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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  Couldnt ask for More!!! - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By J. Reeves - September 13 - 2:00 am

  This car has it all. It contains Luxury items only found in cars costing 15 to 20 thousand more. It is a Dream Car and has the Toyota Quallity to Back it Up....

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  The Black Jet - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Ed Crivello - September 12 - 10:10 pm

  This is truely an outstanding vehicle for the price. Extreme response when you put the hammer down. Good turning radius, and adequate braking system. It took some time getting used to the touque steering during power accelerations from a halt. JBL Sysnthesis 12 speaker stereo will rock your world and with out distortion. Interior is very ergnomic with comfortable front seats. Love the leg room in the back...and the rear reclining seats. Excellent gas mileage on the road...racked up 33 mile per gallon on a trip to Georgia while burning 93 octane and cruising at 70 MPH. 14 MPH city... washington D.C. Would love to see this car with Hybrid IMA assist package.

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  I still love it! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Rosalie Ruiz - September 11 - 2:00 pm

  This vehicle rides smoothly and quietly. Standing outside while its running and you can barely hear it running. I still love it!

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  Avalon is the Greatest - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Avalon - September 7 - 3:40 pm

  Our 2000 Toyotal Avalon is the best car we have owned. Smooth ride, excellent handling and great pick- up. Solid, safe car for family. Very comfortable seats.

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  Reliable Car - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Howard Rose - September 6 - 5:56 am

  This is my 4th Avalon out of my last 5 cars. Needless to say, I have been happy overall. I had an 1997, 2001, 2004 and now the 07. Car has a lot more power than any previously. Very roomy for back seat passengers.

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  A GREAT car! With so much too offer! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Robert Walcot - September 2 - 5:16 pm

  I have said for a long time that this is a great car on so many levels. Its a 5 star car with one bad star which is not its fault. Technology. This car was built in late 2005 as a 2006 Avalon XLS. This was before car interior technology has blossomed into what it has become today. So its missing Bluetooth, USB ports and NAV. But for those that remember tape cassettes, CD player and great sound this car rules. This car rules in many other ways too. Spacious interior design. So much so that you can have 5 large adults seated in the car. Both front seat pushed all the way back and those seated in the back will still have ample leg room. And the back seats tilt backward giving those adults a limo like ride. Excellent MPG for such a big car. I regularly get 31 MPG on the highway. The only vehicles that get better gas mileage are hybrids! This Avalon has stayed in great shape and Toyota has maintained it wonderfully. I think the car will run forever!

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  Best car I owned - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Rich Gerenza - August 29 - 4:38 pm

  Best car ever owned

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  Should have stayed with Honda Accord - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By mary - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Very disapointed with the value for the dollars spent. Have had numerous trips to dealer for faulty airbag light, driver window failing several times and dealer unable to diagnose, suggested fix was to replace motor in door with no guarantee that this was the true problem, now right rear window wont work, struts are bad, door molding fell off, side molding came loose, trunk flooded from rain, cost $200 to replace gasket at dealer, heated seats work poorly, wonderfully riding car but not worth the money, would not buy another Toyota.

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  What a let down! - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By Zayne Austin - August 26 - 1:41 pm

  I went from a 2008 Solara sport to this 2014 Avalon, What a let down! The good, Lots of snap/HP. Nice materials used. Nicer styling. For the bad... the list is long!! Poor headlight illumination Blind spot mont.system over agressive during passing. you can not wash the car with the keys in your pocket, the car constantly locks and unlocks. There is poor storage area, and push button start makes it worse with more stuff Keys)to set somewhere! the certer armrest storage is horrible, no where to have a pen handy, Ok seats, super hard!!! no comfortable at all. Im always trying to readjust to relax my butt. the tilt wheel does not tilt down far enough, and does not telescope far enough. plus both are controlled by only one lever. so the tilt up upon exit usually retracts the telescope as well, so constant adjusting. I had to put the seat much closer to the dash than I like do to steering position issues. the window controls are wrong. when the arm is on the panel, my fingers are on top of the mirror controls, kinda not where then need to be! I dislike the radio controls. as you change presets your actually going down on the wheel, yet your preset stations are going up in sequence. very confusing. I guess setting up the presets backward will help. The materials on the radio controls are cheap. also, the HD is constantly going in and out, making radio loud, then quiet. Ill turn it off, but as soon as you change the station, its active again. The screen on the radio and climate are slanted at a poor angle, the sun hits them and you cant see anything!! they need to perhaps be tiltable so as to avoid sun glare. OK the car is automatic, always wandering for a gear, and has sport shift option and!!! paddle shifter! really? why waste that much mony on 3 shifting options in an AVALON? The a/c vents are horrible!!! you can cool the body from the chest up, or from knees down, but there are NO vents to cool your mid section. the "auto" to cool the car, does not work well, it activates vents only, not the floor vents, and it doesnt turn on high, you have to adjust it. some of the controls are just touch and some are PUSH, so wierd trying to remember what ones you have to push hard. The review camera has not helped me at all. I do like that the mirrors tilt down upon reverse though. the brakes kinda suck, it feels like they are going to warp if I push hard. I am a single guy 35, drive the car in eco all the time trying to be gentle. This car is neither luxury as I thought, or sport as they are trying. its simply a glorified Maxima, that is a let down on all fronts. Update as of 7-13-2016 I still dislike the car with 4200 miles. I would NOT buy it again.

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  Best Avalon yet - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By W Nelson - August 26 - 12:23 pm

  I started buying Avalons in 1995 and this is my 5th one. It is by far the best in amenities, performance, design and fuel economy. The things I would have improved on, from the past models, they addressed and more. I am extremely pleased in every way.