The highway ride is much nicer than the previous models probably because this Avalon is five inches longer and looks much more aerodynamic. From the side the car looks similar to the Prius, but is much more powerful in appearance. However, it still has that bland styling that makes it invisible except for those in the know. Toyota is not going to sell these to new consumers based on its looks, but once they drive the Avalon it is a sure bet they are going to create another headache for domestic manufactures. In fact, this is about as an Americanized vehicle that Toyota offers right down to the fake dual-exhaust, a first from this company.
My overall impression of the Avalon was that here is finally a vehicle that bridges the gap between luxury and the middle class paycheck. You can get to 60 mph in less than seven seconds, a range that the six cylinder BMW and Mercedes models occupy, and yet it comes in under the average new car transaction price of $28,000. I didn't like the seats because I prefer those that hold you rather than just accommodate you, but they were comfortable. Our test car had the heated and cooled seats and they worked. What was nicer was that the fan noise when they were running was not as loud as on other models. I take pleasure in such small comforts. The heater and air conditioning units were easy to operate and moderate.
One option we never grew to love, but to appreciate was the Smart Key. The Avalon can sense this key when it is in your possession and automatically opens the doors once you touch the handle. Once inside all you have to do to ignite the 3.5-liter engine is touch the Start button. No key is needed, but one is provided just in case. Pressing the same button also stops the engine.
Since it is a front-wheel-drive there is a lot of weight on the front wheels, which distracts from its tossability. The front struts and L-shaped lower control arms combine with the multi-link and strut suspension in the back are set for balance rather than performance. The rack-and-pinion steering does not provide the feedback I like, as it is clear that comfort and quiet are what this Avalon is all about.
The five speed automatic transmission does it transmitting with quiet efficiency. Until the car shifts into fifth, or overdrive, there is very little drop in rpms as the car accelerates through the gears. On the open road relaxed is the word that comes to mind in describing the Avalon. In town its bulk and reduced rear vision caused by the high trunk make it more of a handful, but its nothing that an owner cannot learn to accept after a week or two.
Young working woman's view: My first impression was that this was a really big car. I was not enamored of its looks. I rode in the backseat for a while and it didn't take long to notice that this was something special. It was like being in the living room. Everything was nice; plenty of space, and you could carry on a conversation easily. When I did finally rankle the Smart Key from the old folks I took it for a ride and was won over. Although the 38 feet turning radius isn't great, it still did not make parking the Avalon a problem. The engine was trustworthy and I found you could easily manual shift it by just tapping the lever. It really wasn't necessary though, as the transmission does such a fine job itself. The lack of vibration is due in fact to the active control engine mount that help to cancel the motions of the engine at idle.
The engine pulls nearly silently, shifting just below the 6200 rpm redline. The four valves per cylinder, double overhead-cam engine with extensive aluminum portions, is nothing short of a engineering masterpiece giving you 280 horsepower while getting EPA figures of 22 /30 mpg. Around town I got close to 22 and on the highway it stayed close to 27. If I used the laser cruise control it rose to 30 at times. That cruise control system uses the laser to detect vehicles in front of the Avalon and automatically slows the car to retain a safe distance. If you travel the highways frequently, this is a must have option.
My overall impression of the Avalon was that here is finally a vehicle that bridges the gap between luxury and the middle class paycheck. You can get to 60 mph in less than seven seconds, a range that the six cylinder BMW and Mercedes models occupy, and yet it comes in under the average new car transaction price of $28,000. I didn't like the seats because I prefer those that hold you rather than just accommodate you, but they were comfortable. Our test car had the heated and cooled seats and they worked. What was nicer was that the fan noise when they were running was not as loud as on other models. I take pleasure in such small comforts. The heater and air conditioning units were easy to operate and moderate.
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| 2005 Toyota Avalon |
Since it is a front-wheel-drive there is a lot of weight on the front wheels, which distracts from its tossability. The front struts and L-shaped lower control arms combine with the multi-link and strut suspension in the back are set for balance rather than performance. The rack-and-pinion steering does not provide the feedback I like, as it is clear that comfort and quiet are what this Avalon is all about.
The five speed automatic transmission does it transmitting with quiet efficiency. Until the car shifts into fifth, or overdrive, there is very little drop in rpms as the car accelerates through the gears. On the open road relaxed is the word that comes to mind in describing the Avalon. In town its bulk and reduced rear vision caused by the high trunk make it more of a handful, but its nothing that an owner cannot learn to accept after a week or two.
Young working woman's view: My first impression was that this was a really big car. I was not enamored of its looks. I rode in the backseat for a while and it didn't take long to notice that this was something special. It was like being in the living room. Everything was nice; plenty of space, and you could carry on a conversation easily. When I did finally rankle the Smart Key from the old folks I took it for a ride and was won over. Although the 38 feet turning radius isn't great, it still did not make parking the Avalon a problem. The engine was trustworthy and I found you could easily manual shift it by just tapping the lever. It really wasn't necessary though, as the transmission does such a fine job itself. The lack of vibration is due in fact to the active control engine mount that help to cancel the motions of the engine at idle.
The engine pulls nearly silently, shifting just below the 6200 rpm redline. The four valves per cylinder, double overhead-cam engine with extensive aluminum portions, is nothing short of a engineering masterpiece giving you 280 horsepower while getting EPA figures of 22 /30 mpg. Around town I got close to 22 and on the highway it stayed close to 27. If I used the laser cruise control it rose to 30 at times. That cruise control system uses the laser to detect vehicles in front of the Avalon and automatically slows the car to retain a safe distance. If you travel the highways frequently, this is a must have option.