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:
Showing 291 through 300 of 1,746.00-
135,000 Miles and Wont Part With It! - 1998 Toyota Avalon
By HustonAerosFan - November 29 - 4:36 amThe best car I have ever owned. There is nothing on the market now that can replace it - especially in the area of looks (Toyotas new offerings - including the new "2006" Avalon - are SOOO ugly!). I have passed 135,000 miles on this vehicle and am hoping for at least 200,000. Very little has gone wrong with this car outside of normal wear and tear and auxillary things like batteries and tires that Toyota has nothing to do with. Significant repairs lately were a new steering rack last month (leaking seals) and a complete brake job last year. Other than that, routine replacements. It will be a very hard and sad day when I trade this guy in!
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Great Bang for the Buck! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
By MBCBN - November 25 - 1:30 pmGreat automobile for the money! The Avalon has many standard features that are extra in comparable models. The gas mileage is excellent. Highway 31+ City & Highway 23-27 MPG. The large car handles well with plenty of room for passengers. The vehicle is definitely worthy of the Lexus name, with the value and dependability of Toyota.
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Mos Reward - 2001 Toyota Avalon
By mo - November 18 - 3:56 pmWaited till retiring to buy my special car. It is wonderful. Roomy, quiet (hard of hearing but no problem in the Avalon), smooth, reliable, safety features outstanding.
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Good Car but Lackluster Exterior Design - 2008 Toyota Avalon
By y2kbug_sp7 - November 16 - 10:50 amPros: Push Button Start/Stop, Mileage, Power w/6 speed Auto Trans, Roomy Cons: Soft Breaks, External Looks (theres nothing special about the design) I bought an Avalon Limited 2008 in November of 07. I think this car is great. The mileage on regular gasoline is around 26 mpg (I drive mostly highway). Before this car, I had a 2001 BMW 330i. So the avalon seems not very responsive to cornering and "hugging" the road. However, an avalon is more of a cruising car...and not a performance car. I would say the acceleration is more then enough (and actually comparable to my old BMW) however, take the turns slow as slow as the avalon will lean when taking a sharp turn.
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pretty nice car - 1999 Toyota Avalon
By Sam S - November 12 - 2:00 amIve had this car for approx. two years and I havent seen one problem with it. I even got in an accident where someone rear-ended me at about 40 MPH. I noticed that the damage was fairly minimal. The acceleration is pretty good except I dont like how the car is approx. 300 pounds heavier than the Maxima. I also dont like how there is no available manual trans. with this car like the Maxima. Overall I giv this car a good rating.
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Comfortable Car - 2007 Toyota Avalon
By Padre - November 9 - 7:16 pmThe Avalon is a great car to experience driving comfort. The interior is very roomy pleasant to use. Keyless ignition is OK but seems to be an answer to a question no one has asked. Exterior is pleasant but could use more classic car styling such as Chrysler has found such success with. All-in-all a great car!
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maxs 05 avalon - 2005 Toyota Avalon
By maxavalon - November 8 - 12:20 pmThis is a big, comfy ride with lots of goodies (270 hp, 360 watt, 12 speaker sound system, dynamic laser cruise control, heated & VENTILATED front seats etc.) that you would otherwise have had to pay much more for. My only issues with it so far is a bit of torque steer on quick acceleration (it DOES GO!) and a pronounced nose dive when I had to stand on the brakes recently.
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Avalon xls 2005 - 2005 Toyota Avalon
By Kathie - November 8 - 10:10 amHad a Sequioa went smaller, but still have all the luxury. Fast,Fun, comfortable. Lots of Trunk space. Can fit 2 sets of golf clubs plus golf carts. My kids like the room in the back and how the back sits tilt back if needed. Very smooth ride... feels like a lexus in every way.....
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What more can you say about the toyota avalon???? - 2008 Toyota Avalon
By Michael A Beard - November 7 - 6:30 pmWe just have not had any complaints. It runs and looks great. If it had AWD we would not consider another car.
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Lexus LS for Half The Price - 2011 Toyota Avalon
By Stuart - October 31 - 7:20 pmThis is my third Avalon, from 2005 to 2008 to the new 2011, all Limiteds. Each one was better than the last and this is the best yet. I got the new zephyr blue color and it is absolutely stunning. This "redesign" is not much different than the old version but it still looks great and current. Smooth, comfortable, and quiet ride, back seat that feels like a limo. Newly upgraded NAV system with back-up camera. All the bells and whistles you want in a luxury vehicle. I cannot understand why anyone would pay double the price for a Lexus LS.
