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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  Mos Reward - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By mo - November 18 - 3:56 pm

  Waited 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 am

  Pros: 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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  2002 Avalon - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By Avalon Driver - November 15 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our Avalon in February 2002 and think its a very confortable car with great reliability. I do wish it had more power for passing.

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  pretty nice car - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By Sam S - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive 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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  Boring - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Wendy A. - November 11 - 5:26 am

  I bought this car after reading some really positive reviews. I dont know what they were thinking. I think this car is boring and ponderous to drive. And the quality is so-so. It is pretty quiet, but so are a lot of other cars out there. Mark me as disappointed. I really liked my old Lexus a lot better (but I dont like the new Lexuses (Lexi?) as much as the old). Toyota didnt hit the mark on this car.

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  Comfortable Car - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Padre - November 9 - 7:16 pm

  The 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 pm

  This 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 am

  Had 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 pm

  We 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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  Disappointed for the money - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Roger - November 3 - 8:50 pm

  I am selling the car after 25 months of ownership. What a disappointment. Worst highway car I have ever owned. Cant keep it between the lines and forget about driving it on the highway when it is breezy. Transmission is the worst at slow speed. Motor is very noisy. AC climate control in the winter is very poor. Steering problems, oil leaks, radio problems. This car is not what the so-called experts claim it to be. Buy some other vehicle. Dont listen to the experts.