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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  ALMOST PERFECT - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Hank Martin - February 8 - 10:00 am

  This car is so good that I bought a 2002 Avalon XL with the leather luxury package for my wife. She is very pleased with her car. The car is very comfortable with the electric seats and lumbar support on the drivers side. Its appeal seems to be to older drivers who upgrade from the Toyota Camry as we did. I am waiting for the new 2005 Avalon as I am interested in buying anouther one. I hope Toyota does not lessen its quality or change its platform as it did with the Camry when they changed the model.

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  the best car I have ever owned! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Tac, NY - February 7 - 6:53 am

  I purchased this car after reading Edmonds reviews and looking at the car in a car dealer. I used to drive Toyota and the last car I had was Mercedes. I have seen some poor ratings of Avalon in Edmonds but I have not seen any problems with my Avalon. The mileage of the car is currently 1400 ml. I love the smooth and quiet riding with a lot of extra HP.

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  2007 Toyota Avalon Limited - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By bojacm - February 5 - 4:26 pm

  This vehicle rides nice on a smooth road, however on a rough road with ruts, it follows the ruts and somewhere there is a rattle that is intermittent. If the wind is blowing, it wants to blow off the road with the wind. Sometimes I feel like a bobble head doll. The headliner is not flush with the back window and they have tried to fix it twice but now say it is in tolorance of their complaints. Paint is so soft, you cannot wash it without spider web scratches. Window wipers are so flimsy they leave streaks on the window right in the sight range and it is very distracting. Service rep said to use Rain X to have clean windshield.

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  Why does Toyota not want to fix issues - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By davisfm1 - February 4 - 4:41 am

  Bought a beautiful 2013 Toyota Avalon. Two weeks later noticed what appears to be defective piece on the dashboard. Toyota Corp and the dealership do not want to fix. Bought car 50 miles away from home and local dealership ask where I bought car from. The moral of this post is, dont buy car at night and make sure you love every inch when you drive it off the lot as Toyota is not really willing to stand behind any defect they may have left you with. Good product, Poor Customer support. Toyota should learn how to stand behind there product better!

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  Great Buy! - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By Morris Mandy - February 1 - 10:00 am

  This Avalon is the best car I have ever owned between my old Ford Taurus and my old, Honda Accord. Tgis car handles great is very comfortable and takes the bumps better then any casr I have ever seen.

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  Japanese Mercedes - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Ken - January 27 - 4:00 pm

  Did some serious research before making my purchase. No other automaker will give you as many options and value as the new Avalon Limited. Vented seats, Nav., laser cruise, reclining rear seats, keyless entry & start. The HID headlights and advanced airbag system is a standard safety feature. The craftmanship of the Avalons interior is very refined & luxurious. Gas mileage, handling and acceleration is excellent. Satellite radio to go along with the 360 watt JBL Audio System is a must. This new Avalon is fast and smooth. But easy-up on the seq. manual gear shifts, and just step on the gas with the auto shift.

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  Cracks in Dash - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By tacojoe1 - January 26 - 7:55 pm

  I am very disappointed in the dash on my 2006 Avalon. It has started to have hairline cracks everywhere. The car has 68000 miles and has always been garage kept. I went on the internet and found that many people have had the same problem. Toyota refuses to acknowledge the defect. I think that people should be made aware that this happens.

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  Niceeeee - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By rollindeep - January 25 - 11:13 pm

  Nice car, Huge interior

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  Great Vehicle - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By Silver Ride - January 24 - 11:30 pm

  Great and reliable vehicle. I drive 40k miles per year and only mechanical issue was to replace a starter once. I expect to get another 150k miles. One negative is I have had to replace the struts twice . I wish I had seen this page years ago as I had front noise for years that turned out to be the front strut holder that I finally had diagnosed and replace. Also the only safety issue is that the vehicle does not require you to put it in park first before you remove the key so that the vehicle could roll if you forget to put it in the park position.

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  One Fine Automobile - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By sayu - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This has got to be the sleeper sedan of all. Hard to find any articles or data, beyond what we owners write, about this vehicle. I tried to uncover something, anything, on this model, before I went shopping. Looked at many sedans. Our objective was to find one with lots of room, yet would be easy for around town mobility. We love room and comfort while on the road, and this car delivers in spades. Totally satisfied with this car. It has it all, if you can live with a spirited 6 cylinder, for half the price of some competitors.