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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  04 XLS Review - Fairly good Bang 4 Buck - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Gem-n-I - October 10 - 9:36 am

  Ive purchased many cars new and after doing some research found a good priced 04 XLS. Paint is kinda cheap. Seats arent comfy as could be, Im 63. JBL premium sound, dual pwr seats w/ 2 memry, heated mirrs + auto dim R awesome. Seats lack thigh comfort 4 longer leg folks. Leather cheap. Replaced batry, win motor @ 30k, audio amp at 50k, drift improvement procedure at 55k, otherwise excellent reliability. Now (5/08) @ 100k and still runs like new. Friends/family say good 2go 200k - well c. Love using reg. fuel 25 mpg hwy 22 town. Get 28 hwy w/premium, cant justify exorbitant prices even for regular. Would recommend, and buy another 04 or older. Good car!

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  Traded up from 05 Prius - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By AFA - October 9 - 9:26 pm

  I know it seems strange to trade off the Prius for a Avalon Limited, after all there is no comparison in gas mileage, but it all comes down to personal needs. I am retired and the days of commuting to work are over. My wife and I do travel and drive long distances, consequently I prefer the power (especially for steep highway grades), comfort, stability and security the Avalon gives me. I definitely can do without the "Laser Cruise Control" & "Remote Engine start", saving about $1100. By the way the Prius is still a excellent car,for local and flat land driving. I have set my goal for a Prius 08 which I hope will have some improved features, but will still keep the Avalon.

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  Smooth and Quick - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Joseph DiDio - October 7 - 1:23 am

  Not until I stepped on the passing gear, did I realize how fast I zip past the car in front of me. A true pleasure to drive; with all the options, including a built in navigational system. Heated seats are now a plus. Seventeen inch wheels are also a plus. Very quiet ride. The only drawback I have found is the trunk space. However, my former car was a 95 Oldsmobile Regency, and that trunk was hard to match.

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  Best Buy - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Steve Kelley - October 5 - 11:30 pm

  I started my search for a new vehicle by looking at the Infiniti M35. I test drove that car along with the Audi A6, the Acura RL and TL and even a couple of Cadillacs and they were all very nice cars. But the Avalon was not even on my radar screen until I parked next to one at church one day. After looking it up on the internet, I found out the reason it wasnt included in my searches was that it didnt cost enough! After driving it and seeing how much more room it had than any of the others I had looked at I bought it immediately and have been tremendously happy with it and the $10,000 I saved ever since.

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  Great value & satisfaction - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Big Daddy Kenn - September 29 - 6:43 pm

  Im 6-2 290 with tall sons. Car fits us great. Great motor and acceleration. Averaging 23-24 daily and 29-30 highway and Im an aggressive driver. Its very comfortable. A quiet car. Driving-small turning circle. Good daily and highway car. Not as tight handler as BMW. Trunk has good storage room. Car has great fit and finish. Cabin well laid out. Nice sound system - could have more power though. No mechanical problems

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  2006 Avalon XLS - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Beats Everything - September 28 - 11:10 pm

  I read all the mags and test drove just about everything in the 30-50k price range. This 06 Avalon XLS has everything and more that any other luxury car has and does it better, more powerful, on regular gas with great economy. A no brainer with GPS, JBL upgraded stereo and so many other goodies, why would anything else do.

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  Perfect for grownups - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By larry siegel - September 27 - 12:43 pm

  Car is really well designed. Plenty of room and very comfortable. If you want a sports car you can do better but if comfort-luxury-economy-and reasonable performance do it for you - this is your car. I had a 2003 Q45 and this is just flat our better for my driving needs than that. Not without shortcomings but a great value and a dream to drive 30 min to work daily. No bluetooth and it hunts for gears on hills, otherwise no negatives. Oh yea, the nav isnt touch screen and the laser cruise is a silly worthless toy. Otherwise its a solid winner.

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  Third one - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By j74b - September 26 - 5:20 pm

  After looking at others vehicles of similar size and power, the Avalon not only was the cheapest with most options, their price was less that 2010 models, with same equipment, second vehicle with sat radio a plus,not as exciting as a Taurus Sho, but better mpg and more rear seat room. Still learning the Nav system but finally conquered phone.

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  New Avalon … 25,000 miles later - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Skip - September 23 - 4:53 pm

  Well 25,000 miles later, I still like the car. I dont love it, but very close. Its a huge step up from my 2008 Camry (which was a great car, just not comfortable enough on the long trips). Id like to see the finish get tougher in the newer models. My paint seems very easy to scratch. Stock tires are getting near replacement. Most folks who ride in the car... love it! I will have a trip coming up, where we will have 4 adults and well be putting on 3,000 - 4,000 in the 2 weeks vacation, and then folks can tell me what they think of the car. I WILL be looking to trade it at the end of the year, as I will have somewhere between 30,000 - 40,000 miles on it. 2010 Avalon, time will tell.

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  SSSMMMMMMOOOOOOOOOOTH Ride - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By New Avy 4 Me - September 20 - 12:13 am

  I think the review title says it all. It is without a doubt the smoothest riding vehicle I have ever driven. My daily commute is 70 miles round trip, mostly highway, and this car sails. The Avy is also VERY quite, which I enjoy as I can really decompress on my commute home.