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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  Very Reliable & comfortable - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By love toyota - January 25 - 4:50 pm

  Purchased the car with 143k miles, its been a great family car. Its never let us down. Car fits 3 upfront if you need too with plenty of room upfront & in the back. Very smooth ride!

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  Bad reliability! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Wayne L. Nelson - January 22 - 10:50 am

  What a lemon! This thing has had problems both inside and out. The engine has had stalling problems. The seats are terrible and Ive had trim pieces falling off. Very poor.

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  2006 Toyota Avalon Touring - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By PATRICIA FLOWERS - January 21 - 9:46 am

  I purchase my 2006 Toyota Avalon in 2005, it was ok for about 2 years. When driving sometime my steering wheel would adjust it self to its lowest level with out me doing anything for it to happen which is not safe, I took it back to the dealer and they said they didnt see anything wrong with it and as of today it still dose it,it seems to be something with the steering level on the steering wheel. About a year ago I also had and oil leak up under my car and this year my alternator went out on me in the middle of the Dan Ryan Express Way, a scary situation and I had my ten year old grand daughter in the car with me.

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  Best Car Ive Even Owned. Period - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By hotrodjohn - January 17 - 1:43 am

  I bought a 2006XLS in March 2006. Today, it has 206,000 miles on it without one single problem. I have replaced the tires, battery and brake pads. It still has the original spark plugs, water pump, starter, antifreeze, trans fluid and serpentine belt (which isnt even cracked!). This car has been nothing short of amazing. It is big, the back seat is the biggest of any car I have seen. It is fast with plenty of torque all the way through the powerband, feels like a V8. It averages 27 miles to the gallon with 80 percent highway driving. It is super quiet and smooth. The Camry isnt even close to an Avalon. This is BIGGER than Lexus ES350, yet cheaper. Im going to keep on driving it.

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  Defective Electronics - Toyota Avalon - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By The Gadget Guru - January 13 - 8:20 pm

  Having spent 20 years as a Technology Reporter, I may not know much about transmissions, but I know consumer electronics. While the 2006 Avalon delivers a smooth ride and a great "bang for the buck," its electronics are defective.

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  Just really ugly - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By jth - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Had my 2001 for a year now. No problems except for the unease about oil sludging reported here and absolutely arrogant letter from Toyota. In the context in which I bought this car [park ave substitute], it performs well. Of course the "styling" is really bad. As with many others, a test drive sold me.

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  My experience. - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By wavrunr - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Most comfortable and well performing car I have ever owned.

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  the perfect car - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By avinlove - January 12 - 2:00 am

  This is simply the best car ever built for the money. Ive driven better cars but only at 50-150% higher in price.

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  I have the only Avalon with problems - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By JLG - January 11 - 1:40 am

  OK, I know the Avalon is supposed to be a great car, but Ive had a few expensive problems with brakes. Excessive rust near the rotors caused the brakes to fail after only 35,000 miles, and again at 55,000 miles. Ive been told by two dealers that the brakes will be a chronic problem. Paint on the hood is chipping and peeling, and the CD player had to be replaced after two years. Every other Avalon owner Ive met loves their car, so maybe mine is the exception.

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  A smooth ride - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Hunter - January 8 - 9:03 pm

  As my BMW 330i lease was coming to an end, I learned that a second kid was on the way. I knew I needed something bigger, but I did not want to give up sportiness, power, etc., completely. I checked out a lot of vehicles, including the Charger, Altima SE-R, Azera and Maxima. Bottomline, the Avalon Touring easily offered the best combination of things I was looking for in a new car. It has power, acceleration, decent handling (you can take moderate turns aggressively), room, comfort, good gas mileage, Toyota reliability... and, the interior of the Touring is sporty. I hate fake wood trim and probably would not have purchased a different trim if the Touring did not exist.