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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  I like my 09 avalon limited but.... - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By Derek - February 4 - 11:30 am

  Seats are too hard, gps is a rip off, people. How Dare you Toyota can continue 2003 made gps installing in 08, 09, 10 models. We paid for what? Crap. You should update it if you charge people $2,000 for it. I really like that car but for sure its overpriced. No question about it.

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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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  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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  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.

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  Pegs Avalon - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By Pegs Avalon - January 31 - 12:53 am

  Enjoy driving my car. Do both in-town and out-of town driving. Have maintained regular service with Toyota dealer in area. Replaced 4 tires within last year. No major mechanical problems. Cloth seats.

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  Cant beat it. - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By Bobkat67 - January 25 - 3:46 pm

  PRO: We have had it since 1999 and purchased it used. We have had no problems. We traveled cross the US twice and never had a single need other than gas and oil changes. Great car. CON: cup holder in bad location....

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  Avalon - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Dan - January 23 - 3:06 pm

  You know how you get the feeling that I bought this car new and after 3 or 4 years, you kind of get the itch to buy a new car; well with this car and it is the fifth new car I have purchased, I have no desire. This is a car I can imaginge driving 15 or 20 years from now and that never happened with the previous four.

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  Face Palms and Happy Days - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By Clifford Smith - January 22 - 12:20 am

  I should have known that things were going to go downhill when a) the salesperson gave me the wrong trim package (I pointed to the Limited on the lot and he prepped the base XLE) and b) they gave me a car with an entirely different VIN from the number on the contract. However, after that second faux pas was straightened out, I am proud to say that I really, really like this car. I like it so much, that I cant decide whether to turn it in when the lease is up (April 2017), or go ahead and buy it outright. I would LOVE to finally get an XLE Premium or a Limited with some of the added safety features - blind spot detection, upgraded sound system - in addition to the excellent gas mileage, but only if I can get it at a payment similar to what Im dishing out right now. Another "problem" is that the car wasnt driven as much as I thought it would be and so I would be perfectly happy with the 2014 model. I havent had a peep of trouble out of it and the dealer makes it very easy to keep up with the basic maintenance schedule. It has a lot of get-up-and-go and is comfortable for driver and passengers. On the downside (decision-wise), there isnt much difference that I can see between the 2014 and 2017 Avalon, so that sort of sends me back to buying the current car. So, aside from my #FirstWorldProblem about what to do in the coming months, I will say it again: I like this car a lot and Im grateful that the folks at another brands dealership (rhymes with "KIA") essentially ignored me when I was ready to sign on the dotted line.