Toyota Avalon

2012 Toyota Avalon 4-door Sedan (Natl) Angular Front Exterior View

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The Toyota Avalon is a large, comfort-oriented sedan; it's the flagship model for the brand and the largest passenger car Toyota currently sells in the U.S. In 1995, the U.S.-built Avalon took the place of the Cressida. Aiming directly at the comfort crowd, the Avalon takes on the likes of the Buick Lucerne, Chrysler 300, and Hyundai Azera.

Based on the Camry ever since its launch and sharing some components with the best-selling mid-size sedan, the Avalon has always offered a little more space and comfort and has also served to debut some technologies and luxury features under the Toyota brand.

Early versions of the Avalon received the same engine as the Camry and looked quite similar to the Camry if you squinted just right, but that changed a bit with the redesigned version introduced for 2000. This version, was genuinely roomier and featured some options you couldn't yet get on the Camry, like a navigation system and electronic stability control plus Brake Assist. Side airbags were also standard on all models. At that time the 3.0-liter V-6 made 210 hp. These Avalon models are extremely smooth and comfortable but not particularly rewarding to drive.

The Avalon was completely redesigned for 2005, with a sleek, very aerodynamic new shape and new 280-horsepower (later 268 hp, though no change to the engine), 3.5-liter V-6, and Toyota right away tried to address those who wanted a little more performance with a slightly sportier Touring model that included a firmer suspension calibration along with larger wheels and spruced-up trim. In these models, the V-6 and five-speed automatic shifted almost perceptively, in Lexus-like fashion. The ride was just as composed as in the previous generation but handling was improved—without anything close to a truly sporty feel, however. A huge trunk and space to sprawl in the backseat were the hallmarks, and a battery of sound insulation and acoustic windshield kept it whisper-quiet inside.

Offered in a range of models from XL and XLS up to Touring and Limited models, this generation of Toyota Avalon offered more technological features than any Toyota model up until the new 2010 Toyota Prius. Rain-sensing wipers, xenon HID headlamps, remote engine start, and the Dynamic Laser Cruise Control System were all available. Top Limited models got heated and ventilated seats, a smart-key system, power rear sunshade, and high-end JBL sound.

Toyota unveiled a redesigned 2011 Avalon at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. With essentially the same powertrain as the outgoing model but extensively reworked sheetmetal and a new interior including improved backseat comfort and reclining back seats, the latest Avalon carries over into the 2012 model year with all its usual strengths of creamy ride quality and high assembly quality, with some new features included--namely, Bluetooth audio streaming, though it doesn't yet have Toyota's new Entune smartphone interface.

The Avalon has an excellent reputation for reliability and has held its resale value well. But in recent years many have argued that the Avalon's price as a new car has become too high. At about $39,000 for the top Limited model, loaded with a few options like navigation, it can cost more than the (also Camry-based) Lexus ES 350.