2003 Toyota RAV4 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The 2003 Toyota Rav4 showed few changes since the redesign in 2001. A new sport package was added, dressing the little SUV up with fender...
The 2003 Toyota Rav4 showed few changes since the redesign in 2001. A new sport package was added, dressing the little SUV up with fender flares, floors mats, and air conditioning among other pluses.
The engine remains a 2.0-liter I4 rated at 148 horsepower. However, many reviewers reported that the car really needs to work to reach this amount, and that there are still problems with highway passing.
Reviewers also noted that the car is not the best for off-roading as it has minimal ground clearance due to a low-hanging exhaust system. Mileage is still cited as a plus with 22/26 city/highway, with some reviewers again reporting highway mileage up to 30mpg.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2003 Toyota RAV4 generally have a positive view of their vehicles. They particularly appreciate its reliability, fun driving experience, and helpful cargo space. Many drivers highlighted its good fuel economy and all-wheel drive capabilities. However, a few complaints were noted, including cabin noise and some issues with the acceleration being too sensitive or performance being underwhelming."
It is a great gas saver, low mileage, 4X4 all wheel drive, gets you thru tough Cleveland winters. Has new tires, does not require a lot of maintenance, is a great vehicle to drive. It has not needed any repairs just normal oil changes and wipers.
July 10, 2011Ive had several Rav4 in the past. High mileage, reliable ,long lasting vehicle.
June 18, 2023I love my Rav4! That's why I want to get another one only with 4WD. It handles great, gets great gas mileage, is easy to park and to get into and out of. The back seats fold up to make more cargo room if needed. Very comfortable for long trips or just around town. This little car has great get-up-and-go for a 4 cylinder. It's fun to drive.
October 28, 2012What owners say
It is a great gas saver, low mileage, 4X4 all wheel drive, gets you thru tough Cleveland winters. Has new tires, does not require a lot of maintenance, is a great vehicle to drive. It has not needed any repairs just normal oil changes and wipers.
July 10, 2011Ive had several Rav4 in the past. High mileage, reliable ,long lasting vehicle.
June 18, 2023I love my Rav4! That's why I want to get another one only with 4WD. It handles great, gets great gas mileage, is easy to park and to get into and out of. The back seats fold up to make more cargo room if needed. Very comfortable for long trips or just around town. This little car has great get-up-and-go for a 4 cylinder. It's fun to drive.
October 28, 2012Good gas mileage. Dependable performance. Very inexpensive maintainance. No major issues in 7 years of ownership. Good in the snow with the all-wheel-drive. Flexible cargo area and fold down rear seats. Fun to drive. Holds its value. Has the 'sport package' trim. Had to pay $500 extra for the rear spoiler but think it adds to the sporty look of the vehicle. Good visability due to height of vehicle.
September 26, 2009Ive always loved this model, and had 2 of them (both 5-speed manual transmission) for almost 20 years total. I only traded in my most recent one in 2019 as it was an AWD, and went thru gas too quickly. The storage for both cargo in the back, and personal driver items in the front is GREAT!! The back seats can roll or be completely removed for 68 sq. ft. of cargo storage!! I dont smoke, but found the ashtray handy to keep toll or meter coins in. The adjustable cup holders positioned in the center front were appreciated too!! I, personally, like the smaller 98 wheel base of the 2000 to 2005 RAV4s. While its not the most powerful vehicle.on the planet, it gets you where youre going! My ONLY complaint is cabin noise, which can be a bit much.
May 8, 2022slow accel, 4 cylinder. good break and handle except at high speeds it gets shaky. brand new transmission. black body with grey clothe interior. great on gas mileage. 10 grand out the door. Upgraded stereo made it excellent for road trips.
August 2, 2009This is Toyota Rav4 4WD, registered in March 2003. It was owned by a car-rental company for 3 years and 365 Media company for one year. I bought the car in June 7th 2007. I bought it because I wanted a cheap car that could go some off-road but had to have low gas mileage. I had some disappointments with the performance, it's not weak, but it isn't ,,special", except for the snow, the performance in the snow is great. I bought the car with some scratches all around the car (lower price). But I've not had any accidents with the car so far.
February 5, 2009It's reliable and nice to drive. It gets good MPG for having full-time 4WD. It's a noisy box. Your ears are ringing after a long drive. Have had to have the alignment worked on a few times. It's tough to get to anything that needs to be reached or worked on.
July 4, 2011Car vibrated a lot when idle, rear passenger window also didn’t roll down. But Toyota’s are still great cars
February 7, 2021Trims & specs
Base MSRP $17,135 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 148 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $18,535 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 148 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain AWD |
