Road Test: Toyota RAV4 Mk1 - not as crap as you think!

Here's the video you've (not) been waiting for. First review of the car that has replaced my Citroen XM - a 1996 Toyota RAV4 GX 3dr.
Watch as I take you through the comprehensive dashboard. Be amazed by its power and acceleration. Contains a review of its greenlaning prowess. No, it actually has some!
At the risk of sounding posh, this was filmed on an actual camera rather than my phone. Normal service is catered for by the lack of script or any forward planning.

[@dnlmachine4287]

One of the best small SUV ever made. Simple, tough, cheap, reliable, well designed. IMHO gold, and agreed - as far from crap as you can get.. Stay gold.

[@bk.intertainmentsandfunnys3263]

Are the new rav4 2019 better than first rav41996

[@unixnerd23]

Love mine to bits, superb winter car and brilliant in deep snow. Drives better than you'd think. Very good turning circle.

[@toyotanerd2269]

Those airbags will save your life. I was rear ended in mine went into a concrete wall and rolled 3 times. Rave4 was the all around best vehicle I have ever owned I wish it had not been totaled.

[@JobeMI6]

We have found our new TOP GEAR presenter! Great video, so thank you! Loved the half an our window opening comment!

[@BratFyre]

Getting one myself. Can't wait.

[@ghostmanwayne1510]

i have a 1998 rav4L and it has about threehunded thousand miles on it and still a little champ

[@citizendc9]

The japenese motors built around 1994-1997/8 are some of the longest lasting in the world. They defy the laws of physics.

[@Micky7545finesse]

Yes, it's a really good car and the cabrio version is rare too

[@exionem]

First gen Rav4´s are probably the most solid built vehicles ever from Toyota. The later models from the 00's don´t have the reliabiltiy of the 90s.

[@boubou230910]

To realize how good car it is, here in Greece that we change cars almost in average 7-10 years, the first edition of Rav4 is just absent from the used cars lists in the market. Everybody still keep it cause its still works fine.

[@theladyfingers___]

I always wanted one (a 3 door) but could never afford a new car. When I finally moved to Australia they were dirt cheap and I got one and I love it. It's not a serious offroader at all, but it's fun on dirt roads and I've rescued a large loaded van from some very slippery mud thanks to that first gear and diff lock. Also, women really like it. I always get compliments from dates.

[@theladyfingers___]

And parking in the city is a doddle. The thing is shorter than most small hatchbacks.

[@69Phuket]

The thing?

[@owenshebbeare2999]

Early ones were often bought in Australia by idiots who treated it like a Landcruiser, and the marketing and some early badging reinforced this. They will do a fair bit if driven properly off road, but true off-roaders they are/were not, though the very first gen was indeed the best if you wanted to test it, the SWB 3-doors, of course.

[@TheMickvee]

I have the last model 3 door RAV4 that Toyota made, a 2005 XT3i. It is proving to be the best car I've ever had. Totally dependable, comfy, nice to drive and very roomy, especially with the easily removed rear seats taken out. The only downer is the fuel consumption. The 2 litre petrol engine is a bit of a gas guzzler! I get a lot of positive comments with most people asking why on earth Toyota stopped making them!

[@theflyinghamster8442]

Many thanks for the video, after watching this Iv decided to go ahead with my purchase of one! Thank you for a very informative review.

[@nickaa827]

Just bought a 5 speed 99 rav4 4wd 4door as my first car! I'm excited

[@Eastwood007x]

Considering I see those little guys all the time, I’d say they aren’t crap at all. Used and abused, still running.

[@neddyhenare7897]

I've got two...one 4 work and town the other for firewood...boat. Very versatile machine. First one cost 3,500 and the better one for 300. So happy with them both.

[@PeterEmery]

I struck the "pendulum effect" at work in the 1980s: a smallish Dodge truck was required to to a heavy chain trencher, OK until highway speeds of over 65 kph were attempted downhill. Then the mass of the load effectively controlled the direction of the towing vehicle - frightening & unsafe. The distance from the towing hitch to the rear axle was approx 1.3 metres. Swapping the tow vehicle to a Ford tip-truck of similar size to the Dodge with the rear axle almost at the back fixed the problem: the axle to hitch distance was about 0.3 metres.

[@ianinvancouverbc]

proud owner of a 99 Rav4 paid $2000 for it 4 years back currently with 340,000 plus kms still rockin it drive it everyday

[@louierants5080]

Love this video my dad has a rav 4 1999 and it's great.

[@nofgood4live]

i have one now for 4 years,. like it alot,. they pretty tough machines.

[@HubNut]

They're good fun. Bit limited on the rocky lanes around here though... kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKG5pZ5tr8qJqcU

[@yanishppt]

nofgood how is the fuel consumption ?

[@robhosking9399]

Very Interesting Insight Into The Toyota Rav 4 There Ian! Nice Styling On The First Generation Rav 4, And With That Excellent Japanese Build Quality. Should Be A Pretty Reliable Vehicle For You!!!

[@charliemanson4808]

I used to tow a caravan with a 2ltr shorty Frontera Sport a surprisingly good little towing vehicle. I'm convinced the short wheelbase helped with stability. Charlie 🇬🇧

[@HubNut]

The physics of that don't stack up but the RAV4 was surprisingly good. Longer is generally better, but I think having the tow bar as close as possible to the rear wheels helps too.

[@RandyDarkshade2]

My mum had a 1998 model RAV 4. I never liked it's styling, but the ride was great for vehicle that is 16+ years old. But in the year or so she owned it it never once let her down, never needed any repairs done (aside from checking oil, coolant blahblahblah) She sold it due to my stepdad being disabled from a motorcycle accident, they sold it to get a car on the motorbillity scheme, she chose a Nissan Juke, again not the best looking of vehicles in my opinion but it's been a great car so far.

[@HubNut]

Odd that you commented on this today. I was parked behind an absolutely identical one earlier, which put me in mind of this car.

[@tariqtvproductions]

Toyota and Japanese manufacturers make the best cars in the world and that's not hyperbole! In the middle east especially Qatar The Landcruiser petrol V8's are considered national cars they're that much revered! The rav 4 is a great car, reasonable running costs and will suit the needs of most people. :)

[@mr-wx3lv]

Always had a soft spot for the rav 4, but the later incarnations are horrid to look at. Why can't they carry on with the original chic and character and just modify tastefully?! Another prime example is the Ford Ka... where is the funkyness of that original design??!!

[@artyom.art1156]

mr sneaky2010 absolutely agree.

[@carlover1015]

The 5 Automatic Transmission Gearshift With 5-Door Looks the Best

[@llamedosr7843]

These were great cars. Mine had 180000 when I scrapped it. Got a crv now that's just about to top that..

[@Chillmax]

XM to Rav 4, arrest this man ;-) (although agreed on the oil burner)

[@pawpawbandit3871]

Picking up a 4-door tomorrow to last the apocalypse and then some!

[@mikehydropneumatic2583]

The Xm and RAV4 are both fun cars they are just different.

[@akr01364]

I lost my virginity in one of those. Well, my mechanical one, anyway. A friend had one as their first car in school and when they somehow got a stick up in the engine behind the alternator I somehow got both a scar and managed to figure out how to turn the air blue.

[@MarkAtkin]

The original RAV4 was a cross between a 4x4 and a hot hatch. Since then they have got bigger and heavier with each new model. It seems like the Nissan Juke and Vauxhall Mokka have filled the gap left by Toyota.

[@HubNut]

Yes, it's a strange old world really. The RAV4 was a bit too small for practicality though. 5-door was better, but lost some of that cheeky charm. Not as much as later generations did though. Shame.

[@BobM925]

Ah memories of my old M-plate Toyota Carina E here. The indicator sound, the engine sound, the colours in the interior... The indicator stalk itself being on the (correct) *right* hand side of the wheel! :D The Carina was, in a word, boring. Reliable though, not very entertaining to drive - light steering etc. It did have excellent brakes though. I'd probably still have it, but it was involved in a crash in 1997, and "not repaired properly" so the rear half of the car rusted away eventually. It lasted until 2009 though and 160k miles. One clutch, half an exhaust and a few suspension bushes in its life - and service parts of course. A good car. I've never driven a RAV before, but I'd expect it to be somewhat similar.

[@agomes1234]

Thank you for your review, thinking of getting 0ne

[@gatocenisozo9929]

Yo tengo uno del mismo solo de color guindo y es muy divertido manejarlo

[@jamescoleridge7368]

Nothing wrong with fuel filler, just have keep an eye on the gears. Bit difficult at times to engage, gotta be firm!

[@Elvis_TheKing]

Definitely my favourite car you have ever owned. Ironically, as a reliable, stylish well-liked car, it isn’t very ‘HubNut’! 😁😉

[@TregTube]

I bought a 1996 3 door years ago as joke more than anything, as it looked like a pile of shite. I’m proud to tell you, she is now a championship winning rally car and also gets used as a surprisingly able greenlaning vehicle. On my channel you can find a video of it reaching VMAX on knobbly tyres. They are surprisingly good vehicles, usually dismissed because they look so god awful.

[@errcoche]

I remember when this came out and a motoring journalist having trouble categorizing it. For me it's a faux-by-four, something to drive in town when you don't have the money for a Land Rover but want to project a certain image. I used to live in Ecuador in the mid to late 90s where you have potentially much more need for off roading ability and the Vitara was very popular ( the CRV was just coming out as well as the RAV4 I suppose ). I would be tempted to go for a VItara over a RAV4 like this if I cared about negotiating rough terrain.

[@schlookie]

These things will survive thermonuclear warfare. They're a rugged, reliable little vehicle, considering they seem to be made from the Toyota parts bin! The 5 door longer wheelbase model drives not too badly either. Along similar lines is the Daihatsu Terios which is a neat little vehicle.

[@tomwinch9107]

Just had the timing belt changed on my daughter's 64k miles 3 door auto RAV 4 ... it's a 1996 built, jan 97 registered vehicle, so 25 years old ... as it's a non-interference engine I was saving the pennies towards this, when the water pump sprang a leak and needed replacing ... With regards to acceleration, the auto version is not quick - in place of the diff-lock switch you get an 'ECT POWER' switch, which is like a sport mode switch, so it changes up a little higher up the rev range, providing slightly better acceleration in exchange for a lot more engine noise. Better acceleration is had by holding the selector in 2 until your ears bleed (joke) then selecting drive Lovely car, but not without it's peculiarities!

[@tomwinch9107]

Watching a number27 video where Jack asks for viewers to volunteer their cars for review lead me to search through his back catalogue ... I don't think he'd want to review any of my cars! This lead me to wonder if you would be interested in reviewing any of the following: Jan 1997 registered RAV4 3 door Auto (mentioned above, it's my wife's now) and has 66K now; 2008 Toyota Prius with 173k on the clock - my Daughter's replacement for the rather thirsty RAV4; 2008 Seat Altera XL ~103k ... the car with thick A pillars with wipers parking there (to improve pedestrian safety, apparently) I'm based near the Hampshire / Surrey boarder ... so getting the RAV4 to you could be 'interesting'!

[@HubNut]

Thanks Tom. Please email [e-mail] with details and location. We're quite often in the South.

[@petergouldbourn2312]

I’m liking the Rav4

[@davidsingleton9864]

Toyota RAV 4 reliable and sensible compromise.

[@kelly-khengleong8503]

Cannot use mine due to the clicking noise from the drive shafts. Can anyone in Kent help?

[@jaggass]

The old Panda 4x4 was the same when it came to the gearbox. A very 1st short gear as it didn't have a transfer box. Is this Rav 4 still on the road?

[@HighHoeKermit]

I quite enjoyed the early RAV, great on the country roads and just as capable over the bumpy fields. I never took it seriously off road however, so couldn't comment on that score.

[@pgpete]

i had one of these - same colour - mine was 1994

[@indianatone218]

Hi Ian you mentioned putting new tyres on the rav how much did they cost and where did you get them 'thanks ,ant from abba .

[@garynovit]

My 1997 3 door is still running great! There are no more 3 doors for sale in Chicago . What will I buy next if mine ever dies?

[@tysthertoghs4516]

dont worry, itll live forever!

[@robinforrest7680]

Never saw this video! From the pre Pschooout era...

[@davidhayes4814]

Didn’t one of these RAV 4 s have the 2 litre 126 bhp engine? With little weight it must have shifted. I had a picnic with engine and even with a heavier body it really shifted.

[@deepsouthNZ]

i have a year 2000 5 door model, it has over 400.000 km on it and would probably do that again

[@hyena-chase2176]

Well in my opinion no one thought the RAV4 was crap in the first place

[@griftereck]

I was expecting a Techno sound track. over the video of the Toyota RAVE

[@rimmersbryggeri]

What does RAV stand for? Random Access Vehicle? Shouldnt that be the E30 BMW?

[@HubNut]

Recreational Activity Vehicle (with 4 wheel drive).

[@jamescoleridge7368]

Have a 5 door, manual, 180,000 mile, 1996.please come n give it a test!!

[@HubNut]

Hi James. Thanks, but having driven a RAV4, I know what they're like now. Hope you keep enjoying yours. Check the state of the fuel filler pipe!

[@jamescoleridge7368]

Long wheel base, different kettle of fish!

[@pierrot148]

wouldn't you want to get a diesel for towing though? But like you said it's shockingly small, never thought it was that small. So I guess it's very light aswell then? I guess you'll be fine then

[@HubNut]

Yeah, a diesel would have been good. Couldn't find anything that quite fitted the bill. Hoping not to do too much towing with it. It's probably about 200kg lighter than the XM.

[@thomasbegin1204]

Is this a good deal? 1998 Rav4 convertible, 100k miles for $2100 usd. It is mentioned that the car has been restored to new last year it looks good from the pictures.

[@HubNut]

I don't know US values well enough to know if that's value. 100k miles is nothing.

[@thomasbegin1204]

@@HubNut I live in canada, I converted the price and mileage (CND /KM)

[@MW-us3sv]

@@thomasbegin1204 Sounds like an absolute steal. Did you buy it ?

[@thomasbegin1204]

@@MW-us3sv no, I regret not buying it. Someone pulled the trigger before me

[@MW-us3sv]

@@thomasbegin1204 Thanks for the reply. Sorry to hear about that. I'm in the process of buying one right now here in Australia. It has 345,000 kms. ( 214,000 miles ) Sight unseen. Things are flying off Marketplace so I jumped on it, it had only been listed 8 minutes prior. $2,000 Aus. ( $1,418 US$ ) It looks to be in fantastic shape. Has a bit of hail damage. Looks rust free. 4WD and manual. It won't be doing too many miles as it will be my second car. I didn't set out to actually buy one of these, I just wanted something a bit different. I then started looking into them after putting down a deposit. They are rather rare so that's good.

[@LeeTanczos]

“farewell” :-]

[@granskare]

check the frames beneath your toyota - they rust easily with the frames - I had a FJ40 which also had problems with frames :)

[@HubNut]

These don't have a frame. ;-)

[@commanderstud2417]

I use to have a 96 rav4 and sold it.... I have regrets doing that..

[@bk.intertainmentsandfunnys3263]

Are the first rav41996 weak or strong ,than new model rav4??

[@HubNut]

In some ways, stronger. I bet this is far better off-road.

[@bk.intertainmentsandfunnys3263]

Good, but do you think ,which rav4 is better .either the first rav41996 verse new rav4s. For me l choose first rav41996 .what about u

[@mirkop312]

I remember those first RAV4s have horrible brakes.

[@HubNut]

Ah, that's reassuring in a way. Perhaps they aren't broken and just are that rubbish then.

[@MyFabian94]

Is it me just being young or why do I prefer the Diesel Beat to the Petrol Whisper?

[@HubNut]

I liked diesels for a time. Now I dislike them most seriously.

[@MyFabian94]

Well, I don't dislike Petrol Engines per se, they have their Place where light weight and peak power are important, but I don't get the Point of having them in a Daily Driven Car. I have an old BMW Motorcycle and a Piaggo Ape 50, and I kinda take care of an old Motorplane (A Job-15, Vids on my Channel), but in a Car, why? Weight doesn't really matter, and peak acceleration in Top RPMs is rarely necessary or useful, but saving fuel and money is. I just wonder why nobody cares about Petrol Cars turning off their waste gas purification whenever Temperatures are slightly too high, too low or in most City Traffic, but in a Diesel it's the End of the World. Emissions Regulations are big Scam, and I hate suffering from it. Also: That Sweet Turbo Whistle from the Opel 1.3 Diesel is Orgasmic. If it just wasn't so Short Lived. Next on my Wishlist is the Fiat 127 Fiorino though. It's seriously underappreciated.

[@HubNut]

My daily is currently a V8 petrol. Or a twin-cylinder petrol if I can't stomach the fuel bills. To be honest, electric is what appeals most for the basic need of 'need a car to move me.' Neither petrol nor diesel can match the super-smooth power delivery.

[@MyFabian94]

Well, I don't really see the Battery Electric Car as having a Future. Neither the Hydrogen Cell Cars. The Future of Battery Technology as of now is: "And then a Miracle Happens" and we get something Practical. And then we simply ignore probably the most Practical Solution is in the Methane-Oxygen Fuel Cell if anything, with Methane produced with Surplus Renewable Energy, synthesized from Hydrogen Gas. It's reasonably safe, efficient and practical. I drove a Tesla once, and while it was cool, it was his second one, as his first one burt down on a Battery Defect as a consequence of a faulty Regulator that allowed the Charge to drop below Critical. So, I foresee a Future in which abandoned Electic Cars just randomly catch fire. Lithium Batteries are fucking dangerous.

[@HubNut]

+MyFabian94 To be fair, petrol isn't without its dangers. Vauxhall had to do a recall on the Zafira because a wiring fault made them catch fire. Cars have been catching fire for a long time. I don't believe EVs are worse in that regard.

[@WhateverItTakesLIVE]

i bet he was wishing he still had his Citroen XM

[@andrewleon2406]

how many mpg do you get

[@HubNut]

About 30.

[@spencermcdonald3885]

Wernt you supposed to do a ford by now?

[@jaggass]

What's the mpg on a RAV4?

[@HubNut]

First tank was 30mpg. Not owned it long enough to establish a firm benchmark yet.

[@jaggass]

HubNut Good luck with the RAV4 these were once very popular.

[@tankingbeast1132]

I have a 1999 5door RAV 4

[@tankingbeast1132]

And it's Automatic

[@curtkneelove7354]

tanking beast me too

[@abiliodacosta1028]

sir can you help me

[@leslie7872]

If this a diesel?

[@HubNut]

No. They didn't do a diesel first-gen. Not in the UK anyway.

[@leslie7872]

@@HubNut and is there a sun roof on both the front and back. cant tell? hows the driving visibly. the cars really tall and boxy so it should be good right?

[@20alphabet]

Yes, it's as crap as I thought.

[@Mark1405Leeds]

Good and long lasting - hideous styling!

[@HubNut]

Hideous? How can you say that? Look at its cute face!

[@Mark1405Leeds]

Not sure why I hate the styling - my 4x4 of choice would always be a Lada Niva. [I also love some Jeeps 2nd generation Cherokee - I believe they last forever!]

[@rockymountainoutdoorsman]

Your on the wrong side of the car

[@johntate5050]

It's a Japanese car. The Japanese drive on the left and sit on the right so he's actually on the correct side.

[@indianatone218]

Hi Ian you mentioned putting new tyres on the rav how much did they cost and where did you get them 'thanks ,ant from abba .

[@HubNut]

They were Michelin Latitude Cross tyres, and I can't remember the cost.