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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  Great Car - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By drl1958 - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Great ride. Very dependable. Good gas mileage. Comfortable.

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  Best car ever - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Lin Thig - July 12 - 5:02 pm

  A great car to buy.

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  FUN TO DRIVE - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By jerry miles - July 12 - 2:00 am

  i bought this car from a friend four months ago and have been very impressed with it. it is economical but adequately powered to move in and out of traffic when you need to (30 mpg). it is one of the better looking avalon body styles as some arent really striking. its many accessories are well positioned to the driver and easy to understand. with the exception of intermittent driver window operation and water filling wheelwell of trunk after a rain i have been very impressed with build quality. smooth ride!

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  Avalon Experience - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By L.PASCIUTTI - July 11 - 9:20 pm

  Excellent road car. Have some issues with quality and ergonomics. Transmission seems to shift excessively in traffic. EPA estimates were off significantly under old stds; now are more in line with my experience.

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  disappointed - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By william sheridan - July 8 - 5:40 am

  This is my second Avalon, the first was 2000. I assumed this years model would offer the same high quality performance as the 2000 model. Wrong! The transmission seems to shift very harshly and often. The wind noise is excessive and the engine noise sounds like that of a much cheaper auto. The leather used on the interior seems of a lesser quality vs the 2000 model.

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  Excellent value - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By 06ltd - July 7 - 8:33 am

  Although its too new to us to enable a reliability review, Im expecting a "9". It came with a malfunctioning laser cruise which was repaired no charge. Excellent, comfortable highway cruiser, efficient, roomy, powerful, and luxurious. The nav is much better than in our BMW. Radio is excellent if not audiophile quality. Body design is much improved over the prior model. Moonroof open is quiet and doesnt overventilate. Oversteers (as do FWD cars) and particularly so in the wet. Its a cruiser, not a sports sedan. It could use a backup camera. Seats are comfortable but could use better bolstering. Flat rear floor is excellent. Some more trunk space and some less rear legroom.

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  GREAT CAR SO FAR JUST GOT IT - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By jnealy87 - July 4 - 4:38 am

  I Got 2014 avalon limited Parisian Night Pearl, Rides like Lexus as mention in my prev review, now that Ive had it 7 months, i will explain my review stars given for each section. Performance drop one star due to understeer when driving. Comfort drop star due to front seats shows a lot of wear from using them I only drive 10k miles a year or less. Interior drop a star due to the cup holders silver liner that goes around the edge is coming apart and tearing off. Safety drop star due to car loses traction with tires at 5/32 and still have treadwear on tires, so car only does well with new tires, so that means new tires every 4 years not good for winter weather or rain. Technology drops 2 stars due to the climate control changes on it own at times when you restart car. also the car cabin air filter has been replaced a lot, the reason is the smell of the HVAC ,Toyota has not did a recall on the EVAP System drain yet, so the smell isnt the cabin air filter. Reliability drops star due to the engine had to have throttle body serviced after Main Battery replacement car had issues with stalling after new battery then had to have fuel injectors serviced to help with MPGs afterwards other then that no major issues will have these services again at 90k miles. Value drop star due to Fuel economy has not met the factory set amounts with all mixed driving and highway. I do all recommend service intervals and make sure my car runs new. Next service is 62k with oil change. the reason, I got car at 52k with oil change

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  Hybrid Avalon Touring 2014 - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By Hybrid Avalon 2014 Touring - July 3 - 8:01 am

  For some reason Edmonds doesnt know theres a Hybrid version of this car so I selected the V6 version. I Really like the Avalon now that I got rid of the OEM Toyota chosen Bridgestone Turanzas. DO NOT get an Avalon with Bridgestone (rocks) tires. I test drove the care with Michelin tires and the ride was firm but comfortable. My located Avalon came with Bridgestone Turanzas and the car rode brittle and handled terribly. I did some investigation and found others had Bridgestone Turanzas and hated them and got rid of them. At 16k miles they were getting so loud I couldnt bear it any more. I went to Toyota and they did not care or help. So I was on my own and put Pirelli P7s on the car and it rides, handles, stops, goes through rain great and is very quiet and is a LRR tire that gets great MPG. My headliner behind my sunroof fell down and the Toyota dealer fixed it once (including nasty fingerprints all over the headliner that I had to argue with the dealer to clean) and it fell down again. Toyota came up with a second headliner fix and they got it right. The radio every once in a while goes dead on AM or FM. It works fine through Bluetooth or other sound inputs, radio just dies. Its intermittent so of course the Dealer cant fix it. Poor quality radio though buyer be ware. The NAV system that Toyota provides would have been outdated in 2008. It has no speed limit and updates are horribly expensive and dont come out very often. My $100 Tom-Tom Nav or my apple phone do a far superior job than the one Toyota sticks you with. Regular free updates and speed limit display on the Tom-Tom. So after my flawless 2012 Camry XLE Hybrid, this Avalon has come with some issues and Toyota has not been much help. What I do like is the MPG for a car this size. Comfort is pretty good. Ive gone on some long trips and the seats are firm but not fatiguing. I would expect more padding in the seats for a car like this. Overall I like the interior layout. The armrest on the driver side at 17k is starting to wear through. Not too happy with the lack of durability of the arm rest vinyl. The steering is great. very low effort and accurate with decent road feel for a big car. The styling is pretty nice for a car in this price range. Over all a pretty nice car that I enjoy driving now that I prematurely had to get rid of the Toyota OEM Bridgestones. I have always owned Toyotas, and I still like this Avalon, but the quality and customer care is sadly slipping from Toyota and the dealers.

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  Theyre right! I love it! - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Bevo - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a used car and, after much searching, liked the looks of the Toyota Avalon best. But I didnt know anything about its performance. So I looked it up on Edmunds. All I saw was how everyone "loved their 2000 Avalons." That sold me. Now Ive joined the group. Its been 3 months, and every day I tell my husband how much I love my Avalon. Even my 21- year-old car-nut of a son likes it. The problems that a few people complained about dont even exist with mine. I bought the extended warranty, and have no worries about anything going wrong. Its a dream to drive and anyone who rides with me comments on what a great car it is.

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  Great Drive - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By vagentleman - June 29 - 10:16 am

  Had a I-30 Infinity, not interested in competing with BMW, more interested in a smooth driving and riding machine. Which is what you get with a Avalon. Limited has all the bells and whistles that Infinity offers, plus more at a much better price. Love the room inside, the smart key, the great gas mileage, the memory outside mirrors, the rain activated windshield wipers, etc. I think the interior looks great. I love the attention to details: when you "spritz" your windshield to clean it, the wiper makes several passes, pauses for about 10 seconds and makes a final pass to clear any drips! If the rear sunshield is up, it automatically goes down when you put the car in reverse! Cool!