Toyota Avalon
| Toyota Avalon | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Toyota |
| Also called | Toyota Pronard (Japan) |
| Production | 1994–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Toyota Cressida Toyota Vienta (Australia) |
| Successor | Toyota Aurion (for Australian market) |
The Toyota Avalon is a full-size car produced by Toyota in the United States, and is the flagship sedan of Toyota in the United States, Canada, and the Middle East. It was also produced in Australia until July 2005 when it was replaced in November 2006 by the Toyota Aurion. It is a front-wheel drive four-door full-size sedan. The first Toyota Avalon rolled off the assembly line in Georgetown, Kentucky on February 21, 1994 as a 1995 model. A second-generation model was released in the United States and Japan in 1999. In 2000, the Toyota Avalon was the first Toyota model to feature a non-touch screen navigation system. The Avalon gets its name from the mythical island mentioned in Camelot lore.
The Avalon filled the gap left by the cancellation of the Toyota Cressida in the American market in 1992. While the Cressida was an upper-level midsize rear-wheel drive car with a straight-6 engine, the Avalon is front-wheel drive, powered by a V6 engine.
First generation (1995–1999)
| First generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1994–1999 |
| Assembly | Georgetown, Kentucky, United States (1994–2000) Altona, Victoria, Australia (2000–05) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed A541E automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | Template:Auto in |
| Length | 1995–97: Template:Auto in 1998–99: Template:Auto in |
| Width | 1995–97: Template:Auto in 1998–99: Template:Auto in |
| Height | 1995–97: Template:Auto in 1998–99: Template:Auto in |
The 1995 Avalon was a completely new model, built in the same plant as the Camry. The Avalon was based on a stretched Camry platform featuring a 3.0-litre 1MZ-FE V6 engine making 192 hp (140 kW) and Template:Auto ft·lbf of torque.
The Avalon was available with a front bench seat for full six-passenger seating, and its column shifter was the first such feature in an American Toyota car since the 1982 Corona. Traction control was optional. For 1997 models ABS became standard, power rating increased to 200 hp (150 kW), and torque increased to Template:Auto ft·lbf. In 1998 a mid-cycle refresh with minor updates made to the front and rear fascias was. Also for 1998 the Avalon's structure was modified to improve safety while front seat-mounted side airbags became standard.
| Model Year[1] | Sales |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 66,123 |
| 1996 | 73,070 |
| 1997 | 71,081 |
| 1998 | 77,576 |
| 1999 | 67,851 |
Australia (2000–2005)
In 1999, Toyota sold the old tooling for the Avalon to Toyota Australia, which launched this Avalon as an "all-new" model in June 2000. The Australian Avalon therefore had an identical body to the original 1995 Avalon.[2] The Australian model was built in the Melbourne suburb of Altona, made in both right-hand drive (for Australia, New Zealand and some parts of Asia) and left-hand drive for the Middle East. The Camry was also made at this plant.[3] The Avalon performed poorly in Australia; critics called the car "boring", and sales were tepid. The Avalon was front-wheel drive and available only as a sedan with a 3.0 litre V6 and automatic transmission. By contrast, its intended rivals, the Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore, offered a wider range of body styles and engine/transmission options.[4]
Many buyers preferred the V6-powered Camry instead of the Avalon, and the 2004 facelift failed to rectify the lower than expected sales,[5] with many criticizing the new front styling. Because of these sales concerns, Toyota Australia marketed it towards taxi fleets, against the Ford Falcon, with a specially developed dual-fuel (LPG and petrol)-compatible engine.[6] Avalon production ceased in mid-2005.[7] In November 2006, Toyota introduced its replacement, the Toyota Aurion.[8]
Second generation (2000–04)
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Toyota Pronard (2002-2004) |
| Production | 2000-2004 |
| Assembly | Georgetown, Kentucky, United States |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.0 L 1MZ-FE VVT-i V6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed A541E automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | Template:Auto in |
| Length | Template:Auto in |
| Width | Template:Auto in |
| Height | 2000-02: Template:Auto in 2003-04: Template:Auto in |
The second-generation Avalon grew larger in almost every respect. It was still based on the stretched Camry platform and was powered by a 3.0 litre 1MZ-FE V6 engine equipped with VVT-i, shared with the Toyota Sienna, Lexus RX300, Lexus ES, and the Toyota Highlander, making 210 hp (157 kW) and Template:Auto ft·lbf. of torque and paired to a 4-speed automatic. The styling remained conservative to appeal to older buyers and the coefficient of drag had been reduced to 0.28 Cd.
This Avalon was available in two trims: the basic XL and the upscale XLS. Standard features include electroluminescent Optitron gauges, 4-wheel disc ABS, front torso side airbags and 15" alloy wheels. Optional features include a JBL audio system, Vehicle Stability Control, and a front row bench seat, allowing up to six passengers—a distinguishable characteristic of large sized cars. However the front center seat is a tight fit for an adult passenger. Dual climate control, stability control, larger 16" wheels, and driver's and passenger's power seats were also available.
This second-generation Avalon also featured a built-in 115V AC power inverter, the first car with such a feature. This feature was dropped in the third-generation Avalon; yet, the Toyota Matrix and Scion models now offer this feature.
The Avalon received a mid-cycle facelift for the 2003 model year, with a new grille and modified headlights and taillights. The minor interior changes included a woodgrain-style trimmed steering wheel for the XLS, slightly modified gauges, and a chrome emblem steering wheel added onto the XL (once only standard for the XLS).
This second-generation Avalon was exported to the Japanese market, where it was sold as the Toyota Pronard. Due to poor sales, Toyota did not export the third-generation Avalon to Japan; thus, the Toyota Pronard has been discontinued.
In the IIHS frontal crash test the Avalon received a "Good" overall score with the "Good" in all six measured categories.[9]
| Calendar year[1] | Sales |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 104,078 |
| 2001 | 83,005 |
| 2002 | 69,029 |
| 2003 | 50,911 |
| 2004 | 36,460 |
Third generation (2005–present)
| Third generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 2005-2009 |
| Assembly | Georgetown, Kentucky |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.5 L 2GR-FE Dual VVT-i V6 |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic (U151E) 6-speed automatic (U660E) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | Template:Auto in |
| Length | Template:Auto in |
| Width | Template:Auto in |
| Height | Template:Auto in |
Toyota's third-generation Avalon underwent a complete redesign in 2005, and was unveiled to the public at the 2005 North American International Auto Show, it went on sale the following February. Toyota reportedly cut the Avalon's development time down from 29.5 months to 18 months.
The new Avalon was larger than previous Avalons in every aspect, featuring less conservative more modern Calty styling, with a coefficient of drag figure of 0.29 Cd, the Avalon also became the first Toyota to use a single piece wiper blade design. For safety reasons the redesign dropped the front bench seat option, a feature once common among large American sedans such as Buicks and in order to help increase rear passenger comfort the Avalon featured a flat rear floor.
The Avalon was the first Toyota to use Dual VVT-i in the US market in an all-new 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6 engine which met ULEV certification and had a power output of 280 hp (209 kW). The engine was mated to a 5-speed sequential shift automatic. Due to changes in the SAE's testing procedures, power dropped to 268 hp (200 kW) and torque dropped to Template:Auto ft·lbf for the 2006 model year. The Avalon came in four trims, a standard XL trim, a sporty Touring trim, an XLS trim and a premium Limited trim. The XL model came standard with 16" alloy wheels, while other trims came with larger 17" wheels. Performance oriented tires were fitted to the Touring and Limited trim.
The XL introduces standard features such as dual-climate automatic temperature control and steering wheel-mounted audio and climate controls. The Touring trim offers faux aluminum and black leather interior, a sport-tuned suspension, and a trunk lip-mounted spoiler. The XLS introduces standard cargo nets, six-disc CD changer, a power moonroof, electrochromic auto dimming rear-view and driver's side-view mirrors, four-way passenger power seat and a HomeLink transceiver. The high-end Limited trim offers air-ventilated seats with a power driver's seat cushion length adjuster, Toyota's Smart Key System with keyless push-button start and entry, an acoustic windshield, rain-sensing windshield wipers, an upgraded 12-speaker JBL audio system, "in-glass" LED turn signals on the side mirrors and a wood-trimmed steering wheel and shift gear. A navigation system is optional for every trim other than the XL version. Vehicle Stability Control is optional on all trim levels. Other options include a keyless Remote Engine Start, rear window power sunshade and on Limited models a Dynamic Laser Cruise Control system. HID lighting with auto leveling was standard on Touring and Limited grades.
Car and Driver, which had called previous Avalons "Japanese Buicks," rated it at the top of a group of large premium sedans in 2005.[10] Edmunds.com, Motor Trend and Automobile Magazine also rated it top in their own comparisons.[11][12][13]
Model year changes
For 2008, the Avalon received a mild mid-cycle refresh. Changes include a six-speed automatic transmission, slightly restyled front and rear fascias, chrome handles for the Limited trim, restyled alloy wheels for the Touring and XLS trims, a built-in remote key, upgraded rear brakes, and Bluetooth integration with all JBL Synthesis audio systems. All models now have a standard in-dash 6-CD changer.
The 2009 Avalon offers a few changes. Vehicle Stability Control became standard on all trim levels, and the Touring version was no longer offered. XLS and Limited leather seats now offer a Dark Charcoal color, and the Indigo Ink Pearl exterior color has been replaced with Cocoa Bean Metallic.
Safety
The Avalon comes standard with anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, dual front airbags, front row side torso airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, and a driver's knee airbag. For 2009 models Vehicle Stability Control, traction control became standard while active headrests were added.
The Avalon received a "Good" overall score in both the IIHS frontal offset and side impact tests.[14][15] In 2009, with the new head restraints the IIHS awarded the Avalon its Top Safety Pick accolade.
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| Side Driver: |
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| Side Rear Passenger: |
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| Rollover: | 
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U.S. sales
| US Calendar Year Sales | Sales |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 95,318 |
| 2006 | 88,938 |
| 2007 | 72,945 |
| 2008 | 42,790 |
References
- ^ a b Mike Covello: Standard Catalog of Imported Cars 1946-2002. Krause Publications, Iola 2002. ISBN 0-87341-605-8, p. 780-85.
- ^ Edgar, Julian (2000-10-03). "New Car Test - Toyota Avalon Grande". Web Publications Pty Limited. Retrieved 2007-10-26.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Clarkson, Mark. "Toyota Avalon: Toyota's Flagship". How-to.com.au. Retrieved 2007-10-26.
- ^ "NRMA Car Review - Toyota Avalon CSX". NRMA. Retrieved 2007-10-26.
- ^ Mewton, Bruce (2003-10-14). "First drive: Avalon upgrade a techno treat". John Mellor Pty Ltd. Retrieved 2007-10-26.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ "Avalon taxi pioneer increases fleet". Toyota Australia. 2004-06-15. Retrieved 2007-10-26.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Pettendy, Marton (2005-03-24). "Avalon to retire". John Mellor Pty Ltd. Retrieved 2007-10-26.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Toyota Launches Aurion V6 Large Car". Web Wombat Pty Ltd. 2006-10-18. Retrieved 2007-10-26.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "IIHS-HLDI: Toyota Avalon". Iihs.org. 2006-04-10. Retrieved 2009-07-04.
- ^ Bedard, Patrick. "2005 Buick Lacrosse CXS v 2005 Chrysler 300 Touring v 2005 Ford Five Hundred Limited v 2005 Kia Amanti v 2005 Nissan Maxima 3.5SE v 2005 Toyota Avalon Touring Sedan - Comparison Tests". Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S., Inc. Retrieved 2007-10-26.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ "2005 Full-Size Sedan Comparison Test". Edmunds.com. 2005-03-28. Retrieved 2009-07-04.
- ^ "Fullsize Sedan Comparison Ratings & Winner". Motor Trend. 2007-02-26. Retrieved 2009-07-04.
- ^ "2005 Chrysler 300, Ford Five Hundred, and Toyota Avalon Compared Opinions - Automobile Magazine". Automobilemag.com. Retrieved 2009-07-04.
- ^ "IIHS-HLDI: Toyota Avalon". Iihs.org. 2008-11-25. Retrieved 2009-07-04.
- ^ "IIHS-HLDI: Toyota Avalon". Iihs.org. 2008-11-25. Retrieved 2009-07-04.
- ^ "Safercar.gov". Safercar.gov. Retrieved 2009-07-04.
External links
