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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  1st time toyota buyer - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By shunshin - July 30 - 10:00 am

  auto is very comfortable. Back seat is roomy and eazy access in and out. sufficient power.Sound equipment is adequate for factory equip. Break in requirements is ? Under 55 mph and vary the rpms between 2000 and 4000. Hard to do.

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  A Great Car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By H James - July 29 - 7:03 am

  We turned over our 2001 Avalon to our daughter. The faith in the quality of the car gives us the comfort level for her to have the car for what should be 3 or 4 more years. The purchase of the the 2006 model was a step up in luxury from the older model. The driving experience is a pleasure. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Great Great Car! - 2015 Toyota Avalon
  By Carla Barla - July 28 - 12:45 pm

  This is my 3rd Toyota, I have had a 2005 Toyota Solara, a 2012 Toyota Camry and now a 2015 Toyota Avalon XLE Touring! I completely love this car! I am in my 30s and this car is awesome! Definitely not a old persons car anymore. It is just beautiful, and rides nicely. I really do not have any complaints, but the fuel cost are so low for a V6 and you can use regular gasoline. I feel like I am driving a Lexus.

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  Company Car - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Businessman - July 28 - 5:53 am

  I recently picked up a 2011 Avalon as my new company car. Before getting company cars I have owned both the Lexus ES and GS models. While the Avalon is not a Lexus, its total package could be classified between the ES and GS. Ride and handling soft, but everything is a trade off.

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  XLS Platinum Edition - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By Avalon4me - July 24 - 10:00 am

  Oh, baby - if youre thinking about a 99 Avalon, take a long look at the Platinum Edition - Ive never seen a better color on a car! Oh yeah, the rest of the car aint bad either! Just as a basketball team works best when theres great chemistry, the Avalons combination of attractiveness, safety, comfort, reliability and resistance to depreciation really come together in a great package. I thought about buying an Avalon in 1998 - instead decided to save money and get a Sable. What was I, nuts??

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  An Excellent Value & Lots of Room - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Donn - July 24 - 10:00 am

  The Avalon XLS is driven primarily by my wife, but it is our family car when we go places together, and then I usually drive. With an on-the-road price of $33,000, it is an exceptional value. Our friends in the back seat consistently applaud the 40+ inches of rear leg room -- same as in a Mercedes "S" sedan. Totally reliable, too.

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  Yota - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Tom - July 24 - 9:46 am

  Bought this car because of the Consumer Reports ratings on reliability and its reasonable price for a Lexus-like ride. It has been a pretty good car. Ive felt the transmission hunt when rapidly accelerating (like 1000s of others) but it has not cause a problem. Hood paint is marginal. Gas mileage exceptional. Comfortable interior. Would definitely buy another but would look at the Nissan/Infinity models also due to the transmission slip issue.

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  Auto Climate Control - Beware!!!! - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By mfoster - July 24 - 9:43 am

  As others in this forum, burned by auto climate control to the tune of $1,050. No choice but to replace, as the car is not realistically driveable without the a/c, heating, defrost systems working. I guess several people have to die before anything is recalled. Front strut noise also as others report. Catalytic converter went out and one dealer wrongly diagnosed as a broken ring, needing a $5,000 repair. Second dealer correctly diagnosed and repaired under original powertrain warrenty. Steering wheel cover has peeled off. If you are looking to buy, I would insist the seller correct these issues first. Car is roomy and will get up & go.

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  no teething problems - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By captain - July 22 - 10:43 pm

  This is one car that is about everything that a car should be. Quiet, solid, reliable, comfortable, fun to drive, and amazingly economical. Have had the car now for nearly 4 months and almost 10000 miles - no problems at all and certainly no reason for a dealer visit. Still feels and sounds like a (overpowered) Lexus, will outrun about 90% of everything out on the road while handling/braking is extremely competent for such a large car. I do run premium gas and also do a good deal (70% of my total miles) of 70-80 mph highway driving. 27 mpg overall! Given how much fun I have depressing the accelerator, this is much much better than I expected. Check this one out, highly recommended

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  Great car - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By diane - July 22 - 12:13 pm

  I had purchased a 2008 Camry in Sept of 2007 and was very disappointed. The interior was of cheap material and the hood release broke. The cd player did not work after one month of owning the car. the Avalon is great. I purchased the Avalon in july of 2008. I have had no problems at all. very powerful V6 engine and very quiet. love the gps system and bluetooth. Stereo/cd player is great.