Toyota's RAV4 was one of the first of the cute-ute category that is now growing in popularity. The 2004 model brings new front end styling plus the addition of the same 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine that powers the Toyota Highlander. A 4-speed automatic incorporating the latest in Toyota's electronic control systems is standard, but buyers can opt for a 5-speed manual. All-wheel-drive is standard. Prices: US $18,890 base to $19,920. Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles; 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain.

Heritage

With barely a decade since it was first launched, one might be hard put to suggest the 2004 Toyota RAV4 has any heritage at all. But let's look at it a different way, and consider heritage to mean Toyota and four-wheel-drive. In that context it is not out of place historically, for Toyota has been building four-wheel-drive Land Cruisers since, if memory serves me, the early 1960's. So the company has had plenty of time to hone its skills and develop an all-wheel-drive sport-utility. On the other hand, the RAV4 is based on a Corolla platform, from which it draws its car heritage. And of course, there's Toyota's legendary reputation for quality. Put all this together and you can see why the RAV4 has been a success since the beginning and why the 2004 Toyota RAV4 is still a best-seller in an increasingly competitive sector.

Coachwork

The 2004 Toyota RAV4 is not what the industry calls "all new" but Toyota has done a neat job grafting on a front end look that makes the vehicle appear to be more aggressive. This move may have been dictated by the fact that more women than men were buying the Raver, something that always upsets the machos in auto industry marketing departments. So now, apparently, it won't be seen as a girl-ute. Certainly the 2004 Toyota RAV4 has all the styling tricks (dare we call them clichés?) that appeal to image conscious guys, particularly on our Chile Special Edition test vehicle. Check the hood scoop, sporty-style grille, colored door handles, privacy glass, and of course those fancy alloy wheels. Inside, the look continues with racy-looking instruments (though they're too small to be read at a glance) and the currently popular faux-titanium trim. Visibility is good but a couple of times the thick A-pillar momentarily blocked the driver's side view of a crossing pedestrian. The rear seat area is roomy enough and those 50/50 split seats can do more flips and flops than a Cirque du Soleil gymnast. They slide, tumble, recline, and can be removed. But what I liked best about the RAV4 was the step-in height. Real, real easy.

On the Road

While the previous RAV4 was never what I'd call a performance wimp, the Toyota RAV4's 2.4 liter, double-overhead-cam, 4-cylinder gives it a shot of power that wasn't there before. The same unit as in the Highlander, it produces 161 hp, with 165 lb/ft of torque. Not enough to snap your head back but certainly all this vehicle needs. Unfortunately it comes with a roaring drone when under full acceleration which, combined with a proclivity to amplify road noise through the tires, can sometimes make the RAV4 less than a soothing ride. The suspension is firm, the steering moderately responsive, and the autobox does its job flawlessly. Nevertheless I felt a 5-speed manual would have been more in character. The 2004 Toyota RAV4 corners well for an SUV but sitting up high, I was always aware of the tipping point. Treat it intelligently, however, and you'll not find any problems with a winding road. Frankly, I never tried it off-pavement, there being no suitable territory where I live; on the other hand, the majority of RAV4 owners are city drivers so who cares? Okay, okay, you do: I can assure you from the comments of others who've been playing in the boonies, it'll take all but extreme situations in its stride.

Summary

Having driven all of its competitors, I'd say the 2004 Toyota RAV4 rates near the top, although the Honda CR-V seemed (subjectively) to be quicker and a bit sharper in its handling. For most people purchasing vehicles of this type, such virtues are less important than the all-round impression of useability, and the economics of both fuel and residual payouts. In that sense there's not much to criticise and if you order one of the several packages you'll find all the comfort and convenience features needed to customise the vehicle to your own lifestyle. If the test vehicle had been mine I'd have foregone the roof rack and chosen a sunroof. Still... it would be nice to place a wooden canoe up there and head for some pristine lake deep in the woods. Which, for this reviewer, is what an SUV should be all about, not tripping to the supermarket. Agile and economical, the 2004 Toyota RAV4 is a quality choice and now the guys can drive it, too.