In my humble opinion, it’s even a little too much for the typical buyer, whose driver’s license rubs shoulders with a senior discount card. And especially for such a soft suspension, which squashed the Avalon down on its hind legs during enthusiastic acceleration, causing the wheels to slip slightly and the front end to sway unpleasantly.
Too bad.
Most drivers never stomp on the gas further than 60% of its travel, so it’s easy to forget the herd of ponies snorting under the hood. What’s more, the automatic transmission with sequential mode (even the Accord isn’t so lucky!) is so good at hiding gear shifts that you’d swear you’re driving but a humble touring sedan. Even the average fuel economy rating of this two-ton car, 11.4 L / 100 km, doesn’t hint at the exuberance of the V6.
Marketing choice
In the end, the Avalon needed these numbers (generous proportions, lusty engine, etc.) to pique the interest of its small gathering of hard-core enthusiasts that still thrill at the thought of driving a big ol’ car.
In my opinion, the Ford Taurus is a better choice: it’s just as spacious and offers an overtly more inspired and consistent drive. The little-known Hyundai Genesis is also an extremely interesting option – as well as a joy to behold and to drive. And considering the marginal sales of the Avalon, maybe Canadians have realized it too.
Too bad.
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| The Avalon’s beautiful profile really turns heads. The effective design definitely stirs up emotions, good or bad. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
Most drivers never stomp on the gas further than 60% of its travel, so it’s easy to forget the herd of ponies snorting under the hood. What’s more, the automatic transmission with sequential mode (even the Accord isn’t so lucky!) is so good at hiding gear shifts that you’d swear you’re driving but a humble touring sedan. Even the average fuel economy rating of this two-ton car, 11.4 L / 100 km, doesn’t hint at the exuberance of the V6.
Marketing choice
In the end, the Avalon needed these numbers (generous proportions, lusty engine, etc.) to pique the interest of its small gathering of hard-core enthusiasts that still thrill at the thought of driving a big ol’ car.
In my opinion, the Ford Taurus is a better choice: it’s just as spacious and offers an overtly more inspired and consistent drive. The little-known Hyundai Genesis is also an extremely interesting option – as well as a joy to behold and to drive. And considering the marginal sales of the Avalon, maybe Canadians have realized it too.
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