If you take the headrest off of the driver and passenger seats and move the seat all the way forward and lean the back all the way down, it lines up with the back seats making a full lounge bed to lay on.

There are also rear cup holders that flip down from the back of the center console. These cars are so neatly designed!

Just fixed my 2001 rav 4 over 10 mechanics said transmission needed to be replaced well i replaced all O2 sensors with oem denso and wala no more transmission problems no more check engine. Also sent my ecu to get fixed for $80 it didn’t need it but i wanted the newest software update on it. 220,000 miles got her back on the road.

These cars are really quick and get up to speed in no time

The rear door isn't like that because they couldn't make it differently. It's like that because Toyota wanted it to still work in 2020

I just bought a 2003 with...get this....38000 miles...long story but a squirrel built a nest in front of the airbox - it caught fire - melted the airbox and burned the serpentine belt - all else was just fine - putting in on the road in about a month once my parts come in - what a find!!!

I have a 5 door RAV4 2003 2.0vvti with manual transmission. The interior does have lots of cheap plastic but it's features are actually quite ergonomic, simple and well thought out. The easily removable rear seats are great and the low loading height at the rear is useful. This car is ideal for converting into a weekend camper with some 2"x4" and ply boards to make a DIY removable camp bed, there are videos on youtube showing how.

Toyota should restart production: it's a classic like the VW beetle, except it works. Everywhere, every inch of that gen RAV4 is brilliance in Japanese design. DIY oil change takes 10 minutes, without jacks. Tranny fix is a reco ECU, sent the next day for $150, with instructions, and takes 20 minutes to change it. They stay like new after 20 years and if you change the oil on schedule they never stop. Well done, a great video.

My 2003 RAV4 2.0i 4wd Auto is still going strong..with 120k miles on the clock.

Love my 02! 250,000+ still rollin 😎

I have a 2002 Rav4 as well and they are excellent AWD vehicles. Cheap on gas and based on the Camry and Corolla drive train. With this said, parts are still readily available even in 2023. The second gen Rav4 also were based on a timing chain thus the engine should last as long as the car itself. Only issue is the ECM which is know for its poor soldering on a few of its resistors and capacitors. That's an easy fix though and there's plenty of step by step info on how to DIY this repair yourself. Seals will dry out and leak over time but the Rav4 should easily last 20 to 25 years with minimal care and maintenance. The only things I have changed were the EGR valve, the MAF sensor, (front) transmission drive-line seal, and timing chain tensioner seal.

Best car I have ever had. No transmission(manual) problems , 160.000km, model 2001

I have a 2002 Rav4 with low mileage. Recently, at 103,000 miles, the transmission started acting up. I replaced the ECM with a certified rehabbed one for about $250.00. Problem fixed. Transmission saved from bad EMM, before any damage. Problem solved!

A great and very watchable review, thank you . I have today just bought a 2003 with 103k on the clock, it drove very well on the test drive and your review had put my mind at rest that I've made the right choice. Many thanks.

Very informative video, way better than most high-budget ones. Thanks!

I have one from 2002, manual transmission, just passed the 200.000 kilometers. Extra big tires, living in the hills of south Portugal, dirtroads.

I got a 2001 rav4 same trim and color as yours had it for a year now and got it with 160,000 put 18,000 miles and no issues with the ecm, and the awd system is soil used in in the snow this year, and having 6.7 inches of ground clearance came in handy on a very rugged hikeing road I ran into this summer, the only real gripe I have with this thing is going above 60 with the 4 speed transmission is a bit challenging for it going 70 the engine is at 3000 rpms and if you need to get speed in a pinch on the freeway it isn't that great at higher speeds but other than that I love this thing the roof rack is quite nice too

This was really helpful! I just bought this car a couple days ago with only 68k miles and I’m pumped 😁

My mom purchased a loaded 2002 RAV4 L new with leather which is now impossible to find. She still drives it to this day and will never replace it because all the new small SUVs are too big. She is still driving it with the original transmission because she made sure to have the ECU for the transmission reprogrammed at the dealership before causing any transmission damage. The ‘02 RAV 4 is a member of the family

204K miles, 1st owner had trans fixed, used synthetic since 90K, runs great.

I love the back door. It blocks other people from passing by the back when you want privacy.

Happily my 2002 has only 145K miles and I LOVE it! I live Island of Hawai’i so does show some surface rust on the frame but since made in Japan, it’s holding up better than the rest made elsewhere. Am starting to get occassional interest in someone wanting to buy it now … so get it will become a classic. Hope I can come into some money to give a complete make over ❤

Huge RAV4 fan but the 01-03 didn't have ABS brakes and as a result, it was very squirrelly on some wet roads. Caused a couple minor wrecks for me due to not being able to stop. The 04-05 has ABS, a better engine and no problems with the ECM and transmission.

I miss my 02 rav. Had it 6 years without a single problem

I saw some dude set a 2001 for overland with 1 1/2 inch lift, steel bumpers with steel racks, mud tires and a winch.. I didn’t know if he did weld the diffs but it made out the trail faster than the old trail vets on hiluxes and delicas..

I just got 03 RAW4 L $1700 at 231112 miles runs like a champ Just installed new Struts and Shocks absorber for smooth ride

2002 rav4 vvti 175,000 miles just changing the catalytic converter and lambda sensors has new set of tyres and new exhaust system.just have to look at fixing the leaks that are appearing.

Rav4 is the best jeep.Everything is very nice. Like interior and exterior.

The "transmission issues" only affects the automatics, 2001-2003 manual gen2 Rav4 are solid

The ECU transmission problems was only through 2003 not 2004

I had a 2002 rav4 , traded for a 2011 Toyota sienna. The sienna just does more, it's bigger seats 8, way more comfortable drive, gets better mpg even with a v6 and larger vehicle, and can tow 3500lbs. There's things you need stay away from rav4 . Do NOT get the 2.4l engine, the 2.4L had major headgasket and piston ring problems they are utter garbage. The best years rav4 were 2001-2002 with indestructible 2.0L and a manual transmission. Those will last forever.

I wish they had made the cup holder a little deeper and some other features 🤔😩

Great video. Very helpful. Thanks. 👍🏾

I have the 2002 black rav4 identical to yours. 200k miles with a life in Chicago so rust is setting in. Timing chain sloppy. AC is shot. Transmission n computer was fixed for free by toyota. Car has been a workhorse. I fear it is near death. Inside of the the engine is new new due to all my oil changes.

My 2002 RAV4 has 233k miles , bought it used with 44k miles , best $10k I ever spent, every few months I find notes on my windshield from strangers who want to buy it !!…. Never !!!😊

Very nice review. Test driving this tomorrow.i didn't see any open recalls on the Carfax

Yes I bought it 2001 RAV4 manual transmission everything works I know sometimes feels a little slow but is ok my has 200631 miles and still working like a champ hopefully still running for more miles

Hi i hope you got the transmission fixed but i was told it is probly not the gearbox but the small electric module wich is renound for going bad on the 2nd gen rav4's from 2002 to 2009 and also the valve stem bolts tend to strip themselves as well but hope all is well for you cheers mate👍🙂🏎🍻

Love my 2005, only 105,000k, but it's in the garage today with a likely blown head gasket...*tears* The rear cargo area and door are great, so much room..

Sophie is absolutely perfect

Hi sir. Is it correct that this car having 1Az engine 2000cc consume/eat engine oil of about 1 quarter for every 750 miles it travel means it reduces engine oil with traveling.

Hello all well? thank you for showing the car, it was very important, I am going to buy one here in Brazil, and I am very happy. Thank you!

I'm trying to get the 2003 version this weekend

the manual mk 1 rav4 had a diff lock so was by far the superior off road vehicle

Great Video ! Can you also fold the ( rear) seats back in this model to have a bed ? It can be done in the older rav4 models.

I gotta 02 with 60,000 miles apart from the O2 senor going out every so often it’s a amazing

nice vid, bad luck on the transmission though. I just bought a 2003 3door rav4 2.4L Cruiser model :D

What's the reallife mileage to expect from the 2.0 engine 2000-2005 automatic

Very nice review! Looking into getting one of these.

your dog have cherry eye sir..

Thanks for the video. Do you know of any solutions for the bad engine computers?

I miss my 97 RAV4

You said transmission problems from 2002 to 2004, what about 2001 model?

I need to know Sophie's opinion on the boot space

Did the 01 have the ECU problem? Looking at a key, no run, no drive at auction. Trying to troubleshoot why it might not start in my head

Great review mate, Cheers.

I still think these have better ground clearance than the third gen

Great vehicle indeed.

Dont like how the rear gate opens sideways, its an inconvenience when parked in between cars. It took Toyota 17 years to change it until the fourth gen 2013

I have RAV4 already 2002 but i need charge it new one my is old , to maintain car's is Nigeria is pretty expensive

Got a 2001 mod 5speed manual. Love the car :D So many small features you may expetct from a much more expencive car :D

Does the same model but 18 vvt-i 2wd Manual has the same problems with the transmission ?

I have 02 14500 miles hard to accelerate on the express ways and how can y tell when the trans falling

Does the ECU problem affects the manual gearbox ? i am planning to get a manual one

My rav4 has a hood scoop on it

Great vid thanks

How long is it from the front seats from the back door?

Wheres the cruise control?.😊

Is the transmission problem common only for versions with automatic transmission?

Sophie 🥰

Does the automatic have transmission issued too?

how much do these usually go for in the US? where I live they cost like 3000-4000$ depending on the condition

How do you put the seat down?

Sophie is awesome :)

I have a 2003 I don’t why I watched this. LOL. I didn’t know I have a lighter and net at the back LOL.

What about the manual transmissions? do those have the same issue that you are talking about? or does a manual transmission not have the problem that the automatics do?

Does it have child seat anchor points?

👌🏼😍😍😘

2015 rav4

Which country are you

Hey what about the 04 and 05🤔🤔🤔

Best rav is 1st gen

Better looking rav4 of them all? Have you even seen the 08 body style. Also an optional 3rd row? Come on