So I have toyota trucks for years, had an 89 v6 pick up that i whooped on for years and loved, an 03 V8 sport 4runner and now an 06 4runner. Time to get the wife a truck, she wants a rav. My first reaction was "There is NOW WAY IN HELL we'll get a rav4!!!". So i went and checked out an 08 V6. I have to say, as much as I hate to admit it, and i do hate to admit this, but it really wasnt all that bad. I must be getting old lol. Once inside, It has more room then you would think it does, handled decent and that V6 rav will definately smoke my V8 sport. That thing halled but for what it is. For her it might be ok........

Anybody else look at one of these?

I rented an AWD 4cyl a few weeks ago and I was impressed. For it's intended use and price point I really liked it. I'll bet the V6 model drives nicely. My vote would be for a FWD 4cyl or an AWD 6cyl. The AWD 4cyl was ok but with 4 adults it would be a bit under-powered IMHO. I expect a FWD 6cyl would torque steer a good bit. Just my:bs:

the V6 rav4 is ridiculously overpowered.

I was all set to buy just on specs alone, but when I got in to do a test drive I discovered that there wasn't enough legroom for my comfort, so I moved on.

I just had a 2007 Rav4 4cyl loaner. It was actually a nice little car. It had enough power and the ride was nice. My only problems were the build quality of the interior and the exterior color- bright red.

My wife has a 08 RAV4 sport V6, that thing does 0-60 in about 6.4 second. Very nice SUV for the money, she loves driving it, good power and handling. Very good in the snow considering its a electronic 4WD system. Of course its not as good as the 4runner. The biggest surprise was we try to put a 6 ft pinic table into my GX470 and it wouldnt fit, but it fit into her RAV. WTH

My brother just bought one for his wife (an 06). It really isn't bad at all. Good handling. Lower to the ground (good for the wives). Plenty of power. I wouldn't buy one for myself, but not bad for your SO.

I'd say buy it if you like it. I would, however, test drive the Honda CRV, too. And even the Mazda CX7.

That one was on my initial short list too.

The RAV4 seems to be getting good reviews, especially with the 3rd gen with longer wheelbase and more leg room in the second row, and 8 more cubic feet of luggage space. Just not sure if we need the V6, or should I go with 4 cyl for better mpg? I guess you can even get seating for seven with the newew model RAV4s. We looked at the Hyundai Santa Fe but start configuring add ons to any of these new SUVs, including the Honda CRV, and you get to 30K pretty quick, not sure I want to spend that much...

One thing about Honda's is that they tend to have a fair amount of road noise. Just one thing to consider with the CR-V, I would see if I could take it on the interstate or something when you test drive it to see if that would be a problem. Otherwise I think the CR-V is a really nice vehicle, I have not been in the new Rav4, but I'm sure its a nice car. I would encourage your wife to test drive both and see which one she likes better. I don't think you can really go wrong with either vehicle.

My wife was pushing hard for the Rav4 because it was less expensive and better MPG. In all honesty it was a nice car with enough cargo room for what we needed. They keep making all their models bigger and bigger each new generation. The 4th gen 4Runners got bigger. The newer Rav4's (05 and up I think) are probably as big inside as a 3rd gen 4runner, or more in the cargo area.

I wanted something with more towing power and offroad ability so I got the 4Runner. However I saw a lifted older gen Rav4 with some bigger tires on it just the other day and it looked pretty cool. I wish I would have been quick enough to get some pictures.

The one thing that actually did put my wife off was the Rav's side opening rear hatch. She'll be up for a new car in a year or so and now that I got my way with the 4Runner we may very well get a Rav.