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 - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By jross - January 21 - 2:10 am

  This is the third Avalon we have owned. This is by far the best. The ride and handling of this vehicle has improved greatly. The interior has been updated and comfort is A-one.

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  A wonderful car to drive each day. - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By Rich W. White - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Excellent build quality, both inside and out. Very smooth ride. Good acceleration for a large car. Large backsear with lots of legroom. Trunk large enought to accommodate a familys vacation needs or four sets of golf clubs. Comfortable seats. This is what fullsized Buicks, Mercurys, and Oldsmobiles should have been.

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  Want my 2003 Acura TL back - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By CL - January 18 - 6:34 am

  I am so glad I leased this Avalon because I cant wait to get rid of it. It has so many blind spots it is not safe to drive. Cant see the hood because the dashboard sits so high so cant judge where the front of the vehicle is. Front bumper sits too low. Road noise is deafening. With the crappy low profile tires that came on it the ride is very uncomfortable and you feel every bump! Navigation system has no way to just shut it off and no way for a passenger to program it while vehicle is in motion. Not user friendly at all. Sound system is inferior to my Bose system in my Acura. Seats were very uncomfortable on a long road trip and lack of lumbar support in passenger seat was disturbing. Only good thing is leg room in the back and the trunk is spacious but lacks a cargo net which I love in my Acura. With 175,000 miles my Acura rides better, is quieter and has better gas mileage than this Avalon. And to think the Avalon was my dream car turned nightmare!!!

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  The Black Jet - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By The Black Jet - January 15 - 11:16 pm

  This is my second Avalon, and it is an incredible driving machine. There is simply no comparing it to the 3.0 liter models. The 3.5 liter, 280 horsepower engine delivers incredible pickup, and the 5-speed automatic transmission shifts smooth and quick. The steering is responsive and the suspension is tuned to take curves without any sway. I really like the ergonomics of the steering column, telescoping, and fully articulate. Radio and climate controls are embedded within the steering wheel, which greatly reduces driver disorientation while cruising down the highway. I would recommend this car to anyone who enjoys the value of a stylish and responsive road machine. Its a Toyota!

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  Auto Climate Control - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Irving Schwartz - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Buy this car only if you do not expect the Auto Climate Control to actually work. It will cool but will not control properly in heating mode. very poor engineering in an otherwise nice car. My last Avalon, an maybe Toyota.

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  302K and Still Going - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By Jim - January 14 - 6:53 pm

  I purchased this car new in 1996. It was driven daily over the past 14 years. Only replaced brakes, and normal wear stuff. Just recently replaced transmission with one that had 145k miles. Just replaced both knock sensors to get the engine light off. It has been a great pleasure to drive. Just wondering if I can get it up to 400K miles. Due to the great experience Ive had with this vehicle, Ill probably buy another one when this one stops running.

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  My first Toyota - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By SoCal - January 14 - 2:53 am

  I havent had this car for long but has a smooth ride and clean spacious interior. Im not the typical demographic age for this car almost 30 with 1 child. I wanted a large ,comfortable, and safe car for road trips around the coast, mountains, and deserts. So far I love my new Avalon in Blue Mirage.

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  Comfortable, Reliable and Bland - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By AZDave - January 14 - 1:16 am

  We purchased our Avalon with 13,300 miles on it in August 1996 and sold it in September 2007 at 94,000 miles. My wife wanted a mid-to-large size sedan; this car replaced a 1986 Mercedes 300E. It was not purchased as a "glamor car." We bought the base XL model and added alloy wheels and pinstriping to spruce it up a bit. For 9 of the 11 years we owned it we lived in Southern CA; the last two years weve been in Tucson, AZ. Total cost of maintenance (including 14 tires) was $5,200, about $40/month. Usage was about 80% around town and 20% on the highway. The 192 hp engine proves good (but not blazing) acceleration. Overall a good - but not great - car.

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  Loving it - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Loving it - January 3 - 1:50 pm

  I purchased my Avalon XL new from the dealership. I picked the silver color because it looks clean when its dirty. The ride is very smooth. The interior is exceptionally quiet within the city, but the wind noise picks up on the highway and interstate. I purchased the 6yr/100,000 mile warranty with the vehicle. Toyota guaranteed if I never used the warranty I would receive a full refund at 100,000 miles. They refunded me a check for $1,187 2yrs ago. The paint still looks like new. The interior is excellent. The Avalon has enormous room. The dash forward design is genius. Ive seen the latest model and they made it with more room. This is definitely the flagship of the Toyota brand vehicles.

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  99 Avalon - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By rocketdun - January 1 - 10:00 am

  I have had to replace the O2 sensors and several related components. The front struts and strut towers. According to the dealer they were not warrant or extended warranty items. They were replaced about 50,000. I can understand the struts, but not the towers also. This vehicle has a huge rear seat, and a huge trunk, the trunk is big enough to carry lots of cargo