Rav 4 Evolution

Toyota began selling the RAV4 as a 2-door in Japan in May of 1994 (June of 1994 for the UK) and sales were strong immediately. Initial sales estimates were 4,500 units per month, but after 8,000 orders the first month, production was doubled immediately.

The RAV4 featured a 2.0-liter, 16-valve, four-cylinder engine originally used in the second generation Camry/Carina. The RAV4 was available with either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions. It had a full-time all-wheel-drive system, and offered an optional locking center differential.

The RAV4's size, four-wheel drive, wide stance and short front and rear overhangs made for great maneuverability both on- and off-road and in all weather conditions. All RAV4s were designed with safety equipment allowing them to be called passenger cars rather than trucks. Standard equipment included driver's side airbag, adjustable three-point seatbelts and enhanced side-impact protection.

By combining conventional passenger-car elements with the features of a light, off-road vehicle, Toyota called its RAV4 a "new-concept" SUV. The RAV4 provided Toyota and its customers with an attractive entry into the growing sport utility market.

In March 1995 a new 4-door model was introduced. The 4-door was 16 inches longer overall than the 2-door with seating for five persons. Front seatbelt pretensioners/affection were also introduced at the launch of the 4-door and this system was also made available on the RAV4 2-door models in September 1995.

The RAV4 made its US debut in January of 1996, along with a number of enhancements to all RAV4 models which included the fitting of dual front airbags as standard, a high mount rear stop lamp and the 2.0-liter 16v engine was re-tuned for cleaner emissions, less noise and more torque. 1996 also saw the introduction of the 2WD model, which was front wheel drive only.

The 1997 RAV4 saw only minor changes to an already revolutionary product. Changes were limited to revised seat fabric in 2-door models, the availability of a power moon-roof in 4-door models, a standard digital clock and larger front speakers on power-window equipped models.

For 1998, the RAV4 had several major changes. Exterior changes included a new grille, front bumper cap, multi-reflector headlamps and jeweled taillights. On the inside, a digital odometer, dual cup-holders, revised door panels, a three-spoke steering wheel and new audio systems topped the list. The engine received 7 more horsepower. Four door models also received revised seat fabric.

The 2-door RAV4 Soft Top was introduced in mid-year 1998. The RAV4 Soft Top was based on the 2-door RAV4 and featured a combination front hard top/rear convertible soft top.

For 1999 Toyota once again raised the refinement mark for the mini sport utility segment by offering an optional perforated sport leather interior in its RAV4L Special Edition packaged models. Beginning this year, color-keyed body cladding, mirrors and door handles were standard on RAV4L. Three new special edition colors with matching cladding also became available, including White Pearl Mica, Quicksilver and Black.

During the 2000 model year, the 2-door Soft Top and 2-door Hard Top models were discontinued.

For 2001, the second-generation RAV4 was completely redesigned making it a roomier, sportier and more versatile compact SUV. The RAV4’s overall length, width, height and wheelbase were all increased by approximately an inch or more for greater room, inside and out. The exterior was completely redesigned for a more aerodynamic, aggressive appearance. It's powered by a lighter, all-new, all-aluminum 2.0 liter, four-cylinder 16-valve DOHC engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence technology (VVT-i). VVT-i helps the engine produce 148 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 142 ft./lb. of torque at 4,000 rpm. The 2001 RAV4 was certified as a low emission vehicle (LEV). September 2001 saw the addition of the D-4D Diesel engine for the 4-wheel United Kingdom models.

The 2002 model year has standard gray painted bumpers, body-side molding, (optional) flares on the 4WD and a new spare tire cover. Base model colors are all carryovers from last year, plus a new Frosted White Pearl has been added. The "L" models receive color-keyed bumpers, body-side molding and (optional) flares on the 4WD.

1996 Toyota RAV4 2-door The RAV4 originally based on the Corolla platform, and was offered in both two and four-door versions. In the US, a 2.0 L I4 engine producing 120 hp was offered. Both front wheel drive (FWD) and all wheel drive (AWD) were available, and the RAV4 could be had with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. In 1998, the RAV4 was slightly restyled on the front and rear fascias, and a soft-top two-door was made available exclusively in the US market. In 1999, the two-door hardtop was dropped from the American lineup, leaving the 4-door and soft-top models. One interesting version, the RAV4 EV, was an all-electric 'zero-emission' model offered for sale, in low quantities, in California. These models came with a 60,000-mile battery warranty, and the vehicles still command high prices on the used-car market. One sold in 2006 on eBay for over US$50,000. A significant criticism of the gasoline-powered first-generation RAV4s, often called '4.1s', was that they were underpowered, and had relatively poor fuel economy via their 3SFE engines that were designed for earlier Camrys and Celicas. Later generations of RAV4s, the so-called '4.2s' and '4.3s', have addressed this concern. Like most other Toyotas, all RAV4s have earned the reputation of high reliability, and have enjoyed high resale values.

The second generation RAV4 came with front or all wheel drive, as in previous years.