Has Toyota, Japan's high-power automobile exporter, become as American as apple pie? One might think so after observing how Toyota describes its all-new flagship sedan, Avalon. Toyota is quick to point out that Avalon is 'built and designed by Americans for Americans.' Avalon began rolling off Toyota's Georgetown, Ky. assembly line last November, and is an important part of its four-sedan marketing mix. Avalon joins the newly redesigned Tercel subcompact, the compact Corolla and the popular mid-size Camry. In Toyota's eyes, Avalon is a natural progression for satisfied Tercel, Corolla or Camry owners. Avalon is the biggest sedan Toyota has offered since phasing out Cressida in 1991. "Customer reaction to Avalon has been very favorable," said Dave Ficarra, sales manager at Toyota of Elgin. "Shoppers like the front bench seat option. Half the Avalons we sell are equipped with the front bench seat, " Ficarra added. Ficarra estimates 70 percent of his Avalon buyers trade in Toyota products they've been satisfied with. When engineers first sat down to develop Avalon, they began with a mid-size Camry platform, then stretched it. Avalon's overall length is a full four inches longer than Camry. Avalon's wheelbase, defined as the distance between the front and rear axle, is 107.1 inches. Avalon weighs 3,263 pounds, only 22 pounds heavier than Camry. Both vehicles have conservative, aerodynamic exteriors. The front-wheel-drive Avalon comes in base XL and upscale XLS trim levels. Prices range from $23,000 to $30,000 depending on optional equipment ordered. All Avalons are equipped with air conditioning, power windows and mirrors. Our test model, an upscale XLS with a cashmere beige metallic exterior and beige leather interior, listed for just over $30,000. We were privy to premium nuances, including moonroof, bronze glass, premium cassette/CD/Stereo player and keyless entry. This is a useful feature that unlocks all four doors and activates the dome light with a touch of a key chain button. Our test model included Toyota's all-new power split-bench seat enabling six passenger capacity. A movable armrest folds up and out of the way, while gear shifting is positioned on the steering column, leaving room for a middle front seat traveler. The smooth leather seats make even a three-hour trip comfortable. Avalons ordered with front bucket seats come equipped with a floor-mounted gear shift. Back-seat riders find surprisingly generous leg room and adequate head room, perks not easily found in Japanese models. The four-door Avalon is classified as a full-size sedan because of interior volume. Toyota boasts Avalon is the roomiest sedan ever offered by a Japanese nameplate. The dashboard layout is driver-friendly with windshield wipers, lights and cruise control operations located on the steering column. Our only complaint was our premium stereo system's buttons were too close and too similar in size to air-conditioning and rear-window defogger buttons. We felt a rush of cool air one chilly April morning after pushing what we assumed was a stereo preset button. Avalon's V-6 24-valve electronically fuel injected engine provides peppy acceleration. This powerplant delivers an impressive 192 horsepower at 5,200 crankshaft revolutions per minutes. The V-6 engine is standard in both XL and XLS trim levels. No one in the industry has yet to duplicate Toyota's sounds of silence. Toyota perfected quiet-running powerplants with its Lexus luxury division, and shared this technology with Avalon. Engine growl barely is audible during idling, and hums quietly when cruising. Power-assisted rack and pinion steering complements nimble handling. Both XL and XLS share a host of standard safety features including: dual air bags, front and rear crumple zones, child protector rear door locks, and side-impact safety protection. Anti-lock brakes are optional on XL and standard on XLS. Our fuel tank holds 18.5 gallons of fuel. Midgrade 91 octane unleaded gasoline is recommended. Estimated fuel economy is 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Our test model, with 8,500 odometer miles registered 23 mpg combined city and highway driving. Avalon's target market is college-educated individuals with a median household income of $70,000 and a median age of 48 years. Toyota predicts 50,000 units will be sold in the United States this calendar year. |