Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
22 -25 City / 27 -31 HWY
Horsepower
148
Seats
5
Front angle view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Teresa R
Totally reliable compared to others I have owned. Would highly recommend a Toyota.
For being an older vehicle it has been reliable and other than minor problems, mostly cosmetic a real beater.
accountCircle Timothy w
I need to know that a car is a weapon if used wrong in any way.
I like that it is a vehicle I own. I had got the car after a car accident
accountCircle Elaine K
Great vehicle with good gas mileage.
I have had no issues with my vehicle even though it is 16 years old. It runs good gets good gas mileage. It is a great vehicle and very reliable.
accountCircle Annette P
My car is good on gas mileage and the ride is smooth.
I have had it since 2003 and it has been a great car. I have only had to change tires and batteries for it. Once three years ago a manufacturer’s defect caused me $300 to correct. My car has been reliable and I am just approaching 100,000 miles and I hate to replace it.
accountCircle Vivian V
Dependable, reliable, won't leave you on the road unless major problem car.
Only complaint I have is that the space between front seats and back seats is too close. It has been a reliable car for all the years I've had it. Regular maintenance each year. After many years of potholes now it is starting to need computer adjustment.
accountCircle Shawn N
Love the way it makes my life easier.
I love the roominess of this vehicle. I can take clients or haul hay and my kid's goat on the weekends. The car just runs smoothly and is utilitarian. It has lots of power and a smooth ride. I like that there are so many on the road for reliability and ease in finding a mechanic and parts.
accountCircle Jamie Z
It is reliable and needs only standard maintenance.
I love the small size of this SUV compared to other bigger SUVs. I also love the quality of this SUV. There are no dislikes.
accountCircle jessica z
Reliable and it's worth the money, because i have depended on it and it's amazing
I love it, it's so cute and very comfortable and reliable. Its an older car but i do love it and i have had it for a long time and it got passed down to me. The features are basic and everything works. It has problems but every care has problems

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Terry S
I do not like the car at all really the only nice thing is the space.
I would not recommend this car to anyone that I know. I got the car from a family member. Had no problems and then all of a sudden when pulling out after a stop sign my engine revs super high like 5, 000 rpms before shifting into gear. It is extremely slow when trying to gain speed it literally will sit at about 2, 000 rpms and if you give it anymore gas it shoots up to nearly 4, 000. The more I have this car the more I wish I didn't own it. Very unsatisfied with it overall. The only thing this car has going for it is that it is spacious and has room to store stuff. I also enjoy the mere fact that if I wanted to pull a trailer I could which is a nice thing to be able to do when needed. I would not recommend this car to anyone that I know. I got the car from a family member. Had no problems and then all of a sudden when pulling out after a stop sign my engine revs super high like 5, 000 rpms before shifting into gear. It is extremely slow when trying to gain speed it literally will sit at about 2, 000 rpms and if you give it anymore gas it shoots up to nearly 4, 000. The more I have this car the more I wish I didn't own it. Very unsatisfied with it overall. The only thing this car has going for it is that it is spacious and has room to store stuff. I also enjoy the mere fact that if I wanted to pull a trailer I could which is a nice thing to be able to do when needed.
accountCircle Candace W
My car is an older car but it still performs very well and gets me around fine.
It is an older car. Technology in the car is old. Has some problems now because of the year. It performs fine, and is actually very comfortable. Very spacious with room for 6 people, it gets me where I need to go. Low mileage, gas runs out fast though.
accountCircle Hope P
It is old and still works and running.
Poor mileage. I have no ac my ac condenser was punctured. I need to replace all fuel injectors and replace my power steering pump. I have an oil leak. I just replaced my radiator.
accountCircle Melissa P
Toyota's RAV4 Review and 1st survey
I feel safe driving this vehicle. Good gas mileage and is comfortable to drive. Everything is automatic in it and I have never had a problem with the motor. Even with high mileage the car runs very well. No rust spots and the exhaust isn't loud even for being an older car.
accountCircle Lindsey F
My vehicle is very dependable.
I really like the vehicle that I have. It is reliable and dependable. The only negative to the vehicle is that it is a manual. And I prefer automatic.
accountCircle Dylan R
My 2002 Toyota Rav4 review
My vehicle has been very reliable for the first 7-8 years that I have owned it, I have only had minor problems that I can fix myself.
accountCircle VP S
Electronics problems causes engine to be unreliable
The vehicle has been durable and easy to drive. However, the electronics is not very reliable. Automatic transmission also could be better.
accountCircle Mary M
The car has been reliable.
Has been reliable yet light weight and not good in snow and inclement weather. Somewhat comfortable. The 2002 model is ok. Nothing fancy.

Toyota RAV4 Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
4dr Manual
148 HP 28-28 MPG 5 Seats
car
4dr Auto
148 HP 27-27 MPG 5 Seats
car
4dr Manual 4WD
148 HP 25-25 MPG 5 Seats
car
4dr Auto 4WD
148 HP 25-25 MPG 5 Seats
Photos may not match model

2002 Toyota RAV4 Owner Reviews

4.43
80 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 56%
4 stars 33%
3 stars 9%
2 stars 3%
1 star 0%
accountCircle Frank C on June 28, 2021
A fine car that you can rely on for years to come.
This car has a lot of miles on it but has been consistently reliable through the years. Aside from preventative maintenance and occasionally replacing a part, I have had no real issues with my Rav4.
accountCircle Jessica H on March 27, 2021
Fun to drive, great gas mileage, and easy to drive in bad weather.
I love everything about my car. I like that it's a small SUV, so it gives the power of an SUV without the high gas mileage. I feel safe when driving in bad weather. I love Toyotas because they last. The only thing I dislike it that its a 2002, and I eventually would like a newer model.

Ranks #3 Compact SUV by Owners

The 2002 Toyota RAV4 has an average owner rating of 4.43 out of 5 which ranks it #3 of 13 other Compact SUVs.

1
car
5
2
car
4.46
3
car
4.43

Ranks #1 Compact SUV by Fuel Economy

The 2002 Toyota RAV4 has a combined MPG of 31 which ranks it #1 of 13 other Compact SUVs.

1
car
31 MPG
2
car
27 MPG
3
Tie
car
26 MPG

Is The 2002 Toyota RAV4 A Good Car?

Yes it is. It has been very reliable despite being bought secondhand and being used a lot. We have clocked in a lot of drive time and even a minor accident with the car and it is still running... Read More
Dustin L.
Yes. It’s a great vehicle. Very reliable and dependable. It gets good gas mileage as well. I will recommend it to anyone.
Katie D.

How Reliable Is The 2002 Toyota RAV4?

Yes, it is reliable. The only problem we have had with it so far is the stick shift not being as smooth especially when trying to shift into reverse. This may be because of the age of the car and the... Read More
Kristin I.
It is very reliable and no it does not have any problems. My kids even love riding in it. Especially with the sunroof.
Joanne H.

Is The 2002 Toyota RAV4 A Good Value?

I believe we purchased our Rav4 second hand for about 3000 dollars. I would say that it's a good value for how well it has served us for the past year and a half.
Dee Ann L.
I think new it cost 20 - 30 grand but you can get a great deal on a new used one. They hold their value well also.
Sarah T.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the 2002 Toyota RAV4 transmission fluid type?

Answer: The 2002 Toyota RAV4 uses Dexron ViAutomatic transmission fluid. It is also referred to as ATF 4 fluid. This liquid can be found in one quart containers at most maSSRetail locations. You can also purchase it at...

What is the 2002 Toyota RAV4 vehicle speed sensor location?

Answer: The 2002 Toyota RAV4 vehicle speed sensor is located on the vehicle's transmission. The vehicle speed sensor (VSS) measures transmission/transaxle output or wheel speed. The ECM uses this information to modify...

How do I perform the 2002 Toyota RAV4 ecu reset?

Answer: To clear the 2002 Toyota RAV4's main computer or ECU, disconnect the negative cable of the under-hood battery which should be located on the driver's side of the engine. Wait at least 30 minutes. Reconnect the...

Where is the battery located on the 2002 Toyota RAV4?

Answer: If You are standing at the front bumper of Your 2002 Toyota RAV4 and looking at the engine compartment, the battery will be on the passenger side. It is just beneath the cowl panel, which is where the...

2002 Toyota RAV4: What is the towing capacity including torque, payload, and tongue weight?

Answer: The towing capacity of a 2002 Toyota RAV4 is 1500 pounds and a torque weight of 142 lbs.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm with a tongue weight oF-150 pounds. The payload can be varied from time to time but the usual capacity is...

Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety