Correction, not that it matters but...

The Rav4 is actually a cellica. Not a camry, the camry suv is the Highlander/RX300/RX330. The original Rav was aaall cellica down to the awd system. Not sure if thats still the case but thats how they made the first gens. Personally, I'd rather have a scion tc, but if she needs space I guess the RAV is a better bet.

 

IIRC, the CRV is built on a Civic platform, so your mom basically bought a Civic with an SUV body.

 

I like the Highlander FAR more than I like the Rav4. I bet they can be had fairly cheap.

 

Yeah, but if they are looking for an econobox then a highlander is a whole different bag of chips. V6 power and economy vs 4cyl. Personally I like the CRV better than the highlander, but I have never driven a CRV.

 

con, they are little painted beer cans.. pro, they get out of your way when you swerve at them

 

i prefer the older style of crv. my sister had one, it was a pretty quick, comfortable, smooth, reliable car-uv.

i liked how user-friendly it was and how much storage space it had.

 

that's not nice

 

Succinct and to the point.

Sometimes they're a little slow though, I think there's one wedged in my dropped front crossmember...

 

Yeah I know Honda Civic Civic Recreational Vehicle = CRV = I guess a stock civic would make a good commuter car but when you add a big ass stainless muffler, a wing that belongs on a super bee and a stereo that can be FELT not HEARD 1 mile away then come on, WHY if you really want a fast car BUY ONE! Prime example, a friend of mine has a Civic, a 2001 Type R or what ever with a few mods on it that he bought new for like $23,000 for a freaking CIVIC, well another buddy has a 1994 BMW M3 that really makes the Civic look a lot like, well a CIVIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And paid about $18,000 with about 20,000 more miles, OH NO… I guess I just hate the young guys that try to build an economy box into a race car at Auto Zone and have NO clue how dumb they look, CRV COME ON

 

My Uncle who is a big Toyota fan talked about getting a Rav4 but decided on a Matrix instead. I think they are pretty cool lil wagon.

 

As another option, the Matrix fills a similar niche. It is only a little smaller, and far more stylish.

Why all the complaints about power when half of us drive 22R/RE's?

 

Could'nt ya just do a bunch of work on it like we do with our rigs? You suspension and such? They are relatively smaller which I assume would equate to more nimble offroading(Sammi). Oh ya can someone tell me what sticky and bounce mean. thnx

 

4 wheel independant suspension..........

 

GF has a Pontiac Vibe... Matrix XRS's are very fast....

I sat inside an 04 Rav4 and they have decent amount of room.. Was not to bad considering my 6'4 frame.

 

There's not alot of aftermarket parts for the RAV4. There are available springs to raise it by 1-2 inches to accomodate larger tires but they lack any kind of articulation. They did have a limited slip rear diff available, Torsen type, but no locker. 5 speeds got a center diff lock on the AWD models. Autos got a viscous coupler which "locks up" only when front and rear wheel speeds are different. I could feel it kick in when slipping on icy roads. After 2000 all came with the viscous coupler for AWD. I like driving it around town. It has pretty good pick up and is smaller and more maneuverable than the 4Runner.

Not much in the way of engine accessories unless you want to spend a lot of money.
A few people I have seen have put 3SGE or 3SGTE engines in RAVs. JDM RAV4s were available with the 3SGE engines and a few were available in Europe so it is a bolt in swap. They do have some problems. Toyota has not acknowledged that they are prone to excessive oil consumption because of bad valve guides. Mine smokes when it is first started in the morning and does use a little oil. There was a service campaign to replace a thrust washer in certain AWD auto transmissions and 5th gear engagement problems in the 5 speed transaxles. Mine hasn't had any of these. I haven't had to fix anything major so far but Its almost time for a timing belt and water pump and the exhaust is getting that rattley sound to it. It's a good car for what it is. It's been pretty good to us.

 

when i drive behind them, i can see the axles... and it looks at thought i could cut them with wire cutters... for 12ga wire