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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  Plenty of Room in the Back - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By outskiing - November 5 - 2:06 am

  Weve had our Avalon for three months. We bought is as a family car and needed room for growing teenagers. Im 6"3 and can easily fit in the back. Its like riding in a limo and to us is a Lexus in all but name...who needs the big "L" on the front anyway? If you dont mind an understated car thats big on comfort and interstate composure, try out an Avalon.

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  Love It! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Phil - November 4 - 11:43 am

  I went from a Ford Explorer to the 2005 Avalon Touring Edition. I love it! Im 66" and even I would be comfortable in the back seat! I love how the Touring Edition hugs the road. By rotating my tires every 5,000 miles, I was able to get 60,000 miles off the original set. 2 years and 1 month of ownership the battery died. I am disappointed somewhat in the quality of the interior. The finish is wearing off on inside the drivers door handle and a few other small issues but overall the car is great and gets great gas mileage.

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  My car - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By Joe Moe - November 3 - 10:00 am

  This car has been excellent in regard to driving pleasure, reliability, gas mileage, comfort, size and looks.

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  Almost the best car I ever owned - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Don - November 1 - 12:16 am

  Cant find anything I dislike about this car although there are a couple of changes Id like to see. It is comfortable, reliable, ergonomically correct, quiet, well equipped and polished.

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  Luxury and quality for less - 2015 Toyota Avalon
  By SSoeun - October 29 - 2:32 pm

  I just got the 2015 limited in year end clearance; I got the best price for the best car. I test BMW 3 series, Cadillac ATS, Buick Regal and Lacrosse. I found Avalon limited on the top line in term of luxury, tech, stylish, smooth and quiet on free way on par with Lacrosse but better tech, gas mileage, expect more reliable than Lacrosse. But I was disappointed a bid on free way, I dont much wind but tire sound with the road on the 18 wheel. The Avalon has plenty of power though it has only 268 hp and 248 torque compared to 3 series, regal, lacrosse, ATS are more power and torque but I did not feel much different. The ATS, Regal, and 3 Series are good for quick move and corner but more windy on freeway when Lacrosse on the to ride on freeway-- smooth, quiet, and balance due to its heavy weight 4000lb vs Avalon 3560lb but 18city/28 hwy vs 21city/31 hwy. Quality, luxury, stylish, and bargain price at the end of the year make me to pick Avalon limited over the rest.

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  AVALON " LIMITED " JUST A GREAT CAR - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Bill - October 28 - 4:50 am

  My wife has a 2006 Lexus GS300 and i have a 2006 Toyota Limited we have more room in my limited both in the rear and trunk then the Lexus. We use my Limited more then her Lexus and we payed a lot more for that lexus. For what i payed for my limited to me the car has a lot more to offer its a lot of fun to drive and the fuel ecomony is great. Im getting 24 mpg around town and 34 to 35 mpg on the open road. As far as we are concerned we love our TOYOTA LIMITED. If any one is thinking about getting one please do so you wont be sorry. Keep up the good work TOYOTA.

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  Wonder car. - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By John Nofzinger - October 21 - 5:00 pm

  I have experienced as high as 32.4 MPG on the highway with my 2005 XLS Avalon and also have LOADS of power at the same time. Smooth, quiet, comfortable this car has it all. The JBL stereo system is great.

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  2007 Avalon Great Ride - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By crashlando - October 18 - 5:53 am

  The Avalon is a great ride. It is a large luxury sedan with high performance. The ride is sporty without being too stiff. The engine is high performance with a lot of acceleration. The only things that the Avalon need is Bluetooth and a better navigation system. This car handles and rides like a Lexus but is several thousand dollars cheaper.

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  An Excellent Car - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Doug Vanden Heuvel - October 13 - 6:36 am

  My Avalon is probably the best vehicle I have ever owned. I traded in a 2004 BMW high performance 330I on this car (I loved that car but it was impractical for my family). This car has 33 more horsepower, dual exhaust, tons more room, only weighs 150 more lbs. than the Beemer, hands free phone, comfort is excellent, its very quiet and feels very safe on the road. With my driving style Im getting overall gas mileage of 30 mpg. Normally I stay 5-10 miles per hour over the speed limit.

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  Better than Mercedes - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Former Lexus Owner - October 12 - 12:13 am

  I have been driving a Mercedes for several years but this year, after test driving every big car on the market, I switched to the Avalon. This car is bigger, better, more luxurious, and more fun to drive than the Mercedes S class. And it is $30,000 less expensive! It is by far the best car I have ever owned. If you like the feel of a big car then you have to test drive an Avalon before you buy anything else. One of my friends who drives a Lexus said "its nice but its just a Toyota". But after he drove a few miles in my Avalon he sold his Lexus and bought one too.