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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  Wonderful - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By Doughh - August 8 - 10:00 am

  Great ride, handles well, very high quality.

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  A smelly car - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By freepak - July 17 - 7:52 pm

  This is my third Avalon and there is a definite design flaw. The car smells.

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  A Work in Progress - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By twinbridges - July 7 - 1:10 am

  My 2005 Avalon XLS has a lot of nice features including, lots of interior space, reclining rear seats, good visibility, as well as good power. It has wide easy entry doors. However, there is ample room for improvement. For example, the transmission and engine hesitate at low speed. The "stainless steel" exhaust leave rust spots on the garage floor. There is only one keyed entry on the car. The rear window has significant optical distortion. The windshield also has some also. The side mirrors are not breakaway like GMs so figure on buying at least one in the next 5 years at $340. The suspension system could be stiffened. You have difficulty reading the odometer in daylight.

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  Not as good as the 2001 model - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By roger d - July 6 - 4:23 pm

  Ive had this car for one month. Im only getting 27 mpg hwy while I got 31 in my old 2001 Avalon. The transmission does some weird things when going slow. Real jerky. Ride is nothing like my old one. Much rougher and the most annoying thing is engine noise. I admit I was spoiled with my last Avalon so maybe with time Ill adjust. They changed the way you change the oil and filter to deter you from doing it yourself. When you test drive one of these cars, ask to drive one of the 2004s or earlier and compare. Climb underneath and look for the oil filter. Its inside the engine now Im told. They replaced the steel pan under the front of the engine with some cheap plastic. Im not happy.

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  Toyota 2000 Avalon XLS - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Dan - July 6 - 4:13 pm

  Big car. Great when having friends or large family trips. 2000 Model looked good inside all controls convenient. Did not use sun roof but came with car. Skid control was not worth the extra I paid for it. Would not purchase that again even though I live in Northeast did not use it much. For 6 years most everything stayed intact and no problems. You have to love the interior room for everyone it is great! Also not that bad on gas. Had a very quiet ride. Into my 7th year things started falling apart. From 7th to 9th year replaced close to $1,300 in sensors over two years. Small parts started falling apart. Could not use mid grade had to stay with Premium or got poor performance. Leather not soft and plushy even started to wear a lot.

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  My Last toyota - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By Mackie - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I boutght toyota because of its reputation for quality. Havent had any problems unitl this year. I had to pay over $700 to get the climate control fixed. I plan on trading it off. No more Toyota cars for me.

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  POV from a minivan mom - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By hdd - July 3 - 11:10 am

  This is a beautiful car. I previously owned a Nissan Quest, so the transition to a car was tough. But the handling and styling on this car made up for the loss of space. Im surprised more people dont spend the extra money and upgrade from the Camry to the Avalon. It looks like a Lexus!

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  Steering Wheel always unlocking! - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By Mimi - May 26 - 10:00 am

  What a great disappointment with my 2009 Toyota Avalon limited. This is my first and last Toyota. Had the mat / sticking pedal situation be disclosed earlier when known, I would NEVER have gotten this car. My steering wheel unlocks a couple of times a week. Brought into service center and they couldnt find anything wrong! Driving along and steering wheel just drops!! Tried to get rid of car but no one wants it!! I thought Toyota held his value but with all the problems lately, its a 50% sale for trade-ins! Going to get rid of it as soon as I can!

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  Nice car spoiled by junk suspension - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By PMOT - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Nice, but not exciting, car with cheap clunky suspension. I didnt expect sporting suspension, but rather, a nice quiet ride. But every bump brings a symphony of clunks and rattles from the front and rear suspension. Unacceptable in a car in this class (Hyundai Sonata does a better job). Great mileage with high test in the tank (30mpg @ 75-80 on the Mass Pike). Reasonable performance. The 3 disk CD changer gets "tired" after several hours of play. Looks like most of the other homely, expensive Japanese sedans (except for Nissan now). Should have kept looking for a Maxima SE! You should too!

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  First Toyota - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By MD-80 - May 14 - 2:56 pm

  So far so good. Car seems dependable but not without its problems. Fuel mileage is not as stated (less than what Toyota claims). Takes several attempts to open the cover for radio and Nav, (have to push the buttons numerous times to open the cover). Nav is difficult due to having to use the "Enter" button constantly, older models were more intuitive. Difficult to find garage opener buttons on rear view mirror at night since they are not illuminated (neither are the buttons for the rear shade, trunk and fuel cap). Needs body side molding desperately to prevent dings and dents!