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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  Wonderful car - 2018 Toyota Avalon
  By Rus Stilwell - July 13 - 2:08 pm

  Excellent car! Drive and ride are wonderful. Crises so smoothly you need to watch your speed. Good fuel economy. Highly recommended.

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  97 Avalon - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By jish - December 28 - 2:23 am

  I bought the car used for $3500 in 2006 with 207k miles, and it now has 243k miles. The car has been very reliable for me overall. I have done some preventive maintenance, such as change the original timing belt and water pump at about 220k miles (recommended to be done at 100k miles). The car did develop some squeaky noises in the front suspension, but this was fixed by replacing the strut mounts for about $250 including labor. Also, the front drivers window stopped rolling up and down for about 6 months (luckily it was stuck in the "up" position), but then magically starting working again. Overall, the car has been excellent. I look forward to driving it at least another 100k miles.

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  Good mechanical, bad comfort ! - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By diva_3181377 - December 19 - 9:18 am

  Pros: 33 mpg in city ( i have hybrid model) and 36 mpg in highway, Interior (except sun visor and head liner) looks nice. Steering is like by my bmw Z3. Not a real soft drive. You will feel the road. Cons: 1) Never got the advertised mpg (40/39). I tried different driving styles. No way. Also did fuel system cleaning and engine additives as advised by the service advisor. No difference. 2) Head liner and sun visor made with cheap cloth. <2014 models were much better. Seems Toyota tried to save some money here. 3) Real bad seat cushion. You are almost sitting on the metal frame. Dealer WILL never fix it with usual reply "designed like that / cant reproduce". Even my colleagues 2017 model is same with seat and head liner/sun visor. Areas of improvement: Fix the damn seat first. Then fix the cheap cloth for headliner. Then it is a good car which got the bad reputation by using cheap materials on the interior. You will get tired by sitting on metal seats. If you have a new car, wait some time like 2-3 years and see how good the seat cushions are. Simple google search will show on how to fix this by putting a nice form ($10) which dealer will refuse to admit /do.

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  Malfunctioning extras are a pain - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By japelo - December 13 - 7:23 am

  Let me preface this review by saying that the first Avalon I had was excellent. I had it 7 yrs. & traded only because someone hit me. The 2011 Avalon I have now is also an excellent ride, but the wind noise and some of its extras are more trouble than theyre worth.

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  Quality is gone - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By PhxOwner - December 11 - 4:36 am

  I owned a 1997 Avalon XLS and it was perhaps the finest car Ive ever owned. Thats why I bought another one last year. What a disappointment. The transmission always hesitates before finding the right gear, there is a thumping noise coming from the trunk every time I go over a bump, but there is nothing in the trunk. The wind noise on the freeway is excessive. Rear visibility isnt very good. Cup holders dont hold standard cups. Toyota missed with this one.

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  98 avalon - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By j chan - December 9 - 2:00 am

  we brought this used with 37K miles from toyota dealer. Cars paint is terrible, looks like mircobubble on the top. Paint chip easily. Had to replace strut plate at 50K miles at $900. trunk leak water due to bad gasket in tail lamp. air conditioner had to be recharged last week at 65K, car drives great, but everything sucks.

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  Great, but some faults - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By eddie g. - November 18 - 10:50 am

  Overall our experience has been very good with our 2006 Avalon. The ride has been very smooth and quiet and the pick-up is very good. This may be one of the fastest cars weve owned (with a six).

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  Avalon worth a look - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By TXToyota - November 14 - 10:00 am

  This is the first Toyota Ive ever owned. Ive been very satisfied with the reliablilty and performance of the Avalon. Id buy another if the following were taken care of. The distributor/dealer network needs reworking.The distributor network adds after market accessories. The result is the 2 sticker system. The dealer network is substandard. In every case, theyve produced substandard or incomplete at dealer prices. In short, the car was purchased based on Consumer Reports testing. They were right on. You can drive it with just changing oil, air filters, and timing belts and probably drive for 200,000+ miles.

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  Only car Ive liked after two years - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By Jess of Waco - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive had a Merecedes roadster, a couple of Volvos, several Buicks, Oldses, and other comfy cars but this 96 Avalon is the best. The suspension has had strut problems, but otherwise, at 122K, its a fine-running, easy on the body kinda car. And although it has a "Cashmere Beige" stodgy exterior, it has surprising performance and can really scoot when you need it to. If you can find an Avalon at a good price, BUY IT!

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  Great Comfort and Power - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By GoVols - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This car has great acceleration speed and provides superb comfort. I considered the Camry; however, the comfort level of the Avalon is leaps and bounds above it. There is an abundance of leg room in the rear passenger seats. Good handling ability. Large trunk. Fuel mileage in city driving rarely exceeds 21 mpg.