2005 TOYOTA Avalon 3.5L V6 5AT (268 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Toyota launched the third generation of the U.S.-built Avalon in 2005 and shared its main underpinnings with the better-known Camry.

Built on the same K-Platform as its Camry sister, the Avalon tried to satisfy those who asked for a more potent vehicle. While a four-banger still powered the standard Camry, the Avalon featured V-6s only. It was no longer the preferred choice of AARP members.

While it kept a classic overall look, the Avalon had a dynamic look. Its HID headlights with their swept-back design gave the car a fresh image. The Avalon featured a body-colored or a chrome-plated grille above the aerodynamic-profiled bumper, depending on the trim level. A narrow, trapezoidal-shaped grille was installed on the apron, between the side-scoops that hosted the fog lights. The carmaker installed turn signals in the door mirrors. In the rear, the taillights sported a Lexus-like shape and two exhausts under the bumper.

Inside, the Avalon was more luxurious than its Camry sibling. A wide instrument cluster covered both the dials and the navigation screen placed above the center stack. To maintain a clean look for the dash, Toyota placed covers on most of the features, apart from the climate control buttons. All the storage areas from the consoles and the radio featured spring-loaded covers. An unusual system was for the tilt and reach controls of the steering wheel, with two separate levers. In the back, the Avalon was roomy, even for three people.

The Avalon was a big car with a punchy V-6 engine under the hood. Toyota paired it with a six-speed automatic gearbox. But it wasn’t a sporty sedan; it was a more luxurious and faster Camry.