in snow or ice. The 4 cylinder engine was a little loud, but it was economical to own (26 mpg) and was well maintained by our family.

I can't say enough about my Rav4. It has 145k miles on it and the ONLY problem has been a sticky accelerator. (I just put the clutch in, pulled over and shut it off each time). This is a very practical size and yet, it gets 30 mpg. We have gone on family vacations with a dog crate, camping gear etc. and have also hauled ducks, chickens in crates to a fair...Bought it one year old and it has been SO reliable. This would be a good choice for a family with two children who still want to haul things...,need traction in winter weather, but can't live with low fuel efficiency.

Sure, I?ve had a few repairs- breaks needed some work and recently the steering column needed work- but I?ve put 150,000 miles on the cart so no complaints. I?m a large man (6?2?, 250lbs) and this is one vehicle that fits me well. For the size and the `SUV? name, it gets the best mileage that can be expected. I?ve driven out of snow drifts that would leave any car crippled and have carried a full sized clothes washer in the back (with the door closed)- what more could you want?

My family have owned three Toyotas in the last 10 years. We have had a Camry, Rav4 and just purchased an Highlander couple of weeks ago. We have been very pleased until our recent experience with the 2002 Rav 4. The Transimission packed up at 72,000 Miles. Toyota refused to do anything, we end up spending over $3,000 for Diagnosis and repair. What a shame for a brand that is always associated with quality.

I like toyota products having owned a corolla for 230000 miles. picked up a 2002 rav4L a year ago. ran well till one day ( at 85000 miles) transmission started shifting erratically. started downshifting for no reason. took to dealer for repair . ended up spending $1300 on new transmission computer. This has effected a fair number of rav4's and toyota will not cover it. so buyer beware check the service on the tranny computer first. otherwise great vehicle !!!.

I love an SUV for driving in all kinds of weather -- including snow and ice. A small SUV is easy to park when doing errands and taking kids to all their activities. The Rav has everything I want, and it's fun to drive.

I have had my 2002 RAV4 since I bought it new in 2002. It has served me well for 5 years and I have never had a problem with it. I consistently get 28-31 mpg and I can haul many many things in the cabin with the versitle seat configurations. I love my rav and will not be giving it up until it does.

Bought my RAV slightly used and drove it a lot. It was fun to drive, easy to park and cheap to run. It puts you higher up in traffic than a car without giving you the feeling that it would tip easily. 80,000 miles later, NEVER had a single problem inside or out. My only complaints were that the seats could be more comfortable and it didn't come with auto pilot.