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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  Rides like Butta - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By shab1 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Couln"t be more pleased with a vehicle. Only have had 5 cars...all purchased new...all foreign...1 previous Toyota (stolen at 10 yrs old. Looked great, drove great...didn"t start once / battery). The 2002 Avalon is fantastic. Would buy again.

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  Toyota XLS 2004 - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Warren M. Jones - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Very comfortable. Good performance. I bought based on size and Toyota record for reliability. If you can get past the exterior design, its a great car.

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  I love my AVALON - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By logan clark - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I love this car and would have to say that bringing it home reminds me of when my father brought home his ultimate car- a 1962 Cadillac(the one with the big fins)- he was so thrilled and excited and so am I. It is stylish, posh, and comfortable as well as practical and fun to drive. The ride is like floating on a cloud with no sound. It drives like a dream and all you hear inside is the great sound system. This is my ultimate car and will probably be my last car as I plan on keeping it for a long time.

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  The Best Sedan for Anybody - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By mosa - September 25 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the best cars out there... It offers alot of things. It offers smoothness, reliability, a nice exterior/interior. It is very comfortable to sit in, front or back. Theres alot of space for anyone to sit in the back. When I am driving the 2003 Toyota Avalon (XL), I feel like I am driving a 2003 Lexus... I just love my Avalon.

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  Avalon Customer - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Ken McClaren - September 24 - 3:33 am

  I have driven my 2006 Avalon Limited 20,000 miles so far. It is the best car I have ever owned, gets the best gas mileage and has the most comfort features (air cooled and heated seats, keyless entry and driving). It is truly a luxury car for $35,000, has more features than cars that cost thousands more. Very safe and very fun to drive, has loads of pickup and passing capability.

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  Just What I Needed - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By twigster - September 20 - 11:30 am

  This is my "highway" car. Drove to NEPA Pocono Area with my electronic drums in the trunk. The July shakedown cruise to our yearly SummerJam proved the Avalons capability. I tend to travel fast (above the speed limit) and got almost 30 MPG while feeling safe and in control. Love the transmission and the steering and despite what MT may say about "steering feedback" I didnt find that a negative since I didnt want a "sports car" or want to "feel the road". Spent almost three weeks driving around the N.E.P.A. area roads that I grew up driving on (I live in Tampa), these are what we call "driving! roads". Again, the car made it a blast - it went everywhere like it owned the road.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By RALPH JOCH - September 17 - 2:40 pm

  Performance and ride are superb. The quiet ride is next to the Lexus. The handling is top notch. Totota did a marvelous job on this model of Avalon.

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  Watch Out Above - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Ed Whiting - September 11 - 11:06 pm

  I drove BMWs for 25 years the last 15 were 7 series and I was tired of repeated trips to the dealer to fix little anoyances. Mostly electronics or cheap plastics. This is the best car I have owned. Regardless of price! While handling is not as responsive or tight as a Luxury Eourpean Sedan it is comfortable, and reasuring. The interior is as roomy as my last 740 , the sound sytem is terrific, as is the A/C. The car is suprisingly fast as well. The extraordinary gas mileage is a real plus in todays $3.00/gal market.

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  Great Avalon - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By bigrighter - September 4 - 6:20 am

  I own a 2003 XLS with navigation system. I drive over 30,000 miles per year. Very comfortable car and extremly reliable. I would purchase another one.

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  Love it! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Cindy C. - September 1 - 1:00 pm

  I really love this car. It is affordable luxury...a pleasure to drive. The only thing I could complain about is the day after a long trip I washed my car and (barely noticeable) yellow bug guts stained the bumper. The dealership said that just happens and if they repainted, it would just hapen again. I would think paint finishes today would not have that problem, so I was disappointed to say the least in product and response. Also, occasionally when the automatic transmission is shifting down it "jumps". The dealership said the cars computer would work it out within 10k miles...not impressed again by the response I got, as it was getting worse at 8k miles. But, its still my dream car.