RSS Feed for RAV4 forum -> 
|
The all-new third-generation RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) features vastly improved performance, and a larger, restyled design to redefine a segment it created nearly 10 years ago.
The RAV4, which first launched in January 1996, revolutionized the SUV market as the first SUV developed on a passenger car platform instead of the traditional truck platform. The success of the first RAV4 spawned the development of the car-based compact SUV, which now commands nearly 79 percent of the small SUV market.
>> 2006 Toyota RAV4 Specifications (USA)
>> 2006 Toyota RAV4 Specifications (Canada)
>> 2006 Toyota RAV4 Options
|
|
| 2006 MSRP Pricing (USA) |
| 2WD 4-cyl | $20,200 |
2WD V6 | $22,235 |
| Sport 2WD 4-cyl | $21,775 |
Sport 2WD V6 | $23,690 |
| Limited 2WD 4-cyl | $22,455 |
Limited 2WD V6 | $24,370 |
| 4WD 4-cyl | $21,600 |
4WD V6 | $23,635 |
| Sport 4WD 4-cyl | $23,175 |
Sport 4WD V6 | $25,090 |
| Limited 4WD 4-cyl | $23,855 |
Limited 4WD V6 | $25,770 |
|
|
Toyota began selling the RAV4 in Japan in May of 1994 and sales were strong immediately. Initial sales estimates were 4,500 units per month, but after 8,000 orders the first month, production was doubled immediately.
RAV4 features a 2.0-liter, 16-valve, four-cylinder engine originally used in the second generation Camry. RAV4 is available in two- and four-door body styles, and with either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions. It has a full-time all-wheel-drive system, and offered an optional locking center differential.
RAV4's size, four-wheel drive, wide stance and short front and rear overhangs make for great maneuverability both on- and off-road and in all weather conditions. All RAV4s were designed with safety equipment allowing them to be called passenger cars rather than trucks. Standard equipment includes dual airbags, adjustable three-point seatbelts and enhanced side-impact protection. Four-door models also include child-proof rear door locks.
By combining conventional passenger-car elements with the features of a light, off-road vehicle, Toyota called its RAV4 a "new-concept" SUV. The RAV4 provided Toyota and its customers with an attractive entry into the growing sport utility market.
The 1997 RAV4 saw only minor changes to an already revolutionary product. Changes were limited to revised seat fabric in two-door models, the availability of a power moonroof in four-door models, a standard digital clock and larger front speakers on power-window equipped models.
For 1998, RAV4 saw its first minor changes. Exterior changes included a new grille, front bumper cap, multi-reflector headlamps and jeweled taillights. On the inside, a digital odometer, dual cupholders, revised door panels, a three-spoke steering wheel and new audio systems topped the list. Four door models also received revised seat fabric.
The two-door RAV4 Soft Top was introduced in mid-year. The RAV4 Soft Top was based on the two-door RAV4 and featured a combination front hard top/rear convertible soft top.
The RAV4 Soft Top was built with structural braces in the rocker panels and rear fenders were added to the body of the vehicle for extra support and rigidity.
The U.S.-made top was constructed of double-layered, vinyl-coated polyester with a two-ply substrate and featured durable, lightweight plastic windows. The heavy-duty top was reinforced at all key stress points and was also kink and wrinkly resistant. In the event of inclement weather, the top offered a water management system that funneled moisture away from the cabin.
For 1999 Toyota once again raised the refinement mark for the mini sport utility segment by offering an optional perforated sport leather interior in its RAV4L Special Edition packaged models. Beginning this year, color-keyed body cladding, mirrors and door handles were standard on RAV4L. Three new special addition colors with matching cladding also became available, including White Pearl Mica, Quicksilver and Black.
RAV4 entered the 2000 model year as a four-door only model. The two-door Soft Top model had been discontinued.
For 2001, the second-generation RAV4 was completely redesigned making it a roomier, sportier and more versatile compact SUV. RAV4's overall length, width, height and wheelbase were all increased by approximately an inch or more for greater room, inside and out. The exterior was completely redesigned for a more aerodynamic, aggressive appearance.
The 2001 RAV4 is powered by a lighter, all-new, all-aluminum 2.0 liter, four-cylinder 16-valve DOHC engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence technology (VVT-i). VVT-i helped the engine produce 148 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 142 ft./lb. of torque at 4,000 rpm. RAV4 became certified as a low emission vehicle (LEV).
The 2002 RAV4 carried over mostly unchanged except for the increased availability of colors on the "L" model -- Rainforest Pearl, Spectra Blue Mica and Pearl White.
The RAV4 remained unchanged for 2003, with the exception of a newly available Sport Package which added a more aggressive exterior appearance and many interior amenities.
The RAV4 entered 2004 with significant mechanical, exterior and safety changes. Exterior changes included color-keyed back door handle, a new front bumper, headlights, grille, fog lights, tail lamps and spare tire cover designs. RAV4 also received a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 161 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of torque. Vehicle Stability Control with Traction Control and Brake Assist became standard, along with Anti-lock Brakes and Electronic Brake-force Distribution. Five new exterior colors were added and first- and second-row side curtain airbags and front side airbags also became optional.
For 2005, the RAV4's optional Sport Package features a unique metal mesh grille and silver sport pedals. The JBL 3-in-1 audio system has been deleted and the Star Safety System added.
(Information courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales USA)
|
|
|
