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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  08 Avalon Early Impression - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By tfelton - April 25 - 6:36 am

  Up to when I bought the Avalon I had never heard about it but when I first saw it in the showroom I fell in love with it. It has not disappointed me. Ive already taken it on a 3100+ mile trip and it drives just the way I want a car to drive: a good solid, comfortable, and predictable feeling. I dont need a lot of gadgets in the car to keep me happy so the Avalon has plenty to keep me occupied. I consider the styling simple, or classic, so it will look good 10 or 20 years from now. Power is excellent and my mpg on the 3100+ 10-day trip was 29.83 over all which included 4 days of city driving.

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  Best auto I have ever owned - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Harold Grueskin - April 22 - 8:50 am

  The Avalon just fits my needs beautifully. Its comfort, roominess and performance are terrific.

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  A Winner - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By rhscarlet - April 16 - 5:56 pm

  Went from a Camry to Avalon. I loved the Camry but wont go back now. Very happy. Avalon is so much bigger, drives like a dream. A real luxury car.

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  Rattles front and back - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By T. Wagner - April 7 - 8:33 pm

  Since having my vehicle, my first Toyota, it has been into the dealership over 10 times. A few of my visits have been ones where the car was kept overnight. Why? Dash rattles, trim rattles, windshield rattles that just keep coming back. The dealer has replaced many parts but yet has found a "cure" that lasts over two weeks. That is up front!!! Body rattles in the back were finally eliminated by epoxy caulk after many visits. Both the windshield and back windows have been replaced to try to quiet the rattles. The dealership has been diligent and professional. I have had many vehicles over the years, new and old, but never one with such rattles that persist.

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  would not buy it again - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Pudtat - April 6 - 2:00 am

  From the very first week the car has had a vibration. Paint scracthes easily. Has a mildew smell from the A/C. I was told by the manufactuer rep that the vibration was normal. Not happy with this car at all.

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  Engineering errors and Ergonomics - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Disillusioned - April 4 - 10:00 am

  Sun shining from above and behind hits instrument cluster glass, reflects up on windshield and back into drivers eyes. Second problem is that you cannot shut the center air vents without turning off all four vents. If not shut off cold air chills the drivers right arm or if directed up, chills his bald head. . I . Also cant read the info panel unless tthe sun shine right on it. Dangerous as I must take my eyes off teh road to read the symbols.

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  Avalon is affordable luxury and power - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Jerry Boothe - April 2 - 11:26 pm

  Ive driven my Avalon Limited for about a month now and truly enjoy the features and power it brings. I like a car that not everybody buys and you dont see that many on the streets. I did have a 94 Toyota 2 dr Camry and it was a head turner, people still thought it was a new Camry. I tested the Lexus and Hondas and the Avalon to me was the better buy for the money, the luxury AND the power.

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  Very disappointed in quality and cost - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By jman82 - April 2 - 6:11 am

  This model year must have been the peak of Toyotas lack of attention to quality. The engine oil issue is a complete quality AND customer service fail. After suffering through that, in the last month Ive had to replace the entire AC system. Last year when the car was 4 y/o with 100k miles the AC started blowing warm. Dealer did not find leaks, recharged, and it was ok for the rest of summer/fall. This spring, same thing. This time dealer found "lots of pin holes in the condenser". Read: no trauma, just a quality fail. Ive never seen this and my prior cars were all over 200k miles. Now, *perhaps* a result of the condenser fail, the compressor seized. Total bill to fix AC: $2500

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  Pretty good car, has its problems - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Nick - March 31 - 11:23 pm

  I bought this car with 65,000 miles on it and so far its been an okay car. Paint chips real easily, loud in the cabin, a cassette player..really? No ipod connection. But on the positive side very very fast, very roomy and great ride quality.

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  "love this car" - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By tony harris - March 31 - 6:26 pm

  Absolutely superb car, I bought it used with 78000 miles, now it has 117000, only had to perform routine maintenance and tires. I have driven every car as I am in the automobile business, this Avalon is by far the best car I have ever owned.