2006 Toyota RAV4

Excellent all-around vehicle

By Dave (IA) on Thursday, June 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 107,000

Pros: "Simple, dependable, very easy to drive"

Cons: "Alloy wheels need refinishing at 100k mi"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This compact SUV has the best bang for the buck out there. The V6 AWD was worth it. I bought mine new and it hasn't failed me in almost 7 years of driving it. Everything still works like it was new. It has all the power you could ever need for passing, it's decent on gas (avg 25 mpg), it's comfortable even at highway speeds, it seats five comfortably, the back seat has limo-like legroom, and the all-wheel-drive automatically kicks in if you ever need it in the snow. No wonder these popular RAV4s are everywhere on the roads yet none are for sale - people who buy them keep them forever. Besides regular maintenance it's only needed brakes, a water pump at 75k, and a new set of tires. All the original lightbulbs still work and the headlights are still as bright as new. Toyota air conditioners have a hard time keeping up with hot weather, but the heater is fine in the winter. I would pass this vehicle off to my kids and buy a new one except the V6 is so powerful and I want to keep driving it!"

4 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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One of my favorite that I've ever owned.

By Carmen (NC) on Monday, June 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 55,000

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The next best being my convertible volvo. If you're looking for a mini suv w/ good gas mileage, this is it! And lots of back seat space!"

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Piece of Junk

By Rick (OH) on Tuesday, May 14, 2013

I owned and sold this car
Reason: Company Fleet Car - My approximate mileage is 70,000

Pros: "Cheap, Good gas mileage"

Cons: "Slow, Unreliable, Cheaply Made"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"My company switched to Toyota for their fleet cars. We quickly switched back to the previous brand after one year because of the mountain of complaints from the sales force. I had the RAV4. It was a piece of junk and seemed to be in constant need of repair. The car was the slowest I've ever driven, and everything about it seemed cheaply made. The breaks made horrible noises. The interior smelled of gasoline. Interior and body parts fell off during normal driving. The car would randomly shut down while driving down the road. The car blew out every electronic device I plugged into it. (ie GPS, Phone, Tablet) Toyota's response was that all of this is normal. I would definitely NOT recommend this car, and know my company would tell you the cost savings were not worth the problems."

4 people out of 22 found this review helpful

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A pleasure to own, Great gas mi., Reliable

By Crunch (UT) on Monday, May 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 68,260

Pros: "Reliability, parking, gas mi., conven., handling"

Cons: "Not quite enough power for towing."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Has a tight turning radius, good visibility, comfortable on long hauls, enough power for a 4cyl. to pass well, and climbing the hills. Good enough ground clearance to clear smaller boulders and handle rough roads. Great room for carrying large cargo. Love this vehicle."

9 people out of 12 found this review helpful

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Best Family Vehicle

By Nixie (TX) on Friday, April 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 127,000

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have had my RAV4 since 2007 and we love it. It has lots of nice features for a small family. The turning radius is unbelievable! Lots of cargo space if you don't get the 3rd row seat. Lots of get up and go and great gas mileage. We have just loved this car. No problems with anything except I'd get leather seats. Wish I had had leather seats while my daughter was little (easy cleanup)."

6 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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Good Car But Quality Problems

By emtee (WA) on Sunday, April 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 68,000

Pros: "solid roof rack, locking 4wd, full size spare"

Cons: "Some definite quality/design issues..."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 6

"Had this car for little over 3 years and put lots of miles on it. Long time Honda owner, first venture into a Toyota and have to admit, somewhat disappointed. Have problems with the radio (press a button and it will turn off - no dealer support, after warranty after all...) and had a serious problem with a design flaw in the gas tank vapor capture system - water gets in! to the tune of $1500 or so. It is an admitted design flaw (by my dealer service person - who was top notch!) and Toyota USA helped out but it should never have been a problem. Radio? No one will touch. Will need to buy a replacement (non-Toyota) soon as problem gets worse. Overall, the CRV is probably a better drive train and more comfortable but price was better on the RAV4. In particular, a few factors swayed me to the RAV4 - full size spare, a roof rack that can hold something (my double sea kayak), and the ability to lock in 4wd. Still the RAV4 is a good car and it will do well but..."

11 people out of 12 found this review helpful

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