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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  Disappointing - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Larry Bienapfl - April 8 - 2:00 am

  Automatic temperature control is very inconsistent - to hot or to cold. Feet are hot, upper body cold. Brakes are poor, almost impossible to brake slowly they are on or off. Car nose dives when stopping quickly. Poor acceleration from stoped position. Doors must be slammed to close properly. Automatic wipers dont respond when needed. Poor traction in snow

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  White "Nite" - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Louis DiLandro - March 15 - 3:24 pm

  Despite the age it still performs as the day I drove it out of the showroom.

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  This is the Flagship vehicle? - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By amazingarthur - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I am somewhat dissapointed with the quality of this car. The interior edges that meet the door when closed have frayed terribly. There is a rattle from the ignition that the dealership can do nothing about. A few electrical gremlins have set off the rear tailight dummy light on the dash. Cant figure out why. The trunk release mechanism doesnt always work. Ah, the myth of Toyota quality.

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  Boring - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Wendy A. - November 11 - 5:26 am

  I bought this car after reading some really positive reviews. I dont know what they were thinking. I think this car is boring and ponderous to drive. And the quality is so-so. It is pretty quiet, but so are a lot of other cars out there. Mark me as disappointed. I really liked my old Lexus a lot better (but I dont like the new Lexuses (Lexi?) as much as the old). Toyota didnt hit the mark on this car.

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  very disappointed - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By lumberbrok - September 20 - 10:00 am

  2 mistakes one for thinking about buying it and the 2nd for doing it. several trips back to dealership (woodgrain-brakes-rotors-dash cracking) 2 front end accidents one with a deer and one with a vehicle at 65 Mph on the interstate and both occurences the air bags have not deployed the last time 09/04/02 the seat belt didnt even lock. Body damage was very severe to the avalon. 5th toyota vehicle we have owned this one has ruint the reputation we are finished with them all together. on a another review that it received a 3 star rating on crash test so this defies my answer to what i think--by the way the ford focus rated higher!

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  What a let down! - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By Zayne Austin - August 26 - 1:41 pm

  I went from a 2008 Solara sport to this 2014 Avalon, What a let down! The good, Lots of snap/HP. Nice materials used. Nicer styling. For the bad... the list is long!! Poor headlight illumination Blind spot mont.system over agressive during passing. you can not wash the car with the keys in your pocket, the car constantly locks and unlocks. There is poor storage area, and push button start makes it worse with more stuff Keys)to set somewhere! the certer armrest storage is horrible, no where to have a pen handy, Ok seats, super hard!!! no comfortable at all. Im always trying to readjust to relax my butt. the tilt wheel does not tilt down far enough, and does not telescope far enough. plus both are controlled by only one lever. so the tilt up upon exit usually retracts the telescope as well, so constant adjusting. I had to put the seat much closer to the dash than I like do to steering position issues. the window controls are wrong. when the arm is on the panel, my fingers are on top of the mirror controls, kinda not where then need to be! I dislike the radio controls. as you change presets your actually going down on the wheel, yet your preset stations are going up in sequence. very confusing. I guess setting up the presets backward will help. The materials on the radio controls are cheap. also, the HD is constantly going in and out, making radio loud, then quiet. Ill turn it off, but as soon as you change the station, its active again. The screen on the radio and climate are slanted at a poor angle, the sun hits them and you cant see anything!! they need to perhaps be tiltable so as to avoid sun glare. OK the car is automatic, always wandering for a gear, and has sport shift option and!!! paddle shifter! really? why waste that much mony on 3 shifting options in an AVALON? The a/c vents are horrible!!! you can cool the body from the chest up, or from knees down, but there are NO vents to cool your mid section. the "auto" to cool the car, does not work well, it activates vents only, not the floor vents, and it doesnt turn on high, you have to adjust it. some of the controls are just touch and some are PUSH, so wierd trying to remember what ones you have to push hard. The review camera has not helped me at all. I do like that the mirrors tilt down upon reverse though. the brakes kinda suck, it feels like they are going to warp if I push hard. I am a single guy 35, drive the car in eco all the time trying to be gentle. This car is neither luxury as I thought, or sport as they are trying. its simply a glorified Maxima, that is a let down on all fronts. Update as of 7-13-2016 I still dislike the car with 4200 miles. I would NOT buy it again.

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  What A Waste - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Pat - July 16 - 3:20 pm

  Before buying this car I heard great things about Toyota vehicles from friends and family, so I decided hey I have to get one for myself. What a joke, this car makes me sick!!! It has a very loud noise in the engine. I have taken it in too many times only to be told by the mechanic that he does not hear the noise. These guys must be deaf!!! The last mechanic told me that the noise is normal that the sound was in other cars he tested?! Transmission horrible to say the least not smooth at all. Sound system cannot be heard over noisy engine, brakes are terrible, problem with wipers, in all one of the worse vehicles I have ever owned. I cant wait to get rid of it!!!!!!

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  Dont leave home without your garmin gps - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By Glenn - June 12 - 11:07 am

  First - I traded in a 2011 Avalon Limited and would give anything to have it back. I assumed I was buying the same same. WRONG Cramped drivers seat. Low profile tires give you a terrible ride. Road noise is bad. GPS is a joke and I was to get it updated will cost you around $300.00. Thinking of going back to a Buick as soon as I can.

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  Poor performance, poor resale value, huge problem - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By disappointed former toyota owner - March 22 - 12:45 am

  The overall sticker price was $38,500.00 in 2014 right now the car is worth trade in $20,000.00 DO not believe that an avalon will hold its value b/c it did not. After just one year it depreciated so much that I was unable to trade it in .The side assist after being back at the dealer has not worked in 3 tries . I am a toyota buyer and this is my 5th toyota but I will NEVER purchase another toyota product EVER! I called corporate they said it was MY opinion no its their product that depreciated so much. I am just screaming to not ever buy a toyota avalon you will be disappointed in the trade in value. $18,500 depreciated is JUST unacceptable .

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  Dont buy an Avalon - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Sheri - March 8 - 8:20 am

  Dont buy an Avalon unless you want to be unsafe due to these problems: Transmission does not shift properly, causing severe hesitation and lunging, every single minute you are driving. The car will not drive in even a skiff of snow! Cannot disengage the traction control. My driveway is about a 25 degree incline, and it will not go up it. The car is basically "skating" on roads that are not dry. The exterior trim mouldings on roof have come loose and subsequently lost on the freeway, had to replace at my cost, not covered by any warranty. The sound system speakers are very poor design. An old VW has a better one. What a piece of junk! Stay Away! Shame on Toyota.