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:

• 

  2007 Toyota Avalon XLS - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By trumpet - October 18 - 9:30 am

  This is my 3rd Avalon -1995, 2000, 2007. I didnt feel comfortable with the drive by wire acceleration. Two trips to the dealer where they scanned the computer didnt show anything. Finally, on Edmunds forum someone had TSB EG 029-07 regarding the tranny controller. Brought to the dealer with this info. The reprogrammed the controller and this fixed the problem.

• 

  Lovely Avy Touring 05 - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Touring05 - October 17 - 4:56 pm

  I have been driving this car for a year now and I like this car a lot. I am in love with this car, let me put it this way. I know that there are always some problems with any new car but its a small matter. For instance the shield between a spoiler and the trunk is somehow sticking out. The other thing is the frog light is loosening. Other than that its a great car. As you know its a big car and comfortable which I feel like I am in the living room especially when I am in the back seat with recliner. Also I think Its saved me gas with this big car and comfy. How can you beat that? Most importantly I like the power this car. its unbelievable but at the same time it rides like a lexus.

• 

  Best Car Ever - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Joe F. - October 7 - 5:56 am

  This is the first car Ive ever owned for six years and driven for over 60,000 miles, that I can still say drives just as well as the day I bought it. Ive had no problems from the beginning and can honestly say its the best car Ive owned in my 46 years of driving. I plan to keep it another 10 years and put at least another 100,000 miles on it.

• 

  Excellent value! - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By Bert - October 6 - 12:20 pm

  Just purchased for my college daughter - 150K miles - $4,250. Such a solid car. Very quiet, extra roomy, powerful V-6. As others have noted, it has suspension issues, sounds like a bucket of bolts on rough roads. Going in for suspension overhaul next week, should be set for another 100,000 miles. Little to no rust. Love the car! My wife and I own an 02 Avalon, so I was very happy to find a family-owned used one for my kid.

• 

  Everything you need... - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Chuck - October 5 - 5:36 pm

  This car has everything you need, and not much you dont. It is smooth, quiet, responsive, and has the little extras that make it a pleasure to drive. As with any car, you can find faults, but Toyota hit its mark integrating the elements of an expensive lexus in a reasonably priced package. Drivers will need to take a little time to learn the navigation system and make the adjustments for seats, lights, etc., but after that, its a quiet comfortable ride in a well- handling car with power when you need it.

• 

  Great Car, Would Buy Again - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By SHOW-ME-2 - October 4 - 9:53 pm

  We looked at a number of different cars before we bought this one and Im very happy we bought the Avalon. Usually you have to take a car back after you buy it for minor things, well after 6 months and 4,000 miles not one thing is wrong with this car. Its my wifes car and I cant get her out of it, she loves it.

• 

  Best Car Ever? - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By dave - October 4 - 5:36 pm

  I have the bench seat version which I highly recommend if you want even more space. I have over 134,000 miles on this car and have driven it for almost 6 years. No problems. None. Lucky me but I do take incredible care of this car. I love this car, probably why I take such good care of it. Elegant but for the price it was the best out there. So roomy and quiet and I love the styling. I didnt want to pay the Lexus price, you could say it is the poor mans Lexus but you dont cheat yourself. When Toyota redesigned the Avalon they screwed up big. This car is better than the new models for the price you will pay. Smooth to drive. I will keep this car as long as humanly possible.

• 

  I Love to Drive...THIS CAR! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By KBP - September 30 - 10:13 pm

  The most fun I have had in a long time. Finally sold my "oil tanker" SUV for something more fun and maneuver. The 3 point turns are back in my repetoire of driving. Yes, I at times I miss the cargo space. But again "at times".

• 

  Solid - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By the rock - September 29 - 5:33 pm

  Bought the demo with 8k miles on it for mama. She is completely satisfied and so am I. 33 mpg on the highway if you can believe that. That overall has been the most pleasant surprise. Considered the Lexus but why pay 10-15k more? This has all the features without the increase in price. The 08 is sleeker than the 11 and looks sharper.

• 

  My first Toyota - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Bill - September 29 - 1:26 am

  I bought it used a few weeks ago after much research, thought, and comparisons. I am 59 years old, and have owned many cars. My favorite up to this point was a 1998 Lincoln Continental. I had 90% decided the Avalon Touring was as close as I would ever get to my old continental, so I finally went to try one out. The minute I hit the highway, I knew this was the one. I couldnt be happier after three weeks and 1500 miles. Perfect car for me.