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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  06 avalon review - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By steve - July 20 - 4:20 am

  This model avalon is one of the finest quality autos I have ever had the pleasure to own.this is based on at least 20 previous autos. It responds excellent on the highways as well as city driving. The navigation feature is certainly a plus and fun to use. You are surrounded with safety features which contribute to a comfortable ride.

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  A smelly car - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By freepak - July 17 - 7:52 pm

  This is my third Avalon and there is a definite design flaw. The car smells.

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  What A Waste - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Pat - July 16 - 3:20 pm

  Before buying this car I heard great things about Toyota vehicles from friends and family, so I decided hey I have to get one for myself. What a joke, this car makes me sick!!! It has a very loud noise in the engine. I have taken it in too many times only to be told by the mechanic that he does not hear the noise. These guys must be deaf!!! The last mechanic told me that the noise is normal that the sound was in other cars he tested?! Transmission horrible to say the least not smooth at all. Sound system cannot be heard over noisy engine, brakes are terrible, problem with wipers, in all one of the worse vehicles I have ever owned. I cant wait to get rid of it!!!!!!

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  A superb luxury car - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By volts amous - July 12 - 2:00 am

  A smooth beautiful car that gets head turning looks and has plenty of room and nice appointments.

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  Im surprised everyone doesnt own one - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By g-force - July 11 - 12:43 pm

  Avalon is amazing. Where else can you get a full size luxury sedan, with V6 280 ponies, yet gets 31 MPG? No where else but Avalon. Its like riding around in your living room while sitting in your favorite recliner. Only thing missing is the 58-inch plasma. JBL stereo pumps, top of dash layout is a throwback of the 1970s (which I personally love), yet console is very modern/elegant. Car lifts up, takes off, as quiet as a sleeping baby. Buttons nicely placed, awesome visibility, adequate handling, elegant front/rear design. This car will never annoy you, and youll arrive calm and relaxed. Avalon makes daily work commuting one of the highlights of my day. Alot of car for $30K, unmatched.

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  Ho Hum -- Its Perfect - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Unicornguy - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Avalon. Traded in my 8th new Cadillac on the 2000 Avalon, because I was tired of poor quality. The fit, finish, and overall quality of the Avalon impressed me as much as that of the Lexus 300 sedan -- and its a bigger car, with more room for back seat passengers.

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  Toyota Avalon - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Don Marts - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Having owned other Toyotas this is outstanding in appearance and comfort. My only problem will be keeping it within the legal speed limit as it takes off like a bird.

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  Living with my Avalon - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Michael OBrien - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I have had many expensive cars in USA and Europe but this is the best.

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  A Work in Progress - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By twinbridges - July 7 - 1:10 am

  My 2005 Avalon XLS has a lot of nice features including, lots of interior space, reclining rear seats, good visibility, as well as good power. It has wide easy entry doors. However, there is ample room for improvement. For example, the transmission and engine hesitate at low speed. The "stainless steel" exhaust leave rust spots on the garage floor. There is only one keyed entry on the car. The rear window has significant optical distortion. The windshield also has some also. The side mirrors are not breakaway like GMs so figure on buying at least one in the next 5 years at $340. The suspension system could be stiffened. You have difficulty reading the odometer in daylight.

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  Not as good as the 2001 model - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By roger d - July 6 - 4:23 pm

  Ive had this car for one month. Im only getting 27 mpg hwy while I got 31 in my old 2001 Avalon. The transmission does some weird things when going slow. Real jerky. Ride is nothing like my old one. Much rougher and the most annoying thing is engine noise. I admit I was spoiled with my last Avalon so maybe with time Ill adjust. They changed the way you change the oil and filter to deter you from doing it yourself. When you test drive one of these cars, ask to drive one of the 2004s or earlier and compare. Climb underneath and look for the oil filter. Its inside the engine now Im told. They replaced the steel pan under the front of the engine with some cheap plastic. Im not happy.