2000-2004 Toyota Avalon: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Automatic-transmission performance
- Quietness
- Acceleration
- Build quality
- Passenger room
- Ride
Cons
- Brake-pedal feel
- Handling
Vehicle Highlights
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.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Toyota Avalon XLS Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 7 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 7 | |
| Controls/Materials | 8 | |
| Interior Room | 8 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 8 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 64 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 2000-2004 Toyota Avalon includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2000-2004 Toyota Avalon and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2000-2004 Toyota Avalon is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Toyota Avalon XLS Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 7 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 7 | |
| Controls/Materials | 8 | |
| Interior Room | 8 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 8 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 64 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $655 |
| A/C Compressor | $510 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,330 |
| Brakes | $450 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $950 |
| Exhaust System | $475 |
| Radiator | $410 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $900 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $340 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
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| 2004 | |||
| Avalon XL | $12,000-13,200 | $10,800-11,900 | $6,700-7,400 |
| Avalon XLS | $13,500-14,800 | $12,300-13,500 | $8,000-8,700 |
| 2003 | |||
| Avalon XL | $9,500-10,500 | $8,600-9,500 | $4,900-5,500 |
| Avalon XLS | $10,800-11,800 | $9,700-10,600 | $5,800-6,400 |
| 2002 | |||
| Avalon XL | $7,700-8,700 | $6,900-7,800 | $3,900-4,400 |
| Avalon XLS | $8,800-9,800 | $7,900-8,800 | $4,600-5,100 |
| 2001 | |||
| Avalon XL | $6,700-7,600 | $5,900-6,700 | $3,100-3,500 |
| Avalon XLS | $7,700-8,700 | $6,900-7,800 | $3,900-4,400 |
| 2000 | |||
| Avalon XL | $6,000-6,800 | $5,200-5,900 | $2,500-2,900 |
| Avalon XLS | $6,700-7,500 | $5,900-6,600 | $3,100-3,500 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 107.1 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 191.9 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.7 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 57.7 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3330 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 15.9 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.5 | |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.7 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.7 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.9 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 40.1 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| 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. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2000 Avalon |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| 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%.
NHTSA Recall History
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