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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  IM IN LOVE - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By RIC - April 21 - 10:00 am

  IVE OWNED OVER 20 VEHICLES IN THE LAST DECADE AND A HALF. NEVER HAVE I HAD AS MUCH FUN AS I DO WITH THIS CAR. IT IS RESPONSIVE AND POWERFUL WITH EXCELLENT ROAD MANNERS. I HAVE NO COMPLAINTS !!

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  I LOVE THIS CAR! - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Jonathag - April 20 - 3:56 am

  I have had this car for about 5 months now, absolutely love it! Fun to drive, reliable, I step on the gas and the pickup is great, comfortable leather seats, just a joy to drive! I thought I would like the heated seats better than I do, but I dont see what the big deal is really. I drive my car all over the state for my job and it performs flawlessly, unmatched Toyota quality. Mine had around 98k when I bought it but you could tell it had been taken care of. My speaker system is a bit flakey, the rear speaker is blown and two of the front speakers go in and out a lot, other than the speakers the car is great. Buy one and you wont regret it! Mpg is around 29-30 hwy and around 21 or so city.

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  love it - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By hawkeye - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I testdrove several cars before deciding on the Avalon. I liked it better than the more expensive Lexus ES300, because the Avalon feels spacier. The nav system is working very well. For destinations that Im familiar with it always picks the best route Ive learned over the years (in quickest mode). Its taught me some new routes when using shortest or alternate mode. The screen is clear under all conditions, being mounted under a slight overhang. The Avalon responds real well, is comfortable/luxurious to drive, and when kicked down really accelerates well for such a large car.

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  I like It! - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By mchamp - April 10 - 3:16 am

  While I have only had the car for a few days, it has been great. It is a quiet, smooth and comfortable ride. It seems to be doing well on MPG but not quite what I expected (lower then expected). I also like the fact that you only need to do an oil change every 5,000 miles. This should help in cost (if other cars are still needing to do it every 3,000 miles). My Avalon has so far exceded my expectations.

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  Luxury Toyota - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By vinster29 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Avalon for 8 years now and it has been a great car to drive. I love the larger interior and big trunk too. The A/c and heater are ten times better at cooling and heating than my Lexus. The ride is excellent and the engine is awesome. The paint does chip off really easy but overall this car has been the best Toyota that I have ever owned.

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  Lexus in Toyota Wrapper - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By webman58 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is a very big BANG for the buck. Traction control, Force Dsitribution braking, ABS 4-channel brakes, Navigation system, auto-lights and wipers, heated seats, SMOOTH RIDE, cavernous back seat, 6-CD in-dash changer and REAL WOOD inserts. This is a FINE car. If it is like all the other Toyotas Ive ever owned the only parts that will ever fail no this car will be the AMERICAN MADE PARTS!!!! My Vote is BUY THIS CAR!!!

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  Not nearly as well built as a Camry! - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By christianmama - April 7 - 10:00 am

  We own a 96 Camry and a 99 Avalon XLS. In spite of having paid lots more for the Avalon its pretty much a piece of junk compared to the (older!) Camry. The Camry is still tight and rattle free while the Avalon is a complete rattle trap with only 52,000 miles. The front door locking mechanism fell apart after 40,000 miles- out of warranty and cost $530.00 to repair. The right front rotor is worn out... we are trading it in on a Saab wagon next week as Im tired of paying the repair bills. I am a stay at home mom and the car is driven back and forth to school, the grocery store, and church. Needless to say, we are extremely gentle on cars. I will never buy another Avalon.

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  my new Avalon - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By clubleaf - April 3 - 2:00 am

  We have been leasing Toyotas for about 8 years, and last summer, when the lease was running out, we went to the dealer, fully intending to get another Camry. They had an Avalon on the showroom floor that we really liked, and one just like it on the lot. After test driving both the Camry and the Avalon there was no question as to which car to take. We love the car. It has so many really nice extras that make a difference in the pleasure of driving. And, the service we get on this car and all of the previous Toyotas is second to none. N

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  Tough in the Snow - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By CTToyota - April 3 - 12:36 am

  2008 Toyota Avalon Limited. Great car, good looking, very nice ride. However with the traction control there is no way to disengage. In snow/Ice sometimes you need to spin your wheels. Once the traction control engages it shuts down the power and wheel spin. great for some things, terrible in the snow when you need wheel spin. Other than that, no complaints.

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  Happy Pappy new toy - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By 66gman - March 30 - 5:46 pm

  Had a 2000 Avalon XLS. Now a 2007 Avalon Limited. Best car I ever had. I drive part time (retired) as a transporter. I drive many top level cars with 30-45000 miles on them and they are ready for the grave yard. When I get a Toyota product (Camry & Avalon) even the wear and tear doesnt show as on the others makes.