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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  Love it ..so far - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By rj - November 13 - 4:23 am

  Just bought a XLS with Nav 1 week ago. Love the car, fun to drive, smooth and comfortable. The nav system is not at the same level of features or usability as some others, but it will get you there, once you figure the functionality out.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By cadllac man - November 10 - 3:46 pm

  After 1500 miles our 2006 Toyota Avalon needed a new engine because of a condition know as valve lash. Fitzgerald replaced the car with another new Avalon at no cost to us. We purchased a new 2008 Avalon. After 13,000 miles this engine when first started and driven has begun to make knocking noises. The noise gets lower when the engine warms up. There is nothing that be done. Just hope for the best and change the oil sooner than factory specks.

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  Glorious New Avalon - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Suburban Toyota - November 9 - 7:36 am

  The new Avalon is everything youd want out of a Toyota. Its fast, comfortable, and full of fantastic features.

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  Not many cars offer the blend Avalon has - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By happyowner - October 23 - 6:56 am

  If you have a shopping requirement for lots of room, fuel efficiency, 5-star NHTSA ratings all around, Toyota-like reliability & resale value you may find the list is quite short as I did. A 3600lb sedan with true seating for 5, 95mph 1/4 mile trap, and real world 32mpg regular in rural driving seems like a contradiction to me but this car is proof otherwise. Comfort and performance are well documented and all of it is true. Fun to drive of 8 because I find myself looking forward to driving it almost as much as old RX-8. Only 2 things wrong with the car so far if picky: the rain sensing wipers dont activate in misty conditions and the wood panel on driver door is misaligned.

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  greatest car ever owned - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Larry Ketcham - October 18 - 9:29 am

  new tires 210000 miles

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  Avalon Limited - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By c5 - October 17 - 9:00 am

  Quiet and smooth. Good power and great mileage. I averaged 32.5 on a 1600 mile trip according to the computer. Dislike having to stop to program memory seats and navigation. Overall the navigation system is not user friendly. I always take my Garmin and it gives me much more information and quicker. I still like the car.

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  The best underground vehicle - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Yo Gotti - October 15 - 3:20 pm

  Ive had it for about a year and when I first got it I wasnt expecting it to have as much of horsepower as it has. Ive gone to Atlanta a couple of times and used the navigation all the way and I got to were I needed to be with no problem. Atlanta is about 372 miles from where I live and it took about two hours and forty five minutes.

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  Powerful fun and comfort - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By homer - October 14 - 2:36 pm

  Looks great, fast, comfortable, great stereo (JBL 12 speaker), quick steering, corners great - more of a car than you might think.

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  Love my car! - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By JanS - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love this car. I have severe back problems and this is the only place I can actually be comfortable. The only flaw I found was in the cruise control. It does not maintain its speed on a decline. I have never been happier with a car than I have been with this.

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  2008 Toyota Avalon XLS - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Tim Phillips - October 13 - 7:12 am

  Still a Great dependable car