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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  Better choice than a Jag - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Aaron - August 11 - 5:16 pm

  We traded in our Jaguar S-Type on the Limited. The Avalon offers just about all of the same goodies and then some as the S-type at about $15000 less. The reliability ratings and customer satisfaction reviews were what convinced me to buy the Avalon. The S-Type had numerous little problems and two big mechanical problems and from what Ive read and heard, the Avalon is much more reliable. The ride is considerably quieter and smoother than the S-Type, although not as responsive and sporty. The gadgets are just as comparable to the Jaguar, auto dimming mirrors are a luxury I cant live without now. The ventilated seats, oooo la la!

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  love this car! - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By kylee - August 9 - 11:30 pm

  I LOVE this car! From the rich leather interior and exterior classic looks; love the heated seats! The interior is so roomy and the trunk is large. I get so many compliments on this car; especially the color. Desert Sand Mica. I WILL buy another Avalon in the future. Although, not too soon, as in 4 years, I only have 20,000 miles on the odometer. If you are considering a new car purchase, I would greatly recommend ANY TOYOTA PURCHASE. The quality and reliability are 1st rate. This car also has the split-bench front seats and I love them.

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  Its A Great Car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By JKopmar - August 8 - 7:36 pm

  This is the second Avalon Ive had and I love the car. It makes me feel like Im a rich man when driving it. The drive is smooth, and the comfort driving this car is first-rate. The inside styling is sleek and the seats are very comfortable, including the reclining back seats. Although this is not a "luxury" car I cant imagine what could be more luxurios than this. I just love looking at it and driving it.

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  The most underrated car on the market - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Tom Thomas - August 8 - 2:56 pm

  This vehicle performs as well as $100,000 vehicles I have driven. The comfortable ride and handling are amazing. GPS, comfortable seats, leg room in back seat, power from the fuel enjected v-6, and new type transmission give a powerful smooth ride with excellent gas economy. This car is way underrated and underpriced for comparable performance and looks.

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  After a couple of months - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By 2013limited - August 8 - 5:10 am

  I was shopping for luxury replacements for my 2007 Avalon XL when the new 2013 first showed up at my dealer. It changed my whole perspective. It was not like any Avalon that I had seen! The interior was completely changed and the tan variation was sporty and masculine. The drive and control felt like some of the performance cars that I had before. It was a no brainer, I could have the looks, luxury, and performance that I wanted with the reliability of a Toyota and for $30,000 less cost (I paid cash). I didnt realize how "nice" it could be to drive a car...I really enjoy my time on the road.

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  Great investment - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By thomas hoehn - August 7 - 6:13 am

  Over 100,000 and runs great, over 80,000 on the Michelin tires. Starts up every time. Great ride and lots of room in trunk and interior easy to maintain without nickle and dimeing you to death.

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  LOVE MY AVALON - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Pugnme - August 6 - 10:00 am

  This car has many of the features of other cars at thousands of dollars less. It also has more room than the most of its competition. In youre looking for a full size luxury vehicle, you should NOT buy a new car without taking a good look at the Avalon. If you are in the Pittsburgh PA area, be sure to see the folks at Rohrich Toyota. They treated us great.

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  Great Value, Reliability and Performance - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By S. C. Charles - August 5 - 1:49 am

  Ive owned the Avalon for 6 months and 3 weather seasons, Im very pleased with the performance, comfort and economy of this full size sedan. There are minor annoyances and all cars have them. This car has a few, Updates to the NAV expensive, Road noise a bit more than a car of this class should have and oral commands to the NAV and phone problematic. The high points are the ride is both firm and comfortable, the quality of the interior is exceptional, the sound system is very high quality, the engine is powerful and the effortless shifting of the transmission is flawless, the MPG in a full size car with 268 HP is unbeatable. I did purchase the vehicle used with 8K miles on it at a substantial discount to the sticker price and I feel I received a great value for a car Ill drive for at least 10 years. The reliability of a Toyota is accurately stated by biased and unbiased authorities alike. Suffice to say Im very happy with the purchase and looking forward to driving this car for a long time. Update Ive now owned the car for over a year (over 10,000 mile driven) and could not be happier with the purchase. Ive experienced no mechanical issues and the car is as good as the day I brought it home. Great Job on the redesign and continued reliability Toyota! Id gladly buy it again today! Update Ive now owned the car for almost 2 years and my initial review was accurate the cars interface with the phone/NAV has greatly improved. The mileage is very good at 26.5, the handling of the vehicle is that of a sports car, the ride is a bit rough for a luxury car but very quiet and smooth. Id buy the car again without a thought.

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  Great ride, excellent performance - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By R Chen - August 3 - 7:53 am

  As everyone stated, it is a great car. It is has a very nice ride, especially for family vacation. Great performance in terms of acceleration, passing, corner handling, and smoothness. Luxury interior design makes it no difference from Lexus LS. You get more luxury for your money.

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  First non-US purchase - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Don - July 31 - 1:26 am

  Nice performing/handling vehicle. Zero to 60 in 6.1 seconds with good city mileage of 19.5 mpg. Nice design from rear, but front end is pretty blah.