Test drove a 2005 Avalon

Perfectionist · 12-11-2005, 07:06 AM

So maybe I felt a little old when I first sank into the fat leather seats of the Limited and thought it was going to be rather boring. Well, it was actually kinda fun.
The Toyota dealer let me go by myself.(Hurray) I think we all agree how uncomfortable it is trying to make small talk with the guy who wants you to buy the car.
I pushed the Engine Start button. Could hardly tell the **************** thing was on it was so quiet. I tinkered witht the GPS a bit and put on a good radio station and was off. The car was amazingly quiet and unbelievably smooth. I went out to the rural outskirts of Billings to see what the car could do, and I was very impressed. When you hit that pedal, you don't hear the roar of the engine, you just fly forward... quickly too! It was rather odd accelerating so fast without much noise from the engine compartment or road noise. I loved the car. The suspension reacted nicely without a terrifying amount of body roll, but then again it is essentilly a Japanese buick. Not something you take to the track on saturday.
On my way back to the dealership I was ready to buy the car, but knew that was not currently an option.
Bottom line... The car was wonderful. Everything was right where your hand wanted to go, fit and finish was impeccable, and everything was nice and soft to the touch. The sound system was beautiful. Crystal clear sound and you could make out every bass beat in the song with the bass up. The ventilated leather seats were kind of cute I thought. Would be nice on a hot day. But since it was -20F the heated seats were on. Rear seat room was cavernous and they reclined to a nice, relaxing angle. It's a luxurious and fast grocery getter, that's for sure. Nice work Toyota, you took the big bland Avalon and injected some much needed spirit into it.

jro4566 · 12-11-2005, 12:03 PM

While I wasn't very impressed with some interior bits and pieces of the new Avalon at last year's Dallas Auto Show, I was VERY impressed with the JBL 7.1 audio system. Nissan can't touch that, and most likely Buick and Hyundai won't either.

Perfectionist · 12-11-2005, 01:33 PM

Yeah, one thing I did not like was the gps control location. How they flipped out at the bottom was sort of irritating to me. I also wished they had used more wood trim. After all, it's toyota's flagship. The new camrys have a more luxurious look to them, in the XLE of course. Or they could be like nissan and use real aluminum pieces like in the murano.

giagastormer · 12-11-2005, 01:42 PM

While I'm sure the new Avalon is a nice ride, I don't care much for its interior. It's too complicated. The age demographic that buy these cars want simplicity. Which, IMO, the Lucerne pulls ahead of the Avalon. Plus, the exterior doesn't look like an expensive car. It looks like a $20,000 Camry. While the Lucerne screams "luxury" with all its chrome throughout the exterior.

I can't wait for a comparison of the two. It's going to be close.

FStephenMasek · 12-11-2005, 01:48 PM

I have seen reports on Toyota forums of interior parts failing (e.g. cup holder lids breaking) on the new Avalons. I have sat in one, and they look and feel nice initially, but will they hold up over time?

AdmiralViscen · 12-11-2005, 02:03 PM

The Lucerne only screams luxury because it knocks off Infiniti design.

That said, the Avalon doesn't either.

Nice sig, thread creator.

FStephenMasek · 12-11-2005, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdmiralViscen

The Lucerne only screams luxury because it knocks off Infiniti design.

I just don't see that. What makes you think they are similar? I have seen both at the shows, on the road, and at dealerships, and see nothing similar beyond the basic size (large), four doors, four wheels, and such.

Phillip · 12-11-2005, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by giagastormer

Plus, the exterior doesn't look like an expensive car. It looks like a $20,000 Camry. While the Lucerne screams "luxury" with all its chrome throughout the exterior.

But a case can also be made for this demographic preferring understatement to bling, you know. I disagree with your "$20,000 Camry" statement; it strikes me as pretty stately. The Lucerne is not a bad looker either, but chrome bothers me almost as much as false wood; I'd rather have less of it than more, and the Lucerne pushes it a bit for me. Still would like to drive one, though...

Phillip · 12-11-2005, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdmiralViscen

The Lucerne only screams luxury because it knocks off Infiniti design.

That said, the Avalon doesn't either.

Nice sig, thread creator.

Well considering that Infiniti design isn't exactly renown for conveying luxury...

griswold44 · 12-11-2005, 03:42 PM

I drove an '06 Avalon Limited 2 weeks ago, and this thing just blew me away. Fit & Finish was top notch, radio was amazing, comfortable leather seats, and man, this thing was a rocket. I'm definitely considering one for my next car.

AdmiralViscen · 12-11-2005, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FStephenMasek

I just don't see that. What makes you think they are similar? I have seen both at the shows, on the road, and at dealerships, and see nothing similar beyond the basic size (large), four doors, four wheels, and such.

Phillip · 12-11-2005, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mags

No way! You liked it?!?!?!

OMG LOL!!!11!!!!!

If the CEO of Toyota showed up at your front door, how long would it take for you to service him?

MF

Sorry, Gris...but you asked for that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mags

And by 'service him', I mean 'bring him coffee'.

Yeah.

Well of course you did! Why would you ever imply anything less than upstanding? :p

Vintalage · 12-12-2005, 01:04 AM

I'll have to take an Avalon for a spin sometime. The one I sat in shocked me. I was in disbelief that it was not a Lexus. The technology blew me away given what brand it's under and the price point.

yoblues · 12-12-2005, 09:13 PM

Here is the Avalon and Lucerne's problem. Hyundai Azera (Limited.) Totaly loaded and just as good for under 30K.

Perfectionist · 12-14-2005, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by griswold44

I drove an '06 Avalon Limited 2 weeks ago, and this thing just blew me away. Fit & Finish was top notch, radio was amazing, comfortable leather seats, and man, this thing was a rocket. I'm definitely considering one for my next car.

That's what got me too. Everything was so nicely put together and the seats were soo comfortable. Was not expecting it to go nearly as fast either.
Ohh, you test drove the 06? Dang.

As for the interior pieces, I wouldn't hold your breath on how they hold up. It's Toyota, you really think they're going to cheap out on their flagship? Sounds like a few unfortunate occurrences.

Now what I want to test drive... the Lexus GS 430.

Too bad I have to drive almost 600 miles to get to the nearest Lexus dealership.

12-11-2005, 07:06 AM	#1 (permalink)
Perfectionist 2.8 Liter Turbocharged V6 Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Montana Posts: 861	Test drove a 2005 Avalon So maybe I felt a little old when I first sank into the fat leather seats of the Limited and thought it was going to be rather boring. Well, it was actually kinda fun. The Toyota dealer let me go by myself.(Hurray) I think we all agree how uncomfortable it is trying to make small talk with the guy who wants you to buy the car. I pushed the Engine Start button. Could hardly tell the **************** thing was on it was so quiet. I tinkered witht the GPS a bit and put on a good radio station and was off. The car was amazingly quiet and unbelievably smooth. I went out to the rural outskirts of Billings to see what the car could do, and I was very impressed. When you hit that pedal, you don't hear the roar of the engine, you just fly forward... quickly too! It was rather odd accelerating so fast without much noise from the engine compartment or road noise. I loved the car. The suspension reacted nicely without a terrifying amount of body roll, but then again it is essentilly a Japanese buick. Not something you take to the track on saturday. On my way back to the dealership I was ready to buy the car, but knew that was not currently an option. Bottom line... The car was wonderful. Everything was right where your hand wanted to go, fit and finish was impeccable, and everything was nice and soft to the touch. The sound system was beautiful. Crystal clear sound and you could make out every bass beat in the song with the bass up. The ventilated leather seats were kind of cute I thought. Would be nice on a hot day. But since it was -20F the heated seats were on. Rear seat room was cavernous and they reclined to a nice, relaxing angle. It's a luxurious and fast grocery getter, that's for sure. Nice work Toyota, you took the big bland Avalon and injected some much needed spirit into it. __________________ Garage Lineup 73 Lincoln Continental Mark IV 80,000 miles 96 Lincoln Mark VIII 150,000 miles 93 Toyota Camry 218,000 miles Leavin Soon............. Coming Soon Mark VIII................. 03 Town Car Cartier L Camry..................... 07 Avalon Limited

12-11-2005, 12:03 PM	#2 (permalink)
jro4566 6.2 Liter LS9 Supercharged V8 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Dallas, Texas Drives: 2001 Oldsmobile Silhouette 2003 Suzuki XL-7 2005 Posts: 5,013	Re: Test drove a 2005 Avalon While I wasn't very impressed with some interior bits and pieces of the new Avalon at last year's Dallas Auto Show, I was VERY impressed with the JBL 7.1 audio system. Nissan can't touch that, and most likely Buick and Hyundai won't either. __________________ 2007 BMW 328i. Black sapphire metallic. Terra leather. Poplar wood. Automatic trans. Xenon adaptive headlights. BMW Assist. Bluetooth. Premium package. Heated seats. iDrive navigation system. Rear sonar. Comfort access. LOGIC7 surround sound. Sirius. 18" BMW wheels. Rear spoiler. 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara Luxury. Black onyx pearl. Beige leather. 4WD. Chrome hood vents, mirror covers, exhaust. Silver grille, taillight trim. Brushed metal bumper protector. Running boards.

12-11-2005, 01:33 PM	#3 (permalink)
Perfectionist 2.8 Liter Turbocharged V6 Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Montana Posts: 861	Re: Test drove a 2005 Avalon Yeah, one thing I did not like was the gps control location. How they flipped out at the bottom was sort of irritating to me. I also wished they had used more wood trim. After all, it's toyota's flagship. The new camrys have a more luxurious look to them, in the XLE of course. Or they could be like nissan and use real aluminum pieces like in the murano. __________________ Garage Lineup 73 Lincoln Continental Mark IV 80,000 miles 96 Lincoln Mark VIII 150,000 miles 93 Toyota Camry 218,000 miles Leavin Soon............. Coming Soon Mark VIII................. 03 Town Car Cartier L Camry..................... 07 Avalon Limited

12-11-2005, 01:42 PM	#4 (permalink)
giagastormer 6.2 Liter LS9 Supercharged V8 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 6,170	Re: Test drove a 2005 Avalon While I'm sure the new Avalon is a nice ride, I don't care much for its interior. It's too complicated. The age demographic that buy these cars want simplicity. Which, IMO, the Lucerne pulls ahead of the Avalon. Plus, the exterior doesn't look like an expensive car. It looks like a $20,000 Camry. While the Lucerne screams "luxury" with all its chrome throughout the exterior. I can't wait for a comparison of the two. It's going to be close.

12-11-2005, 01:48 PM	#5 (permalink)
FStephenMasek 6.0 Liter L76 V8 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Southern California Drives: 2006 Ford Explorer EB RWD V8 2002 Mercedes-Benz Posts: 2,001	Re: Test drove a 2005 Avalon I have seen reports on Toyota forums of interior parts failing (e.g. cup holder lids breaking) on the new Avalons. I have sat in one, and they look and feel nice initially, but will they hold up over time?

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
GM Inside News Forum Advertisement

12-11-2005, 02:03 PM	#6 (permalink)
AdmiralViscen 6.2 Liter LS9 Supercharged V8 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: New York Posts: 7,757	Re: Test drove a 2005 Avalon The Lucerne only screams luxury because it knocks off Infiniti design. That said, the Avalon doesn't either. Nice sig, thread creator. __________________ God Bless the Blue Bullet.

12-11-2005, 03:42 PM	#10 (permalink)
griswold44 6.2 Liter LS9 Supercharged V8 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: In hell Posts: 6,050	Re: Test drove a 2005 Avalon I drove an '06 Avalon Limited 2 weeks ago, and this thing just blew me away. Fit & Finish was top notch, radio was amazing, comfortable leather seats, and man, this thing was a rocket. I'm definitely considering one for my next car.

12-12-2005, 01:04 AM	#13 (permalink)
Vintalage 4.4 Liter Supercharged Northstar Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Maryland Drives: 2002 Pontiac Grand Am GT1 Posts: 2,901	Re: Test drove a 2005 Avalon I'll have to take an Avalon for a spin sometime. The one I sat in shocked me. I was in disbelief that it was not a Lexus. The technology blew me away given what brand it's under and the price point. __________________ The Recession may be over. But the Greatest Depression has only just begun. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am GT1 1992 Honda Accord EX Sedan Tough times are ahead. A brand new car is not in the cards. My new (to me) 16 year old Accord serves the purpose extremely well. And it's paid off!

12-12-2005, 09:13 PM	#14 (permalink)
yoblues 6.2 Liter LS3 V8 Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 3,387	Re: Test drove a 2005 Avalon Here is the Avalon and Lucerne's problem. Hyundai Azera (Limited.) Totaly loaded and just as good for under 30K.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode