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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  Hate the Transmission - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By HRM - September 10 - 6:40 am

  My transmission on my 05 Touring is AWFUL! Hunts for gear and sometimes doesnt work (it just shuts down). The problem seems to be random -- dont know what is causing it and neither does dealer. Mechanics cant replicate it. The only fix it to stop, shut the engine off, and restart the car. Its happened FIVE times so far in 2,000 miles! Bummer.

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  Avalon No More - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By healthylady - April 11 - 9:59 am

  This Avalon has a terrible design flaw. The interior chrome trim around the controls, air conditioner vents, and doors cause a blinding glare when driving in the sunlight. I have had many Toyota vehicle and have always been very pleased until now. I have written and called Toyota, called and written AutoNation and offered solutions but have not been offered any solutions from these companies. Before you purchase search the internet for Avalon glare problem! I wish that I knew before I purchased.

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  Nightmare - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Jacks review - February 28 - 10:06 pm

  Rated it very low. Handles badly (follows ruts in highway and drifts around on highway). Headliner not attached in rear. Paint so soft the wind scratches, it seems. Electrical switches work sporadically. There is an undiagnosed rattle on the passenger side in the front. Makes you wonder if you take a trip, if you will get there or not. Reliability is scary.

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  Not what they used to be - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Bill Martin - January 24 - 3:40 am

  I must say I am very disappointed in this car. I know the service writer on a personal basis. A transmission at 15,000, 2 power window motors, an engine computer, and waterpump at 19,000. That is plain out bad engineering.

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  Terrible quality - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Stu Johnson - January 6 - 8:53 pm

  Very disaapointed. MANY problems -- and just notified that it is being recalled for steering issue. Had ignition glitch in first week. Transmission is very slow to respond -- dangerous at times. Interior looks great but my children already lost coins and a small sticker in the gap behind the rear seat. Mileage is okay for big car -- Ive gotten about 21 on average, but no where near EPA rating. My former big car (Buick) got much better mileage. Engine nice when you hold the throttle down for a second or two, but initial acceleration is weak -- tranny at fault. I paid more than 37 grand for this car. VERY disappointed at the build quality and the engineering.

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  what a shame when quality is forgotten - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By bill234 - October 25 - 9:00 am

  I have owned many automobiles since the 1960s on. from a 67 deville convertible to this poorly built avalon. My wife drives a 2002 chevrolet impala with 93000 on it and has had no problems. That is not the same case for my nearly new avalon. my transmission is slipping it seems,my radiator is leaking and because of that makes my car heat up after 15 minutes or so of driving. the dealer claims that is normal at around this time. unexceptable... especially considering the price difference. they arent built in japan anymore and they are built with substandard parts. do yourself a favor and buy a cadillac or chevrolet.

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  Toyota Losing Touch - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By 4thToyota - June 17 - 2:00 am

  This was my 4th Toyota, and a real dog. Extremely poor design, fit and finish. Interior body panels coming apart (have never seen that in any vehicle). Heavy driver side door pulled the hinge screw off the chassis! Brakes failed at 30,000 miles. etc. etc. Also avoid Montclair Acura, they had the gall to ask for $880 for a set of 4 tires!

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  Too Loud...Too Much Wind Noise - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Whistler...... - January 30 - 11:16 am

  This car has a lot of wind whistles and noises at highway speed. I live outside of Los Angeles and you have to drive fast to stay up with traffic, and it is often windy in the passes. This Avalon is very loud inside at those speed. I dont like it. My 2002 LeSabre was much quieter at highway speeds. The engine has good power, but I have found the car has trouble finding the right gear. It sometimes jerks when I push on the gas. I am less than pleased with this car, my first Toyota.

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  Disappointed After One Year - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By oldgoldtop - January 25 - 4:23 am

  Thankfully I only have one more year on a two year lease. This is my first and last Toyota. The Entune was originally great but updates have rendered it very unreliable and nearly useless. Bluetooth is now constantly disconnecting and reconnecting which drops calls and streaming music. Phone text messages rarely will download anymore since recent automatic updates to the software. Navigation is cumbersome and voice recognition on search function is pathetic. The touch controls can often be activated by mistake if you are not careful. In fact that ugly dash touch panel was almost a deal killer for me. The climate display can be impossible to read in the sunlight. Just too many things not implemented well. Dealer service seems uninterested in dealing with the unreliable Entune. Seat heater controls are located on the center console which I find inconvenient and poorly designed. Prefer they be on dash. Exterior styling is appealing to my eyes but so are many other sedans these days. Ride and handling is acceptable for my conservative driving style. I do lie the active backup camera system but would lie some front sensors. The front is very low and easy to scrape on the sidewalk when parking. The lane change sensors work well and a nice feature although unlike my previous car, there is no audible warning .

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  Not a happy Camper - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Toyota owner - October 26 - 11:43 am

  Have owned several Toyotas in the past including a Corolla and a Sienna van. So naturally when it came time to replace our old Acura Legend, the Avalon sprang out as the logical choice. My biggest regret is not doing more research on this vehicle before purchase. From day one it always had a nervous shifting transmission and rather hard seats. It accelerates really well and is rated at good gas mileage. Too bad it has never acheived what the sticker says I will get. Have never seen 22 in the city or 31 on the highway ever! Using a good old fashioned calculator I typically am getting around 20-21 mpg in surburban driving and 26-27 on the highway. Road noise is high and the exterior is bland.