Used 2004 Toyota RAV4
Buying Guide for the Toyota RAV4:
Whatever got into the minds of Toyota manufacturers as they
planned out their 2004 model lineup is unknown, but it certainly
made them restless. Rather than sit back and give each vehicle
a little tinkering here and there, they instead redesigned
some, upgraded most and bettered all of them. No wonder Toyota
models sell so well.
They didn’t forget the RAV4 when they decided on the upgrades.
This year’s model gets more power and a new style, plus more
available features. It lifts the compact sport utility vehicle
up another notch on the scale of overall quality, something
its fans will truly welcome.
The RAV4 has a decidedly eye-catching price for the sporty
ride it provides drivers with. This year, that ride is noticeably
quicker thanks to the increase in horsepower versus last year’s
version. And nobody is going to complain about that.
Under the Hood
The manufacturers at Toyota decided that inline 4-cylinder
power is still the best way to drive the compact SUV. They
just thought a little more kick to the ride would be appreciated.
Good call.
The new engine is a 2.4-liter I4. It jumps up to 161 horsepower
at 5700 rpm and 165 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. The 2004
RAV4 can be had with 5-speed manual transmission or an extra-cost
4-speed automatic transmission.
Customers also have a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel
drive without low-range gearing.
New this year is an antiskid/traction-control system. But
that’s not all. The suspension is also retuned for a more
bump-free ride.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
Still, that’s not the end of the new features. Rear disc
brakes instead of drums are now found on the RAV4 as part
of the antilock brake system, which had been optional. A tire-pressure
monitor is another fresh piece of equipment. Available front
torso side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags
are another first for the RAV4.
Why stop there? Other debuts for the RAV4 include standard
power mirrors, steering-wheel audio controls and variable-intermittent
windshield wipers. In addition, the exterior and interior
have been given an overall touch-up.
All of that combines to make this year’s RAV4 easily an improvement
over previous versions.
Options for 2004 include leather upholstery, a power sunroof,
heated front seats and an in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
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