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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  My second AVALON - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By c6owner - June 5 - 7:46 pm

  This is my second Avalon. The only thing that stopped my first was Pontiac at midships. I had 165,000 miles with nothing going wrong. I didnt even need brakes until 130,000 miles. I bought the second and am having the same luck. It is more powerfull but has 28 MPG average Vs 30 on the 1996 version. Passengers still comment on interior room and comfort after now 60,000 miles. I drive for work, and go through a lot of cars. These two have outperfomed and have been more reliable than anything else I have had. If I can stay out of the way of other cars, this one will probably go to 300K miles.

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  Very pleased - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By Robert Hunt - June 5 - 2:54 am

  This car is everything as advertised. Runs great, quiet, great radio, navigation system is excellent. Gas mileage is true at 26-28mpg Highway and 21-23 mpg in town. If I could change one thing it would be the back up camera’s vision from Navigation screen. In bright sunny situations it is difficult to see.

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  Great Car But Minor Detail Issue - 2010 Toyota Avalon
  By Mirage - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Its Great Car with high fuel economy comparing with other same class cars. Nice, Quite, Comfort and you will love all the features. But theres minor exterior detail issues. such as top roof molding is easy to loose and hard to find a dealer for fix well. other body pars moldings are seems like little off from its place. I checked my car and other cars on display at dealers( 3 Places), same... such as end of moldings etc. i think Toyotas quality control legend is burried in the history..

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  Large Luxury, Great Value, Good Mileage - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Mark Eaton - June 2 - 7:50 am

  I fell in love with the styling and felt the looks & price made the Avalon a better value than the Lexus. Same classic looks, luxury features, great gas mileage at $15-20k less. Love the car. This car (so far...) is worth every penny.

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  Truly Impressed - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By CarlosV - June 1 - 2:23 pm

  Truly impressed. My family enjoyed the comfort and space. My wife loved the quick, smooth accelaration and ride. Late last night a drunk driver t-boned us doing over 70mph. The car is a total loss and the accident left us sore all over. My 3 year old son and 10 month old daughter, my wife, brother in law, and I are thankful for a car to do its job. I recommend it to everyone.

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  Enjoy the Avalon for the price - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Jerry Gonzalez - May 30 - 7:26 pm

  This is my first Avalon and I think I bought the best car for the price. It could be quieter at higher speeds. However, between 0 to 70MPH it performs as good as any car. The gas mileage is very good and you dont have to buy premium gasoline. The back seat is roomier than you might expect from a Toyota.

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  Our first lemon - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By guy - May 26 - 6:06 am

  We are very disappointed in this vehicle for many problems. First the air bag light came on and it took the dealer 5 mos to get repaired. The car tracks to the right and the dealer took 7 mos to repair after repeated denials of a problem. The problem apparently was caused by being lashed down too tightly while being transported. The transmission is jerky, slips and clunks at times. The engine is loud, apparently w/o adequate padding. Visibility while backing is poor. There is a glare on the ample dash. The remote start must be operated perfectly for it to work. Dont hold the push start button or else it will crank down, just tap it. You have to slam the trunk to close. Good luck.

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  my experience - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Paul Day - May 22 - 1:56 pm

  This is my first Toyota, and if it keeps on doing what it is doing now (gas mileage 32.2MPG, fun to drive, comfort, very reliable etc. I will have to say it needs a trim molding on the lower door panels to keep other car doors from denting when it is parked in parking lots.

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  like it - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By John682429 - May 15 - 3:23 pm

  I have put 36,000 miles on my Avalon and the only problem i have is the low profile tires will not last over 25,000 miles even when rotated every other oil change. I average 34 mpg on road trips and average 26 around town and highway combined. Car is very fun to drive and very comfortable. I dont like the drink holding area at night as proper light is not provided to access drinks and find items in the stash box. Trunk space is very large and my passengers love the rear comfort of the rear as plenty of room for comfort. Around 34,000 service engine light came on and Vehicle Traction Control came on. I would suggest this car to anyone looking for a car of comfort and plenty of interior space

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  MCD4822 Reveiw - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Alison Burlingame - May 13 - 11:40 am

  Much roomier than the Camry. Especially noticable in back seat area. Gives you more for the money when comparing it to the Lexus 330 which we also own and paid the same price for. Smart key system is great, and many other electronic features.