NEW TOYOTA AVALON
Determine your next new TOYOTA AVALON at http://www.usednewcars.com! Click here to get a list of all vehicles that fall within the sedan category.
Car and Driver website visitor rankings:
 |
| Here's how our visitors have reviewed this vehicle. |
 |
Average Rating |
| Overall |
8.85 |
 |
| Vehicle Styling |
7.74 |
|
| Braking |
8.79 |
|
| Handling |
7.72 |
|
| Fuel Economy |
7.9 |
|
| Interior Comfort |
8.67 |
|
| Acceleration |
8.95 |
|
| Dependability |
9.21 |
|
| Fit and Finish |
8.23 |
|
| Transmission |
8.67 |
|
| Ride |
8.81 |
|
| Rating Scale: 1= worst 10= best
|
| To read other User Road Tests or to submit your own review click here |
(Read more of Car and Driver's review here)
| Editors'' Review |
 |
 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Toyota''s answer to the classic American full-size sedan is, not surprisingly, smooth, comfortable and a bit on the bland side.
Pros
Lexus-like quality, smooth V6 engine, huge rear seat.
Cons
High price tag, bland personality.
What''s New for 2004
Electronic stability and traction control are now optional on base XL models.
Overview
Introduction:
It would seem buyers of full-size sedans generally aren''t interested in character. Most big four-doors are dull pieces of machinery to look at and a snooze to drive. The beauty in such a vehicle lies in what it can do for the customer in terms of providing space for people and things without compromising the ride or occupant comfort. It should look upscale, but not gaudy, providing just enough glitz and luxury to let others know you have achieved a degree of success in life. Finally, such a vehicle must also be reliable and able to handle years of daily-driver tasks without so much as a whimper. Since its introduction in 1995, the Toyota Avalon has fit this description: bland as egg whites, but solid, roomy and dependable. It''s a popular seller and often exceeds the full-size sedan buyer''s expectations. Sure, the price is higher than offerings from Detroit like the Buick LeSabre and Mercury Grand Marquis, but unflappable quality doesn''t come cheap. Want a Lexus but need six-passenger capacity or huge amounts of rear legroom? The Avalon is your car.
 |
For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The full-size four-door Avalon sedan is based on the previous-generation Camry platform, and it shares the latter''s main mechanical components. There are two trim levels from which to choose: XL and XLS. The XL trim comes standard with basics like dual-zone climate control, cruise control, a CD player, a multifunction information display and power locks and windows. The XLS is the more luxurious version, and comes loaded with extras such as a premium JBL audio system, HomeLink, remote keyless entry, heated outside mirrors, automatic dual-zone climate control and aluminum wheels. The Avalon can be ordered with front bucket or bench seats trimmed in either leather or cloth upholstery. Other options, depending on trim, include a premium audio system with an in-dash six-disc CD changer, a driver-seat memory feature, heated front seats, a sunroof and a DVD-based navigation system.
Powertrains and Performance:
A 3.0-liter V6 engine powers the Avalon; equipped with variable valve timing, this V6 offers good fuel economy and power. It produces 210 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque transmitted to the front wheels through a four-speed automatic. These horses are more than enough for city driving and highway passing and owners can expect acceleration from 0-to-60 mph to take about 8 seconds. EPA estimates are 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
Safety:
The car earned a crash test rating of "Good" (the highest possible) from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In frontal impact testing, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Avalon four out of a possible five stars for driver and front-passenger protection. In side-impact testing, the Avalon earned four stars for front-occupant protection and a perfect five stars for the rear. Side airbags are standard, and Toyota''s Vehicle Skid Control is available on both trims; this system includes traction and stability control systems that can reduce the chance of hazardous skids along with a BrakeAssist system that detects emergency braking and applies supplemental pressure to reduce stopping distances.
|
For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Toyota''s full-size car is great for transporting people and luggage. While billed as a six-passenger car with the front bench, the middle front occupant doesn''t have much legroom. We recommend getting an Avalon with the comfortable and supportive bucket seats unless there is genuine need for six-passenger seating. The trunk holds 15.9 cubic feet of cargo, and there is a locking pass-through door behind the rear seat.
|
For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Road and wind noise is minimal thanks to thick side glass and substantial sound-deadening materials. Once moving, the Avalon''s light steering and soft suspension make for comfortable long-distance cruising. It isn''t a particularly interesting car to drive, so drivers wanting a bit of involvement will be disappointed. But if all you''re looking for is roomy, dependable and comfortable transportation with a minimum of hassle, the Avalon will serve you well.
|
For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
[ UsedNewCars.com ] [ Information Index ] [ Site Map ]
[ TOYOTA Information Index ] [ SEDAN Information Index ]
|
