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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  A Great Driving Car - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By TXGeo - January 23 - 4:16 am

  The Avalon is an extremely quiet, great riding & driving car. Its comfortable, has good accelleration, and handles nicely in traffic. The interior is clean with enough techie features to give it the upscale feel of its Lexus siblings. Plenty of headroom and foot room, even for tall people, and even though Ive never sat in the back Im told its very roomy even behind the driver with the seat all the way back. Its at the top of my list for my next new car.

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  Toyota Reliability? - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Thomas Anzalone - January 22 - 3:03 am

  I purchased a Toyota Avalon because I thought I was purchasing a reliable vehicle-this has been anything but the case. At 58000 miles I noticed a trail of oil leading up my driveway. Upon looking under the vehicle I noticed oil pouring out of the engine compartment (oil light never turned on). The vehicles vvt-i oil lines failed and the vehicle needed to be towed to the dealership. Ironically 2 weeks after this happened I received a service campaign notice from Toyota "recalling" the faulty oil lines. Incidentally the oil leak contaminated the alternator resulting in it being needed to be replaced. At 59000 miles the steering shaft began to clunk and now needs to be replaced ($379).

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  Waynes Avalon - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By waynekastner@adelphi - January 21 - 7:40 pm

  This car is the best car that I have had. It rides nice and the performance is excellent with the 280 horsepower engine. To top it off I have been averaging 27.5 miles a gallon. All my passengers were extremly impressed with the smooth ride and spacious and comforable interior accommodations.

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  AVALON SUPERIOR CAR - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Connery, Sean - January 16 - 10:00 am

  When I purchased my AVALON, I had no idea what an AVALON was - had never heard the name. I saw it on a lot and asked, "What is That?" I checked the "specks" and decided to buy. The single best decision I have ever made. The nicest car I have owned.

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  Very Poor NVH!!! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Marty - January 14 - 3:20 am

  The Touring is very Boomy (pressure on ears). Every slight road input results in Boom! Hurts my ears. Road Noise at highway speeds is atrocious. Tire slap is continuous and very annoying. For a $30k+ vehicle, I am very disappointed. Please test drive the car extensively before buying. I should have too, except I put too much faith in Toyota. Very cheap sideview mirrors (not even fold-away!). Big gaps between trunk lid and doors, and the body: very un-Toyota like.

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  Love It! - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Love It - January 13 - 1:56 pm

  Bought the Limited, and was sold on the smooth, almost silent ride, super engine and trans performance, great looks and the luxurious interior. For us, in Florida, the perforated and ventilated leather seats sold us on this trim level. No more sweaty back! Worried about door dings in the beautiful white pearl paint, so bought the factory, color matched bodyside moldings for $150, and installed them myself in about 20 minutes. They enhance the appearance. I hope the mileage is as rated. Advantage w/the Avalon over much of the competition, is regular fuel.