Toyota RAV4

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Toyota RAV4
Manufacturer	Toyota Motor Corporation Toyota Industries Corporation
Production	1994–present
Class	Compact crossover SUV
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive

The Toyota RAV4 (pronounced "rav-four") is a compact crossover SUV built and marketed by the Toyota Motor Corporation. The car was introduced in Japan and Europe in 1994 and sales began in North America in 1996 to cater to consumers wanting a vehicle that had most of the benefits of SUVs, such as increased cargo room, higher visibility, and the option of full-time four-wheel drive, along with the maneuverability and fuel economy of a smaller car. The early success of the RAV4 paved the way for other compact SUVs such as the Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander, the Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute, and the Subaru Forester. Its name stands for "Recreational Activity Vehicle, 4-wheel drive," although not all RAV4s have four wheel drive, which is optional in some countries.^[1] In most countries, the RAV4 is the only compact SUV from Toyota. In other markets, it is the crossover counterpart of the FJ Cruiser.

[edit] First generation (1994–2000)

First generation
Also called	Toyota RAV4 EV
Production	1994–2000 (Gas-powered RAV4) 1997-2003 (EV)
Assembly	Motomachi, Japan Tahara, Aichi, Japan
Body style(s)	2-door SUV 4-door SUV 2-door convertible
Engine(s)	2.0 L I4
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	4-Door: 2410 mm (94.9 in) 2-Door: 2200 mm (86.6 in)
Length	1998-2000 4-Door: 4160 mm (163.8 in) 1998-99 2-Door: 3750 mm (147.6 in) 1994-97 2-Door: 3740 mm (147.2 in) 1994-97 4-Door: 4150 mm (147.6 in)
Width	1695 mm (66.7 in)
Height	1994-97 2-Door FWD: 1646 mm (64.8 in) 4-Door FWD: 1650 mm (65.0 in) 1994-97 2-Door 4WD: 1655 mm (65.2 in) 4-Door AWD & 1998-2000 2-Door: 1661 mm (65.4 in)
Fuel capacity	58 L (15.3 US gal)
Related	Toyota Corolla Toyota Tercel Toyota Celica Toyota Paseo Geo/Chevrolet Prizm

1996-1997 Toyota RAV4 2-door hardtop

The RAV4 was originally based on the Corolla platform, and was offered in both two and four-door versions. In the US, a 2.0 L I4 engine producing 120 hp was offered. Both Front wheel drive and Four-wheel drive were available, and the RAV4 could be had with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. In 1998, the RAV4 was slightly restyled on the front and rear fascias, and a soft-top two-door was made available exclusively in the US market. Horsepower was increased slightly to 127. In 1999, the two-door hardtop was dropped from the American lineup, leaving the 4-door and soft-top models.

1998-2000 Toyota RAV4 2-door Convertible

One interesting version, the RAV4 EV, was an all-electric 'zero-emission' model offered for sale in low quantities in California. These models came with a 60,000-mile battery warranty, and the vehicles still command high prices on the used-car market. One sold in 2006 on eBay for over US$50,000.

A significant criticism of the gasoline-powered first generation RAV4s, often called '4.1s', was that they were underpowered, and had relatively poor fuel economy via their 3SFE engines that were designed for earlier Camrys and 1987-1989 Toyota Celica GT, 1990-1993 S-R and Z-R, as well as 1994-1999 SS-I. Later generations of RAV4s, the so-called '4.2s' and '4.3s', have addressed this concern. Like most other Toyotas, all RAV4s have earned the reputation of high reliability, and have enjoyed high resale values.

[edit] Second generation (2001–2005)

Second generation
Production	2001–2005
Assembly	Motomachi, Japan Tahara, Aichi, Japan
Body style(s)	4-door SUV 2-door SUV (Not for North America
Engine(s)	2.0 L I4 2.0 L diesel I4 2.4 L I4
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	2490 mm (98.0 in)
Length	2004-05: 4230 mm (166.6 in) 2001-03: 4193 mm (165.1 in)
Width	1735 mm (68.3 in)
Height	2004-05: 1680 mm (66.1 in) 2001-03: 1650 mm (64.9 in)
Fuel capacity	56 L (14.7 US gal)
Related	Toyota Corolla Toyota Celica Toyota Matrix Toyota Voltz Chevrolet Prizm Pontiac Vibe

The second generation RAV4 was offered in a single trim level and still came with front or all-wheel drive. It continued on the Corolla platform. Although the RAV4 was available as a two-door in Europe and Asia, the American model was now only available in a four-door configuration. A 2.0 L I4 engine producing 148 hp was the only engine available. Some RAV4s came with anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, air conditioning, a height-adjustable driver's seat, cruise control, a six-speaker CD stereo and power windows, mirrors and seats. A sport package added a mesh grille, hood scoop, color-keyed door handles, a roof rack, silver sport pedals, heated mirrors, gray-painted bumpers and fender flares, and sport fabric seats. Other options included alloy wheels, heated seats, a sunroof and keyless entry. 16-inch wheels were standard; larger tires were available on all wheel drive models.

In 2004, the RAV4 was slightly restyled, and a 2.4 L I4 engine producing 161 hp replaced the 2.0 L (Except most European models) engine as standard equipment. Steering wheel-mounted audio controls were made standard. The second generation RAV4 has proved extremely popular in Australia, where it became the best-selling SUV in the country in 2001. The Australian RAV4 were offered as base Edge and upmarket Cruiser. In 2004, it was the best-selling compact SUV.

[edit] Third generation (2006–present)

It has been suggested that Toyota Vanguard be merged into this article or section. (Discuss)

Third generation
Also called	Toyota Vanguard (for LWB model)
Production	2006–present
Assembly	Tahara, Aichi, Japan Obu, Aichi, Japan Woodstock, Ontario, Canada (from 2008)
Body style(s)	4-door SUV
Engine(s)	2.0 L I4 2.2 L diesel I4 2.4 L I4 3.5 L V6
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic
Wheelbase	SWB: 2560 mm (100.8 in) LWB: 2660 mm (104.7 in)
Length	LWB: 4600 mm (181.1 in) SWB: 4395 mm (173 in)
Width	SWB: 1815 mm (71.5 in) LWB: 1815 mm (71.5 in) LWB Sport: 73.0 in (1854 mm)
Height	LWB: 1685 mm (66.3 in) LWB Sport & Limited: 68.7 in (1745 mm) LWB Australia: 1695 mm (66.7 in) SWB: 1720 mm (67.7 in)
Fuel capacity	60 L (15.9 US gal)
Related	Toyota Corolla Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe

The Toyota RAV4 was completely redesigned for the 2006 model year, on an all-new platform. It still has the 2AZ-FE 2.4 L four-cylinder engine, which now produces 166 hp, up five from the previous year. The North American and Australian RAV4 is also fitted with the 2GR-FE 3.5 L V6 engine as an option. The new RAV4 topped Toyota SUV sales in the United States for the first time. It is also the first generation of RAV4 to be offered in regular (for Asian and European markets) and extended (for American and Australian markets) versions.

The extended-length RAV4 is larger by 21% in interior volume from the last generation and now has an available third-row seat for two small children (US and Canada only). The RAV4 can still be had in either two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive in the United States; however, most countries, including Canada, only sell the four-wheel-drive version.

JDM models are X, G, and Sport. The X and G can be ordered with either front-drive or 4WD. The Sport model with over fender is 4WD only. In Australia, the RAV4 is sold in base CV, mid-range Cruiser, and top of the line Cruiser L trim levels. The extended-length RAV4 is sold in Japan as the Toyota Vanguard.

Currently, the RAV4 is produced in two locations in Japan: Toyota's Tahara, Aichi assembly plant, and under contract by Toyota Industries in its Nagakusa, Obu, Aichi plant. However, when Toyota's Woodstock, Ontario, Canada assembly plant comes online in 2008, models sold in North America will be assembled exclusively there (effective May 2009).

[edit] References

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Toyota RAV4

• Toyota RAV4 at Toyota.com
• TOYOTA Truck & SUV Club - Forums and More.
• RAV4World A community of RAV4 enthusiasts.
• http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showforum=79 - The forum for Uk Rav4 owners.
• Toyota RAV4 Information - Toyota RAV4 Information