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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  2004 Avalon XLS - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By mjk - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Wonderfully quiet, comfortable ride. Responsive, easy steering and plenty of acceleration. All the features youd ever want in a car. Im delight so far.

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  Avalon Excels - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Sheler - January 16 - 7:53 am

  While Ive only had this car for barely 60 days, it is my 2nd Avalon XLS and Im very pleased. My 96 gave great service with virtually no engine failures of any kind over nearly a five year period. I didnt hesitate to buy another one, only this one new.

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  Texas Limited - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By gbinplano - January 15 - 9:30 pm

  With 1105 miles on the odometer, my Avalon provided 27.2 mpg on a 300 mile trip with 4 large adults at 72 mph average speed in 98 degree temperature under laser guided cruise control. It was the most comfortable road trip Ive experienced in 45 years of driving. It is roomier, and better featured, than the far more expensive six "luxury" labeled sedans I seriously considered before buying the Avalon.

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  First and last moon-roof - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Reggie - January 15 - 12:46 pm

  After months of research I bought my XLS in Feb 06 and have only 7,000 miles on it. The ride is exceptionally smooth, comfortable and quiet. The power is awesome and the body style is super. However, about six weeks ago a rattle developed in the moon roof. A near-by dealer has made attempts to fix it twice before, even put in a complete new moon roof but it rattles on. In fact it is at the dealer now as I type this with the same rattle in the moon roof. I love this car but am quite frustrated about this problem.

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  Need More for the Money! - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Unsatisfied - January 13 - 7:16 pm

  The Toyota Avalon XLS is overpriced for an auto that offers the same features as other cars not in the "Toyota" line. The Avalon has no eye-catching appeal.

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  As good as it gets. - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Neo - January 12 - 10:06 pm

  If youre looking for the most car for your money, then look no further than the Toyota Avalon. To get all the features that you get in this car is unheard of. A 280 hp V-6 engine that still gets 31 mpg on the hwy? Air bags galore? Reclining rear seats? WOW. This car blows the doors off of the Infiniti that I was driving.

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  Avalon LTD: A lot for the money - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Walt & Betty - January 12 - 7:33 am

  The purchase process was unusually easy and the price was more than fair. However, the allowance for the trade was low. Everything worked the first time; the car had no cosmetic or mechanical problems, even though it came with about every option available. I thought that something was bound to be wrong with so complicated a car, but everything was perfect. The engine has plenty of power; it is easy to speed in this car because it is so quiet. The nav. system works well, but was difficult to learn. The drivers manual is confusing, poorly written, and full of language errors, making learning complicated systems even more difficult. Overall, however, this is a very good car for the cost.

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  Avalon 1996 - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By j.p. sr. - January 10 - 10:00 am

  One of the best cars we have ever owned

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  Holy crap, this car is too damn reliable - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By carboy1993 - January 9 - 10:18 pm

  im 17 years old.This car is my first car last year. its like that first practice car that u usually bang up. well i havent hit anything yet but my god is this car reliable. we bought it when it back in 2003 with 116k on it in PERFECT condition.now its kinda of banged up, radio buttons falling off, etc, but it just WONT DIE. my mom drove it 160 miles a day at one point, and i drive it about 40-50 as of now(and i dont drive it nicely), its close to 220k. im getting an acura tl, but if it wasnt for the cars body falling apart and the [violative content deleted] acceleration,id be sad about this departure. im just mad at my parents because they said were gonna sell after the time belt wears out :(

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  ...and a few years later - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By kydna - January 4 - 8:38 pm

  Still own my 2005 Avalon 7+ years. Almost 41,000 miles. The car has not needed a lot of attention. Now that it does; it calls for the seal to be replaced on the front of the engine block. Oil leak! Of course the engine will have to be removed. 1700.00 repair! Good gas mileage. Seats are fair at best on comfort when heat/cool optioned. Laser cruise is ok for the first 25,000 miles then it is............. particular?? Ok, car but at best a cheap Lexus knockoff!