Last year, Toyota, Japan's largest automaker, introduced the third-generation of its largest sedan and self- appointed flagship vehicle, Avalon. This latest incarnation does a good job of separating itself from its slightly smaller, but better known bunk mate, the mid-size Camry, which has been the best-selling car in the United States the past several years. Camry receives a next-generation makeover in the 2007 model year and a gas-electric Camry hybrid is also part of the 2007 model year mix.
Not much changes in Avalon from the 2005 model year redesign save for a couple new options to already existing trim level packages, although this is the first time I've sampled the third-generation, front-wheel-drive Avalon, so it's all new to me. Avalon was engineered and designed for the U.S. market and now stands on its own. It's no longer just an up-sized Camry. Avalon measures in at 197.2 inches, a full eight inches longer than the mid-size 2006 Camry.
If the four-door Avalon had to be pegged either a sports-tuned or luxury-tuned vehicle, luxury would win out. This car glides over speed bumps and roadway imperfections with a smooooth grace. More aggressive road maneuvers are better left for the likes of more upscale branded competitors including the Lexis IS or BMW 5 Series.
Avalon, first introduced in the 1995 model year, is an interesting vehicle in that it's hard to peg. It checks in as Toyota's most prestigious vehicle but not marketed under a traditional 'luxury brand' such as Acura, Cadillac, Infiniti or Lincoln. However, it does borrow some high-end nuances (including a quiet interior) from its sister Lexus luxury division. It posses a much different interior atmosphere than the mid-size Camry. Probably the closest competitors would be the front-wheel-drive Nissan Maxima (starting price $27,900), which went slightly upscale a couple years earlier, thelarge, long-running rear-wheel-drive Mercury Grand Marquis ($24,780 starting price), Buick's new front-wheel drive Lucerne ($25,265 starting price) and the Ford Five Hundred ($22,230 starting price), available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
"Avalon is the most technologically advanced sedan we have had with features like heated and ventilated front seats," according to John Photopulos, Marketing/Customer Relations Manager at Arlington Toyota in Buffalo Grove. "We are attracting former hi-line luxury car buyers that are used to paying much more for similar comfort and safety."
Avalon, built in Georgetown Kentucky along with its Camry counterpart, is available in four trim level: base XL, Touring, XLS and Limited. Toyota supplied the Daily Herald with an XLS edition with a $31,075 starting price. After factoring in an up-graded stereo ($640), stability/traction control ($1,090) and floor mats ($199), the bottom line fell to $33,544 including a $540 destination charge. The Base XL model starts at $26,775 while a Touring edition checks in at $29,025. The opulent Limited lists at $33,965.
All four trims are powered by a 3.5-liter, 24-valve V-6 engine delivering 268 horsepower and mated with a five-speed automatic transmission. For those who enjoy a more active driving role, this transmission features a sequential shift allowing the driver to manual control gear shifts without a foot clutch. For those who just want to set the transmission in 'drive' and go, that is arranged, too. Regular 87-octane fills the 18.5 gallon tank and gets the car rolling. Fuel economy for this 'large' sedan is decent and checks in at 22 miles per gallon city and 31 m.p.g. highway, slightly betterthan its second-generation counterpart.
When sitting behind the wheel for the first time, gauges, dials and necessary accessories are logically placed for easy adjustment. Burled wood trim on all four door interiors plus the dashboard works in tandem with brushed aluminum finishes for a visually appealing and clean look.
The flat, analog instrument panel combines backlighting with mostly white lettering. The only digital display is the odometer along the bottom. A digital clock fits in between the instrument panel and square, digital sound system display also providing outside temperature and time traveled information. The stereo system/compact disc player, with a spring-loaded, push-open brushed aluminum cover, incorporates large pre-set buttons and average-sized on-off, knobs. The sound system is flanked on both sides by a rectangular, touch-pad like ventilation toggle buttons. Below is separatecassette tape player with its own shinny brushed-aluminum cover useful for those who enjoy books on tape.
The foot operated parking brake is found in the driver's foot well, away from the center bucket seat area which instead provides more space for a dual inline cup holder and small storage area with cell-phone holder. Both the cupholders and the small storage area feature brushed aluminum spring-loaded covers. To the rear is a another storage region with arm-rest top. Trunk and fuel door release buttons are found on the far left side of the dashboard, a more convenient location than on the floor left of the driver's seat, where many times it's located. Just above is a power outsidemirror control panel and large instrument panel dimmer knob. Power window and lock buttons are on the driver's door. The steering column is manually, not power operated and the steering wheel face is home to secondary audio and climate controls.
If three passengers need to ride for an extended length of time, Avalon's back seat can accommodate the trio. Leg room in back is more than generous and you'd be hard-pressed to find a larger back seat from an Asian automaker. Ceiling assist handles are found near the driver and front passenger doors. A small pass-through door leads to the trunk for carting skis or other long, slender items.
The front wipers activate from a right-hand side steering column stalk while a square cruise control appendage jets out from the steering wheel at about 5 o'clock. The ignition cylinder is found on the dashboard to the right of the steering column. Drivers have good views in all directions and blind spots are minimized.
Being the most upscale Toyota, Avalon comes with many popular features standard. Leather seating is standard in all but the base XL. A power moon roof is standard in XLS and Limited and optional in the other two trims. An in-dash navigation system is optional in XLS and Limited while a laser-based cruise control feature is optional in Limited.
The front-wheel-drive exclusive Avalon retains a 'conservatively confident' outward appearance. Strap-like handles are body colored. The front, sports a three-tier grille and Toyota's circular logo front and center. In back, dual rear exhaust comes standard.
Air bags are well represented in Avalon. In addition to front air bags, front seat-mounted side air bags, driver's knee air bag and front/rear side curtain airbags protect riders in side-impact crash circumstances. In addition, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, remote keyless entry and electronic brake for distribution come standard. Traction control and brake assist are optional across the board.
The trunk's roomy 14.4 cubic feet is decent for this sized car. Goose-neck interior hinges are housed in a protective sleeve so as not to crunch cargo in any way. The full-size spare stows under the flat floor.
The powertrain is warrantied for five years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first). The limited warranty covering many other items outside of routine maintenance or normal wear, is good for three years or 36,000 miles. The corrosion/perforation warranty is good for five years with no mileage restriction.
There is much to like about the 2006 Avalon, which is often sited as the quality bellwether in the large, non-luxury band sedan category. The peppy engine provides plenty of passing and merging power on the highway. |
