1999 Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover SUV that helped define the segment when it arrived in the US for 1996, pairing car-like unibody construction and handling with available all-wheel drive and a practical hatchback body. Over three decades it has grown from a small two- and four-door runabout into a five-seat family crossover, and in recent years it has ranked among the best-selling SUVs in the United States.

Shoppers are drawn to the RAV4 for its reputation for reliability, strong resale value, and broad lineup that spans budget-friendly base trims, off-road-flavored variants, and efficient hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. It competes with the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue, and Subaru Forester, and appeals to commuters, small families, and buyers who want a practical daily driver with light-adventure capability.

The 1999 model: The original RAV4 was one of the first car-based compact SUVs sold in the US, using unibody construction with fully independent suspension rather than a truck frame. It was offered in two-door and four-door body styles with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Its light weight and easy handling made it a template for the crossover segment that followed.