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2008 Toyota Avalon Features Review

October 30, 2008

FEATURES | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

standard equipment list is lengthy even on the XL
Road & Track

reclining rear seatbacks
Edmunds

360-watt, 12-speaker JBL stereo” (standard in Limited)
Car and Driver

Steering wheel-mounted audio controls and dual-zone climate control are standard
Edmunds

Well designed and well equipped, the 2008 Toyota Avalon’s roster of standard and optional features impresses.

Mechanically speaking, the Avalon changes only slightly for 2008, with the aforementioned improvements to its rear brakes and the substitution of a six-speed automatic in place of the previous five-speed.

The Avalon follows a four-tier trim structure: XL, Touring, XLS, and Limited. “The standard equipment list is lengthy even on the XL,” says Road & Track, and it features items such as an eight-way power driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, and a nine-speaker sound system. It starts a bit below $28,000. The main differences in the driver-oriented Touring model are larger wheels and tires, a stiffened suspension, leather-trimmed seats, steering wheel, and shift knob, and Xenon HID headlights. The luxury-oriented XLS includes items such as leather seating areas, a wood-trimmed dash, 17-inch wheels, a power tilting-and-sliding sunroof, heated power side mirrors, and an anti-theft system. To the XLS’ features, the top-of-the-line Limited, priced at $35,075, adds luxuries such as a 360-watt, 12-speaker JBL stereo, heated and ventilated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, high-intensity-discharge headlamps, and memory side mirrors with puddle lamps and LED turn signals.

“Many of the upscale features on the XLS and Limited are also available as options on the lower trims,” notes Edmunds, who point out “other options, depending on trim level, include a navigation system, satellite radio and laser-based adaptive cruise control.” Steering wheel-mounted audio controls, a six-disc CD changer, and an auxiliary audio input jack are standard across the board. Bluetooth compatibility is included in the Limited model.

One of Kelley Blue Book’s favorite Avalon features, standard across the model line, is “the five-position rear-seat recliners” that “adjust from a 25 to 35-degree seatback angle.”

Conclusion

The 2008 Toyota Avalon impresses with well-designed and luxurious features, in some cases putting it head-to-head with pricier vehicles. 

FEATURES | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:standard equipment list is lengthy even on the XLRoad & Trackreclining rear seatbacksEdmunds360-watt, 12-speaker JBL stereo” (standard in Limited)Car and DriverSteering wheel-mounted audio controls and dual-zone climate control are standardEdmunds Well designed and well equipped, the 2008 Toyota Avalon’s roster of standard and optional features impresses. Mechanically speaking, the Avalon changes only slightly for 2008, with the aforementioned improvements to its rear brakes and the substitution of a six-speed automatic in place of the previous five-speed. The Avalon follows a four-tier trim structure: XL, Touring, XLS, and Limited. “The standard equipment list is lengthy even on the XL,” says Road & Track, and it features items such as an eight-way power driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, and a nine-speaker sound system. It starts a bit below $28,000. The main differences in the driver-oriented Touring model are larger wheels and tires, a stiffened suspension, leather-trimmed seats, steering wheel, and shift knob, and Xenon HID headlights. The luxury-oriented XLS includes items such as leather seating areas, a wood-trimmed dash, 17-inch wheels, a power tilting-and-sliding sunroof, heated power side mirrors, and an anti-theft system. To the XLS’ features, the top-of-the-line Limited, priced at $35,075, adds luxuries such as a 360-watt, 12-speaker JBL stereo, heated and ventilated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, high-intensity-discharge headlamps, and memory side mirrors with puddle lamps and LED turn signals. “Many of the upscale features on the XLS and Limited are also available as options on the lower trims,” notes Edmunds, who point out “other options, depending on trim level, include a navigation system, satellite radio and laser-based adaptive cruise control.” Steering wheel-mounted audio controls, a six-disc CD changer, and an auxiliary audio input jack are standard across the board. Bluetooth compatibility is included in the Limited model. One of Kelley Blue Book’s favorite Avalon features, standard across the model line, is “the five-position rear-seat recliners” that “adjust from a 25 to 35-degree seatback angle.” ConclusionThe 2008 Toyota Avalon impresses with well-designed and luxurious features, in some cases putting it head-to-head with pricier vehicles.  2008 TOYOTA AVALON STYLING | [7 out of 10] Car and Driver: “Toyota’s Buick” Road & Track: “more stylish suit of clothes than in the past” Edmunds: “attractive and ergonomic control layout” Motor Trend: “sculptural boldness” The 2008 Toyota Avalon is crisp and conservative on ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The top rivals to the 2008 Toyota Avalon include the Lucerne, Taurus, and Azera, which are also large, primarily front-wheel-drive sedans that favor ride comfort over tight handling response. Each of them also has decent straight-line acceleration. The Taurus, which was recently called the Five Hundred, has a very nicely appointed interior and an especially spacious backseat, and its 3.5-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic are very responsive. The Lucerne V-6 and the Azera both have 3.8-liter V-6 engines and aren’t as responsive as the Taurus, but the Lucerne is also available in Super trim, which adds a 292-horsepower, 4.6-liter V-8. Next to either of these rivals, the Avalon is quieter and more refined inside. Another alternative is the Chrysler 300, which comes in an economical rear-wheel-drive base model or with all-wheel drive in upscale Touring trim. The 300 also has a powerful HEMI V-8 available. But the 300 might not be as appealing to the crowd that favors ride comfort and space above all else; it’s less roomy inside and not nearly as refined and quiet.

Next Steps:

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See the Toyota Avalon in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

Comments (2 total)

  1. By  jerry #2, Posted: 11/3/2008

    Who can tell me the price about AudiQ5

    i want to buy Autocar
    I am interested in AudiQ5 and will like to get a price qoute for it. You can as well call me if there is any thing you want me to know,send me an email,thanks.
    here is AudiQ5 phone

  2. By Bill #4, Posted: 1/25/2009

    Center Display

    When "may be icy" flashes on the center display, is there any type of a audio alert as well?

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