Toyota Avalon
Lexus Lite |
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By Richard J. Newman
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Nits: There's no hand-hold on the trunk. And the radio lacks a "mute" button, handy when using a cellphone.
G forces: This serene-looking sedan can be ferocious if encouraged. The 280-horsepower V-6 engine sprints from 0 to 60 in a flashy 6.6 seconds, sports car territory. The Avalon feels nimble on curves, for a relatively big car, and is so solid it makes highway speeds feel 20 mph slower.
Gizmology: The radio and climate controls are cleanly, elegantly arrayed, with a digital readout in the dash for all relevant info. Knobs and buttons feel expertly crafted and subtly create a sense of confidence in the car.
Kidmarks: The Avalon's virtues may actually detract from its appeal to young families. The rear seat is so spacious that it can be hard for a parent to reach a car-seated tyke from the front. And the heavy doors were a bit difficult for my 6-year-old to pull closed every time. Still, it's a cozy kid zone, with rear heat and A/C controls, a center armrest with cupholders, overhead reading lights, and handy storage nooks.
Hot or not: Hot. The Avalon is long and lean, with angular creases along the hood that create a hint of the chiseled look that has set Cadillac apart.
Envirometer: Mileage ranges from 22 mpg/city to 31 mpg/highway. The government has not yet posted pollution and emissions ratings.
Crash course: Received 10 stars out of 10 on the government's frontal crash test. Side-impact tests are forthcoming. More info: http://www.nhtsa.gov/
Price points: Base prices range from $26,890 to $34,080. Price as tested: $35,169. (All prices include delivery fees.)
More info: http://www.toyota.com/avalon/
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Model year tested: 2005
I'm getting gas... along with some unexpected attention. A
pleasant-looking, middle-aged woman wanders over from a neighboring pump. She
walks right past me and begins to caress the Avalon's trunk. "It's beautiful,"
she purrs. "This is my dream car."
That's enough to make Toyota marketing gurus jump in the air and shout, "Oh, what a feeling!" The Avalon has always been a pleasant, comfortable sedan for people who want a Camry with a bit more space. But up till now the Avalon has had about as much verve as a raw potato. Toyota has completely redesigned its flagship sedan, however, and spiced it up quite nicely. One big improvement is under the hood: The 280-horsepower V-6 engine is more powerful than a lot of V-8s, making it effortless to merge onto interstates and zoom past trucks. It's also quiet, and thrifty: In mostly highway driving I averaged better than 30 miles per gallon, respectable for any V-6. The Avalon's maneuverability hits a sweet spot, too: The car is sturdy and substantial at cruising speeds, yet limber in parking lots and other tight spaces. It feels big but only when you want it to.
That includes the interior. I evaluated the Avalon under trying conditions: an eight-hour road trip with an 8- and a 6-year-old. The Avalon absorbed our gear with room left over for another two or three travelers. More important, it absorbed our weariness, our boredom, and our impatience. Storage nooks in the doors and seats help keep stuff organized and out of the way. The seats remain cozy hour after hour, with padded armrests and room to stretch. The rear seats even recline 10 degrees, creating a better napping position for kids and grown-ups alike. And a number of elegant touches, many borrowed from Toyota’s Lexus division, add a bit of serenity to the cabin. There are retractable covers for the cupholders and storage compartments, for instance, along with dual temperature controls and rear A/C vents. The price can inch into Lexus territory, too, quickly eclipsing $30,000 with a few options. That might seem steep for an ordinary sedan. But it's not bad for a dream car.
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