2005 Toyota Avalon: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Toyota's biggest car is redesigned for 2005, getting larger and more powerful, but losing seating for six. The 2000-2004 Avalon was America's only import-brand 6-passenger sedan. The '05 mandates front bucket seats and a floor console with transmission lever in place of an available bench seat and steering-column shift. Avalon gains 4 inches in wheelbase and almost 6 inches overall. It's slightly taller and wider, too, though an inch more rear leg room is the interior's only significant expansion. A 280-hp 3.5-liter V6 replaces a 210-hp 3.0 as the sole engine. A 5-speed automatic transmission supplants a 4-speed. XL, Touring, XLS, and top-line Limited models are offered. The Touring is Avalon's first "sporty" version, distinguished from other models by a firmer suspension, rear spoiler, and trim details. All come with antilock 4-wheel disc brakes. XL has 16-inch wheels, the others 17s. A traction/antiskid system is available for XLS and Limited. Front side airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags, and a driver knee airbag are included on all. Among new standard features are a steering wheel that telescopes as well as tilts, and a reclining rear seatback. All but XL come with leather upholstery. Exclusive to Limited are standard heated and cooled front seats and keyless ignition. A navigation system is an XLS and Limited option. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Cars comprise the biggest passenger sedans and wagons. Large, inside and out, they also include the only 6-passenger cars. Large Cars offer lots of metal for the money and are dominated by domestic brands.

Our Best Buys include the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego.