2009 Toyota RAV4 Reviews

There was no such car as an SUV when Toyota unleashed the RAV4 on the local market in 1994. In the course of the next 19 years it has evolved from a cheeky three-door for the unattached and free-at-heart into a full-sized wagon for the family.NEWOnce alone in the market it now has to compete against a vast number of models from rival carmakers. The third generation RAV4 released in 2006 was a step along the evolutionary path. Gone was the youthful three-door that announced the new model in 1994, and the constant four-wheel drive system was replaced by an on-demand all-wheel drive system in line with most of its rivals.The four-door wagon was one of the roomiest in the class accommodating five adults, although the one forced to sit in the centre of the rear seat would have found it a little cramped. The rear seat slid back and forth, and could be split and folded for versatility in carrying passengers and loads as needed.Power buyers could choose between a smooth 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a lusty 3.5-litre V6. The four-cylinder could be coupled up to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, while those ticking the box for the V6 got a five-speed auto.One of the big changes in the third generation RAV4 was the switch to an on-demand all-wheel drive system. In effect it drove like a front-wheel drive car most of the time, only engaging the rear wheels when slip was detected at the front. Hard core four-wheel drive fans might feel cheated by the switch, but most RAV4 buyers wouldn't notice a difference.The RAV4 has a towing rating of 1500kg, but some owners find that the four-cylinder engine struggles when hauling a caravan at around that weight. If you plan to tow with your RAV4 it's perhaps best to look at the V6.NOWFor years Toyota enjoyed a reputation for building cars that gave little or no trouble, but that reputation has been tarnished somewhat in recent years when it had to recall a number of cars, including the RAV4.One recall related to the tightening of the adjustable rear suspension arm following a rear wheel alignment. If not tightened enough the threads on the arm could wear causing the arm to fail. Another concerned the possible fitment of a prototype instrument panel reinforcement, which could fail and affect the steering.A third related to the sliding electrical contact module in the driver's-side power window master switch, which could feel sticky when operated and could stop working or over-heat and melt. Other than those potential issues the RAV4 is a solid car that really does give little trouble.As it is with all cars it's important that the RAV4 is serviced according to Toyota's recommended schedule, which calls for servicing at 10,000km or six-month intervals. That's more frequently than some other carmakers recommend, but it's worthwhile sticking to the schedule to underpin the longevity of the car.Although few RAV4s hit the dirt like their bigger brothers, they are quite capable off-road and could be used in the bush. With that in mind it's worth taking a careful look over any potential purchase, checking underneath for damage to the underbody, suspension or driveline, and also take a close look at the bodywork for damage that might have been sustained off-road.SMITHY SAYSSafe, solid and reliable wagon for the family.Toyota RAV4 - 2006-2010Price new: $31,990 to $41,990Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cylinder, 125 kW/224 Nm; 3.5-litre V6, 201 kW/333 NmTransmission: 5-speed man, 4-speed auto, AWDEconomy: 9.1 L/100 km (2.4), 10.5 L/100 km (V6)Body: 4-door wagonVariants: CV, CV6, Cruiser, Cruiser LSafety: 4-star ANCAP

Sales of little soft-roaders have grown faster than any new vehicle segment in our overcrowded new-car market.Last year there were just over 60,000 small SUVs sold, up 53 per cent on 2011. The category parameters have changed and now some models previously considered compact are classified as medium. But sales of the smallest SUVs have increased for the past three consecutive years.The appeal lies in several attributes, not the least of which is in looking more adventurous than domesticated. There's the draw of fuel economy, though the reality is that certain of these models do not perform much better than the big cars they've supplanted.Then there is the versatility of the interior, the elevated driving position and the visibility it affords, and the perception of being unassailable by other road users.The three brands on this page argue about who started the soft-roader craze. Each has a worthy case.Toyota is synonymous with off-road passenger machinery that has a reputation for reliability and capability. The RAV4 introduced a suburban level of versatility to the Japanese brand when it lobbed here in 1996 (there was the Tercel and AWD Tarago before it, but let's not go there).The RAV had the look and lineage to carry off the compact SUV concept. With a new model not far from the showrooms there are bargains to be had in the outgoing vintage.Subaru's all-terrain wagon heritage harks back to the 1970s, when 1600cc (and, later, 1800cc) wagons with transfer cases and raised bellies showed you didn't need a big burly 4WD to get seriously off the beaten track. The Forester might not have retained the forebears' dual-range lever within the transmission console but the spirit remains.Another company with four decades of history in the realm of small, lightweight off-roaders is Suzuki. The original Jimny and Sierra lightweight 4WD wagons were tiny, nimble and bulletproof machines and the modern descendant the Grand Vitara has retained much of the off-road ability without succumbing to the soft-roader sookery.(Search for hundreds more choices) 2011 Toyota RAV4Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cyl petrolTransmission: 4-speed automaticThirst: 9.6L/100 CARSGUIDE SAYSThe dependable Toyota reputation offsets any styling shortfall. While not a rock-hopper like its LandCruiser big brother, it doesn't mind getting its wheels dirty. Dual airbags, descent and stability control, Bluetooth and USB connection are among the features.2009 Subaru Forester XS PremiumEngine: 2.5-litre 4-cyl boxer petrolTransmission: 4-speed automaticThirst: 9.6L/100km CARSGUIDE SAYSThe Forester has been a segment leader on sales volume and is one of the more versatile of the all-terrain brigade -- some models still have low range. The XS Premium has leather trim, sunroof, stability control, climate control, six airbags and rally-bred heritage.2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara WagonEngine: 2.4-litre 4-cyl petrolTransmission: 5-speed manualThirst: 8.9L/100km  CARSGUIDE SAYSThe brand builds bikes as well as being responsible for the original small off-roader. The Suzuki Grand Vitara has old-school 4WD and genuine off-road ability. Anything but a soft-roader, it's light and nimble off the beaten track and useful around town too.

When launched in October 1994, the Toyota RAV4 was a cute and cheeky 4WD. Over the years it expanded in size and from the latest model in February 2006 has become positively staid – sounds like the typical human life cycle doesn’t it!In the ‘teenage’ years of its life cycle, the funkiest of all RAV4s arrived in January 1998, but barely lasted two years on the market. Though called Cabriolet by Toyota, it is in fact an old-style soft-top. The roof is reasonably easy to pull down and erect, but we still recommend a bit of practice at home before you set out on a topless trip on a cloudy dayThe great majority of Toyota RAV4s have a two or four-door station wagon body. The former is on a shorter wheelbase than the latter, so misses out on both rear-seat space and luggage carrying capacity.The RAV4 isn't designed to conquer the great Aussie outback, Toyota has plenty of other 4WDs and SUVs capable of dong just that, but it is a lot more competent than you might expect. Good ground clearance, big wheels and handy approach, departure and ramp angles mean it can take on rocks, ruts and rough stuff with plenty of verve. The short-wheelbase is, naturally, better than the LWB if you want to get serious off-road.These little Toyota SUVs use what are virtually car tyres and don’t have a low-range transfer case. Better tyres can make it just perfect on the beach.The RAV4’s first engine was a modern 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit that gives better than average performance for its class. The engine was extensively modified at the beginning of 1998 to give it a broader spread of torque. The four-cylinder engine was increased in size to 2.4 litres in 2003.From October 2007 a V6 engine option with the capacity of 3.5 litres joined the fray. It goes without saying the V6 has plenty of grunt, but it can be on the thirsty side at times.You have a choice between a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic transmission in most models. The V6 comes only with a five-speed auto. The four-speed automatic is a modern unit that works well and doesn’t take too much edge off the performance, but many computers now provide five or six forward ratios.Toyota has been number one in the Australian automotive market for a number of years. So it has dealers in almost all areas of Australia, even those which are ignored by other big players in our market. So getting spares and repairs isn't likely to be a hassle.Dealers in the most remote zones are more likely to carry spare parts for LandCruisers than for the RAV4s. Nonetheless, you aren’t likely to have to wait for more than a few days for parts to be shipped to the bush from one of the major cities.Insurance is generally in the low to moderate range and there doesn't seem to be a huge variance in premium prices between them.WHAT TO LOOK FORThe Toyota RAV4 is built to a high standard but it’s still wise to have a full inspection after doing your own check up. Most RAV4s never go off road, but look closely for panel and underbody damage, just in case.Scratches in the paint and and/or the door sills and lower body corners are tell-tale signs a RAV4 has come into contact with solid objects, perhaps only bushes and similar shrubbery. But it all costs money to have rectified.If you come across sand in the underbody, try it for a salty taste. RAV4s appear to be well rust proofed but salt water really rips into steel if it gets half a chance. Check the condition of the trim, especially in a soft-top as the latter may have been caught out in the rain or even driven in the surf - again check for that salty smell or taste.Listen and feel for loose components in the transmission system that have been abused in off-road driving. The engine should start first time every time, and idle smoothly even when completely cold. If there is smoke from the exhaust under hard acceleration the engine may be in a bad way.If a manual gearbox is reluctant to go down from third to second when the change is hurried, trouble could be brewing. Automatic transmissions which have had a hard life may be reluctant to change and could be slow at engaging a drive gear from Neutral or Park.CAR BUYING TIPSilly as it may sound, beware the 4WD that has been off-road. So few do any real work these days that it’s easy to find one that’s never been off sealed surfaces.

While your average SUV looks like it could handle the bush few owners really believe deep down that they would if they were put to the test.  Most SUVs are bought as family wagons and used to transport the kids to school and pick up the shopping from the supermarket.  Rarely, if ever, do they venture beyond the city limits, and when they do it's usually only as far as a local beach or a nearby camping ground.But Toyota was keen to show that its new RAV4 really could handle the rough going when it decided to launch its 2006 model in the Flinders Ranges in South Australia.  It was a deliberate attempt by Toyota to prove its smallest off-roader was little more than a soft townie at heart.MODEL WATCHThe all-new 2006 RAV4 was a far cry from the cute little fun wagon launched back in the 1990s.  It was bigger in almost every dimension than its predecessor, it was also heavier by 180 kg, and it had grown into a full-sized family wagon with a much roomier interior.  There were six models in the range with three levels of equipment: CV, Cruiser and Cruiser L.All models came with the same 2.4-litre twin cam four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing boasting peak power of 125 kW at 6000 revs, that's up 5 kW, with the maximum torque unchanged at 224 Nm at 4000 revs.There was a choice of a five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed auto, with part-time four-wheel drive.  The RAV4 was essentially a front driver with drive sent to the rear wheels when the car's electronics deemed it necessary for safe traction.Tested on gravel roads at the time of launch the system switched seamlessly from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive, with the only indication a light on the dash to inform the driver the switch had taken place.There was no low range for more serious offroad driving, but Toyota  felt its on-demand system was sufficient for what most RAV4s would be used for.  Underneath, the RAV4 had fully independent suspension at both ends, with MacPherson Strut at the front and wishbones at the rear.  All models came with 17-inch alloy wheels, CD sound, tilt-and-reach steering wheel, heaps of storage compartments, and cup holders.If you stepped up to the Cruiser mid-ranger from the base CV you got dual-zone air, traction control, hill-start assistance, and stability control.  Climb further up the ladder to the Cruiser L and you also got leather, a power driver's seat, and both front seats were heated.IN THE SHOPToyota enjoys a well earned reputation for quality and reliability, and although recent reports to Cars Guide suggest it has perhaps slipped a little from its lofty perch it is still right up there with   the best.Cars Guide readers rarely complain about the RAV4, which suggests they are happy with their choice of car.  Build quality is of a good level, the interior plastics and other hardware stands up well to normal use.With any SUV, including the RAV4, it's important to check for signs, not so much of use off-road, but of off-road abuse.  It's possible to drive off the black top without beating your car to death, so check for underbody damage, damage to suspension and driveshafts that suggest an uncaring driver.  Also look for evidence that regular maintenance has been carried out, particularly of oil and filter changes.IN A CRASHAll models had ABS anti-skid brakes with brake-force distribution, along with active four-wheel drive, which endowed the RAV4 with decent active safety.  For more, the Cruiser and Cruiser L offered traction control and stability control systems.Add the passive protection of twin airbags on the CV, plus side and curtain airbags on the Cruiser and Cruiser L, and the RAV4 scrubbed up pretty well for safety, well enough to be awarded four out of a possible five stars by ANCAP.AT THE PUMPToyota claimed it had squeezed a little more economy out of the RAV4, with the manual model down to 9.1 L/100 km.  The figures provided by reader reporter David Simos suggest that Toyota's claim is pretty much on the money.OWNER'S SAYDavid Simos switched from a 2001 Volvo Cross Country to a 2009 RAV4 CV manual about 15 months ago in the hope of a more reliable run. He has since done almost 39,000 km and says there have been no problems and he is really pleased with it. Simos chose the cheapest Japanese/  Australian car that fitted four, a pram, stroller and port-a-cot, and that was the RAV4 CV manual. He says the sliding rear seat, which increases boot space, is great for work, the underfloor storage in the boot is excellent for storing a toolbox and foldaway trolley, but the swinging rear door can be a problem if you're parked in a tight spot or on an incline. The only issue of concern he has had is a whirring noise that seems to come from the front right of the vehicle at 70 km/h in higher gears, and he says it's revving a little higher than he would like at 100 km/h.LOOK FOR. Family-sized wagon. Roomy interior. Competent all-wheel driver. Four-cylinder economy. Quality buildTHE BOTTOM LINENo longer just for the young or young-at-heart the bigger, better   RAV4 is a competent family all-rounder.COMING UPWhat do you think of your Hyundai i30? Send your comments to Graham   Smith at Cars Guide or e-mail to grah.smith@bigpond.com.

We live in an age of allergies that feeds an industry of preventative medicines and an army of taxpayer-funded advisors.Each of us has some food-related allergy or, at least, an intense dislike to what's on the dinner plate.All foods, that is, except chicken.You never hear a kid complain about KFC.You never get the aircraft scenario where the flight attendant pushing the food trolley down the aisle is asking: "Chicken? Chicken anyone? No, I'm very sorry sir, the fish and the stew are all gone."Everybody likes chicken. It's every menu's safe bet.And if a car was listed on the menu as chicken, it would undoubtedly be served up with a Toyota badge.Like chicken, everybody likes Toyota. It's the safe bet.I thought the world had passed by the Toyota RAV4. It's now three years old and the new kids on the block — notably the VW Tiguan, Nissan Dualis and Subaru Forester — are flavorsome options.Yet the RAV4 still impresses and sales shows that despite the newcomers, the RAV4 is Australia's second most popular Compact SUV after the Forester.It's about the same price as its rivals and technically and feature-wise, is on par. That makes it a hard sector for buyers to pick their next car.Toyota knows that so there are nine RAV4 models that start with this one here, the base-model CV with automatic transmission.Yes, you can buy a 3.5-litre V6 version and scare the pants off Commodore owners.But to me the CV auto is the essential RAV4 — neat, cleanly styled, very functional and fairly priced at $35,490 (plus on-road costs).The five door wagon seats four adults. The back seat slides on rollers so the luggage area can be expanded — at the expense of legroom, of course — and that feature should be a no-brainer for all SUVs.The side-hinged tailgate looks cumbersome with the spare wheel — a full-size spare, by the way — hanging off but is actually light and well supported by gas struts.I like the underfloor bins for small-item storage, the netting for shopping and the flip down rear seats for added cargo space.It drives like a small car with light steering feel and simple dashboard controls. Nothing fancy, just efficient.The four-speed auto is a bit archaic in a market with five and six-speed boxes, but the Camry-derived 2.4-litre engine is lazy enough so there's a broad power band.Performance is adequate rather than elating, though I caught myself smiling once so I left the grey cardigan in the wardrobe.More important is an upgrade by Toyota that made electronic stability control (in Toyota-speak it's VDC) standard along with traction control and active head restraints. The latter reduces whiplash injury.The CV gets two airbags but there is an optional package that adds five airbags — you have to use your other hand because that's seven in total — and climate-control, dual-zone airconditioning. No, I don't know why aircon and airbags have become allied.Along with its easy driving manners, the RAV4 is quiet and comfortable. Yes, some conventional sedans — the Corolla for example — are quieter and indeed safer, but the small SUV market promises more flexible cabin space.Though economical to purchase, the RAV4 is a bit thirstier than expected. Toyota claims 9.6 litres/100km and I was into the 10s and sometimes 11s. Compared with a similar size sedan — the Corolla, again — which is rated at 7.4 l/100km, the RAV4 will put its hand deeper into the weekly household spend.On the plus side, there's a set service cost for the life of the three year warranty which is cheaper than most rivals.But I like the RAV4 for its simplicity. It's just like chicken.Snapshot TOYOTA RAV4 CV Price: $35,490 (plus dealer and statutory charges)Engine: 2.4-litre, 4-cylinderPower: 125kW @ 6000rpmTorque: 224Nm @ 4000rpmEconomy (official): 9.6 litres/100km, (tested): 10.5 litres/100kmEmissions: 227g/kmTransmission: 4-speed automatic, constant 4WDRating: 85/100Rivals: Ford Escape ($33,990) — 80/100; Honda CR-V ($33,990) — 86/100; Jeep Patriot/Compass Sport ($29,990) — 79/100; Mitsubishi Outlander LS ($32,990) — 85/100; Nissan X-Trail ST ($32,490) — 84/100; Subaru Forester X ($30,990) — 86/100; VW Tiguan 125TSI ($33,990) — 86/100