2004 Toyota RAV4 Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　

What’s new

　　Toyota has given the RAV4 a midcycle freshening for 2004. Notable improvements include a larger 161-horsepower, 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine, a mild restyling that gives it a more aggressive appearance, and inside, a new steering wheel and instrument panel. Standard equipment has increased significantly, with stability and traction control, antilock brakes, air conditioning and a six-speaker stereo heading up the list. Multistage front airbags are also new this year, and side airbags for front occupants and full-length head curtain airbags are now optional.

　　

zzdcar says

　　With ample power under the hood and a generous standard features list, the RAV4 is now a worthy adversary for mini-utes like the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2004 Toyota RAV4 Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$160/mo  for RAV4 Base

　　RAV4 Base

　　Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M) - $18,450 MSRPFwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A) (Most Popular) - $19,500 MSRPAWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M) - $19,850 MSRPAWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A) - $20,900 MSRP

　　vs

　　$166/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　

2004 RAV4 Highlights

　　

Base MSRP	$18,450
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$160/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	29.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles