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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  Toyota Avalon - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By L Harris - March 23 - 5:20 pm

  Six years old; still looks and drives like a new car. Smooth riding and no mechanical problems. Comfortable seating for all passengers and lots of trunk room. Beautifully designed and appointed on the inside and out.

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  Loving my Es, Um I mean Avalon! - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By New Southerner - March 23 - 3:05 am

  If you like a touch of class, style, performance and panache from an automobile, this is the one for you. Several weeks ago I purchased a used 2014 Toyota Avalon. Having recently moved south from the Midwest, I wanted to shed my 4-wheel drive veh for something smaller. Initially I went looking for a gently used Lexus ES350. My reasons were simple: I’m getting closer to 40 and my automobile needs are starting to bend more toward function and less form. This meant arguing my ego down from the thought that I needed to ‘sit high’ or that I need 3 rows for the few times a year we use the 3rd one. So on to the car; I initially drove 3 or 4 ES’s and on one return test drive I ended up parking next to an Avalon. “What’s this?” I asked the salesman. He responded ‘the Avalon’ and proceeded to tell me of how the car rides a variation of the same platform as the ES. Really? Also that the engine and powertrain were virtually Identical. Really?? So I gave this car –which I had never even glanced at, much less considered before- a good once over. Lowered front end profile w/quadra-beam headlights, Aston-Marton inspired lower intake grill flanked by chrome enveloped fog lamps. A clean and handsome profile with a slightly ‘windswept’ greenhouse profile and a beautiful tail end w/LED lights and dual, trapezoidal exhaust…. “Hmm, will you get the keys for this”??? I asked. Got inside. ‘Whoa, seriously, nice!’ A 6 inch touch screen w/digital readouts for the HVAC just below. Mine has the lighter interior w/contrasting taupe, brown and black color scheme. It’s a very rich look accented by liberal swaths of chrome. On to the drive. The ride was the final deal cincher. The engine is buttery-smooth with plenty of power for passing. In fact, I had to learn how to properly finesse the engine when I am passing because stepping down to hard gives way more power than you probably were looking for. I want to address the ride quality itself though. Many have written that the car thunks or crashes over bumps. Honestly, I hadn’t noticed it at all. I think the ride is quite appropriate honestly and I have to believe those that don’t care for it are not the younger buyers Toyota had in mind with this departure from the traditional Avalon. The only places I have to give the car less than stellar marks are the sound system and touch screen. The base unit’s graphics seem a generation behind the two vehicles I have most recently owned and it suffers mightily from sun glare. You literally cannot see a thing it certain situations and that is with dealer placed tint on all windows. . Also, the basic sound system sounds very tinny and has very little bass. They are merely adequate and I have been accustomed to far better utility. (the unit in the base XLE doesn’t even show album artwork for ipod songs) All told, this car is a serious sleeper for most. For some, the prestige of that L in the Lexus nameplate is worth the extra money for what is in many important respects the same car. After spending days if not weeks looking for the perfect gently used Lexus ES, I finally found it. Just so happened that it wears a Toyota badge and prefers to be called Avalon.

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  Best Car - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By bhcar - March 19 - 3:53 pm

  Almost flawless, plenty of comfort and power. Quiet. Reliable.

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  Toyota Quality? - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By John - March 18 - 5:26 am

  Very soft paint. Chips and pit marks started to appear almost from the first day. After the first winter there were easily 100 "holes" in the paint all over the car. Toyota would not stand behind the defect. They stated it was from road salt and stones, etc. I agree that is what causes the marks but I looked at many others cars with similar driving conditions and none were even close to the condition of mine. The next big problem was with the brakes. A front caliper locked up at about 44K miles. The repair - two front calipers, rotors, pads, labor was almost $900. It would have been much much more at the dealer with OEM parts. So this is Toyota quality?

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  2008 Avalon Limited - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By ulanon - March 14 - 10:03 pm

  We replaced our 2001 Avalon XLS with the 2008 and are extremely satisified with it. Ride, handling, comfort, fuel economy and Toyota reliability are superb! We both have back problems and this is one of the few cars that we can sit and drive without pain and discomfort. The 8 way power heated seats with power adjustable lumbar support on both sides are a big plus too. After owning a 2001 Avalon, we did not consider anything else. Why drive a Lexus and pay 10-15,000 more just for the "L" on the exterior. Previous cars include BMW 525, Mercedes E300, Chrysler 300M and we would not go back to driving any of those again for a number of reasons.

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  great car - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By michael lowenstein - March 13 - 2:06 am

  This is a great car to drive it holds the road and is very quiet. Plenty of power when needed for passing. What a machine this is.

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  I swear I thought it was a lexus!!!!! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By ACZDO - March 12 - 8:56 am

  If you want to have a luxury mid size sedan but does not want to spend tons of money then the Avalon is the best one for you. I was debating on either this car or the lexus ES. I cant seem to justify spending thousand$ more just to have the Lexus badge on my car. The Avalon has more features , better and stonger engine, better looks. In fact the Avalons ride is a lot better (go test drive it and you will know what Im talking about). The interior on this car is huge. I mean its almost as big as the Lexus LS. Toyota has done a really great job on this car. So if you not sure still, please take my advice, test drive it!!!

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  Great Car - Terrible GPS - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By Doug - March 10 - 7:30 am

  4 adults w/ trunk FULL of luggage on a 1700 mile road trip and got 31 mpg in comfort! The $2000 navigation system is awful. My $300 portable Garmin is MUCH better. I complained to the dealer who said "Thats a common complaint." Toyota hasnt replied to my complaint letter. I want them to take the GPS out and give me my $2k back!

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  Great - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Tony - March 7 - 1:46 am

  I am a high mileage driver and need a strong, reliable, comfortable drive! I had a SE-V6 Camry 3 years and placed 185,000 miles on it - Fantastic. The Avalon will surpass my expectations, its wonderful. Pity the "touring" was not even more sporty, more aggressive front end and interior. Just put new alloys on, now were talikg "cool". All in all delighted. Thanks Toyota again.

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  2005 TOYOYA AVALON - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By MARK - March 6 - 1:23 am

  Keyless ignition is a bit confusing. While entering the car in a rainstorm, the car decided not to allow me to start it. I had to have my family stand in the rain until I could reset the start mode. Also, the laser cruise control doesnt work in the rain. I found this out the hard way! The navigation is great, but there are lots of buttons to press. Gas mileage on our first road trip of 600 miles gave us 27.1 mpg. This is just what they advertised. Very solid and with all the air bags, you feel very safe. The engine is much stronger than my previous older style Avalon. The warm and cold seats are great with long drives and a bad back. Im very happy with this purchase!