Overview:
This week I drove the 2003 Toyota RAV4 2-WD. Great little SUV with good gas performance if you don’t need off road capability. It seats 4 comfortably and leaves decent cargo space too. And with the rear seats folded down it provides about 68 cubic feet of cargo area.
Handling & Performance:
This is a fun to drive smaller SUV very similar to the Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe. It handles well and gets very good gas mileage. The 4-WD option indicates only a couple of miles better gas performance, but I find that is not usually true. I suspect it is more like 4-5 mpg worse.
Styling:
Naturally the world is expanding for auto makers and it appears there must be more market outside the US because they chose to have the rear cargo door open from left to right, or toward the curb if you drive on the right side of the road. US drivers won’t like that much. That observation noted, the rest of the design is sporty and generally attractive.
Fit and Finish:
Very good. 8 on a scale of 1-10.
Cost:
Not bad but not great either. You’ll definitely want to look closely at all the competition.
Consumer Recommendation:
If you don’t need 4-wheel drive, this front wheel drive is next best plus it will pay dividends in passing a lot more gas stations. Size and towing is very limited. But for all the other reasons you buy an SUV this will do a good job. Other competitors in my view include the Pontiac Vibe and the Toyota Matrix similarly priced.
Manufacturer recommendation:
A more powerful engine option should be available. Or better yet why don’t you go to high performance high efficiency diesel engines now available that get 90 mpg. Once consumers find you could do it and don’t they’re going to be really upset.
The Competition:
Toyota RAV4 $17-18,000, Chevrolet Tracker $16-22,000, Honda CR-V $19-22,000, Kia Sportage $17-18,000, Subaru Forester $21-24,000, Suzuki Grand Vitara $19-23,000.
Others to consider:
Pontiac Vibe $16-20,000, Chrysler PT Cruiser $16-23,000, Ford Focus Wagon $17-18,000, Mazda Protege5 $16,000, Subaru Impreza Wagon $17-23,000, Toyota Matrix $15-19,000.
Good News:
Sporty, roomy, economical and fun to drive with great turning radius.
Bad News:
An SUV that is 2-wheel front drive so no off roading, rear door opens into the curb which is not so good for US consumers.
Standard Equipment:
2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed auto trans, front wheel drive, power steering, front disc and rear drum brakes, dual front air bags, manual outside mirrors, tinted glass, AM/FM with CD player, intermittent wipers front and riear, tilt wheel.
Gas Stats:
24 City and 29 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $17,575.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
Copyright © 2002 – An Automotive Love Affair
