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Pros :
| Well-matched engine and transmission |
| + |
Roomy cabin |
| + |
Interior material quality |
| + |
Instrument readability, clarity |
| + |
Fuel economy | Cons :
| - |
Brittle ride in Touring |
| - |
Brake, steering feel |
| - |
Side mirrors don't fold |
| - |
Puzzling tilt/telescoping steering-wheel adjustment |
| - |
Stereo ergonomics |
Review : Toyota redesigned its largest sedan, the flagship Avalon, as a late 2005 model. The current Avalon is bigger, roomier and more powerful than its predecessor. Changes for 2007 are minor.
Manufactured in Kentucky, Avalons come in XL, sporty Touring, XLS and top-of-the-line Limited forms. Both the Touring and XL models can be equipped with Toyota's Vehicle Stability Control, and dealers can install a towing package that allows the Avalon to tow up to 1,000 pounds.
Compared to the 2007 Camry, the Avalon is 8 inches longer overall and 1.7 inches longer in wheelbase. Toyota describes the Avalon as having "subtle" character lines and a grille that incorporates chrome-accented horizontal bars. Fog lamps are installed on all models except the XL. The XL's wheels measure 16 inches in diameter, and the other three models have 17-inchers.
Up to five people can fit inside the Avalon. The rear floor is flat, and the rear seats have reclining seatbacks. When the Avalon was redesigned for 2005, Toyota promised an extra 1.5 inches of space between the front and rear occupants, and the car's width increased by an inch for more hip and shoulder room.
The Touring edition is targeted at younger buyers; it features a unique interior with charcoal dashboard trim. The mainstream XLS model includes leather upholstery and a moonroof.
Standard equipment includes dual-zone climate control, a power driver's seat and a cassette/CD stereo. The Limited has heated seats with ventilation, rain-sensing wipers and keyless start. A navigation system is optional on Touring, XLS and Limited models.
The Avalon's 3.5-liter V-6 develops 268 horsepower and 248 pounds-feet of torque. The five-speed automatic transmission incorporates a manual-shift provision.
All-disc antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, side-impact airbags and a driver's knee airbag are standard. Side curtain airbags protect front and rear occupants, and an electronic stability system is optional.
Avalons have always been excellent road cars, and the latest version continues that tradition. Despite a generally heavy feel, the Avalon accelerates with some assertiveness. You often get a smooth ride on good roads, but the decidedly taut suspension translates to considerable harshness when rolling over certain types of bumps. Steering is responsive — if a tad vague — and the Avalon maneuvers fairly easily. The easy-to-drive, well-built Avalon runs quietly.
Ample glass area helps visibility. Large, symmetrical, well-lit gauges are generally easy to read, though the trip odometer and manual-mode indicator are more difficult to see.
The well-cushioned seats are supportive but offer little side bolstering to keep occupants in place. Space is abundant up front, and legroom and foot space are more than ample in the backseat. A rear passenger's head might graze the roof, especially in the center position.
Press Release : Luxurious, powerful, and spacious, the 2007
Toyota Avalon offers superior quality that makes Avalon a compelling choice
for buyers who are looking for a premium, full size sedan, now
standard-equipped with Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control.
In this highly competitive segment, the current-generation Avalon has
reached new heights of popularity for loyal owners thanks to sophisticated
engineering designed specifically for North American drivers and families.
Thanks to Toyota's industry-leading reputation for quality, it is not
surprising to note the superb fit and finish throughout. The 2007 Toyota
Avalon also offers an outstanding complement of standard equipment on the base
XLS model, including:
<<
- Automatic dual-zone climate control with an air filter and rear seat
heater ducts
- Premium leather seating surfaces with front variable heated seats
- Power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats
- Manual reclining rear seat backrest, rear seat headrests, rear center
headrest, and fold down center armrest
- Power windows with jam protection and auto up/down for driver and
front passenger
- Optitron gauges and multi-information display
- Sequential multi-mode shifter
- Steering wheel mounted audio controls, and heat, ventilation, and air
conditioning (HVAC) controls
- Cruise control
- Keyless entry
- Anti-theft system
- Electric rear window defroster with timer
- Power remote heated mirrors
- Fog lamps
- Leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
- AM/FM/CD audio system with in-dash 6-disc changer and 9 speakers
- Power moonroof with sunshade
- Aluminum scuff plates
- Simulated woodgrain trim
- Integrated garage door opener
- Electrochromic rear view mirror with digital compass, and
electrochromic driver-side exterior mirror
>>
All this is contained within a robust body structure designed to meet
side impact standards that take into account higher-riding vehicles such as
SUVs.
"This is a vehicle consumers can drive with confidence in so many ways,"
said Tony Wearing, Managing Director of Toyota Canada Inc. "For 2007, Toyota
has raised the standard even further by adding vehicle stability control and
traction control to an outstanding complement of active safety features
including Anti-lock Brakes, Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake
Assist. The Toyota Avalon offers plenty of everything owners want in a premium
sedan - without the premium price tag."
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2007 Avalon starts
at $41,135. The 2007 Avalon is now available at Toyota dealerships across
Canada.
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