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:
Showing 901 through 910 of 1,746.00-
Its a real beauty - 2001 Toyota Avalon
By Gary Tucker - December 1 - 10:00 amThis car has been my best experience with a Toyota product. Started with a 4 Runner then to a Camry XLS and now have the Avalon XLS which there is no comparison. I was also quite surprised with the gas mileage when using the cruise control. Makes a huge difference when traveling to use the cruise control.
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Not Happy - 2007 Toyota Avalon
By Bruce - November 19 - 9:23 amI have about 1200 miles on my new Avalon and it will be a while before I get used to it, if I do at all. I owned a 2000 Lincoln Towncar before this and the ride and comfort was much better. It also came standard with 6-way power seats on the passenger side, which you cant get in the Avalon. The wheel well is so tight you scrape your hands trying to clean them. The paint coat is so thin on the front it chips real easy, didnt have this problem with the Lincoln. I was getting 20/26 MPG with the Towncar and only get 2 MPG more with my Toyota. May go back to a Ford Product the next time. The joy stick on the navigation system is time consuming.
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Avalon Limited - 2005 Toyota Avalon
By Avalonbuyer - November 14 - 11:50 amThe 2005 Avalon Limited is a great vehicle at the right price. Lots of luxury accessories; smooth and quite ride; lots of interior room; and lots of truck space.
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First foreign car purchase - 2000 Toyota Avalon
By Matthew Rosenberger - November 14 - 10:00 amThis car is very confortable to sit in and smooth on the road. I had a Cadillac and that car doesnt even compare. The car is quiet and workmanship is solid. I always heard that people who have Toyotas drive them many miles and that cant be cant be said about American made products. Im sold on Toyota!
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Station Car - 2007 Toyota Avalon
By Jim - November 7 - 4:43 pmWe have the XLS with "mandatory" options VSC/traction control, JBL & heated seats. Have owned for two months, 1600 miles. Very good overall. 3 kids fit comfortably in the rear seat. No hump in the floor is a big advantage. Good acceleration, tight handling. No snow yet, thus jury is still out on VSC.
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Good car; could begreat with AWS - 2005 Toyota Avalon
By ND - November 5 - 2:20 am2005 Avalon XLS is an excellent car that could be great automobile with All Wheel Drive and improved braking and navigation system
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Big Bang For The Buck - 2005 Toyota Avalon
By David - November 4 - 4:43 pmOur goal was to find luxury under $40k. We compared and drove the Cadillac CTS and STS, they are overpriced and have smaller interiors surrounding the driver and passenger. The Buicks are also getting smaller and just looked like plastic cheapos inside. Lincoln LS is also small inside and overpriced. Lexus is great, we drove the RX and ES. The RX is roomy has all the bells and toys but had some road noise from the rear tires. The ES was the best for a quiet ride with all options, not real big inside but we could settle. The Avalon was out last test and it met all our criteria, roomy, pretty quiet, lots of toys and a deal at $35,287 (our negotiated price) Lexus was 1k more.
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Great car! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
By Bill - November 4 - 6:00 amI was all set to purchase an"05 Lexus ES330, but saw this car at the Detroit Auto Show. It was bigger, faster and got better mileage than the Lexus. I ordered it in Feb. and picked it up when I returned from a trip. So far I like everything about it. Its faster and more comfortable than my BMW 3 series was.
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2005 Avalon XLS - 2005 Toyota Avalon
By docdearth2 - October 31 - 12:40 amI compared this vehicle with the Acura TL and the Infiniti G-35. I would have been happy with any one of these three cars. The Avalon, however, is larger and has considerably more front and rear leg room for 4 passengers. The 280 hp engine is very powerful and smooth as is the ride. It has considerably more trunk space than the G-35 which is also quite a bit smaller. Value-wise I feel the Avalon is comparable with cars in the $40,000 range. The new styling is more sporty and not as stodgy as the older models. I had leased an Avalon previously in 1997, and found it to be an extremely reliable performer with a lot of comfort and conveniences. The newer model raises the bar even further.
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Whats up with the noise? - 2006 Toyota Avalon
By Steve - October 31 - 12:03 amThis car rattled when I bought it. Five attempts to fix the headliner rattle and it still rattles. This makes me suspicious of Toyota quality in the Avalon. The car has developed other squeaks and noises too. This is my first new Toyota and I expected more. On the positive side, I love the comfort and performance. I will try another one if Toyota will take this one back.
