2003 Toyota Avalon XLS 3.0 liter V6 from North America

Summary:

The best used car available

Faults:

The check engine light, VSC light and traction control light all came on just over a month from purchase. Scared the hell out of me.

Minor electrical problems.

General Comments:

Besides the engine light, the car has been a dream.

It gets 24 MPG city/ 33 Highway.

It's the less pretentious, more practical cousin of the Lexus ES 300.

Takes regular unleaded.

Tasteful. Large. Efficient. Quiet. I've had everything from a Chevette to an Acura RL. This is tied with the RL on overall quality.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th October, 2008

2003 Toyota Avalon LX 3.0 V6 from North America

Summary:

Great comfortable ride - Japanese Buick

Faults:

Brakes were bad when delivered. Dealer said the rotors were bad, felt more like bad calipers. Fixed under warranty and have been fine since.

General Comments:

Very comfortable big sedan that is very dependable and economic. On average we get 25 mpg around town and have gotten 31 mpg on the highway with an over packed, weighed down car at 85 mph. We really like this car.

Sheet metal seems thin - this car gets more door dings than most I have owned.

Engine is strong and is well matched to transmission. Steering is "comfortably numb". This is not a performance sedan - more like a Japanese Buick.

My wife loves this car. I'd rather drive my Volvo S60 for performance and handling. We expect to have this car a long time.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd May, 2006

2003 Toyota Avalon XLS 3.0 from North America

Summary:

The Avalon is a very refined, rather bland, ladylike sort of car.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong, though there's an irritating valve-knock at low acceleration, and a scraping noise from a rear brake.

General Comments:

The leather interior is very well designed. It's roomy for a tall guy like me, and has an unusually comfortable driving position. There are all kinds of nice little luxuries.

The car is exceptionally smooth and quiet. It handles pretty well for a rather large sedan. In fact, I preferred its handling to the comparable Lexus, even though the suspension doesn't react well to holes in the road.

Nonetheless, despite its many virtues, I prefer my Riviera on all counts. The Riv. looks better, handles better, and has a lot more character.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 5th October, 2004