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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  Perfect - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By chicagorob - November 21 - 2:36 am

  This car is great. The electronic stability control, traction control and ABS brakes are perfect for driving in the snow. The interior is SOOOO big I get comments all the time.

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  Best Choice I could have made!!! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Linda Taylor - November 15 - 7:40 pm

  I have a bad back and right leg and the Avalon is so easy to drive. I can drive for longer periods of time and the comfort is great for long legged passengers both in front and in the back seat. The size of the truck is fabulous too!

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  Solid, comfortable, reliable, bland - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By Dave N. - November 12 - 9:30 pm

  I bought this car used in August of 96, with 13,300 miles on it. It now has 92,300 miles, so I have driven it 79,000 miles in 10.5 years - an average of 7,500 miles/year. The car has been utterly reliable; Ive spent less than $5,000 in maintenance over the years Ive owned it, including three sets of tires and an occasional detailing. That works out to less than 7 cents per mile. Most of its mileage has been around town (21 mpg) with a few long road trips (24 mpg). The Avalon is a comfortable car, and handsome in a bland sort of way. Its reasonably peppy, but not a road rocket. Overall, Ive been very satisfied with this car and may well buy another Avalon someday.

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  Dream Car Review - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Frank - November 9 - 10:36 pm

  This is the first automobile that I have ever owned that exceeded all of my expectations. It is a real pleasure to drive. The ride is smooth, no wind noise, the power is awesome, road noise is very low, and the interior is great looking. Gas mileage is great for a car with 280 horsepower. Interior room is more than adequate, and the seats are very comfortable.

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  Last of the great land yachts! Japanese Crown Vic! - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Indy Musician - November 9 - 4:26 pm

  Really, the ONLY negative things that can be said are the audio system is a bit lacking and the rear seats dont fold down. I love the seats...the thigh support keeps my legs from being fatigued as they do in the Camry. The car just floats down the road. Lexus quality at a fraction of the cost. Tons of leg room, the steering wheel telescopes out far enough (and tilts low enough....think old Buicks) that I can sit back and cruise effortlessly. Even the REAR seats have a feature to tilt back a bit! The Nav system takes a bit of getting used to, but once you get the hang of it its quite effective. Ive owned the car since new....over five years now...and at almost 80,000 miles, Ive had no maintenance issues to speak of. Just regular maintenance (tires, plugs) and I can see my land yacht going 200,000 miles EASY. LOVE this car!!!!!

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  Ultimate reliability - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Kevin McLean - November 9 - 6:03 am

  Coming up on 137,000 miles on my Avalon touring edition 2005, the car had zero problems. Of course I have changed the front brakes out once, and tires rotated/changed once. This car has been a sigh of relief in having the confidence this car will not break down. I realize that no car will not run into problems with regular maintenance performed. But, so far this is the most reliable car I have ever purchased. In one year alone I put up 55,000 miles on my Avalon with only a battery change. If youre in outside sales, having to keep every appointment, this is the car for you. Luxury & reliability, this Avalon will be the last car I will ever have to purchase.

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  Toyota Avalon 1999 XLS - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By Ron - November 6 - 9:43 pm

  This vehicle has been my best auto purchase to date considering I paid $15900 in the summer of 2002 with approximately 48000 miles after it came off a lease. It is very roomy and luxurious plus it gets decent gas mileage in Southern California traffic @ 23 mpg! On the freeway with no a/c it gets 29 mpg. The construction is very sturdy and it has only required normal replacement of 4 tires, battery,platinum spark plugs and brake pads. The only unusual replacement item was the coil pack which I installed myself becuse the dealer cost was outrageous. Id recommend buying the Haynes repair manual to all!

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  All I was looking for and more! - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By WunDBar - November 2 - 3:53 pm

  Weve had our XLS since August (1700mi) and love it! Bought it at $400 under invoice. Tough decision between the Lucerne and the Avalon as Ive always bought GM, but dont regret it in the least. The Buick is nice, nearly identical feature to feature, and had a larger trunk, but the 3.8L engine and 4-spd transmission did not compare to the Toyotas 3.5hp and 5-spd in power and smoothness. 3.8L was the same setup as my 97 Bonneville, bulletproof but not as refined as one would expect in the Lucerne. The Avalon handles well, has oodles of power, is very comfortable on long trips, has plenty of room for the family, and great looks to boot. Id recommend it to anyone!

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  Disappointed - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By harmonyrn - November 1 - 1:36 pm

  The seats in this Avalon are terrible, more uncomfortable than you can imagine. Why would a designer put all kinds of seams in a car seat? The steering is also "hard", not smooth like in our 2003 Avalon. It feels like Im driving a Mack truck. The radio sounds like an old transistor AM radio - tinny and poor quality. Ive also had major problems with merging onto interstates from entrance ramps; sometimes I wonder if Ill make it without being rear ended by a car 1/4 mile behind me. The pick-up is not reliable. Cabin noise is very loud on interstates, mostly from moonroof. Overall, if you are a small woman who is looking for comfort and a great car for road trips, the 2007 Avalon is not it.

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  Nice car but that darned sun roof - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Bug-Man - November 1 - 7:46 am

  Other than problems with the sunroof its a great car, 36 mpg on the interstate, plenty of room and a huge trunk, smooth ride, handles great..