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 delight to drive - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Dave Nars - February 22 - 4:10 am

  I have been impressd with the ride, handling comfort of this car. I have been only running premium no lead however I am getting a combined 26 mpg. If you are a do it yourselfer the oil can be a bit of a pain to change unless you have your own lift.

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  2001 AVALON XL -- EXCELLENT - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By SUZY - February 20 - 10:00 am

  2001 Avalon is a beautiful vehicle, drives like floating on a cloud, quiet, a true pleasure. Good fuel economy. Beautiful interior. Very roomy - especially the back seat is roomy compared to other vehicles.

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  Best Car Yet - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By GB - February 19 - 7:10 am

  Outstanding car. Was also looking at Cadillac but came across Avalon by chance. Took 1 test drive and never looked back. Great power, very roomy (including back seats) and spectacular dash design. Push-button start and door locks are best idea since the Model T. I will never go back to a "key" car again. Absolutely the best luxury car value on the market.

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  2005 Avalon - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By CymJym - February 18 - 9:46 pm

  The 2005 Avalon is a much better car than the 1996 Avalon it replaced. Really love the new engine with 280 hp but I need to ease up on my right foot to get better mileage. It has been interesting to see the realtime miles- per-gallon and how driving in stop-and- go traffic reduces the average mpg.

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  Avalon - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By SRT-4 - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Poor tire quality; Steering Rack replaced at 15,000 mi (noise when turning left); Drivers seat track replaced at 16,000 (broken weld); Dealer indifferent to problems; factory floor mats of poor quality. Otherwise, very comfortable, reliable, good performance, handling.

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  Save your money. Own an Avalon - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By Keith - February 6 - 6:06 pm

  I just recently sold a 1994 Toyota Camry with 364,000 miles on it. My wife has a 2004 Corolla with 143,000. I love Toyotas so much, that I wanted the top of the line Toyota with all the buttons without buying a new one. I found a 2001 Toyota Avalon XLS with 122,000 miles on it. I changed the oil and thats it so far. The car has excellent acceleration, braking, and the ride is luxury car smooth. The interior was well thought out with all the storage compartments. It has all the features of any luxury car like heated seats, mirrors, leather, power seats, climate control; front and rear 6 cd changer, power sunroof, etc.

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  First time Avalon owner - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By SusanK - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Great ride, very comfortable and efficient interior and dash display

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  On my short list - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Al Grigsby - February 1 - 7:37 pm

  I needed a vehicle that could hold 4 sets of golf clubs and bags with seating for the four golfers. This car handiled it with much better mpg than any SUV.

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  I love it! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Artie - February 1 - 9:46 am

  Overall..it handles well...comfortable. Sturdy.

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  Avalon 2009 - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By bmallek540 - January 31 - 9:43 am

  I purchased the Avalon Limited edition in mid January 2009. After driving around town and on an extended trip I have to say that the Avalon is probably the smoothest driving car I have ever driven. For the size comfort and ride I am very happy. This is a great car for long trip freeway driving.