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:

• 

  2005 Toyota XLS - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By susanne sullivan - August 2 - 7:00 pm

  This is the first Toyota I have owned. I am extremely pleased with the car-the ride is smooth, the engine is quiet yet powerful and without problems. My family is tall, ranging from 510" to 6 6" and everyone has commented on the generous leg room in the back seat without having to sacrifice leg space in the front.

• 

  too early to give accurate review - 2015 Toyota Avalon
  By tom - July 31 - 6:07 pm

  have the car about 1 month- i believe most people will be satisfied- i think it looks good, has a nice interior for its class and was reasonably priced- it seems to me it is truly a car that is really not a luxury car but is also a step up from the ordinary

• 

  We Love our Avalon - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Donna - July 31 - 4:10 am

  We love our new Avalon! It drives and handles beautifully. It is extremely quiet inside the vehicle and there is plenty of room for my three children in the backseat.

• 

  The best non-lux car - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By First trial - July 19 - 8:00 am

  Pros: fuel eco, great interior look, smart key, strong A/C, laser cruise, memory seat, smooth, quiet. Cons: Navigation hard to master, smart key is still "stupid", such as it does not have auto lock functions when you get out of car.

• 

  2011 Cocoa Bean Limited - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By John - July 15 - 3:30 pm

  Just purchased my first Avalon. Ive been looking at them for a couple of years. The 2011 has everything I wanted and then some. Smooth and quite ride, with the best sound system on the market. Ive owned a Sienna and a Prius and am now trading in a Honda CR-V. Look forward to enjoying many comfortable miles on the highway.

• 

  Dad Got His Way! - 2015 Toyota Avalon
  By Chris Smith - July 12 - 10:48 pm

  Ive owned two Mercedes (Purchased new_ and two Caddies (purchased new) and this car compares very well with both of at less cost and certainly no sacrifice in looks.

• 

  Clock of Avalon is a big disappointment - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By sl465 - July 10 - 8:54 pm

  Everything seems to be perfect with 2013 Avalon. But, unfortunately, the clock is awful, to say the least. It is not digital, and you can only read 3, 6, 9, and 12 oclock, or 15, 30, and 45 minutes. In-between there are no marks. So, one literally has to stare at the clock for a minute to judge the positions of hour and minute handles in order to figure out the exact time. A clock inside a car should be functional not for decoration purpose, because when one is driving on the highway, he has only microseconds to read the clock without causing an accident. It is totally beyond me why Toyota "design" a clock that people cant read the time from.

• 

  Love this Car - 2010 Toyota Avalon
  By Patrick-Seattle - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this, brand new, 30K, there is not a nicer car for the money on the road. Had an 03 745IL, and this compares very favorably. Nice power, quite ride, bluetooth works great, fun to drive. Ventilated seats are a great addition. I may not have the same "status" as the BMW or a Lexus, but for the money this is a crazy good car.

• 

  Nice car - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By William - July 7 - 12:21 am

  Fun to drive. Have very problems

• 

  MyReview - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Chaunceyf - July 6 - 10:00 am

  My second time around with an Avalon!