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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  Toyotas well-kept secret - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By ohwise1 - August 8 - 12:23 am

  Had since Feb 07, traded in an 04 Avalon. More aerodynamic design, MPG amazing. City 22-23, mixed 25-26, pure highway 29-31, one passenger. Traction & stability makes quite a handling difference, will never have another car without. No mechanical issues except washer hoses, too. Huge inside yet hardly larger than a Camry outside. A living room on wheels that gets small car MPG!

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  Love it or leave it.......cant decide - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By katahydem - August 7 - 8:32 pm

  Ive had this car for almost 13 years now and still am not tired of it. Id like to get something else - different style vehicle but this car is paying me now. Gas mileage is better than any new car Ive looked at and can still trust its reliability. There have been some problems, sensor issues most often but theyve been manageable. We had some real wheel rust and had it taken care of. My car looks newer and better than a lot of newer cars out there.

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  2007 Avalon XL - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Arnold Melnikoff - August 4 - 6:23 am

  So far with 11,000 miles it has been a great car, fantastic mileage on the interstate 32-34 miles per gallon at 65-70 miles per hour. Mileage drops to 30 at 75 miles per hour. Very comfortable car for long road trips Lots of room front and back seats Great car for the money.

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  2005 Improved in all ways - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Doug Robinson - August 4 - 1:13 am

  This is my 3rd Avalon, and with each new one they have done wonders in their improvements. The new 2005 with 280hp is much quicker and responsive. The interior is just fine. I got the GPS navigation - and while I do not NEED it, I love it. My area in Vancouver BC has high detail mapping and it is accurate to a few feet, quick and actually useful! The fine tuning on handling the shifting ability of the transmission makes it very quick and responsive. Sound system works fine. Ive had it about 6 weeks (1st in Canada) and have had not one problem. These cars work very well every day.

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  Second one I love them - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Steve - August 1 - 6:10 pm

  This is a totally awesome vehicle, broke it in with a 3000 mile cross country trip, and it satisfied every desire I had in a car. Everywhere we went people were impressed, and constantly compared it to a Lexus (got to love that).

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  Good - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By Kevaroni - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Good reliable Car with fair gas milage. Nice quiet ride requiring little or no maintenance past oil changes

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  Great Car & Not everyone has one! - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By jcmckain - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought a loaded 03:Love the auto lights & wipers & JBL sound,dash display, heated seats-even in Dallas, finish out, moonroof, spoiler,etc. Great acceleration & handling! Very roomy-70 yr old parents could get in & out of front & back very easily. Fits 3 in back very comfortably. I also like that fact that not everyone has one-you see so many of the same cars (Camrys,LS300s & the ubiquitous Suburbans,which is our other car), the Avalon has a greater interest appeal. I enjoy driving it around town after driving Suburbans for 12 years, its all sporty, yet luxurious & professional for client meetings, etc.

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  first toyota - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By william1735 - July 27 - 2:00 am

  This is the first toyota Ive owned and so far Im very happy with it. The car handles and rides extremely well. The fit and finish is great. On our first trip out of town we got 31.4 miles per gallon.The car has every option and thet all work wery good and easy to use. One thing missing is a light under the hood, this is pretty minor considering the over all car. would definately reccomend this car.

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  What a car! - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By R. Hutton - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I never really thought that we would be able to afford a car as luxurious as the Toyota Avalon. Well, it turns out we can, although the car we bought was pre-owned. The amenities in this car are fabulous. It has everthing, at a price that was truely affordable. I hope that we continue to be as happy with it as we are now.

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  Great Car - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By wnavalon - July 24 - 8:40 pm

  I have put on 12,000 miles since last April and have had absolutely no problems at all. It gets between 31.5 and 33.0 miles per gallon on the freeway and averages 20.5 in town. Everything fits and there are no rattles. I will buy another one when the time comes