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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  Ergonomic Luxo Family Sedan - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By T-man - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Bought my 2000 Avalon XLS as a Toyota Certified Used 16 months ago with an Extended 100K Warranty and have enjoyed a very troublefree car. The Avalon is solidly designed and built with proven but conservative technology. The engine and transmission are smooth, quiet and capable. The Avalons interior roominess is almost minivan like. The Avalon has a high roofline and minimal "tumblehome" with the side windows being much closer to vertical than most other contemporary sedans. This is why the Avalon body styling looks a little funky head on, the straight side glass being reminiscient somewhat of classic Rolls Royce sedans.

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  Great car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By leslie - January 6 - 4:23 am

  We just bought the Avalon XLS. I LOVE it. Our boys are over 6ft tall and they have so much legroom in the back seat its amazing. The ride is smooth. I highly recommend this car.

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  A GREAT CAR - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By LEONIDIS - January 4 - 7:30 pm

  I have driven Avalons since 1996. I have owned the 1997, 2001,2003,2005,2006, and now the 2009. This is by far the best Avalon of the bunch. It is the most refined, the best handling, and the most comfortable. My car is loaded with everything, but the remote starter. I noticed that handling on back, winding country roads is much improved over my 2006, and I have more road feel. I happen to be a car nut, and an Older Gentleman, and this vehicle fills all of my current automotive desires. Of course, I do not expect it to be a racing machine, and know what to expect, since I have driven Porches, Maseratis, and Citroens. Bottom Line, this is the best Avalon yet.

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  Best Large Luxury Sedan Ever! - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By TSmith - December 31 - 10:56 am

  Ive previously owned a Camry and recently traded my Solara for the 2008 Avalon. I have no complaints. I am a tall women and theres plenty of leg/head room, 3 avg sized adults fit comfortably in the back seat, tons of trunk space, and good price. Horsepower and handling are great. I can zoom uphill, through traffic and curves with ease. Avalon luxury is, at its best, highly comparable to Lexus without the price tag. Its a smooth, quiet, spacious ride - especially when you have a long commute to work everyday. Best car purchase Ive made to date. The exterior design is beautiful. I am constantly being approached with compliments. I would recommend the Avalon to all.

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  Simply The Best! - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By Brian - December 31 - 10:00 am

  This road warrior has been in my family since new. My father put the first 150,000 miles on the car without any needed repairs except routine wear and tear parts (i.e. Brakes, tires, battery, oil). Now the odometer reads 250,000 miles and I just had the original timing belt and water pump replaced because it was LONG overdue. In the 12 years and 250,000 my family has put on our Avalon (a.k.a "Road Warrior") it has never, not even one time, left us stranded or failed to start, not once!! With the long history that I have with my Avalon I feel more than qualified to speak on the behalf of my car, and I fully endorse this car without reservation! If you have the opportunity to buy one, do!

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  Disapointed - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By Jim Bushnell - December 31 - 1:17 am

  If you want a go cart ride this is the car for you. At 15,000 miles one OEM tire required replacement. I replaced all with best Michlen tires and ride a little better. The amount of air in tire has a lot to do with it but very bad ride on rough roads. You have to stop the car to select anything on the AC control panel. No feel and you touch the wrong thing. The back up screen is barely visible in sunlight. The rs rear view mirror blocks the forward view of the rider. The rider seat does not lift to see over. The mirrors stick out so far they hit the garage door frame (lucky the left side pivots). The steering wheel blocks the messages on the dash. I did not trade my 2001 Avalon which still runs great at 160000 miles. I still have my 2001 Avalon, a much better car even with 160,000 miles. I would not buy another like 2014.

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  Limited edition - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By mjh - December 30 - 6:06 pm

  My third Avalon - love it! Better than all the rest. Great trunk space and the back seat can seat the anyone with long legs.

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  2005 Avalon simply a great car! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By David Hendricks - December 29 - 10:06 pm

  We drove our Avalon on a 2000 mile trip a week after delivery. It is a great car, everything we wanted in a quiet spacious package. Acceleration is surprising, especially merging back into interstate traffic after a rest stop. Seats are very comfortable...rated best ever by my wife! We got about 30 mpg overall! We felt so rested we drove "straight through" coming home, 850 miles in 14 hours.

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  Exceptionally Reliable Car - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By honesty_1 - December 28 - 7:32 pm

  My 1996 Toyota Avalon was a gift to me in 2002. The car at that time had approximately 60,000 miles. This car has been so reliable that I am still driving it shy of a decade later. I currently have over 307,000 miles and counting. I have had to do a bit of work on the engine (valve gasket covers etc) when the mileage reached around 280,000, but its running on the same transmission. I liked this car so much until I had shipped from Mississippi to Washington State with 300,000 miles because I trusted its reliability. It hasnt let me down, but it may be in its last years. Cant complain with over 307,000 miles.

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  Almost Lexus Like...... - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Ren... - December 27 - 11:50 pm

  Lots of room, plenty of power, clean dash and great materials inside and out..