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 361 through 370 of 1,746.00-
Super Quiet and Comfortable - 2002 Toyota Avalon
By RussB - December 26 - 10:00 amThis car is a pleasure to drive. Its so quiet at 65 mph, I can still hear soft musical passages on the well performing sound system. The quick acceleration allows me to get around the slow traffic even in short passing zones. Handling around curves is not like a sports car, but very good for a car this size. The only service required (other than scheduled) is repairing a small paint problem on the front bumper. The last 2 other new cars purchased required numerous dealer trips to get the kinks out.
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2001 avalon - 2002 Toyota Avalon
By Harris - December 26 - 10:00 ami purchased my avalon on a feb 2001, recently owning a tercel. this car is plain ugly such as the poor imatation of a 95 s class tail lights, the grill which is too big with such bad looking fake chrome and the 15 inch rims with have no style, and also the boxy styling on the top it looks like a tall box on wheels far away. on the other hand avalons v6 has great acceration for a boat but steering a little off which is to light. it has a extremly quiet cabin, and offers gernous leg room in the back. the sound system is GREAT in this car, this 6 inch wroofer sounds like a 15 inch when turned loud. what should i call this car....hmmm its just like a old man lexus es300.
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Best car Ive driven, ever! - 2002 Toyota Avalon
By murty - December 24 - 2:00 amI bought this car a couple of months ago with nearly 150k miles on it, & I love driving it. My mechanic was impressed with its condition; he told me it will go another 100k! I have owned cars with 150k miles, always as a 2nd owner, & I always found them fairly uncomfortable. Ive owned a 76 Honda Civic, an 86 Toyota Tercel (which still runs), an 85 GM Oldsmobile, & a 94 Ford Taurus. The feel of the Avalon is not sporty, but it is wonderfully smooth and powerful. Suddenly I want to go for long drives again, like when I first began driving at 16. Ive only owned it for a couple of months, but already I am hoping to sell another of my cars to buy a 2nd Avalon (a newer XLS or Ltd).
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Good buy - 2011 Toyota Avalon
By Gary - December 24 - 2:00 amMoved from an ES350 and really like the better visibility, ride (no boat float), comfort and especially much less road noise. Do hear the wiper motors and the whine of the transmission. Had to change out the horrible noisy wiper blades. Very cheap interior by comparison to others in class. It really has great handling compared to others in class. Not sure I will buy another until they get a better interior.
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Why bother with a Lexus? - 2004 Toyota Avalon
By Don - December 22 - 1:46 amMy Avalon is as well built, comfortable and reliable as my friends Lexus but about $15000 less. Acceleration is a bit less and cornering is not as sharp but it takes regular gas and I run out of courage long before I get near the cornering limits.
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Fabulous Toyota Avalon - 2006 Toyota Avalon
By Lavern Chatman - December 21 - 8:53 amRecently, I purchased a 2006 Toyota Avalon. I had owned a Mercedes for almost 10 years. This car is absolutely fabulous to drive. It is quiet and has a lot of power. The interior is classy and outside desing is gorgeous.I love my new Avalon.
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No Regrets - 1998 Toyota Avalon
By averagejoe - December 21 - 2:00 amYou get great reliability, excellent fuel mileage for a 6 seater (I got the bench front seat), and a little luxury and comfort as well. I will keep this car for at least 10 years and have no regrets.
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200k miles no repairs - 2007 Toyota Avalon
By R. Mitchell - December 20 - 11:14 pmRides and drives like new/ 200,000 miles only two brake jobs, 1battery, 3rd set of tires, and oil change and alignment . Like driving for free just add gas
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My 05 Avalon XLS - 2006 Toyota Avalon
By B Edmondson - December 19 - 10:50 pmOutstanding peformance and still great gas mileage--Lots of fun to drive--Just as nice as a Lexus-- This car is loaded with features--I Looooooove it!!!
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Roomy Toyota Sedan - 1999 Toyota Avalon
By BigGuy - December 18 - 7:20 amIm 67", needed lots of head and leg room, and got it the Avalon. It has all the get up and go I ever needed. Now that its broken in at 140,000 miles, it gets 30 mpg on the highway; what a nice surprise. Maintenance costs have been half of our other vehicle, a 2003 Chrysler T&C.
