2001 Toyota's RAV4 Reviews

2001 Toyota RAV4

Toyota has completely redesigned and re-engineered its RAV4 for 2001. Toyota's RAV4 was a front-runner in the mini-SUV market from the get-go, and not entirely by default. It was time for Toyota to upgrade the RAV4 and attempt to raise the bar for the field.

First impressions matter and, if anything, the 2001 RAV4 clearly looks all-better; like a finer-looking, sharper-edged, shrunk-down Mercedes M-Class. Thoroughly rethought
The original Toyota RAV4 was a product of grab bag engineering. The new Toyota RAV4 is a bit bigger than its predecessor, but not much. While the 2001 RAV4 wheelbase is dinky at just 98 inches, that still 3.1 inches longer than the 2000 model and overall length swells to 165.1 inches from 163.8. Though the new RAV4 looks tall, actually 1/10th of an inch shorter than the old one.

While the engine remains transversely mounted in the nose, in place of the old RAV 2.0-liter iron-block DOHC four is a new 2.0-liter all-aluminum DOHC four with variable valve timing. The old engine wheezed out a not-too-happy-to-do-it 127-horsepower at 5400 rpm with a 132 lb-ft torque peak at 4600 rpm.

Toyota's smallest SUV was redesigned for 2001 with slightly larger dimensions, a roomier interior, and huskier styling. A 4-cyl engine remains, but horsepower increases by 21. This 4-dr wagon offers manual or optional automatic transmission and front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing.
Like the CR-V it doesn't have a low range for serious off-road use, it blends excellent on-road manners with SUV styling.