2000-2004 Toyota Avalon Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2000-2004 Toyota Avalon Review:
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7.
Toyota Avalon Full Review
8.
9.
10.
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.
2000-2004 Toyota Avalon Review
America's sole import-brand full-size sedan earned a redesign for 2000. Styling was fresh, and the body gained about an inch in both width and height, but chassis specifications did not change. Toyota's 3.0-liter V6 engine and 4-speed automatic transmission returned from the first generation, but incorporating VVT-i variable-valve timing and other modifications added 10 horsepower. Antilock braking and side-impact airbags again were standard. Vehicle Skid Control and Brake Assist systems, respectively designed to activate individual brakes to counteract skids and automatically apply full braking force in emergency stops, became optional for the XLS sedan. Avalons came with a choice of front seating: buckets or a split bench. Options included leather upholstery, power seats, and a power moonroof. New standard features included dual-zone temperature control and a trunk pass-through for carrying long items. The XLS added aluminum wheels, a compass and trip computer, automatic temperature control, and a ventilation microfilter. New individual options included memory power seats, a "Homelink" remote garage-door opener, and a 115-volt AC power outlet inside the car.
Year to Year Changes
2001 Toyota Avalon:
Toyota's full-size sedan was unchanged in the second season of its second-generation form.
2002 Toyota Avalon:
There were no significant changes for 2002.
2003 Toyota Avalon:
All models got styling changes front and rear and new-look gauges. Optional on XLS was a DVD navigation system with dashboard screen and remote control. XLS also gained standard rain-sensing windshield wipers.
2004 Toyota Avalon:
The only change for Avalons this year is an antiskid/traction control system and full-power brake assist available on the XL and XLS.
2000-2004 Toyota Avalon Road Test
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Pros
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Cons
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Acceleration |
Brake-pedal feel |
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Automatic-transmission performance |
Handling |
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Quietness |
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Ride |
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Passenger room |
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Build quality |
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Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Toyota sought quieter running in the reworked Avalon, and handily achieved that goal. Except for mild tire rumble over very coarse pavement, this Avalon is a pleasantly hushed automobile. Even hard acceleration produces only a distant, rich engine sound. Acceleration is a tad better than before, thanks to little-changed weight and 10 extra horsepower--sufficient for nearly any situation. A test Avalon reached 60 mph in 8.3 seconds, and also averaged 21 mpg. The responsive automatic transmission is glassy smooth. Premium fuel is advised. Not only is the ride comfortable--close to plush, in fact--but drivers enjoy improved body control and firmer, more-communicative steering. The new Avalon dashes through twisty roads with almost sports-sedan poise--well-ahead of domestic rivals. Only a couple of quibbles have come up, including a bit of body drumming over rough patches, and slightly unprogressive pedal action in routine braking. In the seriously spacious interior, 6-footers can ride in tandem, with plenty of leg-stretching room for both. Higher-set seats are matched by a raised roofline that provides fine all-around head room. Three adults fit adequately on front and back seats, though middle riders must straddle a hump and may lack foot room. Rear entry/exit is easy enough, and all seats are comfortably supportive. Though not as long as the old Avalon's trunk, the new one is taller with plenty of space. Climate and audio controls couldn't be better, but the steering-wheel rim can obscure the tops of gauges without some juggling of seat and wheel. Abundant space is provided for small-item stowage, including a massive glovebox. Visibility is good despite hard-to-see rear body corners, and mirrors are usefully large.
Value for the Money
Spacious and posh, quiet and smooth-riding, the Avalon delivers Lexus-like attributes at a family oriented price. Approaching the near-luxury league in features, comfort, and functional roadability, it could be the best full-size sedan on the market.
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
| Toyota Avalon XLS |
Rating |
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| Performance |
5 |
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| Fuel Economy |
5 |
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| Ride Quality |
7 |
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| Steering/Handling/Braking |
5 |
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| Quietness |
7 |
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| Controls/Materials |
8 |
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| Interior Room |
8 |
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| Room/Comfort (rear) |
8 |
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| Cargo Capacity |
4 |
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| Value within Class |
7 |
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| Total: |
64 |
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.
2000-2004 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.
Sunroof/moonroof:
The moon roof may make noise because the silencer pads come loose and get wedged in the slider assembly. A revised pad was being installed under warranty. (2000)
Water leak:
Water leaks at the A-pillar (between windshield and front door) require sealing in the upper-corner joint area. (2000)
Water leak:
Water leaks into trunk due to loose or missing air duct flaps. (2001)
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.
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| A/C Compressor |
$510 |
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| A/C Compressor |
$655 |
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| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle |
$1,330 |
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| Brakes |
$450 |
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| Constant Velocity Joints |
$950 |
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| Exhaust System |
$475 |
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| Radiator |
$410 |
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| Shocks and/or Struts |
$900 |
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| Timing Chain or Belt |
$340 |
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NHTSA Recall History
2000:
On certain cars, due to improper heat treatment, rear axle may not have adequate strength in some areas; shafts could fail or break after extended use.
2001:
Front-subframe assembly on small number of vehicles was not adequately welded and could fail.
2000-2004 Toyota Avalon Prices
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|
| 2000 |
| Avalon XL |
$7,000-7,800 |
$6,200-6,900 |
$3,300-3,700 |
| Avalon XLS |
$8,200-9,000 |
$7,400-8,100 |
$4,200-4,600 |
|
| 2001 |
| Avalon XL |
$8,600-9,500 |
$7,700-8,600 |
$4,500-4,900 |
| Avalon XLS |
$10,000-11,000 |
$9,000-9,900 |
$5,200-5,700 |
|
| 2002 |
| Avalon XL |
$10,500-11,500 |
$9,500-10,400 |
$5,600-6,100 |
| Avalon XLS |
$12,000-13,000 |
$10,800-11,700 |
$6,700-7,300 |
|
| 2003 |
| Avalon XL |
$12,800-13,800 |
$11,600-12,600 |
$7,300-7,900 |
| Avalon XLS |
$14,500-15,700 |
$13,200-14,300 |
$9,000-9,700 |
|
| 2004 |
| Avalon XL |
$15,300-16,500 |
$13,900-15,000 |
$9,800-10,600 |
| Avalon XLS |
$17,200-18,500 |
$15,800-17,000 |
$11,000-11,800 |
|
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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.
2000-2004 Toyota Avalon Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification |
4-door sedan |
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| Wheelbase, in. |
107.1 |
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| Overall Length, in. |
191.9 |
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| Overall Width, in. |
71.7 |
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| Overall Height, in. |
57.7 |
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| Curb Weight, lbs. |
3330 |
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| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. |
15.9 |
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| Standard Payload, lbs. |
-- |
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| Fuel Capacity, gals. |
18.5 |
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| Seating Capacity |
6 |
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| Front Head Room, in. |
38.7 |
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| Max. Front Leg Room, in. |
41.7 |
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| Rear Head Room, in. |
37.9 |
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| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. |
40.1 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Powertrain Options and Availability
All Avalons used the same powertrain: a 3.0-liter dual-overhead-cam V6 engine and 4-speed automatic transmission.
| Engines |
Size liters / cu. in |
Horse- power |
Torque |
Transmission: EPA city/hgwy |
Consumer Guide Observed |
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| dohc V6 |
3.0 / 181 |
210 |
220 |
4-speed automatic: 21/29 |
4-speed automatic: 21 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test |
2000 Avalon |
|
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| Front Impact, Driver |
3 |
|
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| 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
Also in the 2000-2004 Toyota Avalon Review:
6.
7.
Toyota Avalon Full Review
8.
9.
10.