- suv 84,053
- 9,194 overpriced
- Fairbanks, AK
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- autoshopper.com
- suv 84,053 white automatic
2000 toyota rav4 review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. A cute, practical and durable pacesetter. introductiontoyota's rav4 wasn't the first mini sport-utility vehicle, but its success helped start a trend. When it was launched in the u. In 1996, industry analysts weren't sure how to categorize this quirky cross between a truck and a compact. But as more customers became aware of the rav4's relatively low cost, fuel-efficiency, manageable size and sporty image, other manufacturers were quick to follow suit. new and upgraded competitors in the small suv class include the honda cr-v, the kia sportage, the new suzuki grand vitara and the subaru forester. In the same price range but considerably larger and more rugged is the nissan xterra. the rav4 is no longer new and there are few changes for 2000, but it's still a head-turner. Toyota's reputation for quality and reliability has continued to make the rav4 popular despite the increased competition in the segment it helped create. lineupfor 2000, the two-door version has been dropped. The 2wd model retails for $16,668, while the 4wd model starts at $18,078. Extra value package #1 1,547) adds air conditioning, am/fm/cassette, cruise control, power windows, mirrors and door locks, cloth head rests. Package #3 3,029) includes the above plus leather seating surfaces. With the destination charge 480), the price as tested came to $23,027. walkaroundthe rav4 remains a visual departure from a crowded highway of look-alike suvs. The sheetmetal forming its wide body dips downward at the side windows, giving it a muscular, ready-for-action look that is strengthened by an aggressively styled grille and front fascia, a sloping hood with large air intakes, and kicked-up rear quarter panels sculpted around big 16-inch tires on boldly style wheels. Less hip but equally appreciated features are the full carpeting, dual outside mirrors, intermittent front and rear wipers and a rear window defogger. Front door pockets provide storage, while dual cupholders are integrated into the lower instrument panel. The instrument cluster incorporates a digital odometer, dual trip meter, and upgraded radio features. All-around visibility is excellent, thanks to the sloping hood, tall driving position, and generously sized windows. Visibility out the front is excellent. a low step-in height makes it easy to get in and out. Rear seat leg space isn't that bad given the vehicle's overall small size, but we did find it cramped getting to those rear seats through the small secondary doors. With the split-folding rear seat folded flush, the rav4 can handle 57. 9 cubic feet of goods, less than of some of its competitors. Rav4 is based on the front-wheel-drive toyota camry sedan, and its unitbody chassis gives it comfortable, car-like handling, unlike the truck-based sport-utilities with their heavier and less-rigid body-on-frame construction. This emphasis on highway manners reflects the way most people use this type of vehicle. still, the rav4 is not simply a sport-utility wannabe. For one thing, it carries a higher ride height (7. 5 inches) than a sedan, making light off-road driving feasible. We were impressed with the all-wheel-drive traction, finding it useful in snow and slush. Even though the rav4 lacks a low-range set of gears, the locking differential gives the rav4 a traction advantage over the all-wheel-drive honda cr-v and subaru forester. on automatic transmission models, the center differential automatically locks up when excessive slip is sensed between the front and rear axles. On manual transmission models, the driver uses a switch to manually lock or unlock the center differential. This reduces wheelspin off road, but it also improves driver control on wet roads. the rav4 is nimble and fun to drive, thanks to a well-designed independent suspension and power rack-and-pinion steering. The engine feels peppy and can cruise at 80. The rav4 accelerates to highway speeds with reasonable enthusiasm, but it runs out of power in the higher rpm range. For this reason, we prefer the standard 5-speed manual transmission. The automatic transmission lacks response and flexibility; getting through the mountains is a struggle and it has a tough time accomplishing this when in cruise control mode. Brakes are discs on the front and drums in back; abs is available as a $590 option, which is money well spent. Given toyota's reputation for quality, we'd expect it to offer good resale value as well. at first glance, the $16,668 base price looks low, but air conditioning and other 21st century necessities quickly drive that price over $18,500 with destination charges. Power Windows✔ Anti-lock Brakes✔ AM/FM✔ Cruise Control✔ Air Conditioning✔ Alloy Wheels
9,194 Fairbanks, AKFairbanks, AK at autoshopper.com