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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  A Good Match for Us - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Mas - October 4 - 7:10 pm

  We wanted reliability, comfort, good mileage, and high build quality. The Avalon delivers all. We sold our 2005 PT Cruiser because of noise and because we expected better mileage from a 4-cylinder. After driving the Avalon 3 weeks I wonder why I ever strayed from Toyota. The workmanship is superb, and the roominess heavenly. My husband would not consider a Camry due to size, but is happy with the Avalon. Ride is soothing and quiet.

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  Great Sedan - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Shaw - October 3 - 9:20 am

  I have always been a Honda Accord owner but with a growing family, I needed a larger sedan (able to handle a car seat and two additional kids in the backseat without touching each other). The 2007 Avalon has been great. It has a great interior for the price tag vs Lexus or BMW.

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  Im Happy - I Think - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By SqueezeMH - October 3 - 7:03 am

  Overall experience has been positive. Its a comfortable car to drive and quite luxurious compared to my old Camry - which was a great car. Gas mileage is not quite what I had expected but I live in hilly terrain so that may be a factor. I like the interior and exterior styling and the room in the car. The car has a rattle coming from a seat belt assembly and is not as tight as I would have expected. Power is great but transmission surges easliy and shifting of transmission is somewhat crazy at times.

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  If You Test Drive It..Youll Buy it! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Mike Griffin - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for a family size sedan with enough room for 3 in the back seat for the long haul. (We have 3 kids). We came close to buying a Camry SE, but the center seat and leg room in the back was not enough. The Avalon is loaded with features you will only find in a $45,000 car. Youd be crazy to buy a Lexus, with the new Avalon available.

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  Great car - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By james - September 30 - 9:50 pm

  Just purchased the 05 limited model, excellent power, nice interior features, real nice ride. The paint buffs out real nice, lots of depth and great shine even on the light color. Real solid feel to the ride.

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  Worthwhile Avalon notes - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Richard Gaines - September 30 - 2:00 pm

  The 05 Avalon is a fantastic automobile. It is powerful, comfortable and a joy to drive. We just came back from a 1500 mile trip, loaded down with a trunk full and two full sized adults in front. Speeds were in the range of 75 to 80 and our mpg was 27 on average. I could easily make the rated 31 with a lighter weight and speed below 70. The only problem was the door to the CD player/am/fm stuck closed the entire 8 days. It worked fine for a day after we returned then failed to open again.One thing to be careful of is the very low curb clearance below the front bumper. There should be a replaceable rub strip along the bottom. I left a lot of "Blizzard Pearl" paint on an Applebees high curb.

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  98 Avalon XLS - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By jad0110 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  We have 146,000 miles on our Avalon and we have enjoyed every mile. The car is very solid safe, my wife was T-boned at 20 mph in the center of the doors and there was NO frame damage. We especially enjoyed the high quality materials of the interior - a Lexus for less $. The back seat is limo spacious, but at the sacrifice of some trunk space. Overall, a great car if you value luxury over sport. Just keep the oil changed every 3,000 miles (very important!) and expect years of reliable transportation.

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  Best Car We Have Owned--So Far! - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Sailorbob - September 30 - 10:00 am

  This is the nicest, and most expensive, car we have ever purchased. I liked the prior years exterior styling a lot more. This is also the first Toyota we have owned, so we bought because of the brands history of reliability and not due to past experience. Is the car over-priced? Time will tell, but so far it has been worth the money.

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  More for the $ - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By DeMolay - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Looks great, rides better. All sorts of room. A Lexus like approach to design and quality at a much lower price. Great for highway driving. I am sold and will go back for another when time to trade

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  03 Avalon XLS - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By RCH - September 27 - 10:00 am

  After 3 Maxima SEs, we decided to go with a little more comfort & luxury, and have not been disappointed. Very smooth and comfortable transportation. A great highway cruiser with pretty good gas mileage (28+ w/only 1,500 miles). It handles the beat up Chicago-area roads very well.