Kelley Blue Book ® - 2003 Toyota Avalon Overview

The Avalon is Toyota's largest and most luxurious offering. With seating for six passengers and a long list of standard amenities, the Avalon can directly challenge such long time favorites as the Buick Park Avenue and Mercury Grand Marquis. By offering near Lexus-like comfort and Toyota's legendary reputation for build quality and high-resale value, the Avalon continues to win over more and more "traditional" sedan buyers.

For 2003, the Avalon receives a freshened front fascia and rear end. The grille is larger, with noticeably more chrome and the bumper has been changed to accommodate the newly designed front fog lights and larger air intake. Around back, new tail lenses occupy more of the Avalon's rear sheet metal; the large red lenses emphasize the Avalon's wide stance, giving the car a more substantial presence when viewed from behind. Both the XL and XLS trim have a new 16-inch alloy wheel option that comes standard when you order the luxury package on either trim.

Other than the cosmetic changes, the Avalon remains relatively unchanged. It still possesses a formidable road presence, with its tall side sheet metal that seems to rise up like a protective shield of armor. You'll find that you sit up high in the Avalon, and not just in the seat. The Avalon's tall greenhouse—an automotive term for all four sides of the glass-covered passenger compartment—affords the driver a commanding view of the road and allows you to see over ordinary cars and around towering SUVs. The expansive glass cage also affords both the driver and passengers a clear 360 degree view, with only minor obstruction from the two rear pillars.

Now slip behind the wheel, turn the key and observe that the Avalon's polished appeal runs deeper than just its exterior appearance. You'll notice how silent the engine is, that you almost have to strain to hear if it's on. The unwavering tachometer needle dutifully pointing to 800 rpm is your only indication that indeed, the motor is alive. Shift into drive, turn the wheel and head out onto the freeway. Here you'll discover how the Avalon glides over road imperfections as though they were mere dimples in the road's surface. The steering feel is light, but not completely detached from the road; turn in—the time it takes the car to respond to input from the steering wheel—is surprisingly quick for a vehicle of this size.

Once underway, you and your passengers will find the Avalon's cabin to be a most tranquil place during long road trips. Deep, comfortably contoured seats cradle their passengers yet are firm enough to avoid fatigue after long periods on the road. The dash is well designed, with a mixture of digital and analog readouts that are easy to read—even in the daylight; it's their recessed position in the dash and the large, hooded overhang that makes this possible. XL models feature a myriad of standard equipment including dual-zone climate control, power windows and door locks, cruise control, illuminated vanity mirrors, multi-function information display and a 3-in-1 AM/FM/CD cassette player with six speakers. Perforated leather seats are now an option on the XL, as is a new luxury package that includes keyless entry, leather seats, 16-inch alloy wheels and the JBL audio system. XLS models have all these features plus an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, power driver and passenger seats, automatic climate control, wood grain accents, illuminated entry system, leather-wrapped steering wheel with wood inlays, keyless entry and an upgraded JBL audio system. A no-charge option on both the XL and XLS is the power-operated split-bench front seat that increases the Avalon's seating capacity to six persons.

Though the Avalon's stealthy cabin does isolate its occupants from the outside world, as the driver you will always have a sense of where the Avalon is going and what its limits are. You'll find the braking is first rate, especially with the optional electronic brake distribution (EBD) that ensures equal distribution of brake force to all four wheels.