Toyota RAV4 D4D
The Toyota RAV4 (pronounced "rav-four") is a compact crossover SUV developed and produced by the Toyota Motor Corporation. Initially released in Japan in 1994, it was later introduced in Europe and North America in 1996. This vehicle was designed to offer consumers both the maneuverability and fuel efficiency of a smaller car, along with increased cargo room, higher visibility, and the option of four wheel drive often found with SUVs. The RAV4's success led to the creation of other compact SUVs, such as the Honda CR-V, the Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute/CX-5, and the Subaru Forester. The name stands for "Recreational Activity Vehicle, 4-wheel drive," despite the fact that this is not always an available feature.
First generation (1994-2000)
The first generation of the RAV4 was offered as either a two or four-door vehicle, with a 2.0 L I4 engine producing 120 hp. Transmission options included a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. For the US market, both front wheel drive and all wheel drive were available. In 1998, the front and rear fascias were slightly restyled, and a soft-top two-door was exclusively offered. In 1999, the two-door hardtop was discontinued.
Second generation (2001-2005)
The second generation of the RAV4 only had one trim level and still offered both front or all wheel drive. In the US, the RAV4 was only available as a four-door vehicle, with a 2.0 L I4 engine producing 148 hp as the only engine option. Every RAV4 included 16 inch wheels, anti-lock brakes, stability control, air conditioning, a height-adjustable driver's seat, cruise control, a six-speaker CD stereo and power windows, mirrors, and heated seats. The ‘sport package’ included an array of features, such as a mesh grille, hood scoop, color-keyed door handles, a roof rack, silver sport pedals, heated mirrors, gray-painted bumpers and overfenders and sport fabric seats. Alloy wheels, a sunroof, and keyless entry were also available as options. In 2004, the RAV4 was slightly restyled, with a 2.4 L I4 engine producing 161 hp as the new standard engine. This generation of the RAV4 was highly successful in Australia, becoming the best-selling SUV and compact SUV there in 2001 and 2004, respectively.
Third generation
For 2006, the RAV4 underwent a complete redesign. It has a 2.4 L four-cylinder engine, now producing 166 hp, which is 5 more than the last generation. The North American market also features a new 3.5 L V6 engine from the Toyota Avalon, making 269 hp. Interior volume is up by 21 percent, and a third row seat for two small children is available (only in the US and Canada). Transmission options are still a two- or four-wheel drive, with the four-wheel drive option only available in Canada. The third generation RAV4 is built on two wheelbases, a short wheelbase for the Asian and European markets, and a long-wheelbase for the North American market. For now, the RAV4 models sold in North America are produced in Toyota's Tahara, Aichi, Japan assembly plant. However, when Toyota's Woodstock, Ontario, Canada assembly plant comes online in 2008, models sold in North America will be assembled exclusively there.
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