2008 Toyota Avalon Reviews, Pricing & Specs
What owners say
"Overall, drivers of the 2008 Toyota Avalon are very satisfied with the quality and performance of the car. They appreciate its smooth ride, spacious interior, and strong power. However, some drivers have noted issues with features like cruise control and have expressed concern about fuel efficiency in city driving. Obstacles like minor reliability concerns were also mentioned, but many still regard it as a great value for a full-size luxury sedan."
This is my 3rd Avalon. I purchased this 08 used because I traded in my 05 for an SUV back in 2010 and I missed the Avalon. If you like gadgets, you are going to like the Avalon. I like the LED turn signals in the mirrors, the puddle lamps, heated and cooled front seats (if you go on long trips in hot weather, you will be amazed what a difference it makes to have air circulation on your back). The back seat is enormous, so when we go places with friends, there is plenty of space for them to put their legs out even with the front seats all the way back. The back seats also recline a bit and the doors open very wide. The trunk is huge and even with all the space offered in this car, it still gets 23-30 mpg. I typically average about 22, but I also let it idle a lot (eating lunch in the car). The laser guided cruise control allows you to set a speed (in 5mph increments) and it will automatically slow you down if you come upon another vehicle going slower than you. It will maintain your distance and speed from the vehicle ahead of you until they are no longer an obstacle. The car will then speed back up to your preset. If you are interested in the laser guided cruise control, it is available in the 05-09, then in the 13 and newer models. You can identify the models with this option by the under-bumper grille. The car's right hand side near the fog light will look differently than the left. There will also be an extra button on the steering wheel under the “speak” button. If you happen to purchase an Avalon with the laser cruise, you can disable it and use the conventional cruise instead but pushing the cruse control lever forward for 1 second. The laser cruise does not stop the car. It will only slow you to about 27 mph and then will alert you that it is shutting off. Downsides are that it may slow you more than it needs to in merging traffic. This can be over ridden my lightly pressing on the gas, but it can be an annoyance. Also, it will not work if you have your wipers on ... about 3 swipes of the wipers and it shuts the system off. If you live in a snowy area, I would recommend that you purchase designated snow tires. It handles well in the snow with the appropriate tires, but acceleration and deceleration can be problematic with all-season tires.
December 22, 2014This car has a nice look from in and out. The interior design is much better than the camry. Perfornace is pretty good not bad for a big luxury car. cost is not bad you just have to bargain with them and get the best deal u can get. especially when you have good credit.
August 19, 2008The Avalon is a highly reliable car with decent gas mileage. 5 passengers can sit very comfortably. It has brand new Michelin tires. Ideal for family and professionals. Toyota reliably is unsurpassed and it is clearly demonstrated in this Avalon.
October 29, 2012What owners say
This is my 3rd Avalon. I purchased this 08 used because I traded in my 05 for an SUV back in 2010 and I missed the Avalon. If you like gadgets, you are going to like the Avalon. I like the LED turn signals in the mirrors, the puddle lamps, heated and cooled front seats (if you go on long trips in hot weather, you will be amazed what a difference it makes to have air circulation on your back). The back seat is enormous, so when we go places with friends, there is plenty of space for them to put their legs out even with the front seats all the way back. The back seats also recline a bit and the doors open very wide. The trunk is huge and even with all the space offered in this car, it still gets 23-30 mpg. I typically average about 22, but I also let it idle a lot (eating lunch in the car). The laser guided cruise control allows you to set a speed (in 5mph increments) and it will automatically slow you down if you come upon another vehicle going slower than you. It will maintain your distance and speed from the vehicle ahead of you until they are no longer an obstacle. The car will then speed back up to your preset. If you are interested in the laser guided cruise control, it is available in the 05-09, then in the 13 and newer models. You can identify the models with this option by the under-bumper grille. The car's right hand side near the fog light will look differently than the left. There will also be an extra button on the steering wheel under the “speak” button. If you happen to purchase an Avalon with the laser cruise, you can disable it and use the conventional cruise instead but pushing the cruse control lever forward for 1 second. The laser cruise does not stop the car. It will only slow you to about 27 mph and then will alert you that it is shutting off. Downsides are that it may slow you more than it needs to in merging traffic. This can be over ridden my lightly pressing on the gas, but it can be an annoyance. Also, it will not work if you have your wipers on ... about 3 swipes of the wipers and it shuts the system off. If you live in a snowy area, I would recommend that you purchase designated snow tires. It handles well in the snow with the appropriate tires, but acceleration and deceleration can be problematic with all-season tires.
December 22, 2014This car has a nice look from in and out. The interior design is much better than the camry. Perfornace is pretty good not bad for a big luxury car. cost is not bad you just have to bargain with them and get the best deal u can get. especially when you have good credit.
August 19, 2008The Avalon is a highly reliable car with decent gas mileage. 5 passengers can sit very comfortably. It has brand new Michelin tires. Ideal for family and professionals. Toyota reliably is unsurpassed and it is clearly demonstrated in this Avalon.
October 29, 2012It's a wonderful car. Yes there are things I'd like to see different, added to the car, such as the coin tray on the dash (like Camry's). I'd like to see some of the controls on the center console a bit different, and maybe more on the steering wheel (yes most of what I'd like to see is on the XLS model). The car is smooth, pretty quiet on the road. It gets pretty good gas mileage considering the V6 and size. I guess if it could be even more quiet at highway speeds, then I'd be as happy as I could be. I have 2500 miles on it so far, hardly enough to give a good review, but so far, so good. I just did have it in for service. It appears the VSS sensors got hit by some ice or whatever, and caused some issues. They had the car for the morning and said it was all set … time will tell. I'm thinking of driving an XLS model to see if it's any better, but I may just wait until the next new model comes out, or maybe start looking at an LS Lexus model. Yes I would recommend this car to anyone I know, looking for a great car.
January 20, 2009The Avalon is a very complete full sized luxury vehicle - we where pleasantly surprised by the options available in the limited trim level as well as the fit and finish both inside and out. Tremendous value and investment! Highly recommend.
December 8, 2014Performance - Amazing, matches well with lexus ES series, soft and smooth drive, a pleasure to handle it build quality - average, not so strong body, Appearance - Interiors are the best in class, spaciousness better than lexus, the rear seat is no less than a bed, classy dashboard with neat trims. Ownership costs - C'mon its a TOYOTA, however need 2 spend a lot of time n effort for upkeep of interiors.
December 24, 2008The car is a great value way below market price super clean very little update needed.
November 29, 2020The 2008 Toyota Avalon, is a excellent vehicle. Recommend to anyone looking for a quality Sedan.
February 24, 2022My 3rd used Avalon after a '95 and a 2000, because Toyota continues to give me confidence in the combination of fuel efficiency, ride and reliability. I could have a dinner party in the spacious back seat!! A true family car.
April 25, 2013This is our 5th Avalon. My wife drives a 2005 xls. this is "my" first CAR, having gotten rid of the van.... Great power, rides & handles great, but, to me, a little loud on the road noise. Excellent room and comfort for all seats but would like the driver's seat to raise a little higher for me. Prefer the older "red" color turn signals in the side mirrors in lieu of yellow. Still one of the best cars, if not the best for the money.
February 5, 2008
