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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  2006 Avalon - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By bob pulone - October 24 - 8:56 am

  Love the car, needs a coin holder and better placed hook for hangers in rear. Car fogs up too easy also. Would buy another one.

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  LOST OIL, No indicator light came on - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Kmberly Roberson - October 23 - 1:50 pm

  I was very confident with my Toyota. Loved it and was so pleased that it was one of the best made. Then I drove home from work with only 36,077 miles on the car and left a trail of oil down my drive way, then oil ran out all over my drive way as the rubber hose oil line had burst. I had it towed in to the Toyota dealer and of course the warranty covered it as I had purchased an extended warranty. I am now not confident with the reliability of my car.

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  Function over Form - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By Blaze - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Better than average reliability, plenty of power and room for toting a family around town or long trips, good resale value...not going to win a beauty contest. Some quirks such as noise in front struts and sun roof and wheel balance issue from the start...Ive learned to turn up the radio and Toyota replaced the bad wheel. Only big surprise repair was the power steering rack recently ($1200)...disappointing.

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  Disappointed with a reliable name! - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By Robert M. - October 15 - 10:00 am

  Got this car about two years ago and have had a lot problems! great performance and comfort. very expensive to maintain. problems from first day of purchase! first year went through 5 break jobs! terrible front- end design. problems with front shocks and alignment, eventhough the vehicle has never been in an accident! very expensive to maintain! would never buy another one!

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  2000 Avalon Rattles - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By brownstone - October 15 - 10:00 am

  My 2000 avalon is an american car,Toyota is no longer japanese.The performance of this car above average.It has good power and acceleration.It is very comfortable and spacious.I havent had the car very long.This car could really use some interior inhancements.Riding on textured roads the inside rattles so bad you can not take peacful ride with the stereo off.The rattles are terrible.I have it at the dealership twice,they cant seem to quite the rattles.The car handles well,quite at highway speeds.Had to get the rotors turned.The car has only 38000 mi.The car accelerates abrutly out of turns.

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  Forever friend - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By mmars - September 22 - 9:12 am

  I bought my 1999 Toyota Avalon Platinum XLS in 2006. It had 99000 miles on it and this did not cause me alarm since I have had a Toyota Camry before. My Toyota Avalon now has 187,000 miles on it and is still running strong! I have had to put routine maintenence items, such as brakes, battery, tires, but other than that it is running like the day I bought it. I am looking at trading it off for something newer, not because I need to, just maybe wanting something newer. Trouble I am having is when I test drive other vehicles I am comparing it to my Avalon, so far all the "competitors" have lost. Gas mileage is still 24/28 hwy. Excellent choice and great car!

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  cove review - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By smith - September 20 - 10:36 pm

  This vehicle gets very good gas mileage. It has very good, get up and go power. With 80,000 miles, we have had no major mechanical incidents. We love the roomy trunk space, as well as the full size spare tire. The one negative: the trunk lid sounds like a piece of tin when one shuts it giving a sense of cheapness. Otherwise, an excellent purchase. Resale value is not yet known but we will know soon.

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  Should have stayed with Honda Accord - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By mary - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Very disapointed with the value for the dollars spent. Have had numerous trips to dealer for faulty airbag light, driver window failing several times and dealer unable to diagnose, suggested fix was to replace motor in door with no guarantee that this was the true problem, now right rear window wont work, struts are bad, door molding fell off, side molding came loose, trunk flooded from rain, cost $200 to replace gasket at dealer, heated seats work poorly, wonderfully riding car but not worth the money, would not buy another Toyota.

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  Let Down - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By TD - August 26 - 10:46 am

  This is my sixth Toyota and the reliability is very uncharacteristic compared to all the others. Major oil leak problem twice now makes the car completely unreliable. Also had a leak in the moon roof fixed. Continual problem with acceleration from a stop position corrected intermittently by a "computer reset". I think Im going to trade it in. Also the car was bumped in a parking lot, in the front right causing only a scuff to the bumper. The whole bumper had to be replaced as it connects to the blinker light wells and the motor splash guard underneath, which both cracked.

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  My Fathers Oldsmobile - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By JLF - August 22 - 2:13 pm

  Strong acceleration, good fuel economy, flaccid handling, isolation in the passenger compartment, roomy, luxury without pretense, lots of features, reasonable price, unpretentious styling, this is my fathers Oldsmobile.