2001 Toyota Avalon: Road Test
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2001 Toyota Avalon ▼
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- MSRP: $25,845 -$30,405
- Invoice: $23,000 -$26,756
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Our road test for the 2001 Toyota Avalon includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Toyota Avalon from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Toyota Avalon, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Toyota Avalon help you decide if a 2001 Toyota Avalon is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| XL w/bench seat | XLS w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
Strong enough for most any situation. Test XLS did 0-60 mph in 8.3 sec, about midpack for the class. Automatic transmission is responsive, glassy smooth.
FUEL ECONOMY
| XL w/bench seat | XLS w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
Better than average for the class with a commendable 21 mpg in our tests. Premium fuel is recommended but not mandatory.
RIDE QUALITY
| XL w/bench seat | XLS w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
Comfortable, almost plush. Only mild float over large dips and crests disturbs the calm.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| XL w/bench seat | XLS w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 |
No sports sedan, but hustles well along twisty roads, abetted by firm, communicative steering. Body roll is noticeable in hard cornering, but isn't alarming. Our test car's brakes were touchy in routine use but superb in hard stops.
QUIETNESS
| XL w/bench seat | XLS w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 |
Rivals Toyota's luxury Lexus models, with only mild tire rumble on very coarse pavement and a distant, rich-sounding engine note even in pedal-to-metal acceleration.
CONTROLS
| XL w/bench seat | XLS w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 5.3 |
Dashboard works well, though steering-wheel rim can obscure the tops of the main gauges. Climate and audio controls couldn't be better. Drivers have good visibility despite hard-to-see rear body corners, helped by large door mirrors.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| XL w/bench seat | XLS w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 7 |
One of the best around in this area, especially for the big-and-tall crowd.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| XL w/bench seat | XLS w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 5.9 |
As in front, comfortable width for three adults, though middle riders must straddle a floor hump. Ample 6-footer leg room even with front seats pushed back; great head clearance too.
CARGO ROOM
| XL w/bench seat | XLS w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5.8 |
More than enough for most family excursions, and trunk opening big enough for larger cargo. Plenty of interior storage too, including a large glovebox.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| XL w/bench seat | XLS w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7 |
Roomy, quiet, smooth-riding, and quite roadable for a family-oriented sedan, Avalon is the next best thing to the Best Buy near-luxury Lexus ES 300--and more affordable. Toyota's strong track record for quality, reliability, and resale value appeals greatly too.
Total Score
| XL w/bench seat | XLS w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 64 | 65 | 58.5 |
Total Score: 65
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