2003 Toyota Avalon: Road Test
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2003 Toyota Avalon ▼
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- MSRP: $25,945 -$30,505
- Invoice: $23,089 -$26,844
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Our road test for the 2003 Toyota Avalon includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Toyota Avalon from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Toyota Avalon, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Toyota Avalon help you decide if a 2003 Toyota Avalon is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| XL w/bench seat | XLS w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
Strong enough for most any situation. Test XLS did 8.3 sec 0-60 mph, midpack for the class. Smooth, responsive automatic transmission.
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 | 6.8 |
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 | 5.5 |
Fine straightline stability. Handling competent in gentle driving, weak-kneed in fast turns. Numb, light steering, lots of body lean, modest tire grip. 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 | 6.3 |
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 | 5.6 |
Steering-wheel rim can block 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, though. No opportunity yet to test XLS's new navigation system.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| XL w/bench seat | XLS w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 6.9 |
Not wide enough for comfortable 3-across travel. But otherwise, among the roomiest around, especially for the big-and-tall. Buckets support better than bench in turns. Large door mirrors help vision astern, though rear body corners invisible to driver.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| XL w/bench seat | XLS w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 5.9 |
Not as much a squeeze for three adults as in front, but outstanding for two. 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. Trunk opening big enough for large cargo. Plenty of interior storage, including 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 aggressive cornering, but the roomy, quiet, smooth-riding Avalon rivals costlier near-luxury sedans in most every other respect. Toyota's strong track record for quality, reliability, and resale value adds to the appeal.
Total Score
| XL w/bench seat | XLS w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 64 | 65 | 59.8 |
Total Score: 65
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