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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  I am so very happy with our choice!!!!!! - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Wines - July 22 - 1:43 am

  We spent many months studying what was available in full-size sedans (I wanted a Cadillac). After 18 months of ownership, we are so pleased about our beautiful Avalon! We get compliments all the time. We live in mountains, but still maintain mid-20 mpg; a road trip easily gets us 35 mpg! I get the comfort of a Cadillac, but for considerably less cost, and definitely better mpg! Im still not sold on leather upholstery, but that is just me. We would recommend this car to anyone looking for a full size car: beauty, great gas mileage, comfort, luxury feel but for less money; A great car!!!!

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  Awesome - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By GELAM - July 22 - 12:03 am

  I have had a 2000 and a 2002 Avalon. This is by far the best yet and the most beautiful. The interior is gorgeous as well as the new exterior design. I have a white limited with light gray interior.

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  Cruise Control --- Warnings --- Dashboard --- etc. - 2018 Toyota Avalon
  By bhs67 - July 19 - 9:48 pm

  Toyota 2018 Avalon Limited ... 5,931 miles ... purchased four months ago, Aug 2017 -------------------------------------------------- Cruise Control 1. "Set" the cruise control to 35 mph (freeway construction zone). Accelerate (with the foot accelerator) to 70 mph after the construction zone (do not change the cruise control while accelerating). Set the cruise control. The car hits the brakes and slows to 35 mph. This could lead to multiple rear end collisions. 2. "Set" the cruise control to 55 mph. When traveling down a gradual slope ... the car brakes for a second ... then accelerates for a second ... then brakes for a second ... then accelerates for a second. The transmission shifts through three gears, up and down (per a service tech who monitored with his computer). The steepness of the slope may modify the times. It may be an engineering achievement to maintain 1 mph precision, but it kills gas mileage. 3. On a recent trip, the cruise control stopped working. There was a warning light with a message that the cruise control is "not available". The next day the cruise control started working again. 4. On the same trip, the tach jumped to 3,000 rpm at 70 mph. Canceling the cruise control, and restarting cruise control, did not make a difference. A few hours later it was back at 2,000 rpm. Also kills gas mileage. -------------------------------------------------- Warnings 5. a) The door is opened, the engine is running, there is no warning sound. b) The door is opened, then the engine is shut off, there is a warning sound. Normally a warning sound indicates something else is wrong. In this case, there is nothing wrong. -------------------------------------------------- Dashboard 6. The gas gauge light is dim. Can barely see during the day. 7. The A/C On / Off light ... Auto light ... cruise control ... etc. ... are dim. Can barely see during the day. 8. There are no knobs (only touch screen buttons) to change the heater / air conditioner. The driver must take eyes off of the road to adjust the temperature. 9. Must take off gloves to change the heater / air conditioner. -------------------------------------------------- Headlights 10. The headlights, in the auto mode, jump from high beam to low beam every few seconds ... even when it is midnight ... and there are no other cars on the road. I suspect it is the reflectors on the side of the road. -------------------------------------------------- Fog Lights 11. There are no fog lights. -------------------------------------------------- Misc 12. The passenger side rear seat door speaker has a distorted sound ... the dealer plans to replace. 13. The key fob does not always work to open the trunk. 14. Only two cup holders. 15. Too much bass on AM radio ... difficult to understand people speaking (unlike our Honda). Minimizing the bass does not help. -------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------

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  97 AVALON - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By Janina Deppe - July 19 - 2:13 pm

  Other than standard maintenance we have had little or no work done on this car. A few weeks ago we had our first problem (after six and a half years of owning the car) which was a rack and pinion issue and was corrected. We chose a bench instead of a bucket seat to get more seating which was important at the time of purchase but isnt a nice feature. The tan exterior and interior leather are not very attractive. I wish we opted for the wood trim and sunroof options as well. Excellent reliable car and my six foot seven cousin sat in the back seet and said it was the first time he could do that comfortably in any car!

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  Great car but too pricey!!! - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By sltucker - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I traded a 2001 Chrysler 300M on my 2002 Avalon XLS. It was like going from a nightmare to a great dream. This vehicle drives good, is comfortable, and is a much better made vehicle than the Chryslers...

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  Why isnt this car talked about more? - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By q45samuel - July 8 - 10:33 pm

  Hello, I traded a paid-off 01 7 series BMW for my 05 Avalon limited. I really lost on the deal, but something seemed so right after I test drove this used Avalon. 2 years later, Ive installed an iPod connect and changed the oil twice. Though I no longer Wonder what needs repaired when I drive off, I now smile. This ava limited is my friend. The air conditioner is nice, seats are comfortable, audio and ride do what theyre supposed to do, so I ask why isnt this car mentioned more for its qualities? a true sleeper I thought, for I live in a upper middle-class neighborhood, and the Avalon seems to be everywhere. Toyotas are around, but the Avalon is everywhere. This may be my last car

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  Could be great car - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Don - July 1 - 12:30 am

  Responsive engine and lots of good and convenient features. Gets good mileage for a big car. Not too big for "an around town car." Only beef is the car wanders/tracks the rain grooves on a concrete freeway at freeway speed. Feels like youre hydroplaning. Dealer and Toyota of America say this is a "characteristic" of the car and there is no fix. Long distance driving leaves me up tight and hanging on for dear life.

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  07 avalon limited - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Bill - June 26 - 10:30 am

  Quiet ride. Has much more overall room inside than my previous vehicle (Camry.) More horsepower and I have no initial complaints.

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  You dont need a limited - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By JOHN D. - June 23 - 3:53 pm

  I waited to long to find a 2010 xls with the color that I wanted they were gone but there a few used demo models they had to many miles 3000 plus on them. I guess when Toyota offered a $3000.00 rebate this made the 2010 a lot better buy. My new 2011 Limited has alot of things that most people( myself included) would be better off with out. 1. the vented seats the holes are ugly and get dirty real fast. 2. the new dash gauge is hard to read the gear selection drive (D) is between two small circles. 3. why does the odometer go in large numbers 10-30-50-70-90-110 and so on in twenty (20) mile per hour increments, very hard to judge speed between. 4.The navigation outdated.

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  Cream puff - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By jp tang - June 22 - 7:13 am

  Extremely quiet running and is very comfortable and very reliable. An excellent car.