When Toyota began selling the RAV4 in May 1994 (in Japan only), sales nearly doubled initial estimates, with 8,000 orders in the first month. The Toyota RAV4’s introduction to the U.S. market in 1996 fueled an industry-wide rush to develop car-based sport utility vehicles (SUVs) smaller, sportier, and less off-road-oriented than the unit-bodied, 1984-vintage Cherokee.
The RAV4's success was due partly to its convenient size and partly to its thrift. It used the second-generation Camry’s 2-liter four-cylinder engine, and was sold in both two and four door versions, with a manual five-speed transmission and a four-speed stick; full-time all wheel drive was standard, with an optional locking center differential. The package could handle minor off-roading, but was meant as an on-road package, and came with full passenger-car safety equipment (including, from the start, dual airbags). The relatively compact size, passenger-car interior and safety, and on-road-oriented design, coupled with the ability to go off-road if needed, created a new market niche.
In 1997, new seat fabric was used in the two-doors, a power moonroof was made optional in four-doors, a digital clock was added, and models with power windows were given bigger front speakers. In 1998, there were a variety of exterior changes, including the grille and tail, and, inside, dual cupholders, a new steering wheel, audio upgrades, seat fabric on four-doors, a digital odometer, and new door panels.
In 1999, a convertible version, the Soft Top, was added to the lineup; the two-door Soft Top had a front hard top combined with a rear convertible soft top, with braces in the rocker panels and rear fenders to keep the body together in the absence of a full roof. The top, made in the US, was made of double-layered, vinyl-coated polyester with a two-ply substrate and plastic windows. The top was kink and wrinkle resistant, and was designed to channel water away from the cabin in rain. The Soft Top proved to be less successful than hoped, and never made it to the 2000 model year.
Another 1999 model was the RAV-4L special edition, with a leather interior and color-keyed body cladding, mirrors, and door handles.
In 2001, the RAV-4 was redesigned (see the following section) with many changes. In 2003, a Sport Package was added, with additional amenities and exterior appearance changes.
2004 saw a number of appearance changes, including the back door handle, front bumper, headlights and grille, fog and tail lights, and spare tire cover. Perhaps more significant, a 2.4 liter engine replaced the 2.0 liter Camry four; the new 2.4 liter engine produced 161 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Partly in response to feelings of instability, the RAV4 was given standard vehicle stability control, including traction control, brake assist, antilock brakes, and electronic brake-force distribution, as standard features. First and second row side curtain airbags and front side airbags were added as options.
The RAV4's success was due partly to its convenient size and partly to its thrift. It used the second-generation Camry’s 2-liter four-cylinder engine, and was sold in both two and four door versions, with a manual five-speed transmission and a four-speed stick; full-time all wheel drive was standard, with an optional locking center differential. The package could handle minor off-roading, but was meant as an on-road package, and came with full passenger-car safety equipment (including, from the start, dual airbags). The relatively compact size, passenger-car interior and safety, and on-road-oriented design, coupled with the ability to go off-road if needed, created a new market niche.
In 1997, new seat fabric was used in the two-doors, a power moonroof was made optional in four-doors, a digital clock was added, and models with power windows were given bigger front speakers. In 1998, there were a variety of exterior changes, including the grille and tail, and, inside, dual cupholders, a new steering wheel, audio upgrades, seat fabric on four-doors, a digital odometer, and new door panels.
In 1999, a convertible version, the Soft Top, was added to the lineup; the two-door Soft Top had a front hard top combined with a rear convertible soft top, with braces in the rocker panels and rear fenders to keep the body together in the absence of a full roof. The top, made in the US, was made of double-layered, vinyl-coated polyester with a two-ply substrate and plastic windows. The top was kink and wrinkle resistant, and was designed to channel water away from the cabin in rain. The Soft Top proved to be less successful than hoped, and never made it to the 2000 model year.
Another 1999 model was the RAV-4L special edition, with a leather interior and color-keyed body cladding, mirrors, and door handles.
In 2001, the RAV-4 was redesigned (see the following section) with many changes. In 2003, a Sport Package was added, with additional amenities and exterior appearance changes.
2004 saw a number of appearance changes, including the back door handle, front bumper, headlights and grille, fog and tail lights, and spare tire cover. Perhaps more significant, a 2.4 liter engine replaced the 2.0 liter Camry four; the new 2.4 liter engine produced 161 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Partly in response to feelings of instability, the RAV4 was given standard vehicle stability control, including traction control, brake assist, antilock brakes, and electronic brake-force distribution, as standard features. First and second row side curtain airbags and front side airbags were added as options.
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