The ride is plush and comfortable with a sporty edge (something quite unexpected for this car). The Avalon actually feels agile, especially considering its size. Steering is light and easy and reasonably precise. The low 0.29 coefficient of drag helps with fuel consumption and greatly reduces general wind noises. There was however some wind penetration through a door seam on the front passenger side. There were also a few rattles that appeared to originate from the rear deck.
On two separate occasions, I was glanced at by two Lexus LS owners. This made me realise that this car could represent the used Lexus that someone is looking for, except with a full warranty but without the Lexus badge. Interestingly, four young men (ages 20 to 25) asked me numerous questions about the car and some of its specs. I was taken aback by their fascination with the Avalon.
Safety
The Avalon has standard dual front, side air bags and side curtain air bags, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution, available stability and traction control and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the car 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result) for both front passengers in a frontal impact. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has not yet crash tested the Toyota Avalon.
Conclusion
The Avalon is a great pseudo-luxury cruiser. It is actually a nicer car than the Lexus ES330 in my opinion and it is more powerful and has roomier rear quarters. It is a quiet, luxurious and comfortable place to be in for a long drive. It proves that Toyota can build cars that are enjoyable to drive and reliable. Toyota has always enjoyed a very good reputation and this one will certainly measure up.
This car is actually one of the surprises of the year for me. When I test drive a BMW, I expect it to perform like a BMW. When I take a vehicle for a ride and expect it to behave like something my retired father would buy and it blows my socks off, I cannot help but be impressed. Those that are looking for a luxury car, stop into your Toyota dealer and take this one fo
r a spin.
Good stuff:
Great engine
Splendid cabin
Not so good stuff:
Rear visibility
Spongy brake pedal
Competitors:
Nissan Maxima
Kia Amanti
Lexus ES 330
Chrysler 300 Limited
On two separate occasions, I was glanced at by two Lexus LS owners. This made me realise that this car could represent the used Lexus that someone is looking for, except with a full warranty but without the Lexus badge. Interestingly, four young men (ages 20 to 25) asked me numerous questions about the car and some of its specs. I was taken aback by their fascination with the Avalon.
Safety
 |
Conclusion
The Avalon is a great pseudo-luxury cruiser. It is actually a nicer car than the Lexus ES330 in my opinion and it is more powerful and has roomier rear quarters. It is a quiet, luxurious and comfortable place to be in for a long drive. It proves that Toyota can build cars that are enjoyable to drive and reliable. Toyota has always enjoyed a very good reputation and this one will certainly measure up.
This car is actually one of the surprises of the year for me. When I test drive a BMW, I expect it to perform like a BMW. When I take a vehicle for a ride and expect it to behave like something my retired father would buy and it blows my socks off, I cannot help but be impressed. Those that are looking for a luxury car, stop into your Toyota dealer and take this one fo
 |
Good stuff:
Great engine
Splendid cabin
Not so good stuff:
Rear visibility
Spongy brake pedal
Competitors:
Nissan Maxima
Kia Amanti
Lexus ES 330
Chrysler 300 Limited
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