First mini sport utility

srobertson

Lots of people think that free trade with foreign nations is a relatively new idea. It's no secret that American car manufacturers source many of their parts -- even entire vehicles -- from Asia and Europe. The Chevrolet Tracker and Ford Aspire were Korean built, Chrysler V-6 engines came from Japan, as do some Saturn engines and a number of Harley Davidson motorcycle parts. But it's not a new trend, and Americans have been selling parts and products to foreign nations, as well. For example, the first Toyota was built on a Chevrolet chassis and had a Chevrolet transmission! That was back in 1936. Actually, it was a "Toyoda", with a "d". The name was changed the following year to the present spelling.

Who would have thought that Toyota would become the world's second largest auto manufacturer, close behind General Motors?

With an uncanny ability to spot a trend and give the world what it wants, Toyota began building "SUVs" back in the 1960s. Of course, back then we didn't know what an SUV was, but we snapped up every Land Cruiser Toyota could crank out. By 1985 it was the world's best-selling four wheel-drive vehicle.

In 1996 Toyota scooped the market with the first ever car-based mini SUV, the RAV4, based not on the Land Cruiser, but on the Corolla platform. It was an instant success, and has spawned a bewildering gaggle of competitors, all vying for attention in the lucrative compact SUV segment. The RAV4 (Recreational Active Vehicle -- four-wheel drive) is the subject of this week's review.

Actually, "RAV4" is a bit of a misnomer, because the vehicle is also available in front-wheel drive only, and there is no "RAV2" designation. My test vehicle was propelled by the front wheels only, and is not intended for off-road use. But something like 98 percent of SUVs are never taken off-road, so Toyota sells a boatload of these vehicles every month.

The RAV4 is one of the smallest SUVs on the market -- 8 inches shorter than the best-selling Ford Escape. It is smaller than the Subaru Forester, 12 inches shorter than the Honda CR-V, even smaller than the Jeep Liberty and Chevy Equinox. But compared to the original model, the current RAV4 is larger in length, width, height, wheelbase and track. As the competition heated up, the RAV4 struggled to keep up, and has been revised and freshened over the years. The track was widened by nearly two inches but the height increased by just half an inch. The current RAV4 hugs the earth closer than the earlier generation, with about one inch less ground clearance. The original RAV4 was offered as a two-door convertible and a four-door hardtop. Since 2001, only the enclosed four door has been available.

Redesigned for 2001, the RAV-4 took on a more refined look, and sported a more powerful 4-cylinder engine and enhanced interior. Honda's CR-V, with its larger 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and roomer interior, was stealing sales, and Ford's Escape, with a 200-horsepower V-6, outperformed it and could tow more than twice as much. Today's RAV4 is equipped with a 2.4-liter engine producing 161-hp and 165-pound-feet of torque. Four-wheel-drive versions offer an unusual full-time four-wheel drive system. The system is permanently engaged, requiring no input from the driver. It employs a center differential that routes the engine's power to the front or rear wheels, depending on which need it most. This feature only adds about $1,400 to the price of the RAV4, so I consider it a worthwhile option. The standard transmission is a five-speed manual, but my test vehicle had the optional four-speed automatic. It performed fine, but I wold have preferred the more sporting manual.

For 2005, Toyota's emphasis is on safety, and their Star Safety System includes vehicle stability control, traction control, and four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. Also included is air conditioning, front and rear cup holders, power locks, power windows, power mirrors, AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD, cruise control, tire pressure monitor, 16-inch steel wheels and a rear wiper/washer.

Inside, the most comfortable place for two adults is the front seats. This is a small vehicle, and the rear seats are tight on legroom. But it is a versatile vehicle, and those rear seats slide, tilt and fold into several configurations. Removing them is another alternative. Quality is everywhere -- it's as if Toyota's Lexus subsidiary has a hand in the design and execution.

But when it comes to the ride, the RAV4 is a small Toyota, not a heavy Lexus. It's not a bad ride -- in fact it rides as well as any other mini-ute. It's just a small vehicle with a short wheelbase, and you know what that means at 70-mph when you come to bad sections on an interstate. But the engine and transmission performed flawlessly, providing adequate performance, with EPA fuel mileage estimates of 24-mpg/city and 29-mpg/highway. The RAV4 was stylish and fun to drive, with responsive steering and none of that top-heavy feeling that some huge SUVs give you. If you want the SUV experience, but not the cost, the RAV4 is worth a look. I just wish it had a tailgate instead of that fifth door!

Steve Robertson of Robertson's Creative Photography is a car enthusiast and former staff writer/photographer for the Southeast Missourian. Contact him at sjr1@robertsonsphotography.com.