2003 Toyota RAV4 reviews and buying
guide.
2003
Toyota RAV4 resources:
2003 Toyota RAV4
The 2003 Toyota RAV4 gets a new optional Sport Package
that combines bold design features with the most popular
comfort and convenience options to give this passenger
car engineering based SUV the bold styling and attitude
that customers might have looked for in a sports coupe.
This Sport Package combines with the other available
packages, like the L (luxury) Upgrade, Quick Order,
Leather or Power Packages to comprise the wide range
of variability that can be the RAV4 compact SUV.
Under the Hood
The RAV4 comes in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive
models and can be fitted with either 5-speed manual
or 4-speed automatic transmissions. The RAV4 is powered
by a smooth and responsive all-aluminum, 2.0-liter dohc
4-cyl engine that produces 148 hp and 142 lb.-ft. of
peak torque. Toyota's Variable Valve Timing with intelligence
(VVT-i) helps boosted torque at low- and mid-range engine
speeds, giving the RAV4 sporty performance and the power
for confident highway merging.
The RAV4 has large 215/70R16 tires to give excellent
traction while the 4WD models enjoy even larger 235/60R16
tires. This full-time 4WD system uses a viscous coupling
center differential to split the power 50/50 front and
rear. The RAV4 handles slippery driving conditions and
the off-highway situations by automatically transferring
more power from the front to the rear wheels when slippage
occurs at either set of wheels.
The RAV4 also employs independent 4-wheel suspension
with a MacPherson strut in front and a double wishbone
system in the rear. Optional mechanical enhancements
include a limited-slip rear differential and a four-wheel
anti-lock brake system (ABS) that includes the advanced
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) feature.
However, one of the key RAV4 selling points is its
fuel efficiency and with 22/27 mpg (city/hwy) for the
4WD automatic and 25/31 mpg for the 2WD five-speed manual,
the RAV4 delivers some of the best figures in its class.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
The Base model RAV4 has basic interior amenities that
include an AM/FM/CD player and cloth upholstery on front
bucket seats with a height-adjustable driver seat and
a split folding rear seat. To enhance this bare-bones
model, one of the many options packages must be chosen.
These are valuable and can be comprehensive.
For example, the RAV4 Sport Package for 2003 dresses
up the exterior with a polished stainless steel finish
tubular roof rack, new grille, aerodynamic multi-reflective
headlamps with blackout trim, a hood scoop and gray-painted
overfenders. Meanwhile the interior details feature
special sport fabric seats and color-keyed heated exterior
mirrors and door handles, exclusive to the package.
It also includes air conditioning, cruise control and
a 3-in-1 audio system with six speakers.
More Infomation: Prices - Buying Guides
- Reviews:
2003
Toyota RAV4
- This site reveals the true dealer cost (It's not the
Invoice Price!)
2003
Toyota RAV4 - Consumer Guide provides test drive
reviews and vehicle quality ratings.
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