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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  Duck! - 2015 Toyota Avalon
  By Tom Dunn - December 18 - 9:57 pm

  The ride is sporty. . .not luxury. Stiffer ride with 17" wheels. Getting into the drivers seat requires you to be a contortionist. Once inside. . .its great. Comfortable seats. . .responsive, easy steering. . .good acceleration. My wife likes the car. . .I cant deal with the contortion required to get into the drivers seat. There is also some wind noise that is greater than it should be. I would prefer wheels that provide more of a cushion. My reason to trade is the issue with getting into the vehicle. I cant do that day after day.

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  update - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By galaida - December 15 - 9:23 pm

  The car is an excellent performer and the fuel mileage is beyond my expectations. Getting 32 mpg with 2 rest stops per fill up, around town 22 to 24 mpg which is better then my 2002 Avalon with the 3 Liter engine. This is driving cross-country at speed limit plus 5.

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  Great car, but uncomfortable seats - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By Richard - December 12 - 2:56 am

  Just got the Toyota Avalon limited with cooled seats. There is a design flaw in the seats as they are very uncomfortable with the cooling bars under the padding. I noticed it the next day while driving. Service made an adjustment, but not enough and both sales and service agree that there is a problem. However, it seems to be a design of the seats. I consider it a flaw I am now contacting Toyota to see what can be done about it. The service tech told me Lexus uses the same system but the seats have more padding. I would try out the driver seat for an extended time before purchasing one that has a cooling option for the seats. I wouldnt buy it again because of it.

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  Bens Review - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By bmatula1 - December 9 - 3:36 am

  Excellent performance, comfort and reliability. Performance is excellent for a relatively large car and a V6 engine. Amenities like automatic windshield wipers and keyless entry/start set this car apart from others.

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  new owner - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By rod - December 9 - 1:13 am

  This is a very comfortable car, plenty of power and excellent quality and engineering.

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  13 - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By fid1 - December 8 - 9:38 pm

  The car rides great and looks great but I have a few suggested improvements. The drivers seat has very hard side panels, why are they not the same consistency as the center sections?

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  Excellent Car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By avy - December 6 - 5:33 pm

  After researching Acura TL, Lexus ES330, Infinity G35, I finally bought fully loaded 2006 Avalon Limited. For the price I paid, this is the best in its class - near luxury large sedan. Cabin is very carefully designed and the ride is very smooth. At some point I wanted to wait for 2007 Camry XLE V6 and 2007 Lexus ES350. I can get a fully leaded Camry XLE v6 for 30K but the camry interior quality is not so good. So I paid 5K more and got Avalon with some extra features (such as rain sensing washers, power sun shade, laser cruise control, large wheels etc)

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  Disappointing Options - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By ndb - December 5 - 10:00 am

  The Avalon XLS is very good in a lot of ways, but some of the options are so poorly designed that they are junk. The "trip computer" has a feature that calculates average gas mileage - a must-have on my shopping list - but it resets every time the ignition is turned off! Its worthless! It also calculates trip time (up to 99 hours!) but that also resets when the engine is turned off. The cruise control looses its memory and has to be reset if you slow to under 40. Im disappointed. My 1990 Taurus did better on these and other features.

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  A great car! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By John Arbib - December 3 - 8:40 am

  I have found this to be the most comfortable, quiet, powerful car that I have owned and one that has the most beautiful cabin that I have seen. Truly this car is a pleasure to look at, enter and - most important - drive. I love it!

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  Lots for the money - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By glendola - December 3 - 6:53 am

  I purchased my Avalon new in 12/05. It did have 1,100 miles, however I consider that new. It was in the showroom, and in black on black it was a totally impressive and sharp car. I was impressed with the laundry list of standard equipment. From the reclining rear seats, to the most exceptional stereo I have heard, even in cars that cost $15k more. I wont get into the other standard features because that would take forever, lets just say you want for nothing in this car in the way of luxury. I have had absolutely no complaints mechanically. Even the tires with 48,000 miles still have at least 15,0000 miles left on them. The performance is astonishing. Would definitely repurchase.