20 Year Old Gen2 Toyota RAV4 Review My New Rocky Mountain Winter Commuter Great SUV from 2000 - 2005 

Probably one of the best all around vehicles ever made. Up there with the Corolla , 4Runner, and Tacoma

Can’t beat a Toyota! 💯

I'm the proud owner of a 2003 Rav 4 with 5 speed manual transmission front wheel drive and just about 151,000 miles on it. I was recently rear ended and it's being repaired now but some people think I'm crazy fixing up an 18 year old car and I tell them it's an 18 year old Toyota, I've still got another 150,000 miles to go !

I have a 2001 rav4 with over 278000 miles... Automatic transmission, still going strong and highly reliable... Going to keep it until I die.

This are cool. Never owned a second gen. I've owned two first gen. A 99 AWD and currently a 96 FWD. The 96 was bought by my dad for my mom originally. Then it went to my sister and now i have it. Amazing too. Only 226,000 miles on it. 😊❤

I bought a 2005 last year, I've had lots of far newer, more expensive cars, but this is by far one of the most enjoyable cars I've ever owned 🙌🏼

Bought an 05 with 192k miles on it, mostly because it was the Sport trim. Not one shred of regret since I know how to repair and maintain it myself, these babies will last.

I was the proud owner of a 2004 Rav4 up until recently when I was rear ended and sandwiched. Unfortunately the car was considered a total loss and it only had 83k miles on it and we had always taken such good care of it, so many memories in that thing 💔

I currently driving mine and its amazing, hard to change it love too much

Thank you for not only sharing your review, but also a peek at a slice of your life, Nice Production !!!

Ive had it for over 10 years now. It's the best Toyota utility car I know. My door closes thesame way. And thesame small piece of the front fender is gone on mine too. Wow..I love this video.

living the RAV life!

the scenery looks amazing!!

I have a 2003 clean as a whistle with 55,000 miles no problem I love it that’s my daily never failed me

I have an 2005 Rav4 in the same color except mine is Automatic and has around 98,000 miles ! I love the car too (: It doesn't get as bad here in the East Coast as far as snow compared to you guys up North but I've never really had any problems going over snow during the winters the past 6+ years :D Definitely think this car will get me through another 5-10 years no problem! All I do is Oil changes, Tires changes, Air filters, Coolant, and just the occasional car wash after winter salt. Thanks for the content love the mountains (:

Am looking at purchasing a similar model, and, you're right- no videos out on these, so thank you for doing one!

I got a toyota Rav4 2004 and everything work well. Just needs to maintain this beautiful car.

Great video, thanks for posting! It was helpful for me looking specifically for old RAV4s outside the US for off-road uses. Thanks again!

I really liked your video. The music passages had a real great feel to it, very adventurey, which was totally fitting the RAV4

2001 2.0/5spd. "L" Trim. 192k/mi. Owned for 1 year now. Loving it! I too am blown away by the absence of rattles, squeaks, etc. What a solid little car! I also own a 2009 Civic Hybrid (and motorcycles). This Toyota complements my stable wonderfully.

Hello, I recently bought a Rav 4 2002, 2.0 petrol from Italy without any rust, a very well preserved example with 98,000 km. The first owner was a 1936 year born. The car has not been driven for the last 3 years and has been sitting in a garage. Inside, everything is like new, as well as underneath and the engine. I am fascinated by this car. Yes, I bought it quite expensive and many people criticized me that it was a lot of money for such an old car. But I know very well the quality of Japanese cars from those years, I have owned over 30 cars and they were all Japanese. Greetings to all !

very reliable and utilitarian compact suv... mine at 180k kms and still runs like a charm... with minimal maintenance it just refuses to break...

We just got one of these. It's pretty kick ass!

Thank you for sharing this video with us. I have Sports RAV4 2011 V6 4wd and it only has 17k miles on it. I❤️❤️love it. I do baby it.

Great review! Just got a 2005 S with 145k miles, all original! and working on it to make it spotless! these are definatley keepers!

The scenery/mountains are absolutely stunning - what a beautiful part of the world you are in. RAV4's of that vintage are excellent, and I have always felt the Japanese built vehicles are generally better. All the best from a Scottish subscriber:)

Excellent review! Great video. I almost stood off my seat when I saw you pop the rear seat out. Now I need to get one!

Such beautiful scenery

I have a 2000 Rav4 with 223,000 miles and it still runs like a champ.

I also have a 2001 RAV4 auto with 83k on the clock. Runs good never been stuck even in a country 3 times bigger than UK with only 20% paved/tarmac roads, the rest is mud/gravel that turns to red custard when it rains but thankfully no snow☹️ so cannot complain with temps between 85f winter to 120f summer. I do I have one mod only and that's a spare wheel cover which says "I may not be fast, but I can go anywhere" which makes the locals smile when they see it. Run it on 215s Goodyear all terrain tyres.

I’ll end up getting something similar for a daily winter driver.. I like it.

I’ve had my manual 05 FWD for about a year now, it’s been a great car so far. I’ve put about 20,000 miles on it with only minor issues.

I’ve got the same 20 YO RAV4 in green. It’s fun to drive and I’m very happy with it! I’m in The Netherlands.

I have a 2002 RAV4 with over 217000 miles living in Baja Mexico. Great gas mileage. Perfect for me & my 2 dogs.

I have a 2004 RAV4. I just added a dual battery system with smart isolator. There was enough space on the driver side of engine bay for a group 24 deep cycle. Powers my Alpicool fridge. Might get a rooftop tent for it next! Same thing, mine had 215,000 km and feels great

Great work mate ! Well done

I have a 2003 RAV4 it is my commuter I live in the mountains of New Hampshire and I travel to Portland Maine every morning for work 80 miles to work and 80 mi home. I have put well over 100k miles on the car in the last year and it has not had a single problem regular. Regular oil changes and it has not let me down once runs like a top and still looks like new

I've got a 2001 in silver too, same spec, 134,000 miles no rattles no squeaks, I've got chunky all terrain tyres on too..i love it, had it over 2 years, not a single issue

Great RAV4. I got an 08 RAV4 with a 5 speed transmission. It was the same in this gen where the auto only got 4 gears.

Can say this much, I own a 2004 AWD 2.4L. That thing is a fun drift machine in the snow. It's also not slow, but not super quick.

beautiful car, i own a 2003 1.8cc 1ZZ engine, 260k km and still running smooth, i love it.

I bought a 03 Rav4 and it's the best purchase I've made! Oh What A Feeling.. Toyota!

Still driving my 2004 RAV4 Sport I bought in 2005. It's been awesome to me - very impressive & capable offroader, good winter driver, and fun cruiser.

I drive a Rav 4 2000. It's 210000km still doing a smooth job for me❤

I own a 2004 Diesel engine one and i love it. I never want to sell it. Never lets me down!

Thanks so much for this!

My Toyota RAV4 2.0 diesel has just done 201k miles great car!

I buy one yet...1st owner, 100 tkm from 2004, 116ps Diesel for 5000.- Euros. No rust or scratches on it...like your Video, best i found on YT, greets from Austria

Great review with fabulous scenery! In 2001 Seattle I had bought a brand new 2001 special 5 speed stick with sun roof and shipped it over to Island of Hawai’i. But a few years later I had to sell it due to some financial issues. I missed it so much a couple years later I was able to find a 2002 base 5 speed stick and SO LOVE it! (really miss the sun roof tho) … Island of Hawai’i is extremely tough on cars due to sea salt and some roads not in great condition … but no rust except a but starting under the hood. In places it’s starting to need a paint job as it’s always been out in the baking sun. I love it so much that want to take extra good care of it and when I get the money will do a huge upgrade with paint and take care of any rust just starting. It only has 141 K miles and I use Costco original tires intended for this RAV4 … however am thinking about getting slightly larger tires next time … IMO this car is an extremely valuable CLASSIC! Have fun with yours … but it hurts when you say that you are going to use it as beater :(((

I recently bought 2001 3-door AWD RAV4 and I absolutely love it! Amazing car! Also got AWD Toyota Matrix and Volvo XC70, but RAV4 is my favorite! By the way I probably wouldn't buy 5-door, coz 3-door was the exact thing I really wanted. Been looking over six months to find it - it's much more rare

Thank man, great SUV

I’ve got a 2001 rav 4 with 405000 kms on it and have zero problems with it at all! The car is a machine and will never stop running, I camp with it often and I have no trouble with it off road

These were the perfect size. I'd love an AWD model with the 5-speed!

I am looking for a Rav4 mk2, and your review was very helpful 👍

Great video on the RAV4! Man...how do you find such vehicles that are in such great condition? I never had a RAV4, but that model is pretty cool. Had to LOL when you said no one knows how to drive a manual 5-speed anymore - it is so true! Most manufacturers no longer seem to make them available anymore. I learned how to drive with a stick, and your right...those transmissions last a long time. Enjoyed your review of the RAV4, thanks for doing it!

My 2001 also has same missing fender flare! Bullet proof cars for sure!

Fantastic review that helped me alot before my purchase, Ive just bought one of these here in the UK, Rav4 2005 T3, VVTi 2.0L petrol, 5 speed. Its a one owner from new car with only 60k miles on the clock, i drove over 600 miles to pick up the car after looking at some sorry examples close by to where i live. The drive home was fantastic, super comfortable, lots of power for a little car and such a nice place to be sat in the drivers seat. It ticks every box in my book for a family car, the only negative being i only got 29mpg max on the motoway driving in a straight line for hours 😂, i opted for toyota reliability over fuel efficiency, these little cars are an absolute gem, an this example i bought is in immaculate condition and garaged all of its life the headlights, rear lights and paint are like brand new, the underside with only very minor light rust on suspension components which is unherd of. It was an xmas gift for my partner she loves it but not as much as me! 😅.

I know where that is.... I'm there almost every weekend. thank you for this review as i'm looking into getting one myself.

Just bought a -03 with 180 000 miles on it. 2.0 petrol and a manual and it runs great 👍 I was thinking about a rav4 or the crv but this vid made me choose the Rav4 and I don't regret it.

U sold me!! Awesome review

Got a 04 Rav4 2.4 L 5 speed manual transmission with 310k miles U.S. model. Bought it from a neighbor 10 years ago, good suv for it's age. Once used car prices come down hopefully by the end of 2022. Will upgrade a newer suv, automatic getting tired of driving manual especially being stuck in traffic 101 405 freeways no fun shifting first second gear.

Love these cars I have a 2002 2.0d4d rav4 and they now sell diff lock kits for them with a push of a button! Great video!

I also have the 2nd edition 19 years old, but my transfer case seal was leaking oil so I get it replaced.. I live in the Caribbean Trinidad and Tobago 🇹🇹

Got a 2004 diesel here in th UK great car, feels like a new car the gearbox is so precise and its so well built the wife would kill me if i sold it 😊

the video makes me wanna emmigrate to canada and buy a wooden cabin and a rav4. absolutely epic

Great video. I have your cars little cousin: A 2006 Toyota Matrix 4WD base model with 209,323 miles and it still runs perfect. These are some of the best vehicles Toyota has ever made. Make sure you service transfer case in addition to rear diff as this is often overlooked.

Nice Toyota Brother. And them Rock Mountains are so beautiful. God bless and stay safe.

Great review thank you, I'm gettig my first car, an 04 Rav4 this afternoon, to commute over winter in Scotland and I can't wait. Seems I made a good choice

We had a Gen 1 1998 Rav4, constant AWD... It was a awesome vehicle. The second generation like yours I would consider it to be the best constant AWD going around, yes the Subaru's are good but my pick would be a Rav4 between 2001/2005. Great vid and explanation. Hope it servers you well.👍

Just bought a 2004 3 weeks ago with 200 000 k on it and so far I'm blown away by how great this car run and feel ! The direction feel a bit shaky on the high way I winder if that something normal. But I can't way to put some kilometers on it !

Magnifique paysage 😮

beautifull! I bought a 2004 2.0 d4d diesel model, it works perfectly, problems with the fifth gear of the gearbox... the rest all incredible... from Argentina

I enjoyed your video alot. I would love to pick one up also. Living at 4500 feet i will be putting on a set of BFG AT as they have awesome all year performance. If i left snow tires on they would wear out during the summer so around here its alot more convenient to have an all year amazing tire and AT are what i would pic they are a bit noisy but winter performance is pretty epic for All terrains even at -20. But anyways great videos you have a new subscriber

I picked up an 05 2l diesel yesterday. Needs a bearing. 170k miles. £800. Its amazing. Same bumper trim missing. Great video. .I'm going to get new trim off ebay. £35.

Great Vehicle. Great review. Beautiful scenery! I have a 2011 V6 limited with the 3.5L, 269 HP engine that I bought new, (Toyota doesn't make anymore) the thing moves like lightning. Really love it. Only have 20,000 miles to date, but that's because I have a couple of other vehicles. Hope to put a lot of miles on it and keep it forever.

I got mine last week. Rav4 2004 1,8L 125 HP 2wd 5 speed manual transmission, and only 141,000 km. 17 years old and still running like a charm. i'm impressed. Toyota FTW!

thanks for the video, as you said there isn't much online

Love my 01 Rav 4. It’s a little trooper

This with the 2.2 D-4D with emissions delete is a monster.

Back in August I bought a first gen Ford Escape Hybrid 2005. Love it. Subbed!!

Awesome review on this sweet very underrated ride. I have an '04 5spd limited which I bought in '08. It was a super hard find even back then, now almost non-existent where I live in Ontario, Canada. I have used her to commute during the winter months to snowy Muskoka with nary a problem. She's now got 330 K kms and still runs like a clock! You should be good for at least another 200K's :)

I have a 97 first gen that I've put about 19k on it & I love it. Mine rattles at this point & I feel the bumps in the road more but has been very reliable!!! That AWD has been great in the snow

Solid vehicle. It will go forever !

Got a 2001 3 door 200 thousand k. Automatic. Awesome little rig.

Awesome find. Got my boy a mint 1st gen for his first car. Stick shift too

I love my 2001 RAV4 too 🤙🏾 tough little car takes me everywhere. #Snow2Sand

I was getting some body work done on my 2010 is 350 last week and had to drive my sister's old car (2002 rav 4). It has 227,000 miles on it. (365km). Runs great! Tranny was replaced at 180k miles because of the ECT you mentioned. The fact that the 4 speed auto went 180k with an original ECT essentially telling the transmission to burn up is incredible.

Had our 2005 17 years, 150k no problems at all.

Good take on the second-gen RAV4! I bought mine just about a year ago and have put 13K miles(about 21K km) on it, with overall mileage at 210K(338K km). Mine is an '04 with the 2.4L engine as well as the 5-speed manual; kind of a rare combination as I've only seen one manual second-gen for sale in my area besides this one. While the 5-speed manuals are more robust than the automatics, they can develop issues where 5th gear starts grinding and eventually popping out; this can be fixed without removing the gearbox(which is a major and expensive undertaking due to the layout of the AWD system). My particular RAV4 had this issue when I bought it; I elected to have the gearbox completely rebuilt as I want to keep this little beast. At this mileage I have a bit of oil consumption; about 1L/1000mi(or 1600km). I figure I'll be due for a replacement engine in a few years, but I'd rather do that and keep this one on the road. I live and work in Colorado; I use my personal vehicles for work and I do see harsh conditions and dirt roads at times. With proper tires these are great in foul weather; I've never had any issue with traction. The AWD system in the first and second gen RAV4s were taken directly from the Celica GT-Four rally car; which I also own(and was crazy enough to use as a winter vehicle up until I bought the RAV4, haha). I find the 50/50 torque split more responsive than the computer-controlled type in newer vehicles; paired with the manual transmission it's a great combination. To answer comments about fuel mileage I'm getting around 23-26mpg(10.2-9.0 L/100km) using regular grade fuel. It's not quite as economical as the newer, computer-controlled AWD systems but I'll trade the efficiency hit for reliability. My typical range is around 320mi(515km), though a lot of my driving is on highways or back roads with not much city use. Overall, this is a great small CUV with a bit more in the way of practicality than newer models. The low liftover height, ample cargo capacity(especially with those seats removed) and the great maneuverability make it a great work vehicle. I'm still very happy with mine nearly a year later. I hope you get many years of service out of your new workhorse! :)

Very good presentation You must be a pro.

I have this exact car and mine has 184,000Km on it. I can defiantly back up the head room claim, I am 6'5 and It's the first car I've driven that doesn't have my head banging the roof.

Great review, have one as well and love it

i bought a 2003 rav 4 for my daughter in 2010 ,now its 2022 and i have it, still in excellent condition has 133, 000 on it , i keep regular maintenance on it and going to run it till it dies lol. i just replaced the driveshaft, brakeline , and getting front and rear axels replaced seals and all , next plan to replace head lights cause there yellowing ,but it runs amazing and can take it almost anywhere. i use to have a forerunner , if i get a chance to get another i just might 😁😁😁

I bought a 2000 mod 5speed on Friday.. gona pick it up on Monday.. Cant wait :D Had a Jeep grand Cherokee 2000 mod b4 loved the car.. but endless moneypit.. lol

Great scenery, great car! Mine is -04 2.0 aut with 352.000km. All is working well. I bet i can easily double the kms with regular maintenance with no expensive surprises.

Great choice!! Hard finding a manual Awd version , still looking for one

I love my Toyota I wish I had the white trim on mine

Rav4 gen 2 awesome...

mines a mint one too mines just got new clutch at 131.000 great car driving like new

I just purchased a 1 owner 2001 rav4 L with 5speed awd 213k miles.i also have 02 fwd automatic with 304k 6 years its never broke down.