Toyota Avalon

2008-01-31T21:56:15Z

75.0.199.136: /* Design quirks and oddities */

[[Image:08 Avalon.jpg|frame|'''08 Avalon Limited''' shown in ''Magnetic Gray'']]
[[Image:08 Avalon2.jpg|frame|'''08 Avalon Touring''' shown in ''Cassis Pearl'']]
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|front wheel drive]] four-door sedan. The Avalon competes with the [[Mercury Sable]], [[Buick Lucerne]], [[Mercury Grand Marquis]], [[Nissan Maxima]], [[Ford Taurus]].

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]]'''.

===Recent Changes===
In [[Toyota]]’s flagship sedan, it’s technology that makes it so luxurious. Take the ''Limited’s'' heated and ventilated front seats, for example. They keep you warm in the winter, cool and dry in the summer. [[Toyota]] engineers embraced technology so that the driver could embrace the luxury that is the '''Avalon'''.

===Styles and Major Options===
There are currently four trims for the [[Toyota]] Avalon. The following are options available on each trim level:

'''''Avalon XL'''''
* Power tilt/slide glass [[Sunroof|moonroof]] with sliding sunshade and indirect lighting
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)and [[Traction Control]] with [[Brake Assist]]
* AM/FM Cassette/[[In-Dash 6-Disc CD|6-disc in-dash CD]] changer with nine speakers, in-glass antenna and FM diversity reception
* Anti-theft system

'''The ''Avalon Touring'' adds on the following to the ''Avalon XL'':'''
* JBL Synthesis® AM/FM Cassette/[[In-Dash 6-Disc CD|6-disc in-dash CD]] changer, 360 watts maximum output with 12 speakers including subwoofer, Radio Data System (RDS), in-glass antenna and FM diversity reception

'''The ''Avalon XLS'' adds on the following to the ''Avalon Touring'':'''
* Voice-activated DVD [[Navigation System|navigation system]]
* Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and [[Traction Control]] with [[Brake Assist]] with heated front seats

'''The ''Avalon Limited'' adds on the following to the ''Avalon XLS'':'''
* Dynamic Laser [[Cruise Control]]

===Pricing===
Today's actual prices for the [[Toyota]] Avalon can be found at [http://www.carsdirect.com/toyota/avalon/prices CarsDirect].

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=4>
'''Avalon Trims'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
XL
</td>
<td>
Touring
</td>
<td>
XLS
</td>
<td>
Limited
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td colspan=4>
''MSRP''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$26,775
</td>
<td>
$29,025
</td>
<td>
$31,225
</td>
<td>
$33,965
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td colspan=4>
''Invoice''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$23,921
</td>
<td>
$25,932
</td>
<td>
$27,477
</td>
<td>
$29,888
</td>
</tr>
</table>

===Gas Mileage===
As seen on the [http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/ FuelEconomy.gov] website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

* ''City'': 22
* ''Highway'': 31
* ''Combined'': 25

===Reliability===
In a review done by [http://www.autos.com/autos/rankings_comfort?cat=passenger_cars&segment=midsize_cars&rank=comfort&year=2006 Autos.com], the Avalon came in '''second''' overall for "Comfort", amongst popular mid-size cars.

===Safety===
A few of the '''''STANDARD''''' safety features on the [[Toyota]] Avalon:

* 4-wheel [[disc brakes]] with [[Anti-lock Brake (ABS)|Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)]]
* [[Electronic Brake-force Distribution]] (EBD)
* Driver and front passenger airbags with Advanced Airbag System
* Driver and front passenger front seat-mounted [[Side Airbags|side airbags]]
* Front and rear [[Side Curtain Airbags|side curtain airbags]]
* Driver’s knee airbag
* 3-point front seatbelts with adjustable shoulder anchors, driver-side Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) and front passenger Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR)
* Outboard front [[Seatbelt Pretensioners|seatbelt pretensioners]] with force limiters
* 3-point rear seatbelts with Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractors (ALR/ELR) for all passengers
* Child-protector rear door locks
* Child Restraint System (CRS) rear-seat lower anchors (in outboard positions) and tether anchor brackets (in all rear seat positions)
* Front and rear crumple zones and side-impact door beams
* Energy-absorbing collapsible steering column
* Separate, adjustable headrests in all seat positions
* Head-impact protection structure
* Engine immobilizer and Anti-theft system
* Battery-saver feature -- deactivates interior lights after 30 minutes
* Internal trunk-release handle
* Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and [[Traction Control]] with [[Brake Assist]] - ''optional on all trims''

===Photos===
[[Image:avalon2.jpg|frame|'''Avalon Limited''' Interior shown in ''Light Gray Leather'' with available voice-activated DVD [[Navigation System|navigation system]], and Dynamic Laser [[Cruise Control]]]]
[[Image:avalon3.jpg|frame|'''Avalon Limited''' Interior shown with standard JBL Synthesis® Audio System with 12 speakers, available voice-activated DVD [[Navigation System|navigation system]]]]
[[Image:avalon4.jpg|frame|'''Avalon Limited''' Interior shown in ''Graphite'' leather with available voice-activated DVD [[Navigation System|navigation system]] and standard flat rear floor and reclining rear seats]]

===Colors===
[http://www.carsdirect.com/toyota/avalon/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===
* [[Mercury Sable]]
* [[Chrysler 300]]
* [[Mercury Grand Marquis]]
* [[Nissan Maxima]]

==Hybrid Models==
With the release of the highly anticipated [[Toyota Camry Hybrid|Camry Hybrid]] and fuel efficient [[Toyota Yaris|Yaris]], [[Toyota]] has no plans to create another hybrid for the 2007 model year. The current [[Toyota]] model line features '''nine vehicles''' that average 30 MPG or higher.

==Unique Attributes==

==Criticisms==
* "Touring uses same tires as other models, but firmer suspension registers some pavement imperfections other Avalons ignore." - '''Consumer Guide'''
* "...simulated panic stops induced noticeable nosedive." - '''Consumer Guide'''

==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|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]].
[[Image:avalongen3.jpg|frame|left|Third Generation '''[[Toyota]] Avalon''']]
The Avalon is now about the same size as its large-sedan competitors (e.g. the [[Buick Lucerne]] and [[Mercury Grand Marquis]]), 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.

===Second generation (2000-2004)===
[[Image:avalongen2.jpg|frame|Second Generation '''[[Toyota]] Avalon''']]
The second generation Avalon grew larger in almost every respect. The Avalon was still based on the stretched [[Toyota Camry|Camry]] platform and had a 3.0L [[V6]] shared with the [[Toyota Sienna]], [[Lexus RX|Lexus RX300]], [[Lexus ES|Lexus ES300]] and the [[Toyota Highlander]], making 210-[[HP|hp]] and 220 ft·lbs. of torque (1MZ-FE). However, its size was similar to the [[Toyota Camry|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)===
[[Image:avalongen1.jpg|frame|left|First Generation '''[[Toyota]] Avalon''']]
The 1995 Avalon was a completely new model built in the same plant as the [[Toyota Camry|Camry]]. It was positioned higher than the [[Toyota Camry|Camry]], making it [[Toyota]]'s flagship. The Avalon was based on a stretched [[Toyota Camry|Camry]] platform and had a 3.0L [[V6]] engine making 192-[[HP|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|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==
<table border=1 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=12>
'''Avalon Model Year'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
2006
</td>
<td>
2005
</td>
<td>
2004
</td>
<td>
2003
</td>
<td>
2002
</td>
<td>
2001
</td>
<td>
2000
</td>
<td>
1999
</td>
<td>
1998
</td>
<td>
1997
</td>
<td>
1996
</td>
<td>
1995
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan=12 bgcolor=#cccccc>
'''Resale Values'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$33,965
</td>
<td>
$31,100
</td>
<td>
$24,825
</td>
<td>
$21,275
</td>
<td>
$17,950
</td>
<td>
$15,625
</td>
<td>
$13,350
</td>
<td>
$9,325
</td>
<td>
$8,650
</td>
<td>
$7,350
</td>
<td>
$6,100
</td>
<td>
$5,250
</td>
</tr>
</table>

==Design quirks and oddities==

==Awards==

==See also==
* [[V6]] Sedans
* [[Mercury Sable]]
* [[Mercury Grand Marquis]]
* [[Acura TL]]
* [[Honda Accord]]
* [[Lexus ES]]
* [[Nissan Maxima]]

{{toyota}}

==External Links==
*[http://www.toyota.com/avalon/ Official web site]
*[http://www.my-toyota.com/Toyota_Avalon.html Toyota Avalon Specifications]
*[http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/pw/05avalon.htm Canadian Driver test drive of the 2005 Avalon]

This page uses content from Wikipedia; see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Avalon Toyota Avalon], which includes these [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Toyota_Avalon&action=history contributors].

[[Category:Current Models]]
[[Category:Toyota Vehicles]]
[[Category:Mid-Size Cars]]
[[Category:Sedans]]
[[Category:Flagship Vehicles]]
[[Category:1990s Automobiles]]
[[Category:2000s Automobiles]]

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Toyota Avalon