History of the RAV4
Toyota's RAV4 is a forerunner of today's popular crossover-style sport utility vehicles. Similar vehicles include the Honda CRV (which I have also owned- it's a very good car), Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Jeep Liberty and Mitsubishi Montero. Look around the road today and you'll find all these cars and more - they are an answer to the huge gas-guzzling SUV monsters that just aren't always practical.
The RAV4 (Recreational Activity Vehicle, 4-wheel drive) has a total of three official generations, and the 2006-2007 RAV's comprise the third generation. Toyota revealed the RAV4 as a prototype in 1989 at the Tokyo Motor Show.
It was released to the Japanese and UK market as a 2-door in 1994. In 1995, a four-door model was introduced, and at the start of 1996, the RAV4 was released in the United States.
The RAV4 proved to be a very popular vehicle and underwent a major redesign for it's 2001 release. The new release was longer, roomier and more stylish. This generation of the RAV4 was produced through the year 2005.
In 2006, Toyota introduced the third generation of the RAV4. This version is considerably longer, roomier and more aerodynamic than the prior generations. When I picked up my 2007 RAV, alot of my friends were surprised when they saw how large it was compared to earlier models. They were expecting a small crossover SUV with no leg room or storage space, but what they found was a vehicle developed half-way towards it's big brother, the 4-Runner. This generation actually gives you the option of having 3rd row seats and the 2 door model is no longer produced (at least for the US market).
The RAV has quite a history for only being on the market about a dozen years. There are diesel models available outside of the US, and there was even an electric model that was only recently discontinued (apparently to utilize new clean air act requirements). RAV4's were classified as Low Emission Vehicles (LEV's) back in 2001 and continue to lead the pack in fuel economy and consideration for the environment (ie. oil & filter change recommended after 5000 miles instead of the typical 3000 miles).
This is just a brief overview of the RAV4's history. For more information, take a look at the references for this post:
Additional Sources:
milkmandan
consumerguide
The RAV4 (Recreational Activity Vehicle, 4-wheel drive) has a total of three official generations, and the 2006-2007 RAV's comprise the third generation. Toyota revealed the RAV4 as a prototype in 1989 at the Tokyo Motor Show.
It was released to the Japanese and UK market as a 2-door in 1994. In 1995, a four-door model was introduced, and at the start of 1996, the RAV4 was released in the United States.
The RAV4 proved to be a very popular vehicle and underwent a major redesign for it's 2001 release. The new release was longer, roomier and more stylish. This generation of the RAV4 was produced through the year 2005.
In 2006, Toyota introduced the third generation of the RAV4. This version is considerably longer, roomier and more aerodynamic than the prior generations. When I picked up my 2007 RAV, alot of my friends were surprised when they saw how large it was compared to earlier models. They were expecting a small crossover SUV with no leg room or storage space, but what they found was a vehicle developed half-way towards it's big brother, the 4-Runner. This generation actually gives you the option of having 3rd row seats and the 2 door model is no longer produced (at least for the US market).
The RAV has quite a history for only being on the market about a dozen years. There are diesel models available outside of the US, and there was even an electric model that was only recently discontinued (apparently to utilize new clean air act requirements). RAV4's were classified as Low Emission Vehicles (LEV's) back in 2001 and continue to lead the pack in fuel economy and consideration for the environment (ie. oil & filter change recommended after 5000 miles instead of the typical 3000 miles).
This is just a brief overview of the RAV4's history. For more information, take a look at the references for this post:
Additional Sources:
milkmandan
consumerguide
posted by CCG_Gal at 10/22/2006 07:50:00 PM
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