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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  follow up on 2006 Avalon purchase - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By mls4deals - June 1 - 11:30 am

  This is an after 2000 mile review to help you decide. I have found the mileage to max out about 27-28 but still not bad. I have the loaded 2006 Avalon in blizzard white. It does NEED the body side moldings or you find yourself parking away from things to protect it. Get the Nav system and the laser cruise control as they are very good. GREAT VALUE, FUN TO DRIVE...AND YES...I WOULD BUY IT AGAIN OVER ANYTHING ELSE!!! Just do it ...before it is too late...because we dont know how many days we are going to wake up!! :)

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  Best of the Best - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By JJM - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I have never owned a better car in my life. In 16,000 miles, I have visited a dealership twice, both times for oil changes. This is an exceptionally well built vehicle, comfortable and quiet. Gas mileage is beyond belief. Toyota is well known for its reliability and they have proven it with this car. The room in the rear seats makes my old Lincoln a compact by comparison. Buy one of these and youll never own anything else.

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  Nice ride but needs a few things. - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By mongoose5 - May 24 - 7:43 pm

  The Avalon is nice and has a high quality interior look. But the things that you notice after you buy the car matter. The seats need some more cushion. We rode a couple hours before our bottoms hurt. My Corolla is a good 5 1/2 hour seat. Where are the bottle holders in the doors? They are absent front and rear. So on a trip with three in the back with the armrest folded up, the rear seat passengers will not have a single place to store drinks. I like more than one drink myself, especially living in a desert area. I would also appreciate it if the two cupholders up front were cooled. Power is good in this V/6, Best mileage on a road trip with a full trunk and three passengers was 29.5 mpg hwy

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  Stealth Lexus with Toyota badge - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Al in Central Fla. - May 21 - 12:46 pm

  We are a a family of 5 & needed more room. Traded a 2006 Honda Accord Hybrid in for our loaded Avalon after 2 years of trouble-free Honda ownership. The Avalon isnt nearly as fun to drive, and youre not quite as "connected" to the driving experience, but its the clear winner for our family. Lots of room to stretch out, excellent stereo, great mileage, huge trunk, tons of value for the price and legendary Toyota quality. I often wonder why anyone would pay the extra money to buy a Lexus GS 350 when this car really seems to have everything you could possibly want in a sedan. I shopped both before making the decision to buy the Avalon. I do prefer the rear styling of the Lexus over this car.

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  Avalon - A luxury but affordable full size sedan - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By francisr12 - May 21 - 2:24 am

  Before anything else, let me say this "this is the third Toyota I owned and drove more than 160,000 on my previous two without any breakdown or problem even a minor one. I looked for a comfortable full size sedan for my family with two kids instead of a minivan or SUV due to MPG issue. I decided to purchase an Avalon XLE after test drive of Ford Taurus, Nissan Maxima & Infinity G37..So far I confidently say I made a right choice. The car handling may not be as sporty as the Infinity, inside its cabin we can really enjoy the quality of the Bluetooth audio system because it is so quite thanks to the use of noise reduction glass & its air drag coefficient of 0.28.

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  Cannot beat it! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By fastlif - May 20 - 3:26 pm

  Purchased the Limited, could not be more happy. Ride, comfort, style, features, quality all cannot be beaten by anyone for the price. Love the keyless ignition, the a/c, stereo. We are only in our 30s and Toyota got us to buy it, the new styling, more room, and its a safe car. If you are in the market for an Avalon, you will most likely come across alot of people trying to put it down. There is good reason, Toyota has done it again, building a car that is above average, higher resale value, safer, and some really cool features that NO one else has. So yeah, its good to be the king.

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  You Cant Go Wrong - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By jsigma87 - May 17 - 2:00 am

  After reading the reviews, I had to comment on those who gave less than average, i.e. especially the 4.6 rating. Where did you buy this one? It must have been from a salvage yard because you couldnt have brought it from a reliable and well respected Toyota dealership. I shopped for weeks before deciding on this car. Regarding the the roominess, reliablity, and performance this car gives you more than you can imagine. When we have family and friends ride with us they are totally shocked by the performance, style, and ride of this vehicle.

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  Not up to Toyota hype of Quality - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By My First Toyota - May 14 - 8:56 am

  In for service many, many times for rattles and squeaks. Noise was in both front and back of vehicle. Original set of tires lasted 19,000 miles and was told by the dealer this is common for that car. They are expensive to replace as are the wiper blades. Rear brakes showing more wear than front (odd for a front wheel drive car) and will have to be replaced in approx. 5-10 thousand miles. Mileage on the road is down about 3 miles per gallon since new. All in all I guess I am disappointed in my Toyota ownership experience. It is not that it is a bad vehicle, but it simply does not live up to the quality Toyota advertises.

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  What More Could You Ask for! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By TommyBear - May 13 - 11:36 pm

  Just picked up the XL in Silver Pine Mica for the wife. The quality and comfort are great! The only option we got were the 6 CD and the floor mats. But who could tell it was a base model with all the features for the price.

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  Avalon is a Lexus in Toyota clothing!! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Richard DiMario - May 10 - 6:20 pm

  The Toyota Avalon XLS is a Lexus with a Toyota name. It is a smooth riding, comfortable, quiet, incredibly roomy car with an extremely luxurious interior design and a manageable price tag. It features the same engine as the new Lexus ES 350, a more interesting exterior design and a more spacious interior design. If you want a great luxury car and dont want to show off too much -- this is the one.