1995-1999 Toyota Avalon: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1995-1999 Toyota Avalon and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration
- Optional antilock brakes
- Passenger and cargo room
- Quietness
- Instruments/controls
Cons
- Price
- Fuel economy
Vehicle Highlights
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.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | 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 Score: | 57 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1995-1999 Toyota Avalon. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1995-1999 Toyota Avalon.
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.
Our road test for the 1995-1999 Toyota Avalon includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1995-1999 Toyota Avalon and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1995-1999 Toyota Avalon is right for you.
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.
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | 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 Score: | 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.
Our reliability study for this generation Toyota Avalon includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Toyota Avalon .
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:
Groaning noise from front end when going over speed bumps etc. corrected by installing revised spring bumpers on front struts. (1995-97)
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)
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 |
Our price chart for this generation Toyota Avalon details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1999 | |||
| Avalon XL | $4,500-5,300 | $3,700-4,400 | $1,600-1,900 |
| Avalon XLS | $5,200-6,000 | $4,400-5,100 | $2,100-2,400 |
| 1998 | |||
| Avalon XL | $3,800-4,500 | $3,100-3,700 | $1,200-1,400 |
| Avalon XLS | $4,300-5,000 | $3,600-4,200 | $1,500-1,700 |
| 1997 | |||
| Avalon XL | $3,200-3,900 | $2,500-3,000 | $800-1,000 |
| Avalon XLS | $3,700-4,400 | $3,000-3,600 | $1,100-1,300 |
| 1996 | |||
| Avalon XL | $2,700-3,400 | $2,000-2,600 | $600-700 |
| Avalon XLS | $3,100-3,800 | $2,400-3,000 | $700-900 |
| 1995 | |||
| Avalon XL | $2,200-2,800 | $1,600-2,000 | $400-500 |
| Avalon XLS | $2,500-3,100 | $1,800-2,300 | $500-700 |
|
|
|||
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.
Specs for this generation Toyota Avalon include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
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 | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
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. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Toyota Avalon include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
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%. Sideimpact 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%.
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