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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  Over 200K - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By Middletown Md - September 19 - 2:26 pm

  I bought this car with 30K miles and now have 220K on it. I also had a steering column leak on this car and my 98 Sienna... dealers wanted to replace column I used a steering fluid with a sealer and never had a problem since. Interior noise is a problem and plastic interior trim pieces coming loose... but those are mostly cosmetic. I will give this car to my son for college and keep for a few more years.

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  Lexus Rival - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Howard - September 17 - 9:36 am

  Beautiful and rides well. Finish and styling superb for the price. Smart key works well but no ring or hole on the unit so that a valet can hang it up when valet key removed. car cannot be started with valet key. Front seats not comfortable enough, but adequate. transmission "slips" when shifting in certain conditions. Love the small turning radius helpful with a large car. Trunk space has been reduced by the protective lining covering the lid supports. better to remove that and allow longer items to store horizontally such as golf clubs. flat rear floor a gem. Nav. system not too convenient to operate. needs big overhaul, but works very well when finally programmed. Hate the "I agree" thing

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  Very Satisfied - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Outstanding Auto - September 17 - 6:56 am

  This is a great car from end to end. It drives like a dream, very comfortable interior and user friendly instruments for the driver.Lots of power from the V6! I went from a 10 year owner of a Camray to a Dodge and back to Toyota. I never had a problem with the Camray and I dont expect any with the Avalon. The saftey features on this auto make me feel very safe on interstates. One more thing. Owning this car will attrack attention!

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  A Great Car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By avalon - September 16 - 12:00 pm

  This car is finally not for old people, which is good. The new exterior is great. The interior is awesome. The performance is very good. For a car with a 3.5 V6, this has the fuel economy of a 4-cylinder. Like most Japanese cars, this is very reliable. It isnt as fancy as the lexus, but about half the price. There is an unbelievable amount of rear legroom: 40", and up front is 41"! There has not been any issues with it yet, and there probably wont be any. It is much better than our previous car, which was a Lexus RX330. There is not one thing anybody dislikes about this car.

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  no teething problems - a followup - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By captain - September 13 - 6:30 pm

  Generally a big no-no to buy a truly new car - better to wait awhile and let the mfgr. work out the bugs? After 4 months and 10000 miles I would tell you that this does not apply if that car happens to be a Toyota. No problems at all of any sort - just an insanely quick (it will outrun almost everything else on the road), comfortable/quiet car (think Lexus), and all at some equally ludricrous mpg. Averaging 27 mpg at a 70/30 highway/city mix. This is a BIG car! Funny thing is, that although I live in a big city, just dont see any Avalons on the road and very few on the dealer lots. No matter, if you are looking at larger 4 door sedans, the Avalon is a must drive and a superior value.

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  Great Car! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Brian Con - September 13 - 7:26 am

  Purchased it new based on the value for the money, safety and comfort. Did not order the nav or the laser cruise control which appears to be a smart move. White metallic paint with the light grey leather looks great. Add the factory mudflaps which will keep the sides of the car clean. No repairs of any kind until the recent rash of recalls. Transmission can seem "funky" once in a while? I believe that the Touring model has a less "soft" ride for more spirited driving dynamics but I did not like the black interior. Great road car! 4k mile drive out west and got +30 mpg at 80+++ all day long. We are in our 40s not 70s and we enjoy the car very much. We are keeping the car long-term.

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  Excellent Used Car - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By dadjazz - September 13 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this car as a school commute vehicle for my son. It had 70,000 miles at purchase. It now has 105,000 miles with only a small strut mount problem that cost a couple of hundred bucks to fix. Excellent reliable transportation.

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  Hate the Transmission - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By HRM - September 10 - 6:40 am

  My transmission on my 05 Touring is AWFUL! Hunts for gear and sometimes doesnt work (it just shuts down). The problem seems to be random -- dont know what is causing it and neither does dealer. Mechanics cant replicate it. The only fix it to stop, shut the engine off, and restart the car. Its happened FIVE times so far in 2,000 miles! Bummer.

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  Comfortable and safe - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By college student - September 5 - 10:00 am

  My dad recommended that I purchase this car for the long drives betw. college and home. It is a great highway car, averaging 28 mpg. It is a little to "luxury" for my tastes, but is an excellent car otherwise! Have had no mechanical problems the entire year I have owned it - which is rare in my car experience. Great pickup, smooth ride, wonderful handling ~ couldnt have asked for a more comfortable, safe, and dependable car!

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  Looks like a great car. - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Bill R. - September 2 - 5:43 am

  Now have 6K miles on it, but battery failed at 1500 miles leaving me stranded (thats why the low reliability score). Outside of that I am very satisfied with the car. Only complaint is that the car has HID headlights but only on low beam, and high beam is very poor. My previous car was Nissan Maxima (04) which had terrific HID lights and it spoiled me.