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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  Great Ride & very smooth - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Frank Epps - May 22 - 8:06 am

  First Avalon & really like to drive. Exterior could be jazzed up. Interior is tough to beat for features & comfort.

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  Excellent Avalon Toyota - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By givd - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Performace is very good, side mirrors have to be redigned, too big. rear tailights not the most appealing. Windshield wipers on high speed shake the entire car when idiling

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  2003 Toyota Avalon XLS - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Herb F. - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Just picked up my new Avalon. Though I really like the car and its design/amenities am sorely disappointed in the quality of the workmanship coming from the Kentucky assembly plant. Very poor fit on the body panels, interior plastic squeaks and the paint(pearl white) on the plastic rear bumper is about 8 shades darker than the rest of the car. Also, the wind noise with the moon roof open is almost deafening. Have owned 9 previous Toyotas but this is my first one assembled in the US. Perhaps I am expecting too much but the local service manager tells me that they have four times more problems with the US assembled Toyotas than those of the "J- Series".

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  Affordable Luxury - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By CPZ - May 9 - 11:20 am

  Cars interior, handling,quietness, leather, computer dash make the car a pleasure to drive and be in. Very reliable. Trunk is huge. More interior room than my es300 had.

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  16 years 199,400 miles - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Dave - April 27 - 3:38 am

  Cant say enough about this car. Purchased new. Until last year no problems whatsoever. Regular maintanance only; brakes, shocks, tires, belts, ect. This past year bearings, power steering pump. Will run it until it is no longer financially prudent. By far the best car Ive ever owned. Q

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  Noise & Handling Problems Etc. - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By mrfinnigan - April 26 - 8:44 am

  Road noise is excessive, I believe it is because of the Bridgestone tires. Also it is difficult to keep car from drifting all over the lane expecially when there is a little breeze. There is no valet lockout for trunk. Volume speed control on radio does not work. Cant see display on radio in daylight. Cant hear directional signal.

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  My Avalon on its 6th birthday - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By jhon - April 20 - 7:47 pm

  The car lives up to its reputation as a "poor mans Lexus".

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  a lot for the money - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By shawn in georgia - April 20 - 12:26 pm

  Have had my limited for 3 weeks and put 1800 miles on it (combination of city and highway). Overall very good. Quiet, comfortable smooth ride for all occupants. Surprising acceleration. Exceptional fit and finish and quality materials. The laser cruise control is fantastic, will never be able to own another car without it. Navigation system is as bad as everyone else says it is (my primary complaint). My wife has a 2007 Yukon Denali XL and the navigation ease of use on it makes the Avalon look literally silly. No mute button on the radio is a real pain. Trunk has to be slammed very hard to close it (needs automatic tensioner). Have not experienced jerky shifts at low speeds as some have.

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  Best car i have ever had - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By Norm Atwater - April 14 - 1:06 pm

  This car was on a lease that a friend of mine turned in he bought a new Avalon. It had about 30,000 mi on it and i now have 207,000 and it is still a great car. Have only put on tires, R&l CV joints and new struts. Have done routine maintenance change transmission oil and eng oil every 4,000 and still get almost 30 MPG. I have no intention of buying a new car and would take it on a long trip today. I have had this car in Drive so much the bulb has burned out on the dash

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  An Excellent Vehicle - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By herknav - April 3 - 5:13 am

  This is, without a doubt, the nicest and most enjoyable vehicle Ive ever owned. It has everything I look for in a car; comfort, agility, and power. The exterior design is understated, yet stylish. The interior is extremely quiet and the controls are clean and logically laid out. The ride is smooth but not spongy. It has excellent acceleration and power while also providing respectable gas mileage. I enjoy driving this car in town; however, it really shines on the highway. The 12-speaker audio system is outstanding. The Limited comes with some "gee-whiz" features such as the heated/ventilated seats and power rear shade. I may not use them often, but its nice to have when you do.