2005-2008 Toyota Avalon: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

2005 Toyota Avalon
2008 Toyota Avalon
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2005-2008 Toyota Avalon ▼

  • Price Range:  $13,700 - $26,500
CG Rating

70

out of 100

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2005-2008 Toyota Avalon and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Ride/handling
  • Passenger room
  • Acceleration
  • Automatic-transmission performance

Cons

  • Navigation system controls

Vehicle Highlights

Toyota redesigned its largest car for 2005 and a showroom debut early that calendar year. Though retaining front-wheel drive, the third-generation Avalon boasted fresh looks, increased size and more power, but no longer claimed title as America's only import-brand 6-passenger sedan. Avalon had offered an optional front bench seat with steering-column transmission lever, but the '05s came only with front bucket seats and a floor console shifter. Against the 2000-2004 models, the redesign added a sizeable 4 inches to wheelbase and almost half-a-foot to overall length, plus a bit more width and height. Even so, an inch more rear leg room was the only notable gain in interior space. Avalon continued with a single powertrain, but the engine was Toyota's new 3.5-liter V6, initially rated at 280 hp and replacing a 210-hp 3.0. It paired with a 5-speed automatic, supplanting a 4-speed transmission. Price levels expanded from two to four, ascending from XL through Touring, XLS and Limited versions. As the first "sporty" Avalon, the Touring came with a firmer suspension, rear spoiler and special trim. All models came with antilock four-wheel disc brakes, plus front side airbags, curtain side airbags, and a first-time driver's knee airbag. Traction/antiskid control was available for XLS and Limited, but curiously not for the Touring. Leather seating and 17-inch wheels were standard except for XL, which came with 16-inch rims and cloth upholstery. Newly standard across the line were reclining backrests for a split folding rear seat and a steering wheel with telescopic as well as tilt adjustment. Exclusive to Limited were heated/cooled front seats and keyless starting, both standard, plus an optional adaptive cruise control designed to main a set following distance. A navigation system was available for XLS and Limited, while a sunroof was restricted to XL and Touring. Xenon headlamps were standard for Touring and Limited.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category Toyota Avalon XLS Rating
Performance 7
Fuel Economy 5
Ride Quality 7
Steering/Handling/Braking 6
Quietness 8
Controls/Materials 7
Interior Room 9
Room/Comfort (rear) 8
Cargo Capacity 4
Value within Class 9
Total Score: 70
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2005-2008 Toyota Avalon. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2005-2008 Toyota Avalon.

Year to Year Changes


2006 Toyota Avalon: Aside from the usual color revisions, the main change this year was availability of a towing package as a dealer-installed option.
2007 Toyota Avalon: Avalon carried over unchanged.
2008 Toyota Avalon: The 2008 Toyota Avalon got a new automatic transmission and a minor facelift. A new 6-speed automatic transmission replaced last year's 5-speed automatic. The 2008 Avalon got a revised grille and bumper treatment.

Our road test for the 2005-2008 Toyota Avalon includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2005-2008 Toyota Avalon and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2005-2008 Toyota Avalon is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

This Avalon compares well with V6 versions of the Chrysler 300 and Buick's new-for-2006 Lucerne. For starters, it wins on both horsepower and acceleration. A test XLS ran 0-60 mph in a quick 6.2 sec. Powertrain behavior is exemplary. Toyota's new 3.5 V6 engine is ever silky, and rises only to a muted, classy-sounding growl at full throttle. The responsive automatic is also smooth, and quick to downshift for passing, though some shifts were a bit syrupy on one test car. Avalon also leads the V6 Buicks and Chryslers for real-world fuel economy. One test car averaged 18.4 mpg in a city/freeway mix with gas-eating acceleration runs; other models returned 22.6-28.0 with mostly highway use. The one downside is mandatory premium fuel. As Toyota's flagship car, the Avalon has a deliberately soft "luxury" suspension that nicely smothers small disturbances, but allows some pitch and float over crests and dips that becomes more noticeable as speed rises. The Touring with its slightly firmer suspension shows less of this, but it also registers some bumps that other models don't. Despite the plush ride, Avalon shows fine dynamic poise for a large sedan. Some of our testers would prefer more weight and feel to the steering and less body lean in tight corners, but Avalon is agile enough and tracks dead-true on the highway. The Touring is a touch more responsive in quick direction changes, though its steering is no more precise or informative. All models have strong, easily modulated brakes, though the soft suspension allows fair nosedive in hard stops, though it doesn't compromise stability or control. Refinement is another asset. Besides the muted, sweet-sounding engine, Avalon shows little tire noise on most surfaces and only minor wind rush at highway speeds. In this respect, it's a match for many costlier cars. So, too, the attractive cabin with its comfortable seats, ample room for five adults, and no-strain entry/exit. The reclining rear seatbacks lack power adjustment, but add an extra touch of luxury. Gauges and switches are large and legible, and steering-wheel controls handle routine audio and climate adjustments. Too bad main functions and several accessories operate from a central bank of lookalike buttons, though they're easy to decipher and reach. Navigation controls are accessed from a tilt-out panel, which we find slightly tedious, and programming the system can be both frustrating and a potential distraction while driving. A good basic driving stance is easily tailored for comfort, but styling slightly impedes visibility astern, especially for shorter drivers. Workmanship and interior materials are up to snuff, but Avalon is no longer clearly superior to like-priced rivals in this regard; one test car suffered minor dashboard rattles. The trunk is large enough for family excursions, but the wheel housings and trunklid hinges steal some space and complicate packing. Cabin storage is generous and includes a dedicated cell-phone holder that we wish every carmaker would copy.
Value for the Money
The competition has been catching up, so Avalon no longer tops the field for refinement, room, interior ambience or detail workmanship. Yet this third-generation car is just as much a Best Buy as previous models, and that holds for used examples too. Among the many assets here are a sterling V6 powertrain, solid driving feel, cushy ride, and Toyota's strong track record for quality, reliability and resale value. Though an Avalon might cost a bit more than a domestic-brand rival on the used-car market, it would be our choice, all else being equal. It would certainly be on our "look-for" list, and should be on yours, too.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category Toyota Avalon XLS Rating
Performance 7
Fuel Economy 5
Ride Quality 7
Steering/Handling/Braking 6
Quietness 8
Controls/Materials 7
Interior Room 9
Room/Comfort (rear) 8
Cargo Capacity 4
Value within Class 9
Total Score: 70

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.
Our reliability study for this generation Toyota Avalon includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Toyota Avalon .

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.

Audio system: The audio system door may stick, requiring replacement of the sub-panel. (2005)

Engine stalling: The engine may not start when pressing the start button after the battery charge has dropped, requiring re-initialization by opening and closing the driver's door then depressing the brake pedal prior to pushing the start button. (2005)

Keyless entry: The engine may not start with Smart Key systems if the battery goes dead or is weak (less than 9 volts) requiring reinitialization of the steering lock control module. (2005-06)

Oil leak: An oil leak may develop on the right-rear side of the V6 engine from an unused bolt. (2005-06)

Sunroof/moonroof: Water may leak onto the headliner and/or floor because the drain hose(s) for the moonroof may come loose and clamps should be installed on all four. (2005-07)

Trunk latch: The trunk may not open or close properly because the brackets for the torsion bars bend and the bars come loose. (2005-06)

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.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $920
Alternator $820
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $3,410
Brakes $1,410
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing
Constant Velocity Joints $1,450
Exhaust System $1,100
Radiator $945
Shocks and/or Struts $3,405
Timing Chain or Belt $1,050
Our price chart for this generation Toyota Avalon details a range of prices in year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Prices Good Average Poor
2008
Avalon $22,000-24,500 $20,200-22,500 $14,300-15,900
Avalon XLS, Ltd. $26,000-28,500 $24,200-26,500 $17,200-18,800
2007
Avalon $19,000-21,000 $17,500-19,300 $12,400-13,700
Avalon XLS, Ltd. $22,400-24,000 $20,600-22,100 $14,600-15,600
2006
Avalon $16,500-18,500 $15,000-16,800 $10,600-11,800
Avalon XLS, Ltd. $19,500-21,000 $17,900-19,300 $12,700-13,700
2005
Avalon $15,000-16,800 $13,700-15,300 $9,500-10,600
Avalon XLS, Ltd. $18,000-19,500 $16,600-17,900 $11,500-12,500
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.
Specs for this generation Toyota Avalon include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification 4-door sedan
Wheelbase, in. 111.0
Overall Length, in. 197.2
Overall Width, in. 72.8
Overall Height, in. 58.5
Curb Weight, lbs. 3490
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 14.4
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 18.5
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 38.8
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.3
Rear Head Room, in. 37.5
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 40.9

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Only one powerteam was offered, comprising a 280-hp 3.5-liter V6 driving the front wheels through a 5-speed automatic transmission. Due to a change in rating method, outputs on 2006 were revised to 268 hp and 248 lb-ft, but no engine changes were made. For 2008, a new 6-speed automatic transmission replaced the 5-speed automatic.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in		 Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy		 Consumer Guide Observed
dohc V61 3.5 / 211 280 260 3-speed automatic: 22/31 3-speed automatic: 25.3

1. Hp adn torque re-rated on 2006 models to 268 hp, 248 lb-ft

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Built In:  USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Toyota Avalon include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test 2006 Avalon
Front Impact, Driver 5
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%.

Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2005-2008 Toyota Avalon directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.

NHTSA Recall History

2005 Avalon: Steering yolk was not welded to the steering shaft, causing loss of control of the vehicle. Dealers will inspect and replace steering column.
2005-06 Avalon: Some vehicles may have improperly assembled airbag inflators that may not fully inflate the bag as designed. Dealers will replace any affected airbags.

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