Toyota's RAV4 is stylish and useful, and comes with Toyota's reputation for quality, durability and reliability. RAV4 handles well and feels stable out on the open road. It's comfortable for running around town, easy to park, and its low load floor makes it convenient for hauling stuff.
Toyota completely redesigned and re-engineered the RAV4 for model-year 2001, producing a more refined and better-looking vehicle than the previous-generation model.
For 2003, RAV4 adds an optional Sport Package with unique trim inside and out, plus popular comfort and convenience features such as air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, six-speaker stereo, and carpeted floor and cargo mats.
Toyota RAV4 is available as two models: 2WD ($16,525) and 4WD ($18,975). Various options and option packages allow you to tailor your RAV4 to your personal taste.
All RAV4s have four doors. There is only one engine, which was new for 2001: an all-aluminum, 16-valve, dohc inline four-cylinder with variable valve timing, displacing 2.0 liters and producing 148 horsepower. A five-speed manual is standard. A four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission is available for the 2WD ($17,575); and 4WD ($18,975) models.
RAV4 sounds cheap, but options can add up. Air conditioning is not standard ($900). Other options: antilock brakes ($300); roof rack ($220); alloy wheels with slightly wider tires ($895); remote keyless entry ($230); leather ($840); limited-slip differential ($390) rear spoiler ($200); power moonroof ($900). The L package ($2,153) includes air conditioning, cruise control, a premium CD sound system, tinted windows, fog lamps, color-keyed body trim, and a hard spare tire cover. Quick Order Package ($1,433) adds air conditioning, a CD audio system, cruise control, power windows, locks and mirrors and carpeted floor mats.
The new Sport Package ($2,067) features a unique grille, aerodynamic headlamps, a hood scoop, and gray-painted overfenders.
The styling of the 2003 Toyota RAV4 is dynamic, striking and aggressive. It avoids the cuteness of the original (pre-2001) RAV4s.
Without the Sport Package, a 2003 RAV4 looks pretty much like a 2002 RAV4, which hadn't changed from the all-new 2001 model. Compared to pre-2001 models, the current RAV4 is larger in length, width, height, wheelbase, and track. The track was widened by nearly two inches but the height increased by just half an inch. The current RAV4 hugs the earth closer than the earlier generation as well, with about one inch less ground clearance. That sounds more stable to us.
At just 166.2 inches long, the RAV4 is still 9 inches shorter than a Subaru Forester and 12.4 inches shorter than a Honda CR-V. (Opt for the hard spare tire cover, and the RAV4 grows an inch.)
The styling suggests a vector or wedge shape, which is pretty hard to do with what is basically a tall, small box. This is mostly accomplished by a sloping hood and downward cant from the rear quarter panels forward, under the side windows. When the arched roofline ends with the optional spoiler, the result is cool looking.
The cladding and body molding are smooth, the fender flares around 16-inch wheels are beefy for a mini SUV, and sculpted scoops in the sides and hood try to be eye-catching. Combination tail lights wrap nicely around the sides. At the nose, the headlights are shaped like wasp eyes, angling upward. Optional fog lights are built into the air dam, which contains a gaping grille with a few teeth. The gray body cladding looks good with some colors, but contrasts poorly with others.
The optional alloy wheels are a simple five-spoke star pattern, and the optional cover over the spare, hanging on the rear gate, serves its purpose in making the RAV4 look less rough, but therefore less rugged. The rear hatch is hinged on the right side. That means the door swings open toward the curb, inconvenient at airports because you have to walk around the door.
