Toyota Avalon Review
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| Overall: |
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| Performance: |
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| Comments |
Favorite feature: |
Interior Spaciousness and Super Smooth Quiet Ride |
Least favorite feature: |
No Major Complaints - Heated Seats Can Take Five Minutes to Kick On |
Advice to buyer: |
Test Drive More Than Once. The ride quality and interior comfort will grow on you. The Avalon is much more than a 'bigger Camary.' The Avalon is as comfortable as a Lexus, for a lot less $$$. |
Detailed review: |
In May 2002, I bought a 2002 Toyota Avalon XLS, loaded with all the options. At the time of this review, I have owned the Avalon for 15 months, and have put 13,000 miles on it.
My experience with this car has been excellent.
It is whisper quiet. Even when I drive with my stereo off, I cannot hear the engine running. Sometimes, when I am parked with the engine on, I reach for the ignition because the car shows no sign of being on - unless the air/heater fan is blowing, or my lights are on at night.
Additionally, acceleration from a stopped position is fast and smooth; and passing at highway speeds seems effortless. The suspension is super smooth, and the Avalon handles very well on winding roads. I've seen others complain that the handling is soft. Maybe compared to sports sedans, the handling may feel somewhat soft, but I have yet to experience the Avalon even lean hard on a highway exit/entrance ramp, or drift into the center of a winding back road while going 45 miles per hour.
Contrary to another review saying that the Avalon does not handle well on the highway - I must disagree.
I recently drove my Avalon from Connecticut to Georgia, non-stop, for sixteen-hours (two-ways); and the car handled very well - even during a lengthy rainstorm, the Avalon felt stable and gripped the road well.
The interior is comfortable luxury. I am 6' 5', and have more than enough room in both the front and back seat. Leg room and shoulder room abound.
My parents liked my Avalon so much, they are now in the market to buy a 2003 Avalon for themselves. It was interesting for me to note that although the 2003 Camary and 2003 Avalon exterior dimensions are almost identical, the Avalon interior is much more spacious and comfortable.
My only cricism of the Avalon is the heated front seats may take as long as five minutes to heat up. |
Also considered: |
2002 Toyota Camry
2002 Mercury Grand Marquis
2002 Acura 3.2TL
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Vehicle purchased: |
2002 Toyota Avalon
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| About This Reviewer... |
Location: |
Bridgeport, Connecticut |
Other vehicles owned: |
None
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Review submitted: |
August 01, 2003 |
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