For 2000, the two-door version has been dropped. All RAV4s come as four-door hard tops. Two- and four-wheel-drive variations are available. The 2WD model retails for $16,668, while the 4WD model starts at $18,078. The four-wheel-drive models feature a lockable center differential (on manual transmissions).
Powered by a 127-horsepower, 2.0-liter, twin-cam four-cylinder engine, the RAV4 comes with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic; the automatic adds $1,050.
The base price is a bit deceptive because air conditioning is not standard. To get it, you need to order one of three Extra Value packages. Extra Value Package #1 ($1,547) adds air conditioning, AM/FM/cassette, cruise control, power windows, mirrors and door locks, cloth head rests. That brings the base price for a real-world 2WD model with 5-speed manual to $18,215 -- or $19,625 for a 4WD 5-speed model.
To add some sportiness to the looks of your RAV4, you'll need the $2,399 RAV4L Special Edition (Extra Value Package #2), which adds color-keyed door handles, mirrors, bumpers and body cladding, cruise control, alloy wheels and privacy glass to the above. Package #3 ($3,029) includes the above plus leather seating surfaces. Anti-lock brakes, which allows the driver to maintain steering control of the vehicle during panic stops cost extra.
Our 4WD RAV4 came with the automatic transmission ($1050); Special Edition Value Package #2 ($2,399); ABS ($630); limited-slip differential ($390). With the destination charge ($480), the price as tested came to $23,027.