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:

• 

  Undependable, too expensive, too LOUD! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Herm Munch - July 4 - 11:16 am

  Very sad to have had this car six months. Several mechanical and electrical problems, but the worst of it is the VERY HARD seats and the loud interior. I drive on some rougher blacktop and the car is NOISY. Im also picking up flecked paint on the front and the unprotected doors are getting chipped at the supermarket from other car doors!

• 

  Oil leak, paint mismatch, a Toyota? - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By kwillliams - February 13 - 5:03 pm

  Bought new, oil leak, difficult for dealer to determine source. Eventually block replaced. Paint does not match. Fenders do not meet bumpers as well as one would expect in a top of the line Toyota. I would never buy this car again.

• 

  Worst car I ever owned - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Juwel - December 23 - 3:13 pm

  Bought the vehicle new at the end of 2004-after a half year shaking and unsmooth operation of the steering. Dealer found no problems. Several alignments and different sets of tires showed some improvement, but still not what you expect from a top of the line Toyota. From approx. 20k on rattling and noises from different interior parts... Now after approximately 50k the crank shaft pulleys broke (another $2k was quoted to fix this issue). In short: I bought this car since I had such positive experience with my 1990 Toyota Pick-up (now over 260k miles) and almost no repairs. However my Avalon is from a different breed: Lots of expensive repairs combined with a minimum of enjoyment.

• 

  My Avalon - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Becky Crutchfield - July 15 - 7:13 am

  This is the worst car I have ever purchased in my life. I absolutely hate this car. It is so ugly. I thought the "supposed" reliability and refinement that Toyota "supposedly" delivers would shine through, but I was sorely disappointed. The Avalon is just an unrefined automobile that has serious styling issues, and reliability issues. I have replaced the water pump already after 3 months of ownership, and the dealership was very unfriendly towards my purchase. Ive even quit going to that dealership to have my car serviced. Toyota definetly hit a mud ball when they put this one out!!! I am trading it in for a new 300C or Five Hundred. I will never buy another Toyota.

• 

  Holy Moly: Headlights! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By M. Gomez - June 4 - 7:56 pm

  I have an 05 Avalon that I bought (traded in my 01 Avy) and Im less than thrilled. The thing has had some some problems that the dealer cant seem to fix: groans, engine hesitation, rattles. My mileage is much worse than my old Avalon. I like the new power but, come on, Im 58 years old! I dont race. I wish you could get a smaller more efficient motor. But heres the big bummer. I hit a deer one morning two weeks ago. I have the HID lights. One headlight was broken. The headlight cost close to $1,000!!!! My insurance company picked up half the tab (I have a 500 deductable) but oh my, I dont look forward to replacing these lights in the future when they burn out -- or I hit another deer.

• 

  Boring - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By raspar77 - April 1 - 10:26 am

  This car is boring. OK in almost every respect but not great at anything. Unexciting exterior not too sure about that rear end. Engine ok not what I was used to. Ride a little firm on long trips I feel a little beat up. Fuel economy is good not great. I had an 03 STS that I drove 116,000 miles and it was a great car fun to drive much more comfortable and less tinny than this. I am far from in love with this car it is solid transportation from point A to B but that is it.

• 

  Motor mounts broke - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Tammy Guida - March 3 - 6:00 am

  My mechanic said the motor mounts broke on my new Avalon last week. The car shook terrible and then wouldnt drive. It is still in the shop. Im very unhappy with this car. Consumer Reports says Toyotas dont break down. Are they kidding? The paint on this car is almost as sad as the motor. It is very easy to scratch off on the front.

• 

  2007 Toyota Avalon Limited - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By bojacm - February 5 - 4:26 pm

  This vehicle rides nice on a smooth road, however on a rough road with ruts, it follows the ruts and somewhere there is a rattle that is intermittent. If the wind is blowing, it wants to blow off the road with the wind. Sometimes I feel like a bobble head doll. The headliner is not flush with the back window and they have tried to fix it twice but now say it is in tolorance of their complaints. Paint is so soft, you cannot wash it without spider web scratches. Window wipers are so flimsy they leave streaks on the window right in the sight range and it is very distracting. Service rep said to use Rain X to have clean windshield.

• 

  Timing cover oil leak - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By William - August 10 - 9:49 am

  Our 2006 Toyota Avalon with 92k miles was diagnosed with a timing cover oil leak at my local Toyota dealership. Cost to repair was $1950. After discussing this the service manager and searching online, I find that this problem is very common in the 3rd generation Avalons. We’re the original owner. The car has been garage kept, not driven is any harsh conditions, and never in an accident. The car has had service at our local dealership every 5K miles. This is our first Toyota and we bought a Toyota car because of its long history of dependability. We never expected such a costly repair cost like this, especially because of a defective sealant on the timing cover. Toyota has issued service bulletins on this issues. So they recognize that it is a problem, I contacted Toyota customer service to complain and got no satisfaction. This problem should have been pointed out to me while the drive train was still under warranty.

• 

  2007 AVALON TOYOTAS FAILURE - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By 07avalonsucs - April 25 - 9:37 am

  This year and model should have lived up to the Toyota name, but sadly it is as bad as some American cars for reliability .They called it the closest thing to an American sedan, well they were right it fails in the engine after 40000 miles and continues to be a money pit for repairs, for years to come, DO NOT BELEIVE SOME OF THESE SAPPY OWNERS WHO DO NOT DRIVE THIS CAR ANYWHERE BUT TO CHURCH. IT IS NOT RELIABLE. The cylinder coils fail and fail regularly until you need new cylinders which sadly happen at less than 100k. Toyota should step up and recall these engines for failure, instead of touting the wondrous American-like sedan. Buyer Beware.