2002 Toyota Avalon: Road Test
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2002 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 2002 Toyota Avalon includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Toyota Avalon from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Toyota Avalon, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Toyota Avalon help you decide if a 2002 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 and smooth.
FUEL ECONOMY
| XL w/bench seat | XLS w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Better than average for the class with a commendable 21-23 mpg in our tests. Toyota recommends premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| XL w/bench seat | XLS w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 6.7 |
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 | 5.3 |
Fine straight-line stability and highly competent in gentle driving. But weak-kneed in fast turns, with light steering, mediocre road feel, lots of body lean, and humble grip from tires. Brakes can be touchy in routine use but are superb in quick stops.
QUIETNESS
| XL w/bench seat | XLS w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5.3 |
Steering-wheel rim can obscure the tops of main gauges, and panel displaying time, compass, and other information is far away and difficult to read in all but ideal light. Climate and audio controls couldn't be better.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| XL w/bench seat | XLS w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 6.9 |
Among the best around, especially for the big-and-tall crowd. Buckets support better than bench in turns. Drivers have good visibility despite hard-to-see rear body corners; large door mirrors help.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| XL w/bench seat | XLS w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 5.9 |
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 | 6.9 |
It's a little sloppy in changes of direction, but the roomy, quiet, and smooth-riding Avalon rivals more-expensive near-luxury sedans in most every other respect. Toyota's strong track record for quality, reliability, and resale value adds to the appeal, making this a solid Recommended pick.
Total Score
| XL w/bench seat | XLS w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 64 | 65 | 59.1 |
Total Score: 65
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