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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  Dont Like the Seats! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By The Olsens - April 18 - 6:10 pm

  The front seats are enough to make me want to sell this car. I cant get comfortable. And the car is much noisier on dirt roads and rough roads here in Iowa than my previous Buick. Im not very impressed. My son told me about this Avalon and said it was an excellent car. I guess he didnt drive it. I have, and I dont like it very much.

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  After 4 months Im sorry I bought it - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By bmallek540 - November 26 - 6:30 am

  The vehicle is smooth once you get cruising at about 60mph. However, staring from a start there is a hesitation which causes you to almost lunge forward. The roof molding has loosened and almost come off. The transmission is sloppy and flops around both up and down as you accel and decel. The electronics is from the year 2000. And, the GPS is the worst that there is! The GPS is very outdated and has very limited POIs. The voice command is a joke and now the GPS has started locking up on me. I am waiting for the dealer to get back to me on that. The stereo unit in the car is just average. This is not the car I bargained for at all. After 4 months of driving it I am sorry I bought it.

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  I should have looked elsewhere - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Jenny - November 9 - 7:33 pm

  Not a very impressive car for $35,500. Loud, and more problems as the miles add up. I had a Corolla back in college (thirty years ago) that I really liked but this one leaves me very cold.

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  Overrated - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By MHS - June 16 - 10:00 am

  Beginning at 15K, it began to perform like a vehicle with 4x the miles. Dealer glad to $ervice but blew off complaints with "they all do that". Sqeaking and klacking brakes, wind sway, rapid tire wear and general loose feel ... in spite of all the service. Traded at the end of year. Mediocre resale adding insult to injury. First and last Toyota for me!

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  Dont buy a 2011 Avalon - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Gordon - April 3 - 10:00 am

  My 2011 Avalon has problems with the rear window sun screen, heater/AC, and windshield wipers, the GPS is useless and the wind noise is worse than any car I a have ever owned. The dealer admits the problems, contacted Toyota, and Toyota will do nothing about any of them and neither will the dealer. Do not buy this vehicle.

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  One of the worst Toyotas built - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By Harris - February 5 - 3:30 pm

  Toyota really shot down their reputation with this car. Ive been a mechanic for eight years and never saw a Toyota with such poor quality and reliability. It was a great car until it hit 20k. The couple of sensors were going bad; burning way to rich, alternator, compressor and power steering pump. My 87 7MGE Supra had less problems then this car. This was my 6th Toyota and my last. Toyota isnt building the cars like they used to.