2003 Toyota RAV4 consumer reviews

I searched for over 2 months to find a reliable 4WD V4 vehicle in my price range. I finally found it in this little Toyota RAV4. I have only had it 3 weeks but so far, so good. I love the way it handles and look forward to driving it a long time!

My Rav4 celebrated its 10th birthday last year and has over 225,000 miles. I vow to drive it til at least 300k if not more. It's been dependable, reliable, and economical. The only issue was that the ECU went out and had to replace it which cost about $1200. However Toyota was able to reimburse me since it went out before it hit 150k. Also I agree that it needs a little more power going up grades as I do catch myself saying, "Come on baby." Some perks include that this specific model doesn't have a belt but rather a chain so I am pleasantly surprised when auto technicians suggest replacing the belt before they even expect it. Also this model is compact enough for small parking spots but big enough to move almost everything in my house. Bottom line, love my car!

I have driven over 125,000 miles with no major problems. I have 195,000 miles on my RAV. Struts are the only major repair I have made.

This is my second RAV4. My first was a 1997 and was totaled at 115K but ran beautiful. The only slight con is that I wish it had a little more power uphill when the A/C is on. I can hear the engine straining to keep up. But I live in TX were hills are rare anyway.

I love my RAV4, except the bad ECM. I had wonderful trips in my RAV4, used it to move (put the seats down and can be used to move many items), and was great on gas. Everything was great until the car was slow to change gears starting in 10/07. In 1/08, my car would jerk while trying to drive and became progressively worst. To the point that it was impossible to drive. Bad ECM, created transmission problems. Problem for many, can see at RAV4 World website.The TSB excerpt: Technical Service Bulletin is: TC002-06, Revised March 3, 2006. Do a search for the words TC002-06 RAV4, and you will find out about it and many complaints blogged.the ECM/ECU and possibly the transmission. Total cost is currently around $4800.00.

My wife owned this vehicle for 2 years till someone hit her. It was totaled but she didn't have a scratch on her. The other persons insurance gave us more than what we paid for it brand new. She misses it though. It was a blast to drive and super reliable. Never had a problem with it. This will be one of the best vehicles Toyota has ever built. Highly recommend.

This car has been to the dealer once for a annoying stalling problem. Other than that it has been flawless. I do my own oil changes and so far one brake job. It's spent 4 years on the roads and climate of Europe and the last 3 years in the Caribbean. I have to remind myself that one day something is actually going to fail. I just jump in and drive.

I purchased my Toyota Rav4 new and have had it for 6 years now and have never had a problem. I recived regular oil changes every 3000 miles. The only parts that needed replacing were the tires and during regular yearly maintenance the brakes. It is a very reliable car and I would recommend it to everyone!

I've two major problems with my RAV4. We purchased this vehicle new (my first new vehicle)because we to be sure we had a reliable brand and without someone else's problems. The first major problem was the brakes. It was only 4 yrs old when the master cylinder and all brakes had to be replaced. Because of the mileage and the age, our dealer was able to get Toyota to pick up all costs. They first tried to say we might have put oil into the brake fluid, not so. In '09, it started the bucking in 1st to 2nd gear and the computer ruined the trans. We were lucky enough to have only 80,200 miles on it. The dealer was able to get Toyota to pay for the computer and half the trans cost. It was still $1700. out of our pocket. At that time I searched the internet and found one horror story after another with regards to the RAV4 and the computer malfunctioning. I told the service manager, I expected this car to get to $200,000. He told me it would (but at what expense.) Several months later, the same thing happened to a mechanic in our family with his Chrysler mini van. I've read this could happen again with the new computer in my car but also read, other makes/models have the same computers and trans problems. I did call in a complaint to Toyota but they could've cared less, even when I said their response will decide if I ever buy another Toyota or not.

Had a 1996 2-door Toyota Rav4 that i bought used 4 years ago and loved that one . I always liked the second generation Model so i traded in the 96 for a Used 2003 Rav4 5 speed . Let me tell you when i drove it home from the dealership all i was saying in my head was "what a Solid car!" it drove beautifully and handles excellent for a SUV . no rattles or creaks its hard to believe its an 8 year old car with 70 ,000 miles (Built Jan 2003) ..it drives like new . Plus its the perfect size to haul stuff and people around. The 5 speed shifts are so smooth and was surprised how quick the Rav4 gets up to speed . A drawback to some people but not for me is the sound of the exhaust ... its loud when accelerating but in a sporty way . Either way ..very happy with the purchase ..its nice to be back to a Toyota car