Toyota Avalon (2000 - 2004) Reviews, Pricing & Specs

I picked one up in the summer of 2020 with 106kmi for $2500 and that car was easily one of my favorites to drive. It had an in-dash 6-disk CD changer, heated seats, dual power seats and was comfy as get out all while averaging about 23mpg. I sold it for about $4K after fixing a couple things with it but miss that car sorely. Cost of maintenance is low besides the essential timing belt service and because of the Toyota Tax, local shops were asking $1200 for what should be at most an $800 job. But these vehicles routinely make well over 200,000 miles provided you take care of their maintenance items. Toyota knocked it out the park w/ this early 2000s American-styled big sedan. If you can find one, you wont regret it. Jan 19, 2021

While this car was primarily a commuter, we also used it for long road trips and it was these road trips where I really loved this car. The cabin was roomy, quiet and the car felt solid, I really like the waterfall dash and we never had a problem with it (we traded at 75,000 miles). One of the features which was handy was the power plug on the back of the console where we could plug our gadgets (laptop) into. We didn't use it very often but it's the only car we ever had with an outlet and it would be nice to have one again. If you are looking for reliable transportation that is comfortable, this is your car. If you are looking for sporty handling, go to the 2005 or newer Avalon as that will give you a more sporty feel with the large cabin, comfortable ride and all kinds of bells and whistles. It was this car that has made us Toyota Avalon loyalists.Dec 24, 2014

My wife drove this car for the first 100,000 miles, then I put over 140000 miles on it. I have to say that the car still drives as good with 247000 miles as it did with 100000 miles. Great on gas mileage for a mid size car with V6 engine. The only complaint I ever had with this car was when the O2 sensors went out and the price of those are $200 + a piece.Feb 25, 2014

I purchased it with 180000 miles. It does not use any oil and the transmission is very well designed. It was making much noise coming from the suspension. Slowly but surely I began eliminating them. Rear torsion bushings, Front torsion bushings, Quick Struts, Lower control arms, lubrication and tightening of cradle mounts. It is now quite as a church mouse. I bought it right so I could afford to put a bit of cash and elbow grease into it. Someone said that an Avalon is a car that is sort of an investment and not to be afraid of the expense of upkeep. The parts are not very expensive and it is a dream to drive. It gobbles up the bumps in the road making for a very smooth ride.Oct 09, 2013

I have just over 165,000 miles on this car. This is the BEST car I have ever owned. I've owned 4 cars prior, and I was trading them in at 85,000 miles; but not with this one! Oil change was always between 3,500 and 4,000 miles. I now use high mileage oil in the car. Continue to be very satisfied with the gas mileage--still get 28-29 mpg on the freeway.Sep 16, 2009

The car performs ok, but its steering is way to light with absolutely no feel or response. It has a very smooth and quiet ride, but its transmission sometimes shifts abruptly and is slow to downshift when more power is needed. The interior is very comfortable with a decent but very easy to use sounds system with 6 disc changer. The reliability of my particular car was good for the first 5 or so years, but lately has had its check engine light come on about once a month, which is way to high for any vehicle, yet alone a Toyota, which is known for its excellent reliability reputation.Apr 12, 2009

I've always admired the styling of 1960's British sedans: My Avalon reminds me of a 1965-7 Humber Imperial, albeit much better made and much better to drive. It's the luxury British saloon car my father couldn't afford. On the open highway, and even on city streets, it wafts along with an ease and quiet swiftness that makes travel a delight rather than a duty. It's not a sports car, and doesn't respond to the swift twisties like a smaller car would, but it has it's place in the cosmic scheme of urban and long distance travel.Nov 09, 2008

I bought my 2003 Avalon new and overall I've been very happy with it. Other than taking the car in for scheduled maintenance, I've only had a few minor problems (e.g. dead battery 9 months after buying the car). I have 34000 miles on it now and there are still no rattles or squeeks (even though I drive in a city full of potholes). The car still drives smoothly and the interior is roomy and quiet.Nov 19, 2007