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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  GPS Madness - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By Avalon Grandma - July 21 - 2:53 pm

  The GPS is the worst. Extremely user unfriendly. Many important POIs are missing. Per Toyota many were removed to make more map space. Toyota admits that the Avalon has the original GPS designed for the 2003 model. No wonder it is antiquated. Toyota will not stand behind the device. Says it was designed to specs. Ive asked them to take the vehicle back and replace it with another without GPS. They consistently refuse. Suggested guidance for the same route varies. Guidance for one route sometimes goes 15 miles out of the way.

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  Outstanding Car - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By Elizabeth - July 13 - 8:50 pm

  We bought this car used with 34,000 miles on it in 2001, now in 2006 it has 120,000 and shows no signs of wearing out anytime soon. Transmission glides, engine is strong, interior is elegant and comfortable and gas mileage is 31 on the highway. The trunk is huge and the seats feel like your sitting in your favorite chair at home. The only thing Ive had done is regular repairs and the air conditioning was charged this year, thats it!

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  Great vehicle - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By MICHAEL RUSTICH - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Have only taken a couple of trips of a couple 100 miles or more. Mostly in town driving. Easy and secure veh to drive. Never had any brake or acceleration problems with veh. I would buy another one.

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  spacious ride - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By petras - July 9 - 6:03 am

  The xls has a nicely appointed, spacious interior yet exterior dimensions are fairly modest. mileage is around 21/30 city/hwy. Overall reliablily is very good although watch for noisy front suspension due to bad strut support mounts, $400 to fix, also my car has some occasional squeaks/rattles from glovebox area, I definitely would buy an avalon again.

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  Solid power-train, terrible interior quality - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By athacarguy - July 7 - 8:41 am

  Toyotas will run forever and hybrid design is solid. The car is quiet and the seats are great. The interior build quality is terrible however. My headliner warped in the first 4K miles, the dash creaks and pops when you hit a dump and the door panels also creak constantly. A happy customer tells four people about their experience and unhappy customer tells 10 people. The crappy part is I have to sell it at a loss to buy the ford fusion. My gut told me to go with the ford and I should have followed it.

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  Jerrys Review - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By gharley - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Took two long trips so far with five persons- four adults. Everyone commented on the great handling and ride. Plenty of power in the hills. Great car!

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  Toyota makes another bad decision - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By C and G Shingleton - July 4 - 9:20 am

  Purcd 4/28/10 - give all eval. ratings a ten. Bliz Pearl w/Lt gray interior carpet. All online 2011 Avalon Ltd online pics as well as build-your-own car have matching carpet color mats. Ours arrived w/black mats we didnt want. Imagine a beautifully designed kitchen, w/a black plywood floor? To the eye, black is a size reducing color. Seems like black mats are up to our knees. Feel we are due $199. Called CA CServ. CS person said we dont reimburse and ALL Avalons now come w/black mats. We said Toyota is deceiving cust. Could have easily notified Dealers or put new link online. CS person had us on hold ten min-came back-said Toyota will reimburse you. Mail us copy of Vehicle sticker. We did

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  JB Avalon - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By Jack Burkert - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Great car, the poor mans Lexus 430

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  2006 Avalon - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Mrs Smith - June 28 - 6:00 pm

  The cabin is spacious and the acceleration is wonderful. Every feature is right at your finger tips. You do not hear outside noise and the chassis takes bumps well.

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  Completely Happy with the model - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Laurence Slane - June 26 - 10:00 am

  This is the third Avalon that I have owned, and all have been outstanding.