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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  Great Car for the Money - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By 2013avalon - February 14 - 2:11 pm

  I knew this was the car as soon as I sat in the drivers seat for a test drive. I got the pearl white and tan interior with chocolate accents.. Amazing car. I constantly put customers in my car and being 64" in any other car the person behind me never had room. Not they have a good 4" of extra leg room. Not the fastest car but it isnt the slowest. I do not have the navi because I have owned toyotas before and they have never really had good ones, and with cell phones who really needs it...

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  Reliable, powerful, highway cruiser - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Tony N.J. - February 10 - 5:58 am

  Bought my XLS used with 120k, now has 190k. Repairs/maintenance - alternator, new battery, AC recharge, tires, oil changes, brake pads. thats it, just wear and tear stuff! .....Nav/JBL. Love the sound system, hate the Nav. Buttons to navigate the screen is ridiculously horrible. No car is perfect but I really like this car. ....Best features are comfortable highway cruiser. Great on gas, 31 hwy. takes regular gas. Quick car with powerful smooth engine. Quiet ride. Cavernous interior space. Reclining (slightly) rear seats. Big trunk. Very reliable, not expensive to service. Precise dual/auto climate controls. Dual AC charger. The cons- thin sheet metal, non folding side mirrors, blind spot, gas door and trunk door buttons next to each other and unlit. I get gas and pop the trunk open instead of the gas door. Weak paint, no radio volume level read out. Telescopic steering wheel needs to come out more. Dash cracks, weak rear defroster, ride to soft, handles like a boat, throttle response slow, loses throttle, hesitant turning mid way around a street corner. All cars have imperfections but still a great car.

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  Love my Avalon - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By Manny Ribeiro - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle as a used demo off the lot with no intentions of buying it in the first place. Shortly after I had finished the test drive, I realize that this was truly the car for me. I am a big man with history or various arthritic pains and let me tell you that this Avalon was extremely easy to get in and out of and the ride was excellent.

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  2005 Avalon Limited - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By D W Nelson - February 4 - 4:03 pm

  This car is more than I expected, my first Avalon was 1995 and this is my 5th and by far the best of them all. I have not owned a Lexus but this car is much larger and more power than the ES 300. I am still finding new and wonderful features and I would say they must have talked to the consumer in planning this one. I am more than satisfied with my new Avalon Limited.

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  BeSt Luxury Durable Car - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By stiv - January 31 - 10:00 am

  never let me down, good transportation, can be a realiable friend too :)

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  Its been almost perfect - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By JB - January 31 - 1:36 am

  Unbelievable power and gas mileage for this size car. We always get well over 30 mpg on the highway. Quiet and smooth and has tons of leg room. Continues to look beautiful after 2+ years. No problems so far.

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  A Quality Car - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Big R - January 30 - 7:00 am

  Traded off my 2005 Avalon Ltd. with 90,000 miles and after much research went back to a 2011 Avalon LTD. Gas mileage is great. I can get 30-32 mpg on the open road and around 27 mpg mixed. The navigation system is a little hard to figure out and backing is a little difficult even with backup camera. Love the XM/Sirius option. Lots of room inside and big trunk space

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  Excellence - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By James Beran - January 13 - 10:00 am

  What can I say? Everything works like a charm. There are no leaks, pops, squeeks...you name it. The mileage increases dramatically when you get real gasoline outside of the city. Crusing at 69 mph for two hours gave me an average economy of 30.4. A15 minute drive in the city gave me 28. That drops with reformulated gasoline in the city so far to make me concerned. But it is the gasoline and not the car.

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  Ride and transmission questions - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By stan hrincevich - January 12 - 1:39 am

  The interior, styling, and reliability are unquestionable, highest ratings. I owned a 2007 Avalon and the newer, 2013 forward, Avalons dont ride as well, you can feel every bump on the road unlike older versions. Then there is the automatic transmission. My 2007 was a smooth riding vehicle and the newer Avalons simply dont have the acceleration and easy to no jerking between gears. Also, the transmission is somewhat noisy compared to earlier Avalons. What a shame as this was the car I was targeting to buy but will now look elsewhere.

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  Becoming more and more disappointed - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By BFP - January 11 - 10:00 am

  This car has truly been a disapointment. Though roomy, the ventilation system is terrible - cant keep both the front and backseat passengers comfortable at the same time. Dash board electric panel goes out from time to time - the dealer cant seem to fix it. A truly overrated and overpriced vehicle - cant wait to dump it!!