
2002 Toyota RAV4
Should You Buy a 2002 Toyota RAV4?
The 2002 Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that combines practicality with reliability, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile vehicle. With a 2.0L I4 engine producing 148 horsepower and 142 lb-ft of torque, it offers adequate power for daily driving and light off-road adventures. The four-wheel drive system enhances its capability in various weather conditions, while the 5-speed manual transmission provides a more engaging driving experience. With a combined fuel economy of 22 MPG, it strikes a balance between performance and efficiency, making it suitable for both city commutes and weekend getaways. The MSRP of $17,925 positions it as an affordable option in the used SUV market, appealing to budget-conscious buyers.
However, potential buyers should be aware of the vehicle's history of complaints, particularly related to the automatic transmission, which has been a recurring issue at mileage intervals of 60,000 to 120,000 miles. Despite these concerns, the RAV4 boasts a reliability score of 91/100, indicating that many owners have had positive experiences with their vehicles. Overall, the 2002 RAV4 remains a solid choice for those looking for a dependable and practical SUV.
This vehicle is best suited for budget-conscious individuals or small families looking for a reliable and practical SUV for daily commuting and occasional outdoor adventures.
Strengths
- +Strong reliability score of 91/100
- +Compact size makes it easy to maneuver in urban environments
- +Four-wheel drive capability for enhanced traction and stability
- +Affordable price point for a used SUV
- +Practical interior with seating for five and ample cargo space
Weaknesses
- -Recurring automatic transmission issues reported by owners
- -Limited horsepower may not satisfy performance enthusiasts
- -Older technology and features compared to newer models
- -Higher noise levels at highway speeds
- -Less fuel-efficient compared to newer compact SUVs
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 2002 Toyota RAV4 has reported a total of 682 complaints to the NHTSA, with notable issues primarily concerning the powertrain and automatic transmission. While there are 49 crash incidents and 20 fire incidents reported, there have been no fatalities associated with this model. The most frequent complaints revolve around the automatic transmission, particularly at mileage intervals of 60,000 to 120,000 miles. Despite these issues, there are no significant NHTSA complaints on record regarding safety or reliability.
Performance
- Horsepower
- –
- Torque
- –
- Engine
- 2 L
- Cylinders
- I4
- Transmission
- Manual 5-spd
- Drive Type
- AWD/4WD
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- 22
- Fuel Type
- Regular Gasoline
Dimensions
- Length
- 161.4 in
- Width
- 68.5 in
- Height
- 66.5 in
- Wheelbase
- 98 in
- Curb Weight
- 2,877 lbs
- Ground Clearance
- –
Capacity
- Doors
- 4
- Seating
- –
- Cargo
- –
- Max Cargo
- –
- Max Towing
- –
- Max Payload
- –