- sedan
- 1,104 below average
- 8,975 good
- Goldsboro, NC
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- autoshopper.com
- 1,104 below average sedan gasoline automatic
2008 toyota avalon review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. Smooth, quiet, high-quality sedan. introductionthe toyota avalon is a large sedan that's easy to like and even easier to enjoy. Think of it as refuge from a hectic world. for 2008, the toyota avalon gets some styling updates, interior upgrades and, perhaps most significantly, a new six-speed automatic transmission. Yet its calling card hasn't changed significantly. Its delivers good acceleration and good mileage for such a roomy car. Its automatic transmission is quick shifting and decisive. The front seats are roomy and comfortable, the back seat downright spacious. Empty-nesters will appreciate avalon for its flexibility, and families for its manageable base price, which includes a good stereo with cd changer and most of the features anyone really needs. still, the avalon stands out most for smoothness and quiet operation. The tranquility is a function of many things, including its underlying design, vibration mitigating features and good build quality. Whatever the reasons, the avalon is smoother and quieter than many sedans that cost a lot more. It scores well in government and insurance-industry crash tests. All are powered by a 268-horsepower, 3. 5-liter v6, matched with a six-speed automatic transmission that's new for 2008. the avalon xl 27,325) comes well equipped, with a full complement of power accessories and features such as an eight-way power driver's seat, dual-zone climate control with cabin air filter and audio and climate controls on the steering wheel. The nine-speaker audio system adds a six-cd changer for 2008. The xls also adds a power moonroof, heated outside mirrors with electrochromic auto-dimming on the driver's side, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and homelink universal transceiver, and an anti-theft system. the avalon limited 34,065) upgrades with a 360-watt jbl synthesis audio system with 12 speakers and blue tooth connectivity, a power rear sunshade, toyota's smart key proximity key system, the hid headlamps, a wood-and-leather-trimmed shift knob and steering wheel, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and driver and passenger seat heaters and cooling fans. options include the power moonroof 860) and anti-theft system 220) for the base xl model. Other standard safety features include anti-lock brakes (abs) with electronic brake-force distribution (ebd) and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Optional is toyota's vehicle stability control (vsc) system 650); we recommend getting it because it can help the driver avoid an accident. walkaroundparked outside a suburban bistro, the toyota avalon strikes passersby as a dignified if understated car, and that's by design. Avalon is understated, to be sure, but closer inspection reveals some sophisticated styling themes that inspire a sense of elegance. Toyota's largest sedan fits the mold of old-school european models, almost french in its impressionistic impact. overall, the avalon is eight inches longer than toyota's top-selling camry sedan. By most exterior dimensions, avalon is roughly the same size as the ford taurus, chevrolet impala, and chrysler 300. Compared to european luxury sedans, it's larger than the mid-size mercedes e-class, but smaller than the full-size s-class sedan. the avalon dates to 1995, and it underwent its third wheels-up overhaul for 2005. The 2008 model gets what the car industry calls a mid-cycle update, or noticeable styling tweaks that are as extensive as a car usually gets between complete redesigns. Those changes are most obvious in front, where avalon sports a new bumper and grille with chrome-trimmed horizontal bars. From the rear, the tall rear deck and big rear valance enhance the air of elegance and substance, while new smoked tail light lenses add a hint more flair. The avalon limited upgrades with unique, sound dampening glass in the windshield. the limited's mirrors also include a couple model specific features, starting with led turn signals that are visible to other drivers in the glass. There are a handful of interior upgrades for 2008, from trim items like a leather shift lever for all models to a large lcd information display to a standard cd changer. These additions are nice, to be sure, but they don't substantially change the avalon's character. The cabin contributes to the avalon's serene ambience, and from the functional perspective it's first rate. materials are generally good quality. A few trim pieces, such as silver-painted plastic parts and the housing around the steering column, demonstrate that avalon is not an extra-expensive luxury car. But the fit of the various parts and panels is impeccable, and overall avalon's interior feels like quality. Even the extra-glossy, wood-grain trim toyota designers seem so fond of looks pretty good inside the avalon. the front seats are big, fairly flat and very comfortable. They're an excellent compromise between adequate adjustment and the overkill of too many things to fiddle with. The avalon limited features a fan in the seat cushion and seatback that blows air through the perforated leather trim to improve comfort. the steering wheel tilts and telescopes over a substantial range, and it's wrapped with leather on all but the base avalon xl. The wheel spokes have buttons to adjust audio and climate settings, and they're also a great compromise: big and easy to find, but not confusing. Wipers and lights follow toyota's familiar pattern, with the light switch on the left stalk and wipers on the right. Its so-called optitron gauges are large, crisp and easy to see through the top half of the steering wheel. The large lcd informational display is located right in the center of the dash, above the switch stack. Those most frequently adjusted, including the tuner and volume control, are bigger than the knobs in most other cars. The six-cd changer is standard in all ava. Climate Control✔ Anti-lock Brakes✔ Heated Seats✔ Cruise Control✔ CD Changer✔ Navigation System✔ Sunroof/Moonroof✔ Alloy Wheels
8,975 Goldsboro, NCGoldsboro, NC at autoshopper.com