MSRP: $27,325 - $34,665
Invoice: $24,414 - $30,504
MPG: 19 City / 28 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:9.2
Performance:8.5
Exterior:7.7
Interior:8.7
Safety:8.6
Reliability:8.0
Research we analyzed for this review
Pros and Cons
  • Roomy high-quality cabin
  • Impressive V6 passing power for a large car
  • Touring trim offers good handling
  • Good reliability ratings and resale values
  • Highest MPG rating in its class
  • With options, price can rival that of luxury cars

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Toyota Avalon - What the Auto Press Says

The Avalon delivers class-leading interior room in a quality cabin, speedy V6 power and Toyota's renowned reliability.  Its chief drawback is its cost -- at this price, it may not make sense for many buyers.   On the other hand, with Toyota's rock-solid reputation for quality, and the best fuel-economy in its class, the Avalon's cost-to-own works in the car's favor.

The 2008 Toyota Avalon is an affordable sedan with all the amenities and perks of a luxury car. Solid handling and good passing power combine with an upscale and comfortable interior to make the Avalon a solid choice. Many reviews note that the Avalon's price nearly puts it into the luxury car category, and climbs quickly when options are added. But others say that for the price, the Avalon packs on the amenities. U.S. News reviewer Rick Newman says the Avalon's price tag "might seem steep for an ordinary sedan. But it's not bad for a dream car."

With gasoline prices skyrocketing, Toyota's choice to equip the Avalon with a V6, while many of its peers offer V8 engines, may also make the Avalon a reasonable investment.  It offers the highest MPG rating in the large car class.

For 2008, the Avalon undergoes a mid-cycle refresh.  The exterior has been updated, an understated version of the more muscular look Toyota has been moving toward with its sedans.  The 2008 Avalon also features new six-speed automatic transmission and improved braking. The Avalon comes in a variety of trim levels, including the XL, Touring, XLS and Limited.  If you're in the market for a large car, you should also consider the top-rated Hyundai Azera or the Chrysler 300.

  • "Consider that the least expensive Lexus, the ES 300, starts just below $33,000, without the space, power, and even some of the amenities of the comparably priced Avalon." -- BusinessWeek
  • "The full-size Toyota Avalon continues to beat the traditional, large domestic sedans at their own game, with added comfort, performance and reliability." -- Forbes
  • "Avalon is a Lexus in nearly everything but name." -- Sacramento Bee
  • "If you need a larger sedan for hauling passengers on long trips from Michigan to Florida, the Avalon is an excellent choice." -- Detroit News
  • "Unless you are interested in the status the nameplate brings, I'm not sure why the 2005 Lexus LS430 is worth $23,000 more than this Toyota Avalon." -- Orlando Sentinel
  • "The Avalon offers full-size car buyers a modern, front-wheel-drive sedan with an impeccable history of excellent service, outstanding quality and best-in-class resale." -- Kelley Blue Book
  • "Toyota's flagship sedan is sleek, roomy and a pleasure to drive. It comes loaded with covered compartments and plugs for all your technology. It offers luxury and style at a not-unattainable price." -- Mother Proof

Avalon Performance - 8.5 (Very Good)

The 2008 Toyota Avalon gets a lot of power out of its V6 engine, and offers nimble handling for such a large sedan.  Most reviews agree that the Avalon offers a ride nearly as smooth as that of many luxury cars, though some complain that the optional Touring suspension is too stiff for a heavy, large sedan.  U.S. News says the Avalon "can be ferocious if encouraged," and "is sturdy and substantial at cruising speeds, yet limber in parking lots and other tight spaces." Read More

Avalon Exterior - 7.7 (Good)

Most reviewers find the Toyota Avalon attractive, describing the exterior as elegant, refined and distinctive. BusinessWeek says that the sedan "looks substantial and elegant," adding that it has "crisp lines and edges, giving it a...distinctive, modern look."  Read More

Avalon Interior - 8.7 (Very Good)

Auto writers praise the refinement and class-leading space of the 2008 Avalon's interior saying that four long-legged passengers can ride comfortably, with room to spare. The Avalon is filled with standard features and delivers superior interior quality and a plush ride. Newsday speaks for many reviewers in saying, "The Avalon's new interior is worthy of that in any Lexus." Read More

Avalon Safety - 8.6 (Very Good)

Reviews universally praise the 2008 Toyota Avalon's lengthy list of safety features and its proven accident performance.  The Avalon earns five stars in government crash tests for both front and side impacts.  The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also gives it high scores all around.  Read More

Avalon Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)

The 2008 Toyota Avalon reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Toyota provides a three-year or 36,000-mile new vehicle warranty for all Avalons. Read More

Review Last Updated: 3/23/09