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Toyota Avalon: Difference between revisions

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==Generations==
==Generations==
===Third Generation (2005–present)===
===Third Generation (2005–present)===
The 2005 Avalon is a complete redesign from the previous generations. It is [[Toyota]]'s largest, most luxurious, and most expensive sedan model sold under its own nameplate. The Avalon features a 3.5L 280-[[HP|hp]] [[V6]] engine and a myriad of advanced technological features (''2GR-FE'').
[[Image:avalongen3.jpg|frame|Third Generation '''[[Toyota]] Avalon''']]
[[Image:avalongen3.jpg|frame|Third Generation '''[[Toyota]] Avalon''']]
The 2005 Avalon is a complete redesign from the previous generations. It is [[Toyota]]'s largest, most luxurious, and most expensive sedan model sold under its own nameplate. The Avalon features a 3.5L 280-[[HP|hp]] [[V6]] engine and a myriad of advanced technological features (''2GR-FE''). The engine is as in previous generation shared with [[Lexus ES|Lexus ES350]]. The Avalon is now about the same size as its large-sedan competitors (e.g. the [[Buick Lucerne]] and [[Ford Crown Victoria]]), but continues to compete with the [[Nissan Maxima]]. The new Avalon, introduced to the public at the 2005 North American International Auto Show, offers more distinctive styling than previous generations, which were known for their conservative styling. This redesign also dropped the availabilty of a front bench seat. The current Avalon is available in '''XL''', '''Touring''', '''XLS''', and '''Limited''' trim levels.
The engine is as in previous generation shared with [[Lexus ES|Lexus ES350]]. The Avalon is now about the same size as its large-sedan competitors (e.g. the [[Buick Lucerne]] and [[Ford Crown Victoria]]), but continues to compete with the [[Nissan Maxima]]. The new Avalon, introduced to the public at the 2005 North American International Auto Show, offers more distinctive styling than previous generations, which were known for their conservative styling. This redesign also dropped the availabilty of a front bench seat. The current Avalon is available in '''XL''', '''Touring''', '''XLS''', and '''Limited''' trim levels. Due to new SAE specifications power has dropped to 268-[[HP|hp]] and torque has dropped to 248 ft·lbs. for the 2006 model year. [[Traction Control|Stability control]] is also expanded to the ''XL'' and ''Touring'' models, and a keyless remote start is standard for ''Limited'' models.
 
Due to new SAE specifications power has dropped to 268-[[HP|hp]] and torque has dropped to 248 ft·lbs. for the 2006 model year. [[Traction Control|Stability control]] is also expanded to the ''XL'' and ''Touring'' models, and a keyless remote start is standard for ''Limited'' models.


===Second generation (2000-2004)===
===Second generation (2000-2004)===

Revision as of 19:39, 6 July 2006

The Toyota Avalon is a fullsize car produced by Toyota in the United States and Australia, originally based on the platform of the then-current Toyota Camry. It is produced as a front wheel drive four-door sedan. For its first two generations, it competed with the Chrysler Concorde, Buick LeSabre, Mercury Grand Marquis, Nissan Maxima, & Mazda Millenia.

The Avalon filled the gap left since the cancellation of the Toyota Cressida in the American market in 1992. The new Avalon was a fullsize car, becoming Toyota's first fullsize car, whereas the Cressida was a midsize, was rear wheel drive, and had the 7M-GE I6 engine. The Avalon, however, was front wheel drive and had Toyota's 1MZ-FE V6 engine.

The first Toyota Avalon rolled off the assembly line in Georgetown, Kentucky on February 21, 1994 as a 1995 model. A second-generation model was released in the United States and Japan in 1999.

See Wikicars' comprehensive Toyota Avalon Review.

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Avalon Touring shown in Phantom Gray Pearl

Recent Changes

Styles and Major Options

There are currently four trims for the Toyota Avalon:


Pricing

Today's actual prices for the Toyota Avalon can be found at CarsDirect.

Avalon Trims

XL

Touring

XLS

Limited

MSRP

$26,775

$29,025

$31,225

$33,965

Invoice

$23,921

$25,932

$27,477

$29,888

Gas Mileage

As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Automatic

Trim

Trim1

Trim2

Trim3

Trim4

MPG

c/h

c/h

c/h

c/h

Reliability

Safety

Photos

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Avalon Limited Interior shown in Light Gray Leather with available voice-activated DVD navigation system, and Dynamic Laser Cruise Control
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Avalon Limited Interior shown with standard JBL Synthesis® Audio System with 12 speakers, available voice-activated DVD navigation system
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Avalon Limited Interior shown in Graphite leather with available voice-activated DVD navigation system and standard flat rear floor and reclining rear seats

Colors

Avalon colors vary by trim but include from the following:

Exterior

  • Blizzard Pearl
  • Titanium Metallic
  • Phantom Gray Pearl
  • Desert Sand Mica
  • Cassis Pearl
  • Silver Pine Mica
  • Blue Mirage Metallic
  • Indigo Ink Pearl
  • Black

Interior

  • Ivory - leather or fabric
  • Light Gray
  • Graphite - leather or fabric
  • Dark Charcoal

Main Competitors

Hybrid Models

Unique Attributes

Criticisms

Generations

Third Generation (2005–present)

The 2005 Avalon is a complete redesign from the previous generations. It is Toyota's largest, most luxurious, and most expensive sedan model sold under its own nameplate. The Avalon features a 3.5L 280-hp V6 engine and a myriad of advanced technological features (2GR-FE).

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Third Generation Toyota Avalon

The engine is as in previous generation shared with Lexus ES350. The Avalon is now about the same size as its large-sedan competitors (e.g. the Buick Lucerne and Ford Crown Victoria), but continues to compete with the Nissan Maxima. The new Avalon, introduced to the public at the 2005 North American International Auto Show, offers more distinctive styling than previous generations, which were known for their conservative styling. This redesign also dropped the availabilty of a front bench seat. The current Avalon is available in XL, Touring, XLS, and Limited trim levels. Due to new SAE specifications power has dropped to 268-hp and torque has dropped to 248 ft·lbs. for the 2006 model year. Stability control is also expanded to the XL and Touring models, and a keyless remote start is standard for Limited models.

Second generation (2000-2004)

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Second Generation Toyota Avalon

The second generation Avalon grew larger in almost every respect. The Avalon was still based on the stretched Camry platform and had a 3.0L V6 shared with the Toyota Sienna, Lexus RX300, Lexus ES300 and the Toyota Highlander, making 210-hp and 220 ft·lbs. of torque (1MZ-FE). However, its size was similar to the Camry. This second generation US-made Avalon has been exported to Japan's domestic market where it was labelled as the Toyota Pronard. Due to poor sales, Toyota will not export the third generation Avalon to Japan and thus, the Toyota Pronard has been discontinued.

This Avalon was available in two trimlines: the basic XL and the upscale XLS.

This second generation Avalon featured a built-in 115V AC power inverter, the first car to ever offer this as standard or optional. This feature also disappeared in the third generation Avalon, yet recent Toyota Matrix and Scion cars now offer this feature.

In 2003, the Avalon went through a minor restyle. The design of the grille and taillights was altered.

First Generation/Origins (1995-1999)

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First Generation Toyota Avalon

The 1995 Avalon was a completely new model built in the same plant as the Camry. It was positioned higher than the Camry, making it Toyota's flagship. The Avalon was based on a stretched Camry platform and had a 3.0L V6 engine making 192-hp and 210 ft·lbs. of torque (1MZ-FE). For 1998, Toyota made minor updates to the front and rear fascias and updated the power rating to 200-hp and increased torque to 214 ft·lbs. The Avalon also offered an available front bench seat for full six passenger seating.

Worldwide

The Toyota Aurion will replace the Toyota Avalon in Australia and will be built at Toyota's Altona plant in Victoria, alongside the Toyota Camry. The Aurion was designed with the Australian large car market in mind and Toyota hopes to make more sales with the Aurion than the relatively unsuccessful Avalon. The Aurion will have an Australian-tweaked version of the 2GR-FE V6 engine currently powering the export Avalon. A special supercharged version will also be available on some models.

Resale Values

Avalon Model Year

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

1996

1995

Resale Values

$33,965

$31,100

$24,825

$21,275

$17,950

$15,625

$13,350

$9,325

$8,650

$7,350

$6,100

$5,250

Design quirks and oddities

Awards

See also

External Links