BACKGROUND

I traded in a 2003 Saturn Vue V6 AWD for the 2006 Rav4 2.4L - My experience with the RAV is limited to my wife's 2004 4wd base model. There are a few things I liked about both vehicles that I miss/dislike in the 2006 model.

My 2006 is a Base Nautical Blue Metallic Charcoal 4-wheel drive and as mentioned above 2.4L 4 cylinder. Besides the standard equipment that comes with the vehicle, the only Optional add-ons were Daytime Running lamps, Seat mounted side air bags/front/rear roll sensing airbags, Cargo Net, Cargo tonneau cover and Roof rails.

INSIDE

The inside is nicely done and a lot more roomier than my wife's 2004 Rav, New for 06 is the storage under the rear cargo area, a nice touch that I understand does not come with 3rd row seating.(another New for 06 feature) the storage area is pretty roomy and kind of like having a trunk. This is also where we get into one of my first dislikes - unless I missed this as an option/add-on, There is NO cargo area light, there is a small light in the rear door that is only good for checking your watch while you try to find your cargo in the dark. This is very disappointing since my wife's 04 and my Saturn has/had a cargo light right above the cargo area making it easy to find anything in the night, In addition since her RAV is shorter you also get carry over light from the standard overhead entry light. In my opinion this is a GREAT oversight on Toyota's part since the 2006 RAV is almost a Foot and a Half longer, so the interior light does nothing for the cargo area.

A Cool feature in the Cargo area is the levers located just inside the rear door (one on each side) to instantly fold down the rear seats, Good for loading cargo. You also get a 12volt outlet back here, along with 2 cup holders? I guess these are just a carry over for 3rd row seating models.

Moving forward, The Standard backseat area is Standard, nothing here worth mentioning.

Now into the Front Driver/Passenger area, The Dash is laid out pretty good, I'm not too crazy about the Optitron IP gauges -- It's kind of like a large center circle with a half circle on either side, This is where you find your Speed, Engine Temperature, Fuel Level and RPM, plus an array of warning lights. It looks crowded and takes some getting use to, The wife's 04 RAV has 3 separate dials containing the same info and much easier to read.

Another thing missing from the 04 RAV is the audio controls mounted in the Steering Wheel, You can get it as an option on the Sport model and standard on the Limited model, But the Base model..Your'e screwed! Oh yea, No more cassette player either.

Here you get (1) 12volt outlet on the dash and another one mounted in the center console box? This is also where you would plug in your MP3 player, Kind of senseless to mount these access points here since most people use these boxes as junk storage (myself included) So who wants to have to move junk to access this feature?

I'm also not too crazy about the Gated Shifter -- Instead of the straight pull type to get into gear, you have to shift into gear like you are running a obstacle course (Right, Left, Right), this is a common feature on most modern cars, so nothing really to worry about for most of you, I just prefer the old style. Drive and 3rd gear (OD) is side by side, You shift into 3rd gear simply by moving/tapping the shifter to the left, I found it strange But I can get use to it, I miss the old OD button on the shifter.

The Split Glove box is a cool feature, You get a standard glove box and then a sliding lid that opens a smaller storage area, this is opened/closed by a single button.

Probably the best feature for the 2006 4wd model is the button that locks all 4 wheels into 4wheel drive at speeds below 25mph, this is good for snow like we have here on the East Coast and also some limited off-roading.

You also get standard, a outside temperature gauge, This is mounted above the odometer and also takes getting use too, My Saturn had this, plus a compass mounted in the rearview mirror. (A lot easier to read)

All in all I'm happy so far and my complaints are minor cosmetic issues that in no way affect the daily use of the vehicle.

STANDARD FEATURES

This blows me away as the standard features are Options with other car makers. Here's a partial list:
4 wheel disc brakes
Power Locks, Windows with keyed remote
ABS, Traction Control and Anti-lock Brakes
Tire Pressure monitor
Cruise control
Etc..

I would highly recommend checking out the NEW 2006 RAV 4 -- My wife's 2004 is a nice truck but still has the 'Cute Ute' look, The 06 looks more like a SUV truck, plus there will also be a V6 version in February for those that feel the need for speed.

To End I have to say I normally don't buy a New Car the first year/first new model it's offered, But with Toyota I don't feel as if I'd be buying a lemon as with other car dealers. I've owned about 5 different Toyotas and have never, ever had any problems with any of them. That is one reason I traded the Saturn in, While I had no problems with the Saturn, It was noisy and didn't get the best of gas mileage and in the back on my mind was the feeling that within another 2 years I'd be having trouble with it, maybe, maybe not, But the feeling was there. I don't get that feeling with Toyotas and in fact currently have a 1999 Truck that I've never had any problems with.