A Stand-Out SUV
My Dad called me a while back and asked me what new vehicle I felt would best suit his needs. Having just driven the
Toyota Matrix through winter conditions - he lives in a snow belt - and then factoring in its better than average expected reliability and resale value, plus superb
fuel economy and build quality, I recommended it to him.
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| Priced only slightly higher than a Toyota Matrix 4WD, the RAV4 offers more room and a truck-like feel. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Dad went down to his local Toyota dealer and took it out for a ride, and like me was duly impressed. But while walking across the lot a RAV4 caught his attention. Priced only slightly higher than a four-wheel drive Matrix, while offering more interior room and boasting a truck-like demeanor, it was immediately appealing. After another recommendation from yours truly, a thorough test drive, some serious deliberation, and a little negotiation, he bought it.
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| The RAV4 looks terrific and offers ride and handling more like a sports car than an SUV. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
I was impressed with the second generation RAV4 when I first drove it in 2000, being introduced as a 2001 model. It felt more like a sports car than an SUV, with great handling, a zippy 4-cylinder engine and a slick shifting 5-speed manual transmission - a 4-speed automatic was, and still is available. There was room for five and a little luggage space to boot, plus it looked terrific.
The styling has aged well, much the same in 2003 other than the option of a modified front grille, hood scoop and blacked out headlamp surrounds as part of the Chili special edition.
