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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  Good but not Great - 2010 Toyota Avalon
  By D Jack - August 7 - 11:43 pm

  Bought in March and have almost 2K miles. Great gas mileage 25 mpg around town, 28 on 285 mile trip. a little more wind noise than expected but not to bad. exterior a little bland so we added tinted windows, spoiler and it looks much better. so far we are pleased with our choice

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  Super without counting dealer! - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By peterfl - August 6 - 10:00 am

  It is super luxurious and you wont ever like to drive a rental car, not even luxury class, after having driven this. Maintenance is minimal. The dealer is awful. Does not stick to appointed times for maintenance (had to wait 1 hour on drop off and 1 hour on pick up!). At 30,000 mile service dealer did not check everything (did not notice that trunk button does not open trunk anymore) and that tires were bald.

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  A Lexus in sheeps clothing - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Peter Foss - August 3 - 1:50 pm

  This is an extraordinary vehicle. I have the tan interior with maple trim, which adds a sense of spaciousness in an already comodious sedan. The rear passenger area with its flat floor, reclining seats, and ample room, offers more square footage than most college dorms! The car is blindingly fast and will out accelerate a huge segment of the market. Here is the Japanese equivalent of a Buick with a surprisingly strong personality. The dash is as beautiful as it comes. Everything works perfectly.

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  XLS Avalon bucket seats - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By marred - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Great car for its price, comes with all the perks for the top of the line including a navigator, drives like a Mercedes!

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  Better than Reports - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By 2-avalon owner - July 29 - 9:36 pm

  This is my second Avalon and both have been wonderful cars, the first got crashed, although both have been wonderful cars. I just took a trip to the Grand Canyon from southern CA, and averaged 31.7 MPG with the cruise control set at 70 MPH. I have not taken a trip that I have attained less than 29 MPG. This is a well engineered car great handling and comfort, lots of luggage space. This car pretty much has it all. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

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  AWESOME AVALON XLS - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By canefire - July 28 - 11:20 pm

  We saved $15,000 by purchasing our Blizzard White XLS, fully loaded, instead of a Lexus GS300 we really liked? Awesome ride, comfort, space, safety, power, dual exhaust, body style, leather and this list goes on! Beats the GS300 in most categories - great value for $29,000. 2nd Avalon XLS, 4th Toyota - sold on Toyotas reliability and quality.

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  Mighty close to perfection - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Peter Foss - July 23 - 6:30 am

  An extraordinary automobile wrapped in a not-so-extraordinary hull. The front looks like every other Japanese car built over the past 10 years. But get in, sit, down, buckle up, turn the key, and oh my!, all is forgiven. Everything is perfection from its effortless silent operation to its stunning interior. I love the simplistic stylng of the dash. Various components are hidden behind panels that open with jewel-like precision.

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  Finally - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Gerald Schultz - July 22 - 10:53 am

  All but a few drivers are looking for a car which provides superior handling, comfort, performance, safety and luxury options. The best handling cars offer less comfort. Performance is usually associated with higher gas consumption and noisey interiors. Luxury options are not available on most cars or they come with expensive nameplates. Safety options are limited in all but the top models. The Avalon is the first car which I have driven which has almost all of the characteristics most drivers want at a non-luxury car price. It is loaded with luxury options. Beyond the normal power functions it has almost everything that you can get on any other car ..... It is awesome!

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  Excellent car - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By bmw - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Amenities of a much more expensive car. The anti-skid works very well, Im very comfortable in the snow with the Avalon.

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  Fun to Drive - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By NGustafson - July 21 - 9:33 am

  The most dependable car I have ever owned. Fun to drive and a beautiful car. I hated to part with it and it made me a Toyota loyal person. I loved the spoiler on the car as well.