Overview & Reviews

More power, more torque and added standard features make the Avalon one of the most appealing full-size sedans

• Toyota reliability, powerful V-6 engine, fit and finish

• Snoozeville, but still more enticing than, say, a Buick LeSabre

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 50.00

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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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  Original Owner - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By carfooey - March 20 - 7:16 am

  Few mechanical problems until recently. Within last year replaced rear wheel bearings, engine gasket, & alternator. Marginal paint job as it started peeling from around rear view mirrors at <80K miles. Strut noise has been there from day 1 off the lot (dealer made excuses too). Doors sagged quite early on, but work okay. Door remotes still work (!) although the buttons are about shot.

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  Best full-size - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By Clay - October 20 - 12:33 am

  This model is known to have power steering and front end rattle problems, but if you can get past that, its a great car to own. Rear seat is quite roomy for adults. This car gets you full-sized car features with the quality of a Japanese made car. The 200 HP 3.3l engine has plenty of power. The rear suspension is a bit flat with a full load, though.

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  like my avalon - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By jimbo1 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Im the original owner - no problems. Boringly dependable. Not the best looking car on the road, but kind of sleek in an ugly large sedan way. Pretty good mileage - 27 highway, 21 city. Smooth steady ride. surprising acceleration. quiet. good visibility

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  Function over Form - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By Blaze - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Better than average reliability, plenty of power and room for toting a family around town or long trips, good resale value...not going to win a beauty contest. Some quirks such as noise in front struts and sun roof and wheel balance issue from the start...Ive learned to turn up the radio and Toyota replaced the bad wheel. Only big surprise repair was the power steering rack recently ($1200)...disappointing.

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  Disappointed with a reliable name! - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By Robert M. - October 15 - 10:00 am

  Got this car about two years ago and have had a lot problems! great performance and comfort. very expensive to maintain. problems from first day of purchase! first year went through 5 break jobs! terrible front- end design. problems with front shocks and alignment, eventhough the vehicle has never been in an accident! very expensive to maintain! would never buy another one!

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  Nice car spoiled by junk suspension - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By PMOT - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Nice, but not exciting, car with cheap clunky suspension. I didnt expect sporting suspension, but rather, a nice quiet ride. But every bump brings a symphony of clunks and rattles from the front and rear suspension. Unacceptable in a car in this class (Hyundai Sonata does a better job). Great mileage with high test in the tank (30mpg @ 75-80 on the Mass Pike). Reasonable performance. The 3 disk CD changer gets "tired" after several hours of play. Looks like most of the other homely, expensive Japanese sedans (except for Nissan now). Should have kept looking for a Maxima SE! You should too!

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  Lots of miles...Running Great - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By BTH - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I liked it so much, I now own the 2001 model as well. The suspension problem (struts) mentioned in previous reviews was so common on the 97 that Toyota had a service memo to all delearships. My car was repaired (to my surprise)for no fee in 2000 by a toyota dealer after some frequent complaining on my part. That is the extent of my repairs. After 150,000 miles Im selling the car almost regretably and would absolutely reccommend this Avalon to make it to 200,000 miles easy.

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  97 Toyota Avalon - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By Eugene - June 12 - 1:40 pm

  I have been extremely pleased with this vehicle which has required only a minimum of maintenance. Oil and filter changed promptly at each 3,000 miles.

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  eh..... - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By infinitijw - December 7 - 10:00 am

  its an ok car... its not exciting not fast, not technological, but it is safe and reliable. i also own an infiniti and it makes the avalon look quite sad. ive seen the new avalons and they look so much better, i guess they didnt figure out how ugly their cars were till about 2000. anyways its still an ok car, an economical one for families that need space.