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1995-1999 Toyota Avalon Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Toyota Avalon. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Toyota Avalon.
1995-1999 Toyota Avalon Review
Built on an extended version of the compact, front-drive Camry platform, Avalon was the roomiest Japanese-brand sedan ever sold in the U.S. Interior volume of 120.9 cubic feet, however, ranked as full-size. Two versions were offered, Base XL and upscale XLS. Both use the dual-cam 3.0-liter V6 and 4-speed automatic from the Camry. However, horsepower was up by four, to 192. Dual airbags were standard and antilock brakes optional. Both models came standard with air conditioning, an AM/FM cassette stereo, tilt steering wheel, and power windows and door locks. Buyers had a choice of standard front bucket seats or a 3-place power front bench.
Year to Year Changes
1996 Toyota Avalon: Virtually unchanged in its second season, the Avalon continued its assault on the American family-sedan market.
1997 Toyota Avalon: Engine output got a boost to 200 horsepower in '97, and Avalons displayed a few minor appearance changes. An in-glass rear-window antenna replaced the power mast-type aerial, and heated outside mirrors became standard in the XLS sedan.
1998 Toyota Avalon: Front-seat-mounted side airbags were made standard in Avalon's only change for '98.
1999 Toyota Avalon: Toyota's flagship got standard daytime running lights and heated exterior mirrors for '99. An all-new model would arrive in 2000.
1995-1999 Toyota Avalon Road Test
Pros Cons
Optional antilock brakes Fuel economy
Passenger and cargo room Price
Quietness
Acceleration
Instruments/controls
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Except for more body lean and understeer on twisting roads, an Avalon drives much like the Toyota Camry. Although the Avalon's suspension is firmer, it still absorbs most bumps. Even on wavy roads, the sedan does not bounce or feel mushy. It also corners with good grip and moderate body lean. Because there's a negligible weight difference between Avalon and the V6 Camry, don't expect a discernible difference in acceleration or passing sprints. A test Avalon accelerated to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds--just about exactly as swift as a Camry. Toyota's V6 engine is just as silky smooth in the Avalon as in the Camry, and nearly silent. Better yet, it's complemented by a smooth, responsive automatic transmission. As for gas mileage, an early model averaged 19.4 mpg, driving mostly in rush-hour commutes. The V6 engine requires premium fuel. Space is ample for four adults, and six can tolerate shorter trips in models with the front bench seat. Leg space is generous in the backseat, and rear doors open wide for easy entry/exit. The trunk is wide and deep, with a long, flat floor. Low liftover height makes it easier to load and unload, too. Avalon's dashboard layout and materials are first rate. Large round gauges are legible. Both the stereo and climate controls are high enough to easily see and reach while driving.
Value for the Money
Roomy and competent, but markedly more costly than a Camry when new, Avalon might offer little excitement, but the sedan also suffers few faults. We've been impressed with the solid feel, good workmanship, and low noise levels.
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Toyota Avalon XLS Rating
Performance 6
Fuel Economy 4
Ride Quality 7
Steering/Handling/Braking 4
Quietness 7
Controls/Materials 7
Interior Room 6
Room/Comfort (rear) 5
Cargo Capacity 4
Value within Class 7
Total: 57
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
1995-1999 Toyota Avalon Reliability
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Antenna: The radio may have poor reception or noise because of a poor antenna ground. (1997)
Brake noise: The front or rear disc brakes may make a moaning noise that can be corrected with revised brake pads. (1995-97)
Brake noise: The front brakes make a groaning and grinding noise that is eliminated by replacing the brake rotors and installing special shims. (1997-99)
Climate control: The ambient temperature occasionally gets stuck on 22 degrees (F), and the climate-control system may not work properly. (1995-96)
Steering problems: Power steering fluid leaks from seals requiring complete rebuild or replacement of the rack-and-pinion steering gear. (1995-99)
Suspension noise: The front suspension is noisy when driving over speed bumps or washboard roads due to a bad rubber bushing in the upper strut mount. Countermeasure bushings have been released. (1997-99)
Suspension noise: Groaning noise from front end when going over speed bumps etc. corrected by installing revised spring bumpers on front struts. (1995-97)
Vehicle noise: There is a kit to eliminate wind noise from the A-pillars. (1995-96)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $880
Alternator $370
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $710
Brakes $260
Constant Velocity Joints $1,100
Exhaust System $365
Radiator $465
Shocks and/or Struts $850
Timing Chain or Belt $190
NHTSA Recall History
1997 in specified states: In extreme cold, accumulated moisture can temporarily freeze in brake-vacuum hose.
1995-1999 Toyota Avalon Prices
Prices Good Average Poor
1995
Avalon XL $2,500-3,200 $1,800-2,300 $500-700
Avalon XLS $2,800-3,500 $2,100-2,600 $600-800
1996
Avalon XL $3,000-3,700 $2,300-2,800 $700-900
Avalon XLS $3,400-4,100 $2,700-3,200 $900-1,100
1997
Avalon XL $3,600-4,300 $2,900-3,400 $1,000-1,200
Avalon XLS $4,200-4,900 $3,400-4,000 $1,400-1,700
1998
Avalon XL $4,400-5,200 $3,700-4,300 $1,500-1,800
Avalon XLS $5,100-5,800 $4,300-4,900 $2,000-2,300
1999
Avalon XL $5,200-6,000 $4,400-5,100 $2,100-2,400
Avalon XLS $5,900-6,700 $5,100-5,800 $2,500-2,800
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
1995-1999 Toyota Avalon Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification 4-door sedan
Wheelbase, in. 107.1
Overall Length, in. 190.2
Overall Width, in. 70.3
Overall Height, in. 56.1
Curb Weight, lbs. 3263
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 15.4
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 18.5
Seating Capacity 51
Front Head Room, in. 39.1
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 44.1
Rear Head Room, in. 37.8
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 38.3
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Powertrain Options and Availability
Just one powertrain has been available: a 3.0-liter, dual-overhead-cam V6 engine, driving a 4-speed automatic transmission. Engine output rose from 192 to 200 horsepower for 1997.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in
Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy
Consumer Guide Observed
dohc V6 3.0 / 180 192-200 210 4-speed automatic: 20/29 4-speed automatic: 21.1
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test 1999 Avalon
Front Impact, Driver 4
Front Impact, Passenger 5
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
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