2008 Toyota Avalon Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.45/5 Average
109 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

A midcycle refresh brings a six-speed automatic transmission (in place of last year's five-speed auto) and minor upgrades to the braking system. All 2008 Toyota Avalons have new headlamps, a revised front fascia and a more compact keyless remote, while the Limited gets chrome door handles. Inside, the wood-grain and metallic surface treatments are updated, while a nine-speaker audio system with an MP3-compatible CD changer and auxiliary audio jack is now standard on all models except the Limited. An eight-way power front passenger seat is included in the XLS and Limited, and the latter also comes with Bluetooth.

Pros:
  • Seats five adults in comfort, attractive cabin design with high-quality materials, composed and quiet ride, powerful and efficient V6, available upscale amenities, high crash-test scores.
Cons:
  • Expensive for its class, refined nature leaves little room for personality, rear seats do not fold.

User Reviews:

Showing 61 through 70 of 109.00
  • 2008 Toyota Avalon XLS 4dr Sedan - 2008 Toyota Avalon
    By -

    Bought mine in Jun 08. The car has a great ride and impeccable interior design. It is quiet and the seats are super comfy. I like the all-power seat options and the full-size spare tire. The bluetooth needs some re-working - it has too much static. The CD-changer and sound are great! The heated seats have been a lifesaver especially on those frigid winter mornings of NE PA. Theres so much leg room in this car- especially for the back seats (cramped back-seating is the reason I shied away from a Volvo. Fuel efficiency is not bad for a 3.5L engine- am averaging 25-28 mpg. BUT- the navigation is the worst! What was Toyota thinking!! Its awkward, difficult and tedious- and its not touchscreen

  • I am so very happy with our choice!!!!!! - 2008 Toyota Avalon
    By -

    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!!!!

  • Could be great car - 2008 Toyota Avalon
    By -

    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.

  • Not what I paid for/lemon - 2008 Toyota Avalon
    By -

    Since day one I am having transmission problems. The dealer keeps on saying there is nothing wrong with the vehicle, but there is. It slows down too quickly when your foot is removed from the gas pedal. Sooner or later I will be rear-ended. I am in arbitration now. I was told by a Toyota the tech to drive aggressively. That is against the law. As of now I am due for an arbitration hearing.

  • As advertised - 2008 Toyota Avalon
    By -

    I drove a 1996 Acura 3.2TL before buying the Avalon after comparing new Nissan Maxima, slightly used Acura RL 2006, slightly used Infiniti M35. What sold me was the comfortable and quiet ride and the available feature set. It didnt hurt that Toyota takes regular gas AND gets better mileage than other large cars. I dont understand the other reviewer citing difficulty with entry/exit into the car; seems like thats something one would notice prior to purchase and, if it is that significant of a problem, look elsewhere. The car rocks; great stereo, silky transmission, great power, bluetooth is easy to use, still learning navigation, but seems intuitive enough. Overall, A+

  • Lexus LS for less - 2008 Toyota Avalon
    By -

    I have owned a Lexus LS and recently purchased my Avalon. If you could close your eyes while driving it would be hard to tell your were in the Avalon. My family has owned Toyotas since 1971 and some members even drive the LS460. The Avalon is the LS430 in different clothing but performs, drives and rides the same with the exception of the V8 but the Avalon offers sufficient power with the large V6. Great fit and finish and the interior is like sitting in your easy chair.

  • 50% the cost of a Mercedes S550 - 2008 Toyota Avalon
    By -

    Half the cost of the 2007 Mercedes S550 I traded in for 2008 SL550, and every bit as good, useful, and performing. Roomy backseat and 4-doors is very comfortable for 4 adults.

  • Amazing Car to Drive! - 2008 Toyota Avalon
    By -

    Purchased this Avalon from family member, 79000 miles. Upon inspection my mechanic could not believe the condition of the vehicle for the amount of mileage. The quality and craftsmanship of this vehicle is the best that I have ever experienced. Whether around town (18 mpg) or on the highway (28 mpg), the performance of this car is outstanding. All the buttons and bells , except for on board navigation which I substitute with my own gps system. Incredible stereo system. Can not believe that this is a 2008.

  • Reliable, but... - 2008 Toyota Avalon
    By -

    This is a very reliable car; I didnt face any of the common problems I used to have with my previous Audi (window hanging, lamp fuse down, etc.). However, it is suitable for older people and a 29 year old like me will get bored of it fairly quickly. I have had this car for a year and I have already started looking.

  • Reliable, powerful, highway cruiser - 2008 Toyota Avalon
    By -

    Bought my XLS used with 120k, now has 190k. Repairs/maintenance - alternator, new battery, AC recharge, tires, oil changes, brake pads. thats it, just wear and tear stuff! .....Nav/JBL. Love the sound system, hate the Nav. Buttons to navigate the screen is ridiculously horrible. No car is perfect but I really like this car. ....Best features are comfortable highway cruiser. Great on gas, 31 hwy. takes regular gas. Quick car with powerful smooth engine. Quiet ride. Cavernous interior space. Reclining (slightly) rear seats. Big trunk. Very reliable, not expensive to service. Precise dual/auto climate controls. Dual AC charger. The cons- thin sheet metal, non folding side mirrors, blind spot, gas door and trunk door buttons next to each other and unlit. I get gas and pop the trunk open instead of the gas door. Weak paint, no radio volume level read out. Telescopic steering wheel needs to come out more. Dash cracks, weak rear defroster, ride to soft, handles like a boat, throttle response slow, loses throttle, hesitant turning mid way around a street corner. All cars have imperfections but still a great car.

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