In a sense, the Toyota Avalon is a big, sophisticated car with the simple goal of bringing its owners a taste of the motoring high-life. With a focus on value, affordability and reliability, the Avalon takes a place in the Toyota product portfolio above the Camry as a large sedan with the markets most sought-after features, handsome styling and a busload of luxury. Shoppers after a no-nonsense used luxury sedan will likely gravitate towards the 2005 to 2010 Avalon-- which has just been given a major update and makeover for the 2011 model year.
Here’s how Avalon pans out in the used market. All models get a 3.5 litre V6 engine and automatic transmission between the fenders. Front wheel drive is the only driveline setup available, and horsepower is rated between 268 and 280, depending on the year selected. Interestingly, the earlier Avalons got the higher horsepower ratings-- before changes to the rating system reduced reported output slightly. Note that a six-speed automatic transmission was standard from 2008 and onwards-- offering improved mileage and performance.
Avalon was no slouch when it came to features and hardware. Available were a CD-changer equipped JBL stereo system, heated leather seating, a sunroof, heated mirrors, tire pressure monitoring, filtration-equipped automatic climate control and a self-dimming rearview mirror. A Bluetooth phone interface and DVD-based navigation system were available, too.
Shoppers can also look for wood grain trim, metallic and aluminum accents and an upscale, high-end cabin atmosphere.
In the used market, earlier Avalons in this generation were given XLS and Touring trim levels, representing well-equipped and very well-equipped models, respectively. After a few years, the Avalon came only in XLS trim-- and further hardware was specified via add-on option packages.
Avalon owners tend to rave first and foremost about the roominess, comfort, luxury and high-quality feel of their machines. Most comment positively on the Avalon’s comfortable and quiet highway drive, saying the car is an excellent companion on longer trips. Additionally, most owners who have taken to the internet to share their Avalon ownership story say they’re impressed with the acceleration, highway cruising mileage and overall bang-for-the-buck.
There’s a lot of love for the Avalon from most owners. One even sums up her car by saying “this is a great car, a great value for the money, and a wonderful treat”.
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| 2009 Toyota Avalon XLS (Photo: Toyota) |
Here’s how Avalon pans out in the used market. All models get a 3.5 litre V6 engine and automatic transmission between the fenders. Front wheel drive is the only driveline setup available, and horsepower is rated between 268 and 280, depending on the year selected. Interestingly, the earlier Avalons got the higher horsepower ratings-- before changes to the rating system reduced reported output slightly. Note that a six-speed automatic transmission was standard from 2008 and onwards-- offering improved mileage and performance.
Avalon was no slouch when it came to features and hardware. Available were a CD-changer equipped JBL stereo system, heated leather seating, a sunroof, heated mirrors, tire pressure monitoring, filtration-equipped automatic climate control and a self-dimming rearview mirror. A Bluetooth phone interface and DVD-based navigation system were available, too.
Shoppers can also look for wood grain trim, metallic and aluminum accents and an upscale, high-end cabin atmosphere.
In the used market, earlier Avalons in this generation were given XLS and Touring trim levels, representing well-equipped and very well-equipped models, respectively. After a few years, the Avalon came only in XLS trim-- and further hardware was specified via add-on option packages.
Avalon owners tend to rave first and foremost about the roominess, comfort, luxury and high-quality feel of their machines. Most comment positively on the Avalon’s comfortable and quiet highway drive, saying the car is an excellent companion on longer trips. Additionally, most owners who have taken to the internet to share their Avalon ownership story say they’re impressed with the acceleration, highway cruising mileage and overall bang-for-the-buck.
There’s a lot of love for the Avalon from most owners. One even sums up her car by saying “this is a great car, a great value for the money, and a wonderful treat”.
 |
| 2009 Toyota Avalon XLS (Photo: Toyota) |