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 a Perfect Car! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By BigMac2000 - May 28 - 7:06 am

  I drive a lot for a living and the need for a large comfortable car with good gas mileage was key. The Toyota Avalon was the solution. It is a great car! Ton of room, great ride, quiet (for the most part), great gas mileage, stylish but... The front seat is not the most comfortable (I bought an additional lumbar support), the transmission has a very defined sticking point or "jerk" as one writter put it, between 1st and 2nd gear, the stereo needs to have a little more zest (I wanna rock!). But all in all a great car!

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  Try a Buick Lucerne - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Dino - May 25 - 2:36 am

  I am in the shopping process & have driven nearly every competitor & rate the Buick Lucerne as the best in this class overall. The Avalon does not offer the Blind side warning system, chrome wheels & the trunk is much smaller than the Lucerne which costs less w/the discounts available. The Avalon is faster but the exterior look is dated & not as impressive in my opinion as the Lucerne. Ford is out of the game w/their ugly Taurus which has an almost useless trunk & such poor visibility that it is a wonder the NTSB allows it on the road? The foreign buck boards are reserved for the road & track people.

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  Great Family Car - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Avalong - May 22 - 7:33 pm

  I had to run from the hurricane with my invalid mother, pregnant daughter and 17 yr old son. We were all comfortable during the 1200 mile trip to and from. The car was quiet, comfortable and on interstate the gas mileage was great. there are some "blind" spots when you are travelling faster than normal on the interstate that you need to watch out for.

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  Looked at everything - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Physco - May 19 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I looked at lots of options, attended car shows, read available information and spent 1.5 years before making our decision to buy our Avalon. Since we keep our vehicles longer than 10 years, we are careful when making our decisions to purchase. Our 2nd place choices were the Acura (much less interior room) and the Lexus RX300. We are certain this was the best choice considering the cost of ownership and our tastes.

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  What a Car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Just Me - May 16 - 7:43 am

  With 10,000 miles behind me, Im still in awe driving what I consider to be the best car I have ever owned. Even though its heavier then the 04 it gets better gas mileage. I havent had one problem with this car. When I get into some of my friends cars, a Mercedes or Acura RL (no room in back seat) I cant understand why they cost more. This is the best bargain out there, and trust me, its a luxury car minus the name plate. Maybe we should keep this to ourselves so Toyota doesnt jack the price up. What a smooth riding car.

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  Johns Avalon - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Limited - May 13 - 10:20 pm

  Excellent car and fantastic mileage. I dont like the look of the car from the rear however.

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  The Best Buick that Buick never made - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Russ Day - May 11 - 10:00 pm

  The 2007 Cassis Pearl Avalon purchased in September, 06 is wonderful car to drive. Highway fuel economy regularly exceeds 28 MPG with overall fuel economy always better than 24 MPG. The Touring edition has a suspension suited to my driving style. I have had no problems to date with just over 5,000 miles. I replaced a 2000 Avalon XLS and the 2007 Touring model is larger, more powerful, and gets better fuel economy.

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  A comfortable powerful cruiser - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By tblewy - May 9 - 6:50 am

  A very comfortable highway cruiser with good safety features and gas mileage. We love this car for its space, comfort level driving ease. Long trips are much less tedious than in the old (1997) Intrepid although it is a nice car it is not near the equal of this new Avalon.

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  2006 Avalon Limited - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By temo - May 6 - 11:46 pm

  Very comfortable ride, quiet, controls are excellent (size-shape).

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  The Mighty Avalon - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By cardodger - May 5 - 9:18 pm

  I purchased my XLS used with 175,000 miles on it. I was looking for reliability, safety, and a low payment vehicle that could help me while I paid of credit cards. The car has been reliable, comfortable, and a pleasure to own. Everyone wants me to do the driving when a group is going somewhere and no-one thinks it has the mileage that it does (200K+ now). I keep getting the urge to look at other cars that might be more sporty or fun to drive but look at the reviews and issues with other cars and cant think of anything more fun than having had no problems at all with this terrific car. I would recommend it to anyone who needs to drive - any distance...