2010 Chicago Auto Show: 2011 Toyota Avalon

By Marty Padgett

Marty Padgett

Editorial Director BIO

Marty Padgett is High Gear Media's Editorial Director, overseeing the words that skim across High Gear Media's portfolio of automotive destinations... More

LATEST ARTICLE
Chevy Volt Vs. Nissan Leaf: Compare Cars
For now, they're the only two mass-market electric vehicles on the road. So, which one should you... Read More

• #12LEADERBOARD RANK
• 4885ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
• 96COMMENTS POSTED

5 4,710 views February 10, 2010

2011 Toyota Avalon

2011 Toyota Avalon

Enlarge Photo

Toyota's recall troubles have stopped just about everything at the company, but new vehicles continue to roll out as planned--vehicles like the 2011 Toyota Avalon, which the Japanese carmaker showed off today at the 2010 Chicago auto show.

In a press conference that was less revealing and more plain reveal, Toyota sales VP Bob Carter re-addressed all the points the company's hit in the past week concerning claims of unintended acceleration in its cars. Repairs to cars with sticking gas pedals are being addressed rapidly, he said, with some 220,000 having already been repaired. And Toyota plans to re-program brakes on 2010 Prius and Lexus HS 250h cars to counter concerns about the cars' braking feel.

Those tense appeals aside, Carter also showed off the company's latest full-size sedan. With the latest Avalon, Toyota isn't straying from its formula far at all. But the new Avalon does look a bit sharper than the outgoing car, and its familiar V-6 drivetrain won't be a mystery to any buyers who've considered it over a Camry--or the Chevrolet Malibu, Buick LaCrosse or the Hyundai Azera.

We expect the new Avalon to earn a little more respect for styling than the 2010 model--which we rated at 7.8 out of 10. Expect a full test drive soon--but until then, you can get more details on the new sedan including pricing, photos and more news at our 2011 Toyota Avalon page.