2004 Toyota RAV4 "Chili" Special Edition Road Test

No Age Limits for Young-at-Heart SUV

Although Toyota's RAV4 came out a few years back I hadn't actually talked to a RAV4 owner until last summer, while working part-time at a golf course. One day, after asking my co-worker what she thought of her little SUV, she proceeded to tell me how she "loves it" and how "it's a great car to drive." I took her word.

While its target market might be young singles and families from a marketing perspective, the RAV4 is easily good enough for any age group. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

But it wasn't until I had the opportunity to take one out for spin myself that I appreciated her point of view. Being that she was almost twice my age I thought our opinions might differ, perhaps because the RAV4, to me, seems more of a youth-oriented car. But now I understand why age doesn't factor into the equation. While its target market might be young singles and families from a marketing perspective, the RAV4 is easily good enough to warrant such high praise from any age group.

The 2004 RAV4 "Chili" Special Edition is a sporty, fun, young-at-heart kind of vehicle. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

The 2004 RAV4 "Chili" Special Edition is even more impressive. It rides smooth for a small SUV, but firm enough to hold stable at highway speeds or perform minor off-roading functions. The RAV really has a personality on the road too. It's a sporty, fun, young-at-heart kind of vehicle. Bottom line, it drives admirably.

It compares well to its competition as well. For instance, I found the RAV4 to be more stable and less wobbly while executing corners than the Saturn VUE. I also found the Toyota's interior and exterior styling classier and cleaner in execution. Next to the Mazda Tribute, the two are neck and neck when it comes to all around driving experience. What about the arch-rival Honda CR-V? The RAV is definitely more fun, with the Honda coming across more like a mini-minivan in comparison.