Avalon Reviews

[Proetus]

Chicago Tribune - Toyota fixes missteps with new Avalon

But in back, the limo-like leg, head and arm room puts some large luxury cars to shame.

Those who developed the snug rear cabin in the Cadillac STS sedan should check out Avalon. You could wear snowshoes and still not strike the backs of those front seats. And the rear seat backs recline for more relaxed long-distance travel.
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Responding to another gripe, that Avalon was less than fleet of foot, the 3-liter V-6 rated at 210 horsepower and 220 foot-pounds of torque has been replaced by a new V-6 rated at 280 h.p. and 260 foot-pounds of torque.

Avalon jogged down the road with the 3-liter, it sprints with the 3.5-liter. It responds much more quickly and smoothly to pedal input yet the mileage rating went up, to 22 m.p.g. city/31 m.p.g. highway from 21/29 with the old 3-liter. It helps, of course, that the 3.5 comes with a new 5-speed automatic, while the 3-liter was saddled with a 4-speed automatic.
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Avalon's upgrade means Toyota is going to have to step it up a notch with the ES330, the entry-level sedan in its luxury Lexus lineup.

Toyota insiders will only say not to rule out the ES sharing the Avalon platform--as well as the 280-h.p. V-6.

Detroit News - Avalon gets sexy appeal

There's little doubt that most other buyers will love the changes to the redesigned Avalon, which is so gorgeous inside and out that it looks like it belongs in the lineup of Lexus, Toyota's luxury brand.

The new Avalon signals the end of the not-so-flattering nickname, "Toyota's Buick."

Avalon gets a powerful new engine for 2005 and one of the best rear seats in the business. And the sedan, which one buff book once derided as the "Ward Cleaver of sedans, synonymous with bland," gets a hefty dose of sex appeal, with such sporty features as Toyota's first dual-exhaust system and a new floor-mounted shifter.
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The Avalon's engine specifications alone provide a solid argument for choosing the Toyota over the LaCrosse or the Montego. The Montego's 3.0-liter V-6 makes 203 horsepower, leaving the Mercury sedan grossly underpowered, especially with more than two adults aboard. The LaCrosse's base 3.8-liter V-6 delivers only 200 horsepower.

The Avalon also trumps the competitors when it comes to safety features. The Toyota sedan has standard side air bags, as well as standard side curtain air bags that protect all outboard passengers. There's also a new standard driver's knee air bag and antilock brakes. You'll pay extra for side air bags in the Montego and LaCrosse.

Joe Sherlock has also purchased one for his wife.

In the past, some of the car-buff magazines have made fun of the Avalon. A "Geezermobile." "Toyota's Buick," one called it. Laugh if you will, boys, but, with 12.9 pounds per horsepower and a five-speed automatic, this baby will out accelerate most of the cars you drool over. (Toyota claims 0-60 in 6.6 seconds.) It's a comfortable car, too. And dead-bang reliable - J.D. Power awarded it Best-In-Class for reliability. Consumer Reports has consistently given the Avalon top marks for durability. Intelichoice cited the Avalon for low ownership costs. Such things become more important as miles roll up and years go by. The Toyota Avalon is a 10-year car we can live with.