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Used Cars Under $7,000 In Wellston, OH For Sale

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2011 Mazda Mazda3 i Sport 4-Door
3
  • sedan 124,052
  • 2,569 below average
  • 6,500 great
  • Wellston, OH
  • autoshopper.com
  • 2,569 below average sedan 124,052 white
2011 mazda mazda3 review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. Premium handling and amenities in a compact package. introductionthe mazda 3 is a premium car in a compact package. The back seat will fit two adults fairly comfortably, provided the front occupants aren't too tall. In both the sedan and hatchback, the rear seats fold 60/40 to create a mostly flat load floor. Higher line models get a multi-information display below the windshield that houses readouts for the vehicle information center, climate system, radio presets, and even the available navigation system. A unique cluster of buttons on the steering wheel controls these functions. The readouts are easy to see and the steering wheel controls work intuitively. The other controls are mounted high on the dash's center stack, and are also easy to see and use.  on the road, the mazda 3 feels firm and composed, with moderate lean in turns. The steering is sharp and precise, and the brakes provide a linear pedal feel. The suspension deals well with most bumps, though large ruts can pound through with the available 17-inch wheels.  two engines are offered. We found it provides adequate power for most needs. It is offered only with a manual transmission. The technology package 1,835) comes with navigation, a full-color version of the multi-information display, sirius satellite radio with a six-month subscription, keyless access and starting, rain-sensing wipers, auto on/off headlights, bi-xenon headlights with auto-leveling, adaptive front lighting system, led rear combination lights, and perimeter alarm.  safety features standard on all mazda3 models include dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, active front head restraints, tire-pressure monitor, and anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution. Mazda says the grille design helps the mazda3 slip through the air better while taking in sufficient air to cool the engine. Mazda says the bold grille is purposely polarizing to separate the mazda3 from impassive competitors.  the grille is flanked by a pair of angled headlights that wrap around to the sides. Bi-xenon headlights are available with the adaptive front-lighting system, meaning they point into turns as the steering wheel is turned. It's a useful safety feature on dark country roads, helping the driver negotiate narrow roads and helping the driver spot pedestrians. Fog lights are found in prominent flared pods that fill out the front end and also help improve aerodynamics.  the headlights come to a point around the side of the car, where they meet up with prominent front wheel flares that surround 16 or 17-inch wheels. The base car gets steel wheels, while highline models have attractive alloy wheels. The fender flares direct the eye to a rising beltline that starts at the front of the door, bisects the door handles, and leads all the way to the taillights. This line has a stronger wedge shape on the hatchback. On both body styles, another character line is found just above the rocker panel, and it rises as it moves toward the rear wheel. Like the outgoing model, the hatchback features triangular rear side windows and a rear roof spoiler.  at the rear, the sedan has a rear lip spoiler. The hatchback features a five-pointed rear window that reflects the shape of the grille. The taillights wrap around the side of the car on both body styles. Led rear combination taillights are available. This structure was further developed beginning with 2010 models to make it lighter and stiffer. This was accomplished by using more high-tensile strength steel and thicker steel in key locations, adding gussets to areas such as the suspension mounting points, and employing a technique called weld-bonding to strengthen areas such as the door apertures. Weld bonding, which combines spot welding with the use of structural adhesive, enhances the unibody's flex resistance. The result is an even better handling car beginning with the 2010 models. interiormuch of the mazda 3 appeal is the interior, which is first-class for a vehicle of this size and price. Mazda completely redesigned the cockpit for 2010, taking an approach based on human-machine interface studies that places controls and readouts in two key zones.  controls most frequently used, including the radio and climate dials and buttons, are placed high on the center stack, where they can be most easily accessed. Readouts for the vehicle information center, climate system, radio presets, and even the available navigation system are found in a multi-information display that is located just under the windshield. Mazda says it chose this location because it is very close to the driver's line of sight, making it easier and safer to check those readouts. Note that only s models have the multi-information display.  the readouts in this display are controlled by a small grouping of six buttons on the right side of the steering wheel. It's a unique approach, but it works well. When the navigation system is ordered, the screen is quite small, making it harder to read than most others, which are usually mounted on the center stack.  the look and feel of the dash would be appropriate in an entry-level luxury car. The goodies include a thumping bose centerpoint surround sound system with 10 speakers, leather upholstery, driver's seat memory, heated front seats, automatic climate control, push-button starting, and bluetooth cell phone connectivity. That's premium equipment at compact car prices.  small items storage is plentiful, with a nicely sized center console bin, an average-size glovebox, and two cupholders behind the shifter.  the front seat has plenty of head and leg room, and the s model's sport seats provide good support in turns. The rear seat has enough space for adults provid.
6,500 Wellston, OHWellston, OH at autoshopper.com
2004 Toyota Sienna XLE Limited AWD
3
  • minivan 140,766
  • 6,900 high price
  • Wellston, OH
  • autoshopper.com
  • minivan 140,766 automatic
2004 toyota sienna review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. The new class leader?. introductionthe toyota sienna is all new for 2004. Bigger and better than last year's model, it's the first in a parade of redesigned minivans and may be the new class leader. It's considerably larger than last year's model, and about $1,000 cheaper. Its v6 engine has been bored out for more power and now produces 230 horsepower, while a new five-speed automatic improves response and fuel economy. All come with the new v6 engine and the new five-speed automatic transmission. All are equipped with anti-lock brakes (abs) with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, which help the driver stop quickly and maintain control. The all-wheel-drive xle has a base msrp of $36,930.  numerous option packages are available for all grades.  safety features: a new latch system (lower anchor with tether for children) is used in all second-row seating positions to accommodate new-design child seats. Front side and side curtain srs airbags covering all three seat rows are standard on the xle limited, optional on all other grades. Before designing the new sienna, chief engineer yuji yokoya drove the previous sienna all over north america, through mexico, canada, and the u. S., through every state, every province, some 53,000 miles. A short, slight japanese man, yokoya-san was often accompanied by program manager john jula, a tall, burly american. An odd couple, they couldn't have been more different in stature, appearance, and temperament. But they shared a seriousness of purpose, a devotion to designing the best minivan ever created, and a strong sense of humor. Working with designers and engineers from around the world, they ferreted every weakness and shortcoming of the old (1998-2003) sienna and addressed it with this new sienna.  the biggest shortcoming of the old sienna was its lack of interior roominess. Yokoya saw families buried under luggage. He also determined it needed to be quieter so families could more easily converse on long drives. He wanted better seats. And he wanted to improve stability at high speeds, especially in cross winds and on crowned roads.  the all-new 2004 toyota sienna is substantially larger, wider, taller than the previous-generation model. Its wheelbase is 5 inches longer and the track is 4 inches wider than last year's model. Stretching 200 inches over a 119-inch wheelbase, the new sienna is the same size as the biggest minivans on the market: the honda odyssey, dodge grand caravan, chrysler town & country, ford windstar, and the long-wheelbase versions of the chevrolet venture and pontiac montana.  everything on the sienna is big and bold: big headlamps and big taillamps light up the night and give the sienna presence in the dark. Black pillars, instead of body-colored pillars, make the new sienna look even larger than its considerable dimensions. A big windshield, big wipers, and wiper-mounted washer nozzles designed for snow belt improve driver visibility.  the sienna presents a sleek appearance by minivan standards, enhanced by its steeply raked windshield and the black pillars. The slot for the sliding doors is cleverly hidden, offering a cleaner look. There's lots of room for passengers and cargo. Fold the second- and third-row seats flat and the sienna can carry 4x8 sheets of plywood.  getting in and out of the sienna is easy. The power sliding doors are smooth and quiet and move more quickly than in the past, helpful for impatient passengers. Manual sliding doors and manual rear hatch on the le and ce models have a quality feel as well.  the rear side windows lower partly, though not below the center of gravity of a toddler, and feature anti-pinch protection designed to reduce chance of injuries to small hands and fingers. A nice feature is the availability of sunshades for the second- and third-row seats, which filters strong sunlight better than privacy glass.  up front the driver sits before a smooth, organic dash. Toyota says it splurged on the seats, which are designed to offer comfort for a variety of body shapes over long periods of time. The steering wheel tilts and telescopes. The ce comes with a nice cloth interior, though the door inserts are plain. Le features nicer cloth, nicer door inserts, and other trim. Two glove boxes are provided and a big center console holds 12 cds. Armrest compartments can each hold six cds and there's a spot for a small cell phone just to the right of the shifter. The dry cleaning hooks look big enough to accomodate a load of dry cleaning. In back are hooks for holding grocery bags. There's comparably good legroom and it feels roomy and airy with good room next to the passenger's head. That's impressive given that the sienna is fitted with side-curtain type airbags; they do not intrude into rear headroom as much as other designs. When not needed, the second-row seats tumble forward, presenting a friendly seat bottom to cargo or pets. The second-row seats are easy to remove and reinstall, though the captain's chairs weigh 49 pounds each.  seven. Power Windows✔ Anti-lock Brakes✔ Power Mirrors✔ Heated Seats✔ AM/FM✔ Cloth Interior✔ Air Conditioning✔ CD Changer✔ Cruise Control✔ Alloy Wheels
6,900 Wellston, OHWellston, OH at autoshopper.com
2002 Acura CL Coupe
3
  • coupe 126,612
  • 4,900 fair
  • Wellston, OH
  • autoshopper.com
  • coupe 126,612 gasoline green automatic
2002 acura cl review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. Comfortable and easy. introductionthe acura cl is designed for drivers who want the comfort and quality of a luxury car but the handling, power, and sporty image of a coupe. The cl achieves all of this with a cabin that's comfortable, convenient and luxurious, a smooth, quiet ride, agile handling, and plenty of power. Though it won't draw stares from kids on skateboards, it is attractive and sporty.  the cl type-s adds power to this picture and backs it up with a sports suspension and anti-skid control. lineupthe 2002 cl is available in two versions, both of which are very well equipped. The standard cl makes 225 horsepower, which is a lot of power for this class. The type s, thanks a number of subtle engine tweaks, makes an even more impressive 260 horsepower.  new equipment for the 2002 model year includes 'diffuser' side mirrors, thicker moonroof glass to reduce wind noise and three new exterior colors. walkarounda coupe is supposed to look sexy, or at least a bit racy compared to the typical sedan. The coupe is lower, with a longer hood and shorter rear deck than the sedan.  measured by finish quality, the 3. 2 cl is a gem. There's a fiberglass liner under the hood, asphalt sheeting in strategic areas around the cabin and electrically controlled hydraulic engine mounts that vary dampening rates at different engine speeds. Even the new glass in the moonroof contributes to a quieter interior. Acura's engineers claim the 3. 2 cl is quieter than the volvo c70, mercedes-benz clk.  type-s gets larger 17-inch aluminum wheels with michelin all-season tires. Its springs and shock absorbers are stiffer than the standard cl's. Acura's vehicle stability assist system, exclusive to the type s, automatically applies the brake at one corner to tighten the trajectory of either the front or rear end in skid-inducing driving conditions.  both cls feature a five-speed automatic transmission with a sequential shift slot that allows a driver to manually click through the gears. A manual transmission will be available on 2003 models.  every cl comes with features that aren't always expected below the $40,000 barrier. Both front seats feature seat-position memory; the mirrors are linked to this system as well. All cls have heated front seats, a sunroof, xenon headlamps and a six-disc, no-magazine in-dash cd changer. interiorby design, coupes put an emphasis on front passengers. The cl's front seats are comfortable and supportive in all circumstances, with fore-aft, height and recline power adjustment for the driver, fore-aft and recline for the passenger. There's enough side-bolster to keep people of small physical stature firmly ensconced during a spirited drive, and enough space to accommodate those of larger stature.  the cl's instrument panel is identical to the tl sedan's. It is clean in appearance and efficient in design, with high-grade switches that work with a soft, satisfying click. The no-magazine cd changer is handy: simply load up to six discs, one at a time, into the slot.  standard safety features include dual-stage front airbags that deploy at different rates depending on the severity of a crash, and a position-detection system for the passenger side airbag, borrowed from acura's big rl sedan. Six sensors determine the stature and position of whoever is sitting in the passenger seat; so the airbag won't fire if a child happens to be leaning against the door.  while the focus in the cl falls toward the front of the cabin, there's a surprising amount of space in back. All interior dimensions are larger than those in acura's 2000 3. 0 cl (and among the largest in the class), for an overall increase of 4. 6 cubic feet in cabin space. The two-place back seat leaves enough room for medium-sized adults, and it's easy to climb into. The electric sliding mechanism on the front passenger seat works more quickly than any we've encountered, yet the seat stops sliding back with any hint of obstruction for improved safety.  the cl's trunk is impressively roomy, too; with 13. 9 cubic feet of space it's one of the largest among similarly sized coupes (the c70 has 13. 1 cubic feet, the clk 11. 0). The ride is firm, and well-suited to a driving enthusiast's tastes. Driven aggressively, the type-s bears up well, and its tail tucks in nicely when the driver lifts from the throttle.  there's plenty of acceleration-producing grunt in the engine, although it is biased toward higher rpm. The sequential shifter works well, even if it's more conservatively programmed than some from other manufacturers. It won't allow the driver to repeatedly bump the rev limiter in low gears without shifting up on its own.  the standard vtec v6 revs freely with dual-overhead cams and multi-valves. It is rated at 225 horsepower. The type-s delivers 260 horsepower. It gets its extra power from a higher volume intake system, less restrictive exhaust pipes, higher compression (10. 5:1 vs. 9. 8:1) and a higher redline (6900 rpm vs. 6300 rpm). summarythe acura cl is built like a fine watch and is very pleasant to drive. Similarly equipped, the cl costs several thousand dollars less than the least expensive car among the competitors named above. model lineupcl 28,030) (ya4242fn) ; type-s 30,380) (ya4262fn). assembled inmarysville, ohio. options as testedacura navigation system 2000). model testedcl type-s 30,380) (ya4262fn). Anti-lock Brakes✔ CD Changer✔ Sunroof/Moonroof✔ Navigation System✔ Aluminum Wheels
4,900 Wellston, OHWellston, OH at autoshopper.com
2002 Pontiac Montana 1SE Extended
3
  • minivan 133,889
  • 4,900 overpriced
  • Wellston, OH
  • autoshopper.com
  • minivan 133,889 gasoline automatic
2002 pontiac montana review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. An attractive alternative to all those suvs. introductionfamilies are buying sport-utility vehicles in droves, but not everyone needs or even wants an suv. For many, a minivan still is the best option. The pontiac montana answers this call.  pontiac has enhanced its minivan for 2002 by offering all-wheel drive for improved traction in wintry conditions and a new-generation dvd entertainment system for improved relations with backseat occupants. The regular wheelbase models ride on a platform with 112 inches between the front and rear wheels. Extended wheelbase models have 121 inches between the axles, and therefore are roomier on the inside as well as being more than 13 inches longer overall. The extended versions also have larger fuel tanks (25 gallons vs. 20).  two seating variations are available for the regular-length wheelbase models. The six-passenger model 24,425) is equipped with modular bucket seats for the second and third rows. The seven-passenger model 25,405) comes with second-row captains chairs and a split bench seat for the third row. Standard equipment includes antilock brakes (abs), air conditioning, power windows (including the third-row quarter vent windows), power door locks, remote keyless entry, cruise control, tilt steering column, an overhead console, auxiliary power outlets, onstar communications system, fog lights, a roof-mounted luggage rack, and 15-inch steel wheels with wheel covers.  extended wheelbase models come with a choice of front-wheel drive 26,895) or versatrak all-wheel drive 30,430). The higher level adds rear air-conditioning outlets and controls, power sliding doors on both sides, a power driver's seat, alloy wheels, and a new dvd entertainment system. The higher level retails for $30,480 with two-wheel drive and $34,035 with all-wheel drive. Thunder sport is available only on extended wheelbase models. walkaroundpontiac's montana is quite handsome by minivan standards. This is one pontiac on which the brand's lower body cladding enhances the appearance and gives this minivan a more suv-like look.  thunder sport adds wild-looking bulges to the hood that look ridiculous. interiorall montanas have height-adjustable driver's seats, which really aids comfort on long trips. The fore-and-aft range of the driver's seat is one of the longest we've sampled, and will probably provide enough room for six-and-a-half-footers. There are large side bolsters on the backs of the seats, but the seating surface is relatively flat. Doing this reveals a flat and wide rear cargo floor.  the dashboard is neatly arranged, and the gauges are easy to read. However, when the speedometer needle reaches 75 mph, it blocks the right turn-signal indicator. It features a large seven-inch screen that folds down from the roof panel. It features a wireless remote, auxiliary jacks for video game systems and camcorders, and wireless headphones. Called montanavision, the system comes standard on the versions of the long-wheelbase minivans. What we like best about this system is its integration; aftermarket systems we've tried tend to be more difficult to use and not as durable. driving impressionwhile not an all-out suv, the montana can be the perfect family truckster. Crosswinds won't make it wander on the way to wally world. Veer off onto poorly maintained secondary roads and the suspension doesn't get upset. Versatrak is new for the montana for 2002. While operating as a front-wheel-drive system in normal conditions, it automatically directs power between the front and rear wheels to provide grip in adverse weather conditions or whenever one of the tires begins to spin. The system is compact as well as efficient.  the montana corners quickly for a minivan, especially versions that have the sport performance and handling package 395) that includes alloy wheels, all-weather tires, automatic level control, sport suspension and traction control.  the front-wheel-drive montana has a twist-beam rear axle that contributes much-needed rear roll stiffness in a front-heavy vehicle. Body roll is less noticeable than in many other minivans, even those from within the gm stable. The noise from the powerplant is limited to an isolated and distant hissing. At 80 mph, which we found to be the average cruising speed on most western highways marked at a 75 mph limit, the engine is revving at just 2400 rpm. The montana doesn't sound like it's straining to keep up, and passing slower cars can be done without too much prior planning.  the v6 engine has good throttle response in traffic, and it's efficient; we managed 25 mpg on a fast trip across michigan. The epa estimates highway fuel economy at 26 mpg.  traction control is optional for front-wheel-drive models. It's a good idea for easier control in winter driving. With a torque-pumping v6 and front-wheel drive, torque steer is sometimes noticeable as a slight tug on the steering wheel under hard acceleration.  the brake pedal is typically spongy, as it is on most gm platforms that were designed in the early 1990s. Newer designs, such as the latest bonneville and gm's newest big pickups and suvs, lack this mushy feeling, so the montana will likely get a better-feeling brake pedal in the future.
4,900 Wellston, OHWellston, OH at autoshopper.com
1999 Buick Park Avenue Base
3
  • sedan 192,016
  • 1,536 below average
  • 1,600 great
  • Wellston, OH
  • autoshopper.com
  • 1,536 below average sedan 192,016 gasoline red automatic
1999 buick park avenue review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. It's a pleasant step up into quiet, roomy luxury, bolstered by high quality and a much more authoritative set of dynamic capabilities. walkaroundtwo models are available: $31,800 park avenue and $36,695 park avenue ultra. (prices include $670 destination charge.)  we prefer the livelier performance of the park avenue ultra. The park avenue comes well equipped and stacks up as an exceptional buy among large cars.  this latest generation of park avenues looked like an evolutionary update when it was introduced for 1997, but it was completely re-engineered. The park avenue shares its basic platform with the oldsmobile aurora. Compared with the previous generation park avenue, the new one rides on a longer wheelbase and a wider track. At 58. 1 inches, this park avenue is three inches taller than the old one and it weighs about 250 pounds more. Big doors make getting in and out easy and there's lots of front and rear headroom and legroom. Available in 205-horsepower normally aspirated (park avenue) and 240-horsepower supercharged (ultra) versions, the 3800 delivers lots of low rpm getaway power, instant throttle response, and plenty of punch for passing.  power is transferred to the front wheels through one of gm's butter-smooth electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmissions--they're among the best in the business.  buick has improved the appearance of the tail lamps on the base park avenue for 1999, so that it looks more like the ultra from behind. The sound system is upgraded from last year and new colors and interior trim freshen its appearance. interioras we noted, roominess and ease of entry were top design priorities and the park avenue is a bullseye on both counts. Interior space is just this side of vast, a word that also applies to the trunk. And getting in and out is devoid of the simultaneous duck-and-bend movement required in some swoopier designs, even though the door sill is a trifle higher.  like the exterior, the interior styling rates as more contemporary than the previous park avenue. Over resistance from longtime buick owners, interior design chief paul tatseos managed to break out of the old horizontal dashboard theme that afflicted the '96 park avenue by installing a modestly curved cowl over the main instruments. Besides offering a more modern appearance, this allowed a bigger speedometer and tachometer, which makes them easier to scan.  another welcome change is the general appearance of the dashboard, which shows a strong riviera influence with its sharp color contrasts between secondary controls (sound and climate control systems, for example) and the interior color schemes. A display allows the driver to calculate fuel economy, miles to empty and monitor tire pressure, oil level, coolant level; two trip odometers can be useful on long trips. An electronic display can display cellular telephone status.  anti-lock brakes come standard. Next generation (reduced force) dual front airbags are also standard. And that's a big plus. A stiff chassis helps the suspension engineers create ride and handling traits appropriate to a particular car's target market. It also makes it easier to keep noise out of the car, and pays long-term durability benefits.  given this trait, it was interesting to see the handling distinctions between the basic park avenue and the flagship ultra. The steering system, which is different from the basic park avenue, varies the amount of power assist as vehicle speed and/or steering wheel angle increases, providing a significantly better sense of where the front wheels are pointed.  more important, the stiffer suspension package--which also reduces ride height slightly--yielded much sharper responses in quick maneuvers. It's not quite as firm as the riviera, but it's far from flabby and the tradeoff in ride quality from the standard park avenue is minuscule.  all in all, the ultra's enhanced control and firmer ride lends a contemporary feel that's a pleasant step forward for buick.  quiet operation has always been a top priority for buick sedans, and here too the park avenues represent a step forward. Wind noise has been reduced to a mere whisper, and the new unitbody does a superior job of keeping road noise out of the cabin. The supercharged engine is audible at full throttle, but we think it's worth a little extra noise to have its superior thrust.  add roomy seats with real move-around comfort, and the going becomes positively serene, particularly in freeway cruising. The park avenue isn't quite as quiet as the lexus ls 400, but the distinctions are academic in most operating situations--unlike the distinction in price. summarybuick has characterized itself as a purveyor of 'premium american motorcars,' and the park avenue is an excellent ambassador for this theme. Tachometer✔ Anti-lock Brakes✔ Climate Control✔ Sunroof/Moonroof✔ Aluminum Wheels
1,600 Wellston, OHWellston, OH at autoshopper.com
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  • sedan 231,959
  • 1,215 below average
  • 1,999 great
  • Wellston, OH
  • autoshopper.com
  • 1,215 below average sedan 231,959 automatic
 Major changes for 2001 include a redesigned front-end appearance for the SE model, and the availability of OnStar in-car GPS communications and se. But it also promises 'driving excitement,' which includes a thoroughly modern platform with powerful engines, great brakes and excellent handling. 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix Review This car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale Sunroof/Moonroof✔ Leather Seats✔ Aluminum Wheels
1,999 Wellston, OHWellston, OH at autoshopper.com
  • sedan
  • 1,228 below average
  • 1,000 great
  • Wellston, OH
  • showmethead.com
  • 1,228 below average sedan
1996 Toyota Avalon odometer: 310000 paint color : white drive : fwd fuel : gas transmission :automatic title status : clean cylinders : 6 cylindersI have a 1996 Toyota Avalon, 310k mile, running with some issues so PLEASE READ everything before contacting me. It causes the car to take longer to start up when it is hot out side, but it starts right up when it is cool outside. The Bad:There are some mass air flow sensors that should be replaced, although works as is Cruise Control✔ Air Conditioning✔ Sunroof/Moonroof
1,000 Wellston, OHWellston, OH at showmethead.com
  • suv 86,132
  • 5,200 high price
  • Wellston, OH
  • autoshopper.com
  • suv 86,132 gasoline silver
2000 toyota rav4 review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. A cute, practical and durable pacesetter. introductiontoyota's rav4 wasn't the first mini sport-utility vehicle, but its success helped start a trend. When it was launched in the u. In 1996, industry analysts weren't sure how to categorize this quirky cross between a truck and a compact. But as more customers became aware of the rav4's relatively low cost, fuel-efficiency, manageable size and sporty image, other manufacturers were quick to follow suit.  new and upgraded competitors in the small suv class include the honda cr-v, the kia sportage, the new suzuki grand vitara and the subaru forester. In the same price range but considerably larger and more rugged is the nissan xterra.  the rav4 is no longer new and there are few changes for 2000, but it's still a head-turner. Toyota's reputation for quality and reliability has continued to make the rav4 popular despite the increased competition in the segment it helped create. lineupfor 2000, the two-door version has been dropped. The 2wd model retails for $16,668, while the 4wd model starts at $18,078. Extra value package #1 1,547) adds air conditioning, am/fm/cassette, cruise control, power windows, mirrors and door locks, cloth head rests. Package #3 3,029) includes the above plus leather seating surfaces. With the destination charge 480), the price as tested came to $23,027. walkaroundthe rav4 remains a visual departure from a crowded highway of look-alike suvs. The sheetmetal forming its wide body dips downward at the side windows, giving it a muscular, ready-for-action look that is strengthened by an aggressively styled grille and front fascia, a sloping hood with large air intakes, and kicked-up rear quarter panels sculpted around big 16-inch tires on boldly style wheels. Less hip but equally appreciated features are the full carpeting, dual outside mirrors, intermittent front and rear wipers and a rear window defogger. Front door pockets provide storage, while dual cupholders are integrated into the lower instrument panel. The instrument cluster incorporates a digital odometer, dual trip meter, and upgraded radio features. All-around visibility is excellent, thanks to the sloping hood, tall driving position, and generously sized windows. Visibility out the front is excellent.  a low step-in height makes it easy to get in and out. Rear seat leg space isn't that bad given the vehicle's overall small size, but we did find it cramped getting to those rear seats through the small secondary doors. With the split-folding rear seat folded flush, the rav4 can handle 57. 9 cubic feet of goods, less than of some of its competitors. Rav4 is based on the front-wheel-drive toyota camry sedan, and its unitbody chassis gives it comfortable, car-like handling, unlike the truck-based sport-utilities with their heavier and less-rigid body-on-frame construction. This emphasis on highway manners reflects the way most people use this type of vehicle.  still, the rav4 is not simply a sport-utility wannabe. For one thing, it carries a higher ride height (7. 5 inches) than a sedan, making light off-road driving feasible. We were impressed with the all-wheel-drive traction, finding it useful in snow and slush. Even though the rav4 lacks a low-range set of gears, the locking differential gives the rav4 a traction advantage over the all-wheel-drive honda cr-v and subaru forester.  on automatic transmission models, the center differential automatically locks up when excessive slip is sensed between the front and rear axles. On manual transmission models, the driver uses a switch to manually lock or unlock the center differential. This reduces wheelspin off road, but it also improves driver control on wet roads.  the rav4 is nimble and fun to drive, thanks to a well-designed independent suspension and power rack-and-pinion steering. The engine feels peppy and can cruise at 80. The rav4 accelerates to highway speeds with reasonable enthusiasm, but it runs out of power in the higher rpm range. For this reason, we prefer the standard 5-speed manual transmission. The automatic transmission lacks response and flexibility; getting through the mountains is a struggle and it has a tough time accomplishing this when in cruise control mode. Brakes are discs on the front and drums in back; abs is available as a $590 option, which is money well spent. Given toyota's reputation for quality, we'd expect it to offer good resale value as well.  at first glance, the $16,668 base price looks low, but air conditioning and other 21st century necessities quickly drive that price over $18,500 with destination charges. Power Windows✔ Anti-lock Brakes✔ AM/FM✔ Cruise Control✔ Air Conditioning✔ Alloy Wheels
5,200 Wellston, OHWellston, OH at autoshopper.com