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, but ... - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By KARL A. ELLISON - February 16 - 8:50 am

  Great car, just a few things need to be worked on. CD player door sticks, passenger front seat belt metal hits side beam knocking sound when you hit a bump.

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  Overpriced XLS - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By overpriced - February 11 - 10:00 am

  comfortable ride, good acceleration, good amenities. However, transaxle has whine between 30 and 40 mph; wind noise around outside mirrors. Shouldnt have these problems with top of line Toyota and for the price.

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  Satisfied driver - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Satisfied driver - February 10 - 4:00 am

  This car is a Lexus in disguise, actually it is better than the Lexus 350, it looks better, is roomier & rides just as smooth. My wife loves the comfortable & smooth ride as well.

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  Hope Toyota fixed flaws in recent models - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By Jonathan - February 8 - 11:40 am

  Overall a pleasent car. Looking for a mechanically quite reliable midsize car. Very comfortable for long trips. 1. Leaky trunk-spot welding at the factory in the trunk area is the culprit. Fixed the wheel well area water leak, but still water collects in the left (under the tool container). 2. Front rattle relates to bad shocks and mounts. I will change them summer. Rear stabilizer bar link is making noise as well, needed to be changed. 3. Exhaust pipe on the front (flex pipe) is designed too low & combined with bad shocks on the front caused repair. 4. Cheap headlight. Cheap clear plastic. Wheel well s/b larger to take larger tires. I do feel tire width s/b 215.

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  Love My First New Car - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By vince - February 5 - 12:00 pm

  Ive never bought a new car but when my 1998 Q45 clipped over 200K miles it was time. Looked at the SHO, but too bulky for my taste. Avalon Limited was an easy choice, lots of great features and a very economical price. Immediately took it on a 2K road trip and got great gas mileage, wonderful handling. I love this car. Clean and simple.

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  Too Loud...Too Much Wind Noise - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Whistler...... - January 30 - 11:16 am

  This car has a lot of wind whistles and noises at highway speed. I live outside of Los Angeles and you have to drive fast to stay up with traffic, and it is often windy in the passes. This Avalon is very loud inside at those speed. I dont like it. My 2002 LeSabre was much quieter at highway speeds. The engine has good power, but I have found the car has trouble finding the right gear. It sometimes jerks when I push on the gas. I am less than pleased with this car, my first Toyota.

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  Disappointed After One Year - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By oldgoldtop - January 25 - 4:23 am

  Thankfully I only have one more year on a two year lease. This is my first and last Toyota. The Entune was originally great but updates have rendered it very unreliable and nearly useless. Bluetooth is now constantly disconnecting and reconnecting which drops calls and streaming music. Phone text messages rarely will download anymore since recent automatic updates to the software. Navigation is cumbersome and voice recognition on search function is pathetic. The touch controls can often be activated by mistake if you are not careful. In fact that ugly dash touch panel was almost a deal killer for me. The climate display can be impossible to read in the sunlight. Just too many things not implemented well. Dealer service seems uninterested in dealing with the unreliable Entune. Seat heater controls are located on the center console which I find inconvenient and poorly designed. Prefer they be on dash. Exterior styling is appealing to my eyes but so are many other sedans these days. Ride and handling is acceptable for my conservative driving style. I do lie the active backup camera system but would lie some front sensors. The front is very low and easy to scrape on the sidewalk when parking. The lane change sensors work well and a nice feature although unlike my previous car, there is no audible warning .

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  support engineer - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By andrew chang - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The ride is very comfortable. The accelation is very smooth. The rear room is spacious and relax.

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  Nice Car,Terrible Seats - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Stan - January 23 - 3:56 am

  Styling wise, this vehicle is a great improvement over the previous model. The seats, however, are extremely hard,low quality leather.They tried to create a more expensive look by pleating the leather on the seat backs but all they did was create lumps that stick in your back as well as seams that protrude rather then are concave.My drivers seat has so many lumps that the dealer ordered a new leather cover for it. The ability to adjust the front seat is limited. If you wish to tilt the back up and lower the front the only adjustment brings the the entire seat up vertically so that your head hits the roof.My sons Ford Taurus has better and more comfortable seats.Shame on you Toyota

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  Features of Toyota Avalon - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By John M Clark - January 18 - 1:10 pm

  My Avalon is a pleasure to drive in particular on long road trips. The response of the car is great as well as the comfort. Excellent gas mileage at approximately 29 mpg on the highway.