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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  Avalon - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By lgainer - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Couldnt be more pleased. Best car we ever had!

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  I love it!! - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I dont think I could have gotten any more vehicle for the money. I have had NO problems. The only negative would be the comfort of the front seat. I have the split bench seat. It is not very comfortable for my lower back.

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  Wonderful to drive! - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By ROCCAFORTE - October 3 - 1:26 am

  Bought car for wife. She could not drive in Houston traffic. The car is still in "like new condition". The car drives like riding on a cloud with warm and cool front seats tempture controls, power tilt/slide glass moonroof.

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  Wonderful Car - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Mike - September 28 - 9:13 pm

  Really an excellent car. Very quiet, very comfortable interior, good exterior lines and a pleasure to drive around town or on the highway.

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  Great Car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Larry - September 26 - 8:43 am

  Just picked up our Avalon Limited 2006. It had 44 miles on it and we got a good deal, $500 over invoice, no navsystem, didnt need it, but had the dealer put in XM radio, which we DID NEED! We live in boonies and regular radio reception is terrible. Love the feel and roominess. The faux wood trim in car makes it seem elegant. The car is extremely quiet and the sound system is awesome. Had to get used to not having a key and starting the car by pushing a button. The car is insulated from any rode noise and the ride is exceptionally smooth. We bought the car because of Toyota reliablity, roominess, and handling. Of course the price was right.

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  Initial 05 Avalon impressions - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Buffddriver - September 25 - 6:36 pm

  My Avalon has just a few hundred miles on it so this may be considered a first impression review. The car is a large, very roomy, sleek sedan. The engine is silky smooth and very powerful. It drives like a dream with great visibility forward and a little less visibility than I like to the rear. The interior is beautiful and functional but the side mirror control is located behind the steering wheel and hard to see easily. I also like the large screen in the center dash that clearly shows stereo/am/fm controls, air conditioning temp controls (different for each seatin front)and gas milege, and distance to tank empty. The compass in the rear view mirror is neat also. Very nice ride.

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  A Remarkable Value - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By traveler - September 22 - 2:00 am

  As a sales rep that covers Ohio to the West Coast by car (20 States) I "live" in my car. Ive had VWs Volvos and Saturns over the last 20 years and NOTHING compares to the complete performance package of the Avalon XLS.

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  High Class Car - Not quite high class $$ - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Karl Meier - September 19 - 6:13 pm

  This car has loads of room front and back. Large trunk and leg room in rear seats to give away. A neat new look outside that should stay in style for some years to come. The dash controls are easy to read day or night (back lit for nite). Its full of new tech features like the push button start/stop with your keys never leaving yor pocket. The automatic windshield wipers come on when the drops start to fall and speed up or down depending on the amount of rain without touching one knob. The voice command for various controls like radio and navigation are first class. This car has it all.

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  Front Seats - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Jim - September 15 - 9:00 pm

  The front seats are most uncomfortable. It feels like a metal rail is in the middle of the seat that presses upward toward the tail bone. Outside wind noise is somewhat abated from earlier models but should be much better since the car has been re-engineered. The JVCs 12-speaker sound system is fair. My 4-year old GM cars sound system puts this to shame.

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  suspension - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By donna - September 11 - 4:56 pm

  I have had this car for almost three months and have had problems with the suspension. So long as I am driving on smooth pavement, it is wonderful. On bumpy roads I feel like Im rocking and rolling. The main complaint is that they say it is a five passenger car so long as the passengers dont weigh more than a pound. With Passengers in the back seat the car bottoms out, scraping the road when going over any bumps. Sadle enough,Toyota says this is "normal". I didnt know it was normal to drag the road in such an expensive car. Doing my research, Ive come to realize that the Avalon has this problem and Toyota refuses to address it.They have compromised on the suspension.