1996 Toyota RAV4 Review - A Weird 3-Door SUV!
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
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The thoughts, feelings, and opinions expressed in this video are the sole thoughts of Zack and no one else. The thoughts expressed in this video do not reflect the owner, dealership, or organization that owns the vehicle featured. The purpose of this video is to provide entertainment with the hope that you will take what you see and formulate your own opinions. DO NOT make a financial decision based off of this video.
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Toyota could learn a thing or two if they'd just remember a thing or two. My god were they on the top of the world in the 90's.
I really dont understanf like bro u know what u need to make but they pretend not to know
Missed opportunity to call it a Rav3
But then the others would be Rav5
😂😂😂
Just like the 3 and 5 series BMWs
A guy I use to work with had one of these. He actually made news one day in the Toronto Sun newspaper as there was a windstorm that blew through, knocking a tree over and landing on this exact RAV4 with him in it.
His next RAV4 was sadly stolen out of the parking lot at work and about two months later RCMP tracked it down to a shipping container in Hong Kong.
He never went with a rav4 again.
Imagine having your car just stolen to China
All of my neighbors have the 4 door version of this! How awesome! I never knew these existed and I am 60% done with a LS in my 2006 Rav4 now a Rav8 or Ravolet. I can't wait to have Zack review it when its done!
That will be quite a sleeper lol.
How the hell do you put an LS in a Rav4? Is it he fwd LS4 set up?
@@wigletron2846 It started as an AWD and I notice the tunnel and then I priced out a v6 swap, I am sure the squeeze will be worth the juice I hope. I had to make some alterations to the firewall. Initially I was hoping it would fit and it would have however to much would be forward. Now it is a front Midship design like a g35 or C4 vette. I was able to keep the electric assist steering. The next hurdle is the rear subframe diff...
I think the most accurate word for what's missing from Automotive Design these days is Uniqueness.. Cars and SUVs have become so homogenized that you can sometimes barely tell the difference between a Hyundai and a BMW unless you're looking directly at the Badge! The Automotive Companies have bought into playing safe and lost their identities in the scramble for dollars first over loyal customers who used to swear by their brands..
Excellent point. Thats my big beef too. To brand characteristics.
These, even the 3 door, are still a common sight on New Zealand roads
The 2 door Rav4 is one of my dream cars, hope to at least see one in person someday
I love the 90s 2 door SUVs like the Tracker so for one to exist from Toyota and is pretty uncommon is super cool to me
I agree - the 2 door is legendary. I drive a 3rd gen rav 4 in Canada and it’s awesome in the winter. Great winter drifting platform with a LSD.
A piece of Toyota history In 1996. The Highlander didn't exist. 3rd gen 4Runner was nearly same size as 5th gen Rav4. Corolla was a subcompact car, not a compact. Tercel was their cheapest car to own.
1:39 I believe it. I have a 2014 Yaris, which is built with old Toyota reliability ethos, I did the front brakes for the first time at 190k miles and the pads still had about 6mm of material left. I replaced them because I was getting a pedal pulsation.
"Car Care Nut" channel says the Yaris is one the best Toyotas ever made. A hidden gem.
Can't wait for this to get to the dealerships, already put in my deposit and have mine booked. Stoked!
Ahaha it's like you've mistaken this for a new model
Hilarious
@@JBurton393 I am a cyborg so enjoy interfacing with my electronic comrades
Bbbrrrzzzz beep beep
Greatest car of all time!
See, when this and the first gen CR-V debuted, it was the three-door RAV4 that made me a fan of the latter for the longest while.
Great review!
The three door Honda HR-V with the roof spoiler was more fun than the boring, sensible CR-V!
I currently own a 96 4 door Rav4 that my parents bought used in 1998. It currently sets at just over 239K. Great vehicles. 😊
Gen 2 rav4 3dr was always my favorite
We only got the two-door for the first generation. After that, it was only four doors for North America.
I'm so glad you finally found one of these and reviewed it! What a legend of a car it was. It's too bad that comfortable, cheap, soft top SUVs aren't a thing that's offered anymore.
This car was the most concentrated version, if you will, of the RAV4. It had all of the stuff that made it the original RAV4 and it's awesome! 😁
Thank you for the review! I do notice what looks like black mold on the roof fabric. I would if I was Sean (who he borrowed it from) pull it out as it could cause health issues (especially allergy like symptoms, coughing or could trigger asthma). I’m gathering you saw it! Just definitely don’t leave it there. At the very least, spray it with vinegar and eucalyptus (bleach only bleaches the colour, making it look like it’s gone when it’s really just now… well, devoid of colour!
Anyway I really enjoyed the video as I’m on my way to look at a ‘96 model. It really was a fun and more laid back time in ‘96!
I have the 4 door version of this RAV4 and I love it so so much! My dream car is the 2 door version ofc but they are so easy to work on and incredibly reliable so I'm happy to wait :)
These were great, though at the time I was in a softtop Suzuki Sidekick. Excited for the day you get to look at one of those. Hopefully in Winter 😂
My Dad had a 90's 5 door Rav4 that he drove to work for a long while. I always liked it as a kid. He never had issues with it. Very reliable.
This was an iconic generation of RAV4, with various body styles and you could get it as an EV!
Best cars im picking my third one up today
I’ve got one of these! Same drivetrain Auto fwd and it’s green! Got lucky and found one with “lower miles” and it’s now at 194k. It’s not gonna win any races but I love it to death and couldn’t get rid of it.
Same vehicles we have in the shop. One is 2wd and red 1999 and the other is blue 4wd 1998 and both are 4 door variants.
Dirt Every Day did an awesome 4WD crawler conversion on one of these that they called the "RAD4". I've had a soft spot for these since seeing that project.
Such an odd little vehicle. These things used to be everywhere. The two-doors may not have been the most practical but they look fun. Those back seats have really good engineering to be as little in the way as possible.
I’m so happy to see you review a 2 door. I have the same one
No way really? This is my rav. He also reviewed my 86
@ Yea I have a 96 2 door. That’s super cool. I would love to have my car reviewed on youtube on day.
@@ravformula1 oh nice! I see it's white. Very cool. Mine is even closer to 300k now today
These are gemstones and are very reliable cars
Fun, jolly, loose. Zack, you just described the 90s in a few words.
I considered buying a RAV4 in Australia in 1998 but ended up buying a real 4x4, a Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4 five door wagon. Ladder frame chassis, four speed automatic transmission, selectable high and low range four wheel drive. I had two young kids at the time, and the RAV4 just didn't cut it.
These things are so hard to find. I have only seen a pretty beat up and rotted out one on marketplace since my sister was interested with them
What killed most of these was rust. Toyota makes well assembled vehicles, but they could use some improvement in rust resistance engineering.
all you need is a secluded beach, a villa and this rav 4
Glad you liked it
Always loved this quirky and very utilitarian vehicle.
One of my top 3 favorite Toyotas
Just subscribed to your channel now after watching your review of the 2nd gen CRV, scrolled through your videos and found this one to my surprise.
I currently own one of these, a 2000 2DR 5speed manual AWD RAV4 with 380,000 km (230,000mi) in silver/grey.
Original clutch, shifts light just like new. Because of short wheelbase, I can swing it around corners , but feel every ripple on the road!
Funny, I get notes and business cards stuck on window with people asking if I want to sell to let them know. It's a keeper.
BTW, both my rear side windows do pop out.
I now have my eye on a pristine 2005 5sp CRV at a local dealer with 190,000km( 120,000mi) asking $9,800 $CAD. The plastic 2.4VTEC engine cover over the engine is missing, i wonder if that's a concern? Or did a mechanic forget to put it back after servicing?
This is so dorky it's cute. I want one!
It's goofy and stunted. I'd drive one.
Remember my sister daycare teacher had one of these, always thought the color was really cool even at like 6 years old lmao
Much, much nicer than the present day RAV
1st gen RAV4 has turned into a collectible
I'll put aside my old kids thought about this car and just say that. Toyota in the 90s started revolutionizing cars by making the affordable SUV and the hybrid car and now that everybody makes them they regret it. My how time changes
The hell? This could fit in the bed of a Tundra
Could fit in the bed of a Jeep Gladiator!
im 17 years old currently driving this as my first car 😭 300k miles, replaced oil pump, injectors, water pump, etc.. needing a power steering pump too lol
One of my former neighbors had one and I couldn’t stop looking at it. Seeing it as the first generation RAV4. Always wanted to drive the two door version. Even though the 3rd Generation RAV4 is the one that I always love and wanted. The first and second Generation are not that bad either. Miss the old Toyota. The new ones just suck!
Folding seats nice and simply no electronics that will break
Best year ! 💐 These are super rare these days!!!
Agreed! Glad you enjoyed it
@ENGINERESCUE86 ty
Euro front bumper, turnsignals and front fenders, long may it live 😊
My first Wife had a 98 5 door stick model. It was a fun little thing until she rolled it.
1st gen Rav4 is my favorite of them all. 😎
7:08 notice those back seats are really low same with the 4 door , was in highschool rode in the back to the coast ugh my legs.
my friends mom from highschool still has that rav 4 as far as i know it gets better economy with the 5 speed.
one is these came into the shop i work at. it was a JDM car so right hand drive
Love your videos 😊😊
Someone in my town has a 4 door first generation 1996 ish, Rav 4 in the same color. I usually see it at my local Jewel Osco.
@10:22. "I'm sure someone down in Kentucky or Tennessee has cut the back off of one of these." LMFAO. I'm sure you're right.
7:14 whatever that thing is, a latch, hook or something, it seems to resemble a face. 😂
I miss my 97 rav4 😭
Yeah, not bad little wagons. I have heard they're a bit on the thirsty side though.
Looking to buy 1 of these or the crv. Can’t wait
wouldn't mind trying one out
the Daihatsu Feroza / Rocky is an earlier 3-door SUV but with the REMOVABLE rear. Toyota now owns Daihatsu, so you can say that one is like a lost grand uncle of the Rav4
Yeah old japanese cars were overbuilt like crazy. Thats why many are still on the road decades later. How many american or german cars have models like this?
Ever hear of any buick, pontiac, olds with the 3800. I see several every day. Today saw an 87 olds 88 and several early 90s buicks.
@howebrad4601 Yeah, the engines were good but transmissions were so so. And despite this the japanese cars were built much better most of the plastics were better built. European and Americans used super brittle plastics.
@@asadb1990 I have to respectfully disagree. I collect 70s thru 90s cars and have GM, Ford, Honda, Toyota, and Mitsubishi and my 80s GM cars have interiors that have held up beautifully. 2 of my Hondas have had to be reupholstered as the vinyl was super thin, cheap, and cracked. My toyota pickup has also been reupholstered as the seats didn't hold up. Also there is no comparison on carpets. GM carpet is think and of very high quality. The toyota and honda stuff can't hold a candle to it. Lets not even get into talking about rust. Luckily my Hondas are still rust free but that's rare where I live, and only because they came from another part of the country.
this is all the SUV that 90% of anyone will ever need
I have a 2door convertible!!!! It need to be replaced but its there
Toyota would do themselves a tremendous favour by making cars like this again.
missed opportunity to have a toyota ninja to the suzuki samurai
3:38 CRUISE (VANILLA SKY)
❤watching live from Malawi 🇲🇼
@ 6:45 I laughed like a little kid. I’m not sure why.
The drivers side rear window doesn't open due to exhaust on that side, this is a US thing. Everywhere else noth sides open
That's awesome 👌
Just think one of these with a 3sgte swap
Cool little car.
RGT85 is that you?
❤🔥❤🔥❤🔥
Looks like a vehicle designed for the Australian outback..
These got bulkier by the generation 😂 gen 1 to 3 are perfect though
Fart limiter appears to be blown on those seats
🤣
Japanese companies made more interesting, unique, and appealing vehicles when they were designed, engineered and managed by Japanese managers.
New stuff is so americanized all the uniqueness and quirkiness is gone. Very bland nowadays. All managed by generic product planning and marketing departments who all think the same
It’s a real shame on what the rav4 has become I loved them till the 4th gen came yuck!
3 doors down
6:46 should be a meme.
That was effin funny 😂
Nothing girly about this Toyota.
250+++ mi on the same breaks inpossible
Lots of highway miles with minimal braking. Ive got 120k on my 18 Silverado and there is tons of pad material left. Can easily see these pads go to 250. Lots of 500 mile interstate hwy trips.
Its mine. Belive it or not it is fact the rear brakes were original
@@ENGINERESCUE86 that's insanity 😱😱
Why was it weird? Lol there were plenty of 3 door suvs during that time. 🙄
I have a great condition saab 900 turbo convertible if you wanted to make a video with it. I think they’re becoming a more popular project car. HMU 🤙
Submit it!
That's a Geo Tracker.....
No that’s a Toyota RAV4
there similar but not the rav4 was Built on a Toyota Celica/Corolla platform
You mean the Suzuki Samurai. RAV4 is a completely different beast.
No, Trackers were Suzuki-based, body-on-frame, and rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive. RAV4s are unibody and front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive.
200.000 miles they must be driving around country😮. rav4's ain't popular anymore😊.
Suzuki copy cat
✅
Suzuki was traditional body on frame. The Hyundai Santa Fe, though, did predate this by at least a year.
Toyota reliability, not anymore unfortunately. Their new engines are terrible
i thought this was rcr, bye