The year was 1996. American optimism was sky high, the Internet boom was burgeoning, and SUV popularity knew no bounds. Consumers were enamored with the versatility and go-anywhere image afforded by big, hulking vehicles riding on antiquated pickup truck underpinnings. So it was with great fanfare that the RAV4 made its debut as the first cute ute, a forerunner in the segment that not only gave you nearly all of the versatility of an SUV with the drivability of a car, reasonable gas mileage and petite dimensions.
The 2007 Toyota RAV4, now in its third iteration, is beefier than ever and closer in size to a midsize SUV. You can even equip it with tight-quartered third-row seating. While previous versions had a precious quality, this RAV4 is all business.. Base price $20,950 ($22,500 as tested); 3 year/36,000 mile basic warranty; 5 year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty; EPA estimates: 24 mpg city/30 mpg highway.
Read Liz's 2007 Toyota RAV4 Test Drive and Review.