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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  Best of Class - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By magfer2 - January 3 - 10:00 am

  The Avalon is a great car when price, build quality, features, and size are key points. The Avalon boasts a spacious interior (especially rear) has a large trunk without looking bulky from the exterior. It is a great highway cruiser with plenty of power while getting great gas mileage. The interior is excellent with awesome materials and great placement of all instruments etc. Best of all for some reason its second hand value seems to be on par of that of the Camry or other comparable autos while it is in fact a far superior car.

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  Ride with confidence - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Eagle - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I finally got tired of having to take my Audi into the dealership for a fix every 3 months, and went for the Avalon. Two and one half years later, I have to remind myself to get the oil changed on time. What a difference. If you want total comfort, and a scerene ride, you just cant beat this machine.

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  People are complaining about reliability? - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Darrenct83 - January 1 - 11:39 pm

  As an auto repair shop owner Im blown away about the negative reliability reviews. I saw one two star review because of an oil leak on a 9 year old toyota with 97,000 miles! What kind of bubble do people live in where this is considered unreliable? All cars have what we call "pattern failures" specific to certain makes and models. ALL CARS have pattern failures. All cars need repair periodically. As a luxury type car repairs will be more expensive. If you only need one or two repairs every 100,000 miles then you are operating a very well built machine. If you dont beleive then buy a Chrysler next time so you can see what frequent repairs are really like. On a lighter note, the Avalon is great. I have driven most makes and models in my line of work, and you will have a hard time matching this much comfort and quality for the price of the Avalon.

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  You Cannot Beat This Car! - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By Ken Armstrong - December 31 - 5:06 pm

  Outside of tires and batteries, this car has had no repair work, and has never been in the shop with 80,000 miles. I do my own maintenance. Original brakes with a lot of city driving. Hey, just use the transmission to slow down. Not a hot rod, not a sports car, but runs great and handles pretty darn well too. The ride is superb and the car is extremely comfortable on long trips. Cannot ask for more than this car has given. The best value anyplace!

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  GOOD BUY - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By Gracie - December 28 - 11:09 am

  Overall the Avalon is a big roomy vehicle. I just wish the finishes where a little more high end. A good example would be the floor mats - at first i thought they were some cheap mats someone just put in there but when i went to purchase new ones they were the exact same thing that was in my vehicle (I was not happy). The other issue i have with my vehicle is that Im 5 tall & its difficult for me to see over the side mirrors without something to lift me a little higher in the seat which of course I already have it set at its max height. The navigation is just ok - it takes too long to get the information I need therefore making it easier to use my iphone. Other issue with navigation is that the way it sits on the dash when the sun hits it you cant really see anything on the screen. The ride is not as smooth as I had expected. If I sound picky its because i previously owned a Lexus GS300 and got spoiled. Other than that it’s a good purchase.

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  Blew a Head Gasket at 85,000 miles. - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By shannon2257 - December 25 - 10:52 pm

  Bought this car new. I am a "little old lady" driver. A few weeks ago at 85,000 miles this car blew a head gasket which the repair shop believes this also ruined the oxygen sensors. 4000.00 repair bill. Needless to say, I am HIGHLY disappointed in my car. Additionally, the front driver seat is not very comfortable. I can feel the springs through it. Probably will not be getting another Toyota.

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  First 50,000 miles - Problem Free! - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By hayes13088 - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car new in 2000 and was looking for a roomy, dependable mini-van alternative. Recently reaching the 50K mark I can honestly say that the car has been very enjoyable to own and absolutely trouble free. It has only been to the dealer one time for its 25,000 mile check-up which was uneventful. On long fully loaded trips I have averaged 28 mpg and has impressive passing power at highway speeds. The interior has held up better than expected, leather seats still look brand new. Climate control works great at any temperature and the “Dual Mode” option does a good job regulating different temperatures between the passenger and drivers seats.

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  Read the book first, then tell story - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By C Hortman - December 22 - 5:46 pm

  I am disappointed in their flagship. It has lots of wind noise. The DRONE of the tires is very prevalent. The driving position is the worst. Im 6.0, the seats are uncomfortable and very hard. Not a lot of leg room for the driver. COMFORT and AVALON are never USED in the same sentence!!! This car is 95% Camry. A factory employee told me, they dont want you to be satisfied. WHY? So they can sell you a Lexus. Transmission 2nd gear jerks every time it shifts, it wont shift down when it needs too. The factory puts one coat on the bottom of the car for sound reduction, rust. They started out putting 5 coats. It is all about saving $$$ at the consumers expense. The car is reliable, BUT!!!

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  A Perfect Car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Jeffrey Augustine - December 21 - 9:04 am

  I have owned my 2006 Toyota Avalon for nine years and never had any problems. I service it regularly and it still drives exceptionally well with 97,000 miles on it. Most of my driving is on California freeways or on long road trips between 300-500 miles one way. This is the perfect road car with plenty of acceleration, comfort, excellent heater and a/c, and a great stereo. Visibility is excellent. I put on expensive Good Year Eagle Sport tires (W speed rating) at 30,000 ,miles and this made the ride noticeably smoother and the cornering sharper than the original OEM tire. Despite Good Years claims, these tires only really last ~20,000 miles, but the tradeoff is worth it. I put on slotted racing discs on the brakes and ceramic pads. This is a big car that drives like a midsize sports sedan. I push the car and it likes it. 85mph cruising speed @ 2500 rpm for miles across the American Southwest all day long in any season. My last big road drive was in 112 F weather Arizona and the a/c worked great and the car had no problems with the temperature. I headed up the mountain to Prescott and got caught in a monsoon, a torrential thunderstorm going uphill at 4,000 feet. There was no place to pull over on the steep mountain road so I used the Avalons very practical and well-engineered Manumatic transmission to hand shift through the deluge going up the steep and winding grade. No problem with traction, power, or anything else in this big thunderstorm with near zero visibility. I have always felt safe in this car because it is reliable. My 2006 Avalon is an old friend. I could buy a new car but why? I like my Avalon and it likes me. When I do decide to buy my next car it will be an Avalon. Of course, I might upgrade to a Lexus ES350 now that I am officially a senior citizen -- and besides all the writers for automotive magazines except us oldsters to drive a Lexus. I sure as hell wont get a Buick. And as much as I admire Matthew McConaughey as one of Americas finest actors, I wont be getting a Lincoln either. But I am glad to see Mr. McConaughey happy with his Lincoln. I really liked the commercials he made. Classic Americana.

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  First Avalon - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By rgwilsek - December 21 - 1:16 am

  Owned minivans for the last 15 years and decided to go with a sedan. The Toyota Avalon is a true luxury roomy sedan with a reasonable price tag. Looked at Buick, Cadillac and Chrysler but found the Avalon to be superior quality, comfort and with great technology features. Got the fully loaded limited and its a pleasure to drive with good mileage rating.