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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  Excellent Avalon - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By DRJ356 - March 15 - 6:13 pm

  I have been driving my 08 Avalon Limited for just over a year & have 20k on it thus far. Overall I am quite pleased. Ive had zero mechanical problems. This car is supremely comfortable to drive & ride in - easily equal to my wifes Lexus. I commute 30 miles each way daily and this car makes the trip very pleasant. Comfort is excellent for 5 adults. Interior is outstanding but with a few cheap materials (plastic doors on console). Im 64" & 250 and have good space. Center console is a bit intrusive. Buy Garmin 700-800 GPS and save $2k. Its stupid not to include a back-up camera as standard equipment on a Limited.

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  Seriously this car is almost as old as me - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By carenthusiast7 - March 15 - 8:39 am

  Im 18 and a serious car enthusiast and this was my first car when my dad handed it down to me when i got my license @ 15 and a half(had 150k miles on it). Of course it isnt exactly my choice of a car and I made a bet with my father that if the car died we would get a replacement car of my choice(reasonably priced of course). And Im still losng that bet, that car has not died at all or shown signs of even slowing down. Sum of it all, you cant go wrong with this car if you need a used cheap low maintainence car for just point A to point B.

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  Loved this car UNTIL... LOST ALL OIL! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Terry A - March 6 - 6:16 am

  I loved my Avalon, but now have lost all confidence in its reliability. On an out of state trip an oil hose developed a pin-hole leak. There was no indicator or light alert. We still have not gotten all repairs done, but will cost min $2500!!! (of course out of warranty with approx 101,000 miles).

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  Not as happy as I thought I would be... - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By yardy - February 14 - 12:57 am

  I feel in love with the color and design of the car. But I am not happy paying the amount of money and not being happy with the ride in the city. My biggest complaint is the JBL sound system. I bought my car in Maryland and drove back to Georgia to snap, crackle, and pop. The radio fades in and out at will. Thank goodness I have a great Toyota service department near me. I will take the car in tomorrow, get a loaner and they will find out how to fix this problem from their tech department.

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  I like my 09 avalon limited but.... - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By Derek - February 4 - 11:30 am

  Seats are too hard, gps is a rip off, people. How Dare you Toyota can continue 2003 made gps installing in 08, 09, 10 models. We paid for what? Crap. You should update it if you charge people $2,000 for it. I really like that car but for sure its overpriced. No question about it.

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  Cant beat it. - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By Bobkat67 - January 25 - 3:46 pm

  PRO: We have had it since 1999 and purchased it used. We have had no problems. We traveled cross the US twice and never had a single need other than gas and oil changes. Great car. CON: cup holder in bad location....

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  Face Palms and Happy Days - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By Clifford Smith - January 22 - 12:20 am

  I should have known that things were going to go downhill when a) the salesperson gave me the wrong trim package (I pointed to the Limited on the lot and he prepped the base XLE) and b) they gave me a car with an entirely different VIN from the number on the contract. However, after that second faux pas was straightened out, I am proud to say that I really, really like this car. I like it so much, that I cant decide whether to turn it in when the lease is up (April 2017), or go ahead and buy it outright. I would LOVE to finally get an XLE Premium or a Limited with some of the added safety features - blind spot detection, upgraded sound system - in addition to the excellent gas mileage, but only if I can get it at a payment similar to what Im dishing out right now. Another "problem" is that the car wasnt driven as much as I thought it would be and so I would be perfectly happy with the 2014 model. I havent had a peep of trouble out of it and the dealer makes it very easy to keep up with the basic maintenance schedule. It has a lot of get-up-and-go and is comfortable for driver and passengers. On the downside (decision-wise), there isnt much difference that I can see between the 2014 and 2017 Avalon, so that sort of sends me back to buying the current car. So, aside from my #FirstWorldProblem about what to do in the coming months, I will say it again: I like this car a lot and Im grateful that the folks at another brands dealership (rhymes with "KIA") essentially ignored me when I was ready to sign on the dotted line.

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  Meant for comfort, not active "driving". - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Ron - January 19 - 9:30 pm

  Just bought a 2008 used, with 33k miles. Replaced a 2001 Solara SLE. Avalon seats have more adjustments, but less padding. Faux wood steering grips not as comfortable as leather. Road noise well-muted. Its so quiet at idle that I got confused once and didnt realize it was still running. LOVE the smart key. Good sound system for a car. LCD is real nice for the radio and climate controls. No squeaks or rattles, feels like driving a Swiss watch. BIG car, but doesnt look or drive like it. Controls oddly placed, but most-used ones are on wheel. Handles comfortably, but not "fun" to drive; powerful, but not a race car. Wafts you along in your own little bubble instead.

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  First Toyota - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Craig - January 18 - 2:50 am

  My first Toyota but Ive had numerous Japanese sedans. What separates the Avalon from other Asian performance sedans is that it has 268-280 hp yet takes regular gas and frequently gets more than 20 mpg. That alone is worth considering this car. Numerous reviews commented on what a good car this is but its not "athletic." Ive found the contrary with the Touring edition. The suspension is ideal and is mated nicely with the power of the vehicle. It feels very non-American because there is absolutely no bounce, no matter what kind of surface Im driving on. Ironic since this is a large luxury sedan that was designed and built in U.S. Make a stick shift option and a less Camry-like exterior.

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  2007 Toyota Avalon Limited - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Marvh - January 10 - 5:33 pm

  Love the car, hate having Toyota as my mom. The limitation of the navigation system are stupid. Having to acknowledge "I accept" everytime you start the car is ridiculous. But even more annoying is that your passengers cannot program the nav system while the car is in motion. Driving down the road with my wife we decide we want to get something to eat. Toyota makes you pull to the side of the freeway and stop (endangering life and property) and then do your navigation. By the time you work this out you can drive through most towns and find a place to eat without the navigation system. The lack of an aux input for the stereo system in this day and age is just plain dumb.