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2008 Toyota Avalon Safety Review

October 30, 2008

SAFETY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

stability control optional on all models
Car and Driver

Revised braking system
Cars.com

Five stars, frontal and side impact
NHTSA

Good,” frontal offset and side impact
IIHS

The 2008 Toyota Avalon presents an exemplary suite of occupant protection and accident avoidance.

In crash testing, the Camry performed splendidly. It was awarded five stars across the board in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) crash testing, except for a four-star rating for rollover resistance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the Avalon its top “good” rating for frontal offset and side impact crash testing.

Edmunds states that the Avalon’s standard safety equipment “includes antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags for front and rear passengers and a driver-side knee airbag.” Cars.com explains that the Avalon’s “rear brake discs have been enlarged and are now gripped by aluminum calipers for better braking performance.”

Perhaps enabling a sub-$28,000 entry price, the Avalon doesn’t include two important accident avoidance features: stability and traction control, which are optional equipment. Toyota’s VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) is an optional feature in all four trim levels of the Avalon.

Conclusion

Order the optional VSC, and the 2008 Toyota Avalon is a faultless performer where safety is concerned.

SAFETY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:stability control optional on all modelsCar and DriverRevised braking systemCars.comFive stars, frontal and side impactNHTSAGood,” frontal offset and side impactIIHS The 2008 Toyota Avalon presents an exemplary suite of occupant protection and accident avoidance. In crash testing, the Camry performed splendidly. It was awarded five stars across the board in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) crash testing, except for a four-star rating for rollover resistance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the Avalon its top “good” rating for frontal offset and side impact crash testing. Edmunds states that the Avalon’s standard safety equipment “includes antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags for front and rear passengers and a driver-side knee airbag.” Cars.com explains that the Avalon’s “rear brake discs have been enlarged and are now gripped by aluminum calipers for better braking performance.” Perhaps enabling a sub-$28,000 entry price, the Avalon doesn’t include two important accident avoidance features: stability and traction control, which are optional equipment. Toyota’s VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) is an optional feature in all four trim levels of the Avalon. ConclusionOrder the optional VSC, and the 2008 Toyota Avalon is a faultless performer where safety is concerned. 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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