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 Car - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By Karl - December 12 - 12:36 pm

  We bought this car used with 68,000 miles on it. My wife is in sales and drives over 30,000 miles per year. We now have 248,000 miles on the car and it runs good as new. It is time for valve cover gaskets as they are now leaking but I have no faults with this car at all. Love it!

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  not good for this price car - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By Don como - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I have had an oil leak, emergency brake that sticks and never has been fixed properly, in fact it has to be adjusted again after they installed a new one, I have a side mldg falling off, the windshield motors and linkage had to be replaced, I have had the air bag light stay on and come on while riding in the car. Right now their is a metal clanging noise in the motor. The car has only 27,000 miles on it. For the price paid for this car I would rate as a picece of junk. My problem is not with the dealer, it is the quality of the car, they talk about Toyota quality, not with this car.

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  My 3rd Avalon - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By Hank - December 9 - 3:46 pm

  This is my third Avalon. I am still getting used to it but overall, I really like it. It has a great ride and is very quiet. The only thing I do not like is the hardness of the drivers seat. I can feel something under the padding, perhaps it has something to do with the seats cooling feature. I have been driving around for the last 4 months with a thin quilt under me. This makes it more comfortable. Hopefully the seats will break in and I can take out the quilt. Other than that, I really love it.

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  eh..... - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By infinitijw - December 7 - 10:00 am

  its an ok car... its not exciting not fast, not technological, but it is safe and reliable. i also own an infiniti and it makes the avalon look quite sad. ive seen the new avalons and they look so much better, i guess they didnt figure out how ugly their cars were till about 2000. anyways its still an ok car, an economical one for families that need space.

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  A few things stink - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By fishavenue - December 7 - 2:16 am

  The gps system is effectively inoperative. You cant get the enter key to hit a letter or other item with any sort of reliability. Entering a street name could take twenty minutes. The dealer here in Newark De, said that this is typical and fixing would cost a small fortune. So I use a $150 garmin. Pathetic, dont you think? I have about 50k miles on the car. Also, the seat heaters stay on all the time, so I had to disconnect the fuses, so I lost that function. I am a little disappointed in the car for these reasons. Other than that, it has a beautiful ride with excellent mileage. My next car will not be an Avalon - I may go to a Buick or a Lexus.

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  Luxury doesnt have to mean clunky - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By John - December 7 - 1:10 am

  My first luxury car. Drives and handles like a much smaller car. Test drove a lot of different cars in the same category and the Avalon was the winner hands down. Doesnt feel like you are driving a boat and it has power to spare, found myself doing 90 miles per hour without even noticing I was going that fast - it was so quiet and smooth. Have a car pool and they are loving the room in the back seat, plus the seats recline in the back. Am getting 24 to 26 miles per gallon which is a nice plus given the current price of gas. The sound system and CD player are great and having a tape deck for those of us who still own tapes was a nice extra.

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  2007 Avalon XLS - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By BL - December 1 - 3:30 am

  This is my 2nd Avalon (first was a 98 XLS) and have been disappointed in quality. AC hose clogged at 35k miles, soaked & ruined the carpeting; oil line broke (28k miles) and I lost all engine oil on the road. Added oil to limp into the dealership. Engine noise (ticking exhaust) makes it sound like an old Chevy. Paint quality is average. I want my 98 Avalon back!

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  2nd Avalon - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Lee Cantrelle - November 30 - 6:47 pm

  This is my second Avalon, first was 2001. This car fits me for size, 62", and still allows comfortable seating in the back. I sold my other one with 140k Miles and the guy drove it to 400k. I have 200k on this 2008. The only issue this car ever gave me was a dead battery. I love the gadgets in this car for laser cruise control and the other creature comforts. I do my regular maintenance as I drive a lot. I am looking at a third one as they have served me well.

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  Ill like it - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By yakinf - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I traded my 1996 Avalon XLS with 2003 Avalon XLS over the weekend. I think I made the right decision to go buy Toyota again. My old Avalon has been given me alot of fun and free of problem in the last couple years, but the new one is impress me more. I like the interior, the ride and the softness smooth driving experience. Even my wife likes it alot. She is very hard to convince and usually she will not like what I had bought in the past for her( I bought a 1999 Dodge Caravan brand new, but she just didnt like the car at all). But this time she just seems like it more than I do. Perfect 10 for avalon.

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  very pleasant car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By mitch e. - November 25 - 7:00 am

  Being 64 and having had a couple of knees replaced, I needed to move into a larger car than my 02 Passat. The Avalon is very pleasant - everything works well, I average around 27 MPG in mostly hwy driving on midgrade. The cars unbelievably quiet - you just cannot hear the motor! Rear seats have reclining back and tons of leg room (I wish some of it was in front - I have really long legs!) Acceleration, handling adequate, but not exceptional. What is exceptional are the brakes - no fade, great pedal feel. Optional equipment - nav, JBL radio, very good; XM is worth it. center console design is very clean, and controls are pretty intuitive