The Toyota RAV4 (pronounced "rav-four") is a compact crossover SUV that has been marketed by the Toyota Motor Corporation since 1994. Its name stands for "Recreational Activity Vehicle, 4-wheel drive," though not all models come with four wheel drive as this is optional in some countries. The RAV4 is designed to offer the maneuverability and fuel economy of a smaller car, with the increased cargo room, higher visibility, and the option of four wheel drive that are associated with an SUV. Other vehicles have been released since then that have followed this same general principle, such as the Honda CR-V, the Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute/CX-5, and the Subaru Forester.
First generation (1994-2000)
The first generation RAV4 was offered in two-door and four-door versions. For the US market, a 2.0 L I4 engine producing 120 hp was available and could be paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Front wheel drive and all wheel drive were both offered as options. In 1998, the RAV4 underwent a minor restyle and a soft-top two-door was made available exclusively in the American market. The two-door hardtop was subsequently removed from the US lineup in 1999.
Second generation (2001-2005)
The second generation RAV4 was offered as a single trim level, with a front wheel drive or all wheel drive option. The only engine available was a 2.0 L I4 engine producing 148 hp. It included many standard features, including 16 inch wheels, anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, a height-adjustable driver's seat, cruise control, a six-speaker CD stereo, power windows, mirrors, and heated seats. An optional sport package included 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. Other options included alloy wheels, a sunroof, and keyless entry. Larger tires were also available on all wheel drive models.
In 2004, the RAV4 was slightly restyled and the 2.4 L I4 engine producing 161 hp replaced the 2.0 L engine as standard equipment. This second generation of RAV4 was a great success, particularly in Australia, where it became the best-selling SUV in the country in 2001 and retained that title in 2004.
Third generation
The 2006 model year marked the release of the third generation Toyota RAV4. This is the first time a 3.5 L V6 engine from the Toyota Avalon was made available in North America, making 269 hp. The 2.4 L four-cylinder engine remains the standard in the US, but puts out 166 hp, up 5 from last year, and the interior volume is increased by 21 percent. All three US models have only four-door configurations, but a two-door model is available in some other countries. For the US and Canada, the third generation RAV4 also offers the option of a third row seat. Front wheel drive and four wheel drive are both available in the US, but four wheel drive is the only option in Canada.
The RAV4s sold in North America are produced in Toyota's Tahara, Aichi, Japan assembly plant. Production is expected to move to Toyota's Woodstock, Ontario, Canada assembly plant when it opens
Decorate your room with Toyota RAV4 X 2006 style! Get the poster, mouse pad, t-shirt, and calendar to show off your great taste in both cars and design. Get yours today!
