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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  Sips gas, limo like back seat, great family car! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By blackpoint - October 14 - 10:08 am

  As a young family of 3 we wanted to get a car where the kids elbows dont touch which sparks arguments and they cant kick the front seats which drives me nutty. Low MPG SUVs were out and putting money into a dreadful minivan felt as good as paying federal taxes. We are in our 30s and this car seemed out of our age group but the Touring edition adds some youthful style and lets face it, still better looking than a minivan. The reclining rear seats are great for the kids. Smooth and quiet ride even at 90,000 miles and about 31 MPG on the highway. Rides equal to a newer vehicle but we only paid about $13,000. Not bad for a large family car with leather, heated seats, and a moonroof.

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  DRONE Noise - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By piercy42 - October 10 - 10:02 am

  My 2009 Avalon XLS have an annoying DRONE from the rear. The dealer tells me it is the tires. Im on my 3rd set (replaced because of the problem, they were not worn out). Problem cotinues and seems to be getting worse. Rotating tires also does not help. It is very annoying. Also have a friend with 2009 Avalon and he has the same problem. This is my 2nd Avalon. The 1st, a 2002 was a great car.

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  Im Happy - I Think - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By SqueezeMH - October 3 - 7:03 am

  Overall experience has been positive. Its a comfortable car to drive and quite luxurious compared to my old Camry - which was a great car. Gas mileage is not quite what I had expected but I live in hilly terrain so that may be a factor. I like the interior and exterior styling and the room in the car. The car has a rattle coming from a seat belt assembly and is not as tight as I would have expected. Power is great but transmission surges easliy and shifting of transmission is somewhat crazy at times.

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  98 Avalon XLS - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By jad0110 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  We have 146,000 miles on our Avalon and we have enjoyed every mile. The car is very solid safe, my wife was T-boned at 20 mph in the center of the doors and there was NO frame damage. We especially enjoyed the high quality materials of the interior - a Lexus for less $. The back seat is limo spacious, but at the sacrifice of some trunk space. Overall, a great car if you value luxury over sport. Just keep the oil changed every 3,000 miles (very important!) and expect years of reliable transportation.

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  03 Avalon XLS - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By RCH - September 27 - 10:00 am

  After 3 Maxima SEs, we decided to go with a little more comfort & luxury, and have not been disappointed. Very smooth and comfortable transportation. A great highway cruiser with pretty good gas mileage (28+ w/only 1,500 miles). It handles the beat up Chicago-area roads very well.

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  Decent car for the money - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By homerjs - September 21 - 1:36 am

  I bought this car for the expected reliability and comfort for the long commute to work. Surprisingly, this car is not as comfy as a 95 Camry my sister-in-law has. Perhaps its the 17 inch tires and the firmer seats than expected. Road noise is well subdued and the power is good, but any faster than 100, and its floats and bobs more than the Civic and Accord I used to have. The worse thing about the car is the navi which is hard to use with the button. Trying to navigate the keyboard with it and you end up "entering" half of the time. The touch screen in my wifes TL is so much more user friendly. Otherwise it is a great deal.

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  Love my Avalon ,hate the brakes - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By wolfchaser56 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  This cxar rides extremely well and provides excellent comfort for comuting. JBL sound system is first rate. A little too much body roll for my taste but I can live with it. Brakes take an eternity to work so you must drive ahead. Thats my only complaint. DFealer said "slow down"

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  I miss my Regal GS - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Bill - August 10 - 5:06 am

  I owned a 97 Buick Regal GS with the supercharged V-6 and touring suspension. It was quick and handled great. My new Avalon Touring Model is also quick but doesnt have anywhere near the road hugging ability of the GS. With 157,000 miles on the GS, I really wanted to replace it with a Buick LaCrosse but it was too ugly. The Avalons transmission sometimes seems a little confused, but the dealer tells me the computer will adjust the transmission to my driving style. I dont know if its my imagination, but it seems to have improved. The door over the radio wont open until Ive pressed the button a few times. Odd. I think the interiors beautiful and everyone who rides in the car loves it.

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  too early to give accurate review - 2015 Toyota Avalon
  By tom - July 31 - 6:07 pm

  have the car about 1 month- i believe most people will be satisfied- i think it looks good, has a nice interior for its class and was reasonably priced- it seems to me it is truly a car that is really not a luxury car but is also a step up from the ordinary

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  Clock of Avalon is a big disappointment - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By sl465 - July 10 - 8:54 pm

  Everything seems to be perfect with 2013 Avalon. But, unfortunately, the clock is awful, to say the least. It is not digital, and you can only read 3, 6, 9, and 12 oclock, or 15, 30, and 45 minutes. In-between there are no marks. So, one literally has to stare at the clock for a minute to judge the positions of hour and minute handles in order to figure out the exact time. A clock inside a car should be functional not for decoration purpose, because when one is driving on the highway, he has only microseconds to read the clock without causing an accident. It is totally beyond me why Toyota "design" a clock that people cant read the time from.