| Manufacturer | Toyota |
|---|---|
| Also called | Toyota Pronard (Japan) |
| Production | 1994–present |
| Predecessor | Toyota Cressida Toyota Vienta (Australia) |
| Successor | Toyota Aurion (Australia) |
| Class | Full-size |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Related | Toyota Camry |
The Toyota Avalon is a full-size car produced by Toyota in the United States, and is the flagship sedan of Toyota in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the Middle East. It was also produced in Australia from 2000 until July 2005 when it was replaced in November 2006 by the Toyota Aurion. The first Toyota Avalon rolled off the assembly line in Georgetown, Kentucky on February 21, 1994 as a 1995 model. A second-generation model was released in the United States and Japan in 1999. In 2000, the Toyota Avalon was the first Toyota model to feature a non-touch screen navigation system. The name "Avalon" was derived from a mythical island in Camelot lore.
Toyota marketed the Avalon as filling the gap left by the discontinuation of the Toyota Cressida in the American market in 1992. While the Cressida was an upper-level midsize rear-wheel drive car with a straight-six engine, the Avalon is front-wheel drive, powered by a V6 engine. In recent years, there has been considerable overlapping with its platform mates, the Toyota Camry V6 and the Lexus ES, although the Avalon has been distinguished by offering extra rear legroom.[1]
Contents |
| Production | 1994–1999 2000–2005 (Australia) |
|---|---|
| Model years | 1995–1999 |
| Assembly | United States: Georgetown, Kentucky (TMMK) Australia: Altona, Victoria |
| Engine | 3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed A541E automatic |
| Wheelbase | 107.1 in (2,720 mm) |
| Length | 1994–97: 190.2 in (4,831 mm) 1997–99: 191.9 in (4,874 mm) |
| Width | 1994–97: 70.3 in (1,786 mm) 1997–99: 70.5 in (1,791 mm) |
| Height | 1994–97: 55.9 in (1,420 mm) 1997–99: 56.7 in (1,440 mm) |
The Avalon was a completely new model introduced in 1994 for the 1995 model year. Built in the same plant as the Camry, the Avalon was based on a stretched Camry platform featuring a 3.0 litre 1MZ-FE V6 engine making 192 hp (140 kW) and 210 lb·ft (285 N·m) of torque.
The Avalon was available with a front bench seat for full six-passenger seating, and its column shifter was the first such feature in an American Toyota car since the 1982 Corona. The XL models were similar to the LE models of other Toyota vehicles, and the XLS models were similar to the XLE models of other Toyota vehicles. Traction control was optional. For 1997 models ABS became standard, power rating increased to 200 hp (150 kW), and torque increased to 214 lb·ft (290 N·m). In 1998 a mid-cycle refresh was made with minor updates to the front and rear fascias. Also for 1998, the Avalon's structure was modified to improve safety while front seat-mounted side airbags became standard.
The first generation Avalon was also sold in Japan (vehicles were made in the United States and exported to Japan) as a right-hand drive model. The Japanese Toyota Avalon was available in 3.0 and 3.0G grade levels, with the "Coach Edition" available as an option starting in late 1997 (equivalent to the 1998 model year).
| Calendar Year[2] | Sales |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 6,559 |
| 1995 | 66,123 |
| 1996 | 73,070 |
| 1997 | 71,081 |
| 1998 | 77,576 |
| 1999 | 67,851 |
In 1999, Toyota transferred the old tooling for the Avalon to Toyota Australia, which launched this Avalon as an "all-new" model in June 2000. The Australian Avalon therefore had an identical body to the original 1994 Avalon.[3] The Australian model was built in the Melbourne suburb of Altona, made in both right-hand drive (for Australia, New Zealand and some parts of Asia) and left-hand drive for the Middle East. The Camry was also made at this plant.[4] The Avalon performed poorly in Australia; critics called the car "boring", and sales were tepid. The Avalon was front-wheel drive and available only as a sedan with a 3.0 litre V6 and automatic transmission. By contrast, its intended rivals, the Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore, offered a wider range of body styles and engine/transmission options.[5]
When the Avalon was updated in 2001 as the "Mark II", the model range was lightly revised and new hubcaps/alloy wheels were fitted.[6] The "Mark III" designation refers to the 2003 to 2005 facelift models.[7]
Many buyers preferred the V6-powered Camry instead of the Avalon, and the 2003 facelift failed to rectify the lower than expected sales,[8] with many criticizing the new front styling. Because of these sales concerns, Toyota Australia marketed it towards taxi fleets, against the Ford Falcon, with a specially developed dual-fuel (LPG and petrol)-compatible engine.[9] Avalon production ceased in mid-2005.[10] In November 2006, Toyota introduced its replacement, the Toyota Aurion.[11]
| Australia (2000–2005) | ||||||||||
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| Also called | Toyota Pronard (2002–2004) |
|---|---|
| Production | 1999–2004 |
| Model years | 2000–2004 |
| Assembly | United States: Georgetown, Kentucky (TMMK) |
| Engine | 3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed A541E automatic |
| Wheelbase | 107.1 in (2,720 mm) |
| Length | 191.9 in (4,874 mm) |
| Width | 71.7 in (1,821 mm) |
| Height | 1999–2002: 57.7 in (1,466 mm) 2002–2004: 57.1 in (1,450 mm) |
The second-generation Avalon grew larger in almost every respect. It was still based on the stretched Camry platform and was powered by a 3.0 litre 1MZ-FE V6 engine equipped with VVT-i, shared with the Toyota Sienna, Lexus RX300, Lexus ES, and the Toyota Highlander, making 210 hp (157 kW) and 220 lb·ft (298 N·m). of torque and paired to a 4-speed automatic. The styling remained conservative to appeal to older buyers and the coefficient of drag had been reduced to 0.28 Cd.
This Avalon was available in two trims: the basic XL and the upscale XLS. Standard features include electroluminescent Optitron gauges, 4-wheel disc ABS, front torso side airbags and 15" alloy wheels. Optional features include a JBL audio system, a navigation system, Vehicle Stability Control, and a front row bench seat, allowing up to six passengers—a distinguishable characteristic of large sized cars. However the front center seat is a tight fit for an adult passenger. Dual climate control, larger 16" wheels, and driver's and passenger's power seats were also available.
This second-generation Avalon also featured a built-in 115V AC power inverter, the first car with such a feature. This feature was dropped in the third-generation Avalon; yet, the Toyota Matrix, Sienna and Scion models now offer this feature.
The Avalon received a mid-cycle facelift for the 2003 model year, with a new grille and modified headlights and taillights. The minor interior changes included a woodgrain-style trimmed steering wheel for the XLS, slightly modified gauges, and a chrome emblem steering wheel added onto the XL (once only standard for the XLS).
This second-generation Avalon was also exported to the Japanese market as the Toyota Pronard, replacing the first-generation sold as the Avalon. Due to poor sales, Toyota did not export the third-generation Avalon to Japan; thus, the Toyota Pronard has been discontinued.
In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) frontal crash test the Avalon received a "Good" overall score with the "Good" in all six measured categories.[12]
| Production | Feb 2005–present |
|---|---|
| Model years | 2005–present |
| Assembly | United States: Georgetown, Kentucky (TMMK) |
| Engine | 3.5 L 2GR-FE V6 |
| Transmission | 5-speed U151E automatic 6-speed U660E automatic |
| Wheelbase | 111.0 in (2,819 mm) |
| Length | 2004–2010: 197.2 in (5,009 mm) 2010–present: 197.6 in (5,019 mm) |
| Width | 72.8 in (1,849 mm) |
| Height | 58.5 in (1,486 mm) |
The Avalon underwent a complete redesign in 2005, and was unveiled to the public at the January 2005 North American International Auto Show. It went on sale in February 2005. Toyota reportedly cut the Avalon's development time down from 29.5 months to 18 months.[13]
The new Avalon was larger than previous Avalons in every aspect, featuring less conservative more modern Calty styling, with a coefficient of drag figure of 0.29 Cd, the Avalon also became the first Toyota to use a single piece wiper blade design. For safety reasons the redesign dropped the front bench seat option, a feature once common among large American sedans such as Buicks and Cadillacs, and in order to help increase rear passenger comfort the Avalon featured a flat rear floor.
The Avalon was the first Toyota to use Dual VVT-i in the US market in an all-new 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6 engine which met ULEV certification and had a power output of 280 hp (209 kW) with a 0-60 time of 6.0 seconds. The engine was mated to a 5-speed sequential shift automatic. Due to changes in the SAE's testing procedures, power dropped to 268 hp (200 kW) and torque dropped to 248 lb·ft (336 N·m) for the 2006 model year.
The Avalon came in four trims, a standard XL trim, a sporty Touring trim, an XLS trim and a premium Limited trim. The XL model came standard with 16" alloy wheels, while other trims came with larger 17" wheels. Performance oriented tires were fitted to the Touring and Limited trim.
The XL introduces standard features such as dual-climate automatic temperature control and steering wheel-mounted audio and climate controls. The Touring trim offers faux aluminum and black leather interior, a sport-tuned suspension, unique powder-coated grey wheels, and a trunk lip-mounted spoiler. The XLS introduces standard cargo nets, six-disc CD changer, a power moonroof, electrochromic auto dimming rear-view and driver's side-view mirrors, four-way passenger power seat and a HomeLink transceiver. The high-end Limited trim offers air-ventilated seats with a power driver's seat cushion length adjuster, Toyota's Smart Key System with keyless push-button start and entry, an acoustic windshield, rain-sensing windshield wipers, an upgraded 12-speaker JBL audio system, "in-glass" LED turn signals on the side mirrors and a wood-trimmed steering wheel and shift gear. A navigation system is optional for every trim other than the XL version. The Avalon features a flat rear floor design and reclining rear seats. Vehicle Stability Control is optional on all trim levels. Other options include a keyless Remote Engine Start, rear window power sunshade and on Limited models a Dynamic Laser Cruise Control system. HID lighting with auto leveling was standard on Touring and Limited grades.
For the 2006 model year, Toyota expanded the availability of Vehicle Stability Control to XL and Touring trim levels.[14] The 2007 model year had the tire pressure monitoring system standard across all trims and the navigation system made optional for the Touring trim level.[15]
The 2008 model year Avalon released in 2007 received a mild facelift. Rear taillights receive subtle tinting, and the front fascia is redesigned with a more striking grille; "XL" models receive a black grille. Other changes include a six-speed automatic transmission, chrome exterior door handles for the "Limited" trim, restyled alloy wheels for the "Touring" and "XLS" trims, a built-in remote key, upgraded rear brakes, and Bluetooth integration with all JBL Synthesis audio systems. "Touring" models receive a color-keyed grille, "XLS" and "Limited" models receive a chrome grille, and all models now have a standard in-dash six-CD changer.
The 2009 model year Avalon offers a few changes. Vehicle Stability Control became standard on all trim levels, and the Touring version is no longer offered. XLS and Limited leather seats now offer a Dark Charcoal color, and the Indigo Ink Pearl exterior color has been replaced with Cocoa Bean Metallic.
The 2010 model year offers two updates. All passenger windows now receive an automatic up/down function, as opposed to just the driver and front passenger's side, and a new accelerator pedal has been designed.
The 2011 Avalon went on sale in April 2010 with revised styling and only two trim lines: a base Avalon model and a more upscale Limited trim. A backup camera is now standard using either the rear view mirror or navigation screen for a display, and exterior side mirrors with integrated turn signals now fold. The updated navigation system now features real-time traffic updates. Other new features include redesigned instrument cluster and center console, new wood trim, new sheetmetal, and a different rear and front fascia design. The front and tail lights now feature LED pipes and fuel economy has been slightly improved to an EPA-estimated 20/29/23 (city/highway/combined) mpg rating. The new Avalon has a new brake-override feature. It has an improved suspension system and a 12-speaker JBL Synthesis system which is only available on the Limited. 17" wheels are also standard on both trims although the Limited model has 6 spokes. Other exterior differences on the Limited include HID projector headlamps.[16]
The Avalon comes standard with anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, dual front airbags, front row side torso airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, and a driver's knee airbag. For 2009 models Vehicle Stability Control, traction control became standard while active head restraints were added. In 2010, the Star Safety System was added for the 2011 models.
The Avalon was subject to the 2009-10 Toyota vehicle recalls. 2011 and later models come standard with a brake-override system.
The Avalon received a "Good" overall score in both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) frontal offset and side impact tests.[17][18] In 2009, with the new head restraints the IIHS awarded the Avalon its Top Safety Pick accolade.[19]
A "Good" rating in IIHS the roof strength test IIHS earned 2011 models the organization's "Top Safety Pick 2010" designation. The 2011 model also received the "Top Safety Pick 2011" recommendation.
| Frontal Driver: | |
| Frontal Passenger: | |
| Side Driver: | |
| Side Rear Passenger: | |
| Rollover: | (2006) (2011) |
Car and Driver, which had called previous Avalons "Japanese Buicks," rated it at the top of a group of large premium sedans in 2005.[21] Edmunds.com, Motor Trend and Automobile Magazine also rated it top in their own comparisons.[22][23][24] Consumer Reports rated the Avalon at the top of its tested group in the large and upscale category, scoring ahead of five other sedans in the January 2010 issue.[25] In 2010, the 2011 model year Avalon competed against the Ford Taurus and received first place from Motor Trend.
| Calendar year | United States[2] |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 104,078 |
| 2001 | 83,005 |
| 2002 | 69,029[26] |
| 2003 | 50,911 |
| 2004 | 36,460[27] |
| 2005 | 95,318 |
| 2006 | 88,938[28] |
| 2007 | 72,945 |
| 2008 | 42,790[29] |
| 2009 | 26,935[30] |
| 2010 | 28,390[31] |
| 2011 | 28,925 |
| Total | 727,724 |
| Type | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | 2010s | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Model year | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Subcompact | Tercel | Tercel | Tercel | Tercel | Tercel | Echo | Yaris | Yaris | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Starlet | Corolla FX | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corolla | Corolla | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact | Corolla | Corolla | Corolla | Corolla | Corolla | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Matrix | Matrix | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corona | Camry | Camry | Prius | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mid-size | Prius | Prius | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Camry | Camry | Camry | Camry | Camry | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cressida | Cressida | Cressida | Cressida | Camry Solara | Camry Solara | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Venza | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prius v | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Full-size | Avalon | Avalon | Avalon | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport compact | Corolla GT-S | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Celica | Celica | Celica | Celica | Celica | Celica | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Paseo | Paseo | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sports | Celica Supra | Celica Supra | Supra | Supra | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MR2 | MR2 | MR2 Spyder | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||