Overview & Reviews

Since its launch in the mid-1990s, the Avalon has been Toyota's main full-size sedan. It has always been a solid performer, with standard V6 power, lots of interior space and a reputation for reliability.

Early Avalons were often criticized for their humdrum style, especially the first-generation model. But the more recent Avalons, thanks to their more upscale design, have consistently been among the best choices available for a large sedan. Overall, a new or used Avalon is certainly worth considering.

Current Toyota Avalon
Four trims comprise the Avalon lineup: XLE, XLE Premium, XLE Touring and Limited. For each, you'll find a smooth 3.5-liter V6 with 268 horsepower and a six-speed automatic transmission. Together, they provide strong performance along with impressive fuel economy.

Standard feature highlights of the XLE include leather upholstery, power and heated front seats, keyless ignition and entry, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker audio system. The XLE Premium adds a sunroof and a few other minor perks, while the Touring gains 18-inch wheels (versus 17s), a navigation system and a smartphone app integration system. The Limited's features include xenon headlights, upgraded leather upholstery, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats and an 11-speaker JBL premium sound system.

In reviews, we've been impressed by the Avalon's upscale cabin quality, roomy seating and large trunk. There's plenty of power on tap and the precise steering has a firm, responsive feel to it. Whether threading its way through a tight mountain pass or cruising serenely on the open freeway, this accommodating full-size sedan provides a very appealing blend of comfort and useful performance. The only possible downside is that the car's ride quality isn't quite as plush as before, which could alienate previous Avalon buyers. But overall, this Avalon's superior road manners will likely appeal to the vast majority of large sedan shoppers.

Used Toyota Avalon Models
Redesigned for 2013, the latest generation of the Toyota Avalon has a more premium look and feel than the previous one. Under the sleek new skin is a stiffer structure that improves both ride and handling qualities. Since its debut, this version has seen only a minor shuffling of standard and optional features.

Developed and built with American roads in mind, the previous, third-generation Toyota Avalon ran from 2005-'12. Initially, four trims were offered: XL, Touring, XLS and Limited. The Touring was unique in that it was a sporty Avalon, with 17-inch wheels, a more firmly tuned suspension, an all-black interior and aluminum trim. "Sporty" is a relative term, though, since even this Avalon was tuned more for comfort than zipping through corners. All Avalons had a 268-hp 3.5-liter V6 and it drove the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.

Unlike earlier-generation Avalons, this one couldn't be had with a front bench seat. But there was ample room in the front and plenty of legroom to stretch out in back, where a nearly flat floor allowed three adults to sit comfortably. The materials were mostly first-rate and build quality was excellent overall.

Changes throughout this generation were minimal. The 3.5-liter V6 was initially rated for 280 hp, but revised SAE rating procedures dropped that to 268 hp, starting with the 2006 model year. Avalons from 2005-'07 had a five-speed automatic instead of the later six-speed, so expect slightly less performance and fuel economy from these earlier models. For 2009, stability control became standard across the board and the Touring trim was dropped. For 2011, Toyota updated the Avalon's exterior styling and dashboard design. The XLS trim level was also dropped, leaving the base Avalon and the Limited.

In road tests and reviews, we found the third-gen Avalon to be an excellent large sedan. Highway driving in particular is luxurious, making long road trips a pleasure. The V6 engine pulls smoothly and powerfully, while posting impressive fuel economy numbers. This Avalon handles adequately, but mainly this is a full-size car tuned for comfort rather than athleticism. Downsides are few – the rear seat doesn't fold down to expand luggage capacity and the driving demeanor is isolated and hence somewhat dull

With the second-generation Avalon, sold from 2000-'04, Toyota made a number of improvements over the first version. Available in XL and XLS trims, the second-gen Avalon was roomier and more technologically advanced. Optional stability control and brake assist features were added to improve safety. The 3.0-liter V6 was equipped with variable valve timing, providing a modest power increase over the previous generation with a peak of 210 hp. In road tests, we commented that the second-gen Avalon wasn't a particularly interesting car to drive, but it countered with plenty of dependability, comfort and smoothness. A curvaceous dashboard design further distinguished this model from its relatively staid competitors.

The original Toyota Avalon, sold from 1995-'99, came in two trims (XL and XLS) and had a 192-hp 3.0-liter V6 and a four-speed automatic transmission. Minor engine revisions for the 1997 model year saw the output of the V6 increase to 200 hp.

For the first two generations, Toyota did not make many significant changes. Therefore, used-Avalon shoppers should focus more on the condition and mileage of the vehicle than a specific year of production.

User Reviews:

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  Poorly built - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By John Cantlay - October 19 - 12:41 am

  Top of engine was completely rebuilt after 6 months of driving. Rear window shade broke 3 times and electronic pats of car are failing.

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  Good for summer, bad for winter - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By BDW - June 29 - 10:13 am

  Nice when the weather is warm, but truly awful when the snow is falling. The cars computers cant seem to figure out what to do in snow. Bad traction and very inconclusive driving response. Shame on Toyota! Remote start doesnt allow me get in without turning off car, and it doesnt allow me to get out of car with the engine running and lock the doors. Duh?

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  What Is Up? - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By JD - April 19 - 1:56 pm

  I have had this car for 15 months. It is my first and last Toyota. I have been driving a Cadillac for a few years and tried something different. It is different allright but not good. In snow and ice this thing is dangerous. My FWD Caddy with traction and stabilitrack was great. This Toyota is a white knuckler,it must not snow in Japan! The seats in this car are a joke! I cannot get comfortable no matter how I adjust- I think they are too short. The GPS is so hard to use that I dont try anymore. I had it in my old car it was EZ. I like to take care of my cars and the paint on this car is junk. You cannot get a blk. car to shine? The dash rattles, my sunroof rattles and it drives me crazy.

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  The "Avolanpong" - 2016 Toyota Avalon
  By J Miller - December 8 - 4:36 pm

  The 4th generation 2012 -16 Avalons has the ride comfort of a bouncing ping pong ball. Just terrible...most large sedans also have re engineered suspensions to give a much stiffer ride but Avalon wins the award for having the ride and seat comfort of a hay wagon. Avoid it like the plague if you are looking for a comfortable large size sedan.

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  Avalon = Pain - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Uncomfortable car - November 30 - 10:53 pm

  I was duped by its performance. Once the honeymoon was over, the pain started. This car is large in every dimension except one: the room for the driver!! The console restricts the available leg room. The pedals are oddly spaced causing you to have to twist your foot at an odd angle in order to depress the accelerator. The driver’s seating position is terrible. The seat cushion is like sitting on a 2 by 4: No comfort whatsoever!! There is no lateral support for your thighs. I have driven this vehicle for over 13000 miles to date and have yet to find a comfortable driving position. Save yourself the pain. Buy a different car.

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  Only so-so - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Mary Short - November 12 - 2:20 pm

  I would like this car more if it were built better and the seats were more comfortable. Ive had several problems with the transmission and the electrical system. Ive had it at the dealer three times since buying. Plus, the seats are too hard.

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  Ill be happier when I sell it - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Brett - October 28 - 2:41 am

  Some pros are that there is a tremendous amount of interior space, especially in the back seat and the gas mileage is excellent for such a roomy car that has plenty of power. Cons are the steering/suspension make it seem like you are driving a 1970s Buick - float, float, wallow, float some more. My car has both the headlight and dash cracking issue that the previous owners never got repaired under the recalls. Plus, there are the typical Toyota annoyances - there is no retained accessory power, so your radio goes off and your windows dont work as soon as you shut off the key, you cant lock the car until all the doors are shut, secondary controls are unlit at night and impossible to see without bending all sorts of ways, the doors will relock if you dont open them in time, etc. Maybe I just got too used to the thinking behind GM engineering, but I really appreciate the little things included in my Chevy that this Toyota does have, even though it stickered for $10,000 more than my Chevy when new. Overall, this Avalon is acceptable if you have few other options but I will be getting rid it within the next year and buying another GM car.

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  Very Bad in The Snow - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By The Rev. J. Wilson - August 21 - 10:06 am

  I really liked my new Avalon until it snowed. The traction control keeps me from going up any kind of steeper hills!! I was not able to get up a slight grade near my church because once the front tires started slipping the traction control shut off all power. I have never experienced anything like that. The dealership says I cannot turn off the traction control device, which leads me to believe Ill go back to driving my old Lincoln in the winter, which I gave to my son too early!

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  A few problems - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Jim B. - July 14 - 11:53 pm

  Im really surprised at this car. It looked great, and the professional reviews were AWESOME. But Ive had problems -- lots of minor ones. I wonder if the magazine reviewers get specially prepped cars from Toyota? My Avy has transmission hesitation, a few squeaks and the front windshield now that it is cold CAN NOT stay free of ice or snow. In Iowa, thats a BIG problem. I find the front seats uncomfortable for longer trips. The back seats are nicer.

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  Uniformed of truth on batterys - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By determined2 - June 23 - 8:28 pm

  Purchased 2011 Avalon in May 2010. Constant dead batterys. Cannot leave car over 4 days without jumping it. Not informed this is constant problem with this vehicle as it appears it is being hidden. Have much documentation but they will not put their statements in writing. Sticker price was $47,000 and it started just 10 days after taking possession of vehicles. Beware of Toyota Avalons! All back up documentation available . Toyota is ignoring this problem , It will not go away!