Cars.com reviewer Kelsey Mays admits up front that it’s very possible he’s a 75-year-old man trapped in the body of a young car reviewer. He also admits that he’s doing nothing to dissuade friends and co-workers from this idea by copping to how much he likes the Toyota Avalon. Does he make a few good points about the Avalon, or is his endorsement strictly a byproduct of his Benjamin Button syndrome? Read Mays’ full review to find out.
2009 Toyota Avalon Review
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what about the styling inside and out? This is possibly the worst looking full size car in the segment except for the Crown Vic. I'll take a Genesis or Taurus any day over this. The car still has mouse fur on the pillars and headliner.
OS,
This car is nice!
Also, it is definitely bigger then Genesis or Taurus.
Is Taurus FWD?
Genesis would be a better driver because it is RWD.
But Avalon is a King when it comes to accommodations.
So, if I am on the market for large, soft, Caddy-like sedan Avalon is perfect. I wouldn't jump into comparo against Genesis because Genesis is in the different game despite price similarities. Genesis is made to go against 5-series, E-class.
And Taurus, which I don't know enough about... I hear it is based on the Volvo S80. In this case it also smaller inside and also a different game. Because it probably AWD and sport-minded. I might be wrong.
Seems like Avalon is almost became a Cadillac of latest generation of wealthy retirees.
Tony,
I live in an somewhat Toyota-biased region and neighborhood...it's been a long while since I saw an Avalon though. I don't think it's a great seller at all, even for the "latest generation of wealthy retirees". No offense, but they'd look far past an Avalon.
The car is definitely styled for an older person. I agree with one review from a few years ago it said, "the Avalon is the best car GM's Buick never built. My aunt owns one. The car drives smooth and has decent power. The Avalon is posh inside. I agree, the interior materials are of high quality.
This is a great car one which Government Motors could never build. My Uncle is on his second Avalon as the first one gave him over 200,000 trouble free miles. The Avalon is a great car.
this car is great better than the taurus or a genesis, if i want a genesis i prefer buying a bmw and not a wanna be. the avalon is great inside and out. taurus resale value is horrible and they break down easily
Joel:
Any basis for your statement about the Taurus? I didnt think so. Stop using old unfounded stereotypes and try and stick to the facts. The new Taurus is coming out next month and is hands down better than this car. Avalon sales are falling at a rapid pace. Also, the current and 2010 Taurus are larger than this car. It has a 14 cu ft trunk which is less than the midsize Camry. This car has one thing going for it- the powertrain.
Only a die hard Toyota fan would buy this car over the superior 2010 Taurus. The Lacrosse will also be tough competition.
The Avalon also seems to be much roomier -- except in the trunk -- than the new Taurus, which gave up some of the current model's outstanding volume.
This our 1st Toyota, 2007 limited, and it seems to be a great car so far. My wife drives and loves it. I'm 38 so it's not just for old people. We've got 3 kids and they fit in the back comfortably and the gas mileage is better than our suv. Btw, I also have a Harley and MB sl conv.so when I want to drive something sporty I drive one of those. This is a good everyday car.
Brady:
The Taurus is larger in every single way. Its longer, wider, has a larger trunk, larger fuel capacity and more interior volume. The new Taurus may look better, but its not smaller.
Let's not let facts get in the way but the Avalon has more interior volume. Go check Cars.com side-by-side comparison tool and you'll see the Avalon has more interior volume (107 v 102), more horsepower, and better gas mileage. The Taurus is out of it's league.
Yes, the Avalon is in a league of its own by being the most bland and boring driving appliance on the road today.
Dave:
The Taurus gets a whopping 1mpg less on the highway, has more features, a better interior and a far larger trunk. Out of its league? Interior volume can be enhanced by having more headroom- doesnt mean the Taurus has less leg or shoulder room. Overall volume is about the same since Taurus has a 19 cu ft trunk vs 14 for the Avalon. I will trade 5hp for a better looking, better equipped car.
My bad, i meant one less mpg in the city- 19 vs 18 for the ford. Highway mileage is the same.
Dave:
I checked the stats. The Taurus has slightly more front leg, hip and head room while Avalon has slightly more rear leg, hip and shoulder room as well as more front shoulder room. Its about a draw when you look at all the dimensions. The Taurus is a much larger car, but you are correct that Avalon has more interior passenger volume due to its upright greenhouse.
Consideran that Toyota is the new Buick or Lincoln, cars for seniors citizens... the Avalon is a fine example of blandness and conservative style.. good for bingo night, anyway... why would you like to spend more money for a souped up Camry? (ditto for the cheapo Lexus models)... at least the Ford guys have tried harder with the new Taurus...
Sorry "Considering that Toyota is the new Buick or Lincoln, cars for senior citizens.."
agreed. The Avalon was OK when it was new (except for styling) but its been outclassed now. Give me the Lacrosse or Taurus.
I see there's still that Government Motors intellect out there. The Avalon is established and proven - enough said.
A 05 One of those Avalons came through....huffing blue smoke and the owner came in wanting somthing to make it stop. Commented on how its the worst car he has ever owned in his life. Has changed the oil religously and it looked great, flawless black paint and all. But he said he couldnt keep it out of the repair shop, and now the smoking has been the "over the edge".