Very good acceleration, smoooooth, safe, good mileage per gallon, roomy (interior and trunk, very quite engine, require only regular maintenance.

Little wind noise at high speeds.

I have not driven many cars (except rented Mazda 626 and Fords) so I won't compare Avalon with other cars. But let me tell you one thing, I had an accident at 85 mph and this car saved my and my wife's life. Not much damage. The frontal safety features took all the blow. Only few parts had to be changed (radiator was gone ofcourse). I have seen cars getting totalled at 45mph accident but not this Avalon.
Engine is so quite I turned the ignition key many times while it was already running. I love the 'ECT' key on the dashboard. If you need more accleration then normal just press this key and you go past other cars at the signal like a racing car (just make sure the car behind is not a cop car).
Ride is smooth but can't handle bigger potholes very well. I think newer ones are better in this regard. Road noise is very less. I had to lower the volume of the audio system almost to minimum so that my ears do not get tired soon.
It uses platinum spark plugs. So they are changed after 60,000 miles only. Mileage is very good. I get 30+ on highways. Tank capacity is 18.5 gallons, so on one tankfull you can go 500 miles (450 to be on the safer side). Remember to use Supreme gas, though, to get this mileage. Avalon runs far better on Supreme then regular and plus.
Overall, this is one of the best cars in this category and price range. Go for it.

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none that i know of except for the performance of the car driving fast on the start that's about it.

alot my radio sucks i can only program a few channels cause the antenna, 2 small of a cup holder can't even fit a medium cup in it. and have a few problems with the oil light coming on and off like 7 times. and i only have 56,000 miles on it.

There's really none that need to be said except i made a mistake on the avalon and gladly i didn't buy it i'm only leasing for 3 yrs. next month or so i'm trading it in for a Mazda 626 ES-V6 5-spd or a Mitsu Galant GTZ.

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if i had to say maybe a Mazda 626 ES-V6 i would definetly pick the Mazda over the Avalon.

Superb buld quality, fun to drive, simple NAV- system Car feels very light on acceleration because of 260HP V6. Lots of standart equipment.
Quet interior

Audio system could have sounded better for the car this quality

It is very attractive automobile for the price. Almost perfect in any way.
Sound system could be upgraded. Interior is quet despite low profile wider tires and stiffer suspention. It is pleasure to drive TL S.

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The quality of ride is very close to Merceres E-320.It is even better in some instances. Engine of Acura TL S could have used more Torque

quietness; smooth transmission; fast, smooth, and quiet acceleration; interior design; spaciousness; ample storage space; excellent ride; quality of leather; heated seats.

Seats--especially passenger seat--not as supportive as they should be in a car of this quality. Passenger seat has fewer power adjustments than the driver's seat and no lumbar support. Even the driver's seat is less supportive than that of the Honda Accord or Volkswagen Passat--cars which cost no more than the Avalon.

The JBL sound system, while better than the average system found in American cars and probably better than the standard equipment in the xl, is not really "Premium" as advertised. The sound is somewhat veiled.
It is noticeably inferior to the Bose system in the Passat or the Nakamichi (spelling?) in the Lexus.

I purchased the Avalon May 17, 2000 and have driven it 10000 miles. It is a great car in which to "escape." The ride, while smooth and floating, feels secure and grounded. The car zips in and out of traffic effortlessly, and I neither hear the traffic nor sense effort from the car as it gets me from place to place. While I would like to see an upgrade from the JBL sound system available, I do enjoy listening to FM radio and to CDs in the quiet, refined atmosphere of this vehicle.

I agree with a previous reviewer who said this is a good entry level luxury car.

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Dodge Dynasty--there is of course, no comparison. The Avalon is superior--just as Toyota is superior to Dodge.

The seating in my wife's Honda Accord is, as mentioned above, superior to that of the Avalon. The Avalon wins in quietness and smoothness of acceleration, however. While the Avalon has somewhat less "road feel" than the Accord, this is more than off set by the smooth, quiet ride of the Avalon. It is not important to me to feel every bump in the road. On the other hand the Avalon's smooth ride is not the nebulous "floating on a cloud" sensation of American luxury cars such as the Buick Park Avenue or Oldsmobile 98.

Interior legroom is great, especially in rear even with the front seat back. Engine is smooth, transmission smooth, body is tight with no rattles or squeaks. Gas mileage is 30 mpg at 75 mph on all trips, about 21-23 mpg around town. Center console is deep and holds many items, armrest good, auto-dimming rearview mirror is best ever, built-in compass is a must for travelers. Overall comfort is great! Reliable, GOOD QUALITY. Dealer srevice was great-although I didn't need much from them. I liked it that way. Safty record was a big reason to purchase, other things being equal.

Front seat sags too much in center, but still comfortable.
Doors somewhat hard to close, were readjusted once and improved.
Mirror (auto-dimming) failed and was replaced under warrenty. Rear door had water collecting inside and had to have drain-hole opened--not a big deal.
Suspension with four adults on rough road is too soft, other than THAT CONDITION, its very nice ride.

Product is best seen for the dollar. Overall quality is much better than Cadillac 1985-1990 models. Better than Hondas. Better than the Mazda 929, and the Millenia is a piece of junk, for the money.
Yes, I am trying to buy (purchase) another to replace the lease. I know that the interior is larger than the near-comparable Lexus and was one reason I got the car. Great size for four adults.

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MUCH MUCH larger than S60 Volvo, which fit like a 42-short(bad if you a 44-long). Not as swift as VW Passat, though similar in weight, but Passat takes premium gas, Avalon like regular OK, Passat gas mileage is 10% less.

Comfort. Good traveling car. Great seat support. Nice backseat room for its size.
Gas mileage. Very good gas mileage on 93-94 octane. 600 miles per tank on straight freeway driving for long periods{4-6 hrs constant}.

Very anemic feeling under 3000RPMs. After that mark she flies...
The torque and hp peak should have been a little higher{200HP@5200 and 214LB/FT Torque@4800} for better performance.
A/C: gives good cold air but doesnt cool to the indicated 65F on the selector. Takes too much power from the engine.
Should have had a manual transmission as an option{Toyota, just grab the one off the Camry V6}
Needs 94 octane for satisfactory throttle feel.

Its a very good car. My parents bought it in 97. Had no problems with the car. It is anemic under 3000 RPMs though, so if you like "get up and go" off the line then I suggest that you look elsewhere as this car is just going to crawl until it reaches the 3K RPM mark. the "ECT" button on the dash help with performance somewhat as the transmission generally doesnt shift until 25 MPH under regular acceleration, vs. the 15 MPH point with the "ECT" disengaged. Only gripe is that under hard acceleration{going from 0-60 in the given time from the manufactor} with "ECT" engaged its is reluctant to shift at high revs{5000-6000}. If you like performance then ante up the bucks for 93{or preferably 94} octane as it will just wimp out on the "regular stuff"

But despite its shortcomings it will beat a V6 base Camaro,Firebird,or Mustang{provided that the Camaro/Firebird only have the 3.4L V6 and not the 3800 buick mill}

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This car has one of the quietest running motors around. The transmission is so smooth. It has a huge amount of rear leg room and very comfortable seats. The steering is great and the ride on the highway is very quiet.

The ride on rough roads seems a little to "busy".
While the back seats have great leg room, the front could use another inch or two. ((I am 6'4" so most cars feel this way to me)
The styling is a little boring, but this can be helped out a lot with the addition of a rear spoiler.

Overall I am extreamly impressed by this car. The ride is great (other than on rough roads) The interior room is larger than the Lexus I tried and it is almost as quiet as the Lexus. This car has 60,000 miles on it and it feel like a new car. Overall this is an excellant auto.

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Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and just for fun a Lexus LS400.

The sound system is quite above average. The speedy acceleration, smoked out a couple of muscle cars the other day. Extremely roomy in all areas including the trunk. Extremely smooth and quiet ride. Visibility is good. Elegant look but a wolf in sheep's clothing, able to provide your classy desires and still leave many cars in the dust. Much better in all areas of quality compared to my crappy domestic, the Toyota just does not have any problems. My domestic had problems the first month.

The XL and the XLS models do not differ by much. They should include an upgrade of the engine, more power is better.

No complaints. Except the new car has caused me to dedicate many days out of a month to keep the car sparkling (not that it's the car's fault).

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Lexus IS, Nissan Maxima GXE, Acura 3.5 TL, Honda Accord V-6 upgrade, Grand AM

Smooth ride. Good acceleration. Comfort. Plenty of leg and head room. Classy appearance. Quiet engine. Crash worthiness. Automatic climate control. Auto shading rearview mirror. Trunk space. Get a lot of positive comments about my "Lexus".

Squeaky brakes. Water leaked into spare wheel well in trunk. Remote keyless entry range was about 5 ft. Wood grain paneling bleaches out. No cup holder in back. Back seat does not fold down.

Bought the car when it was two years old with 21,000 miles from a dealer. Got the "out-the door" price I was looking for with my trade-in, so the $24,000 list price didn't bother me. Absolutely loved the car. Excellent feel, ride, comfort, features. Low to none maintenance other than standard stuff. Very roomy in back for adults. Engine runs so quiet, you think you've stalled at a red light. Never thought about the safety features until I had a 60 mph front-end collision. Except for loose panels, the cabin was totally intact. Front-end absorbed all the impact. Air bags worked as planned. The car gave it's life protecting me - all I had was some minor scratches and bruises. Test driving other models now for comparison, but nothing is impressing me. I'll most likely go right back for an Avalon.

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Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Lexus ES300, Infiniti I20, Nissan Maxima, Mazda Millinia

Quiet and refined, you would swear you are driving a Lexus. The 200HP V6 is smooth, quiet and provides spirited acceleration. Very generous leg room in the back seat, nice large trunk. I am 6 ft tall and front leg room is more than adequate for me.

Gas mileage isn't spectacular, but if that is your first priority, go buy a Corolla. Headlight lenses diffuse the light a bit too much. Not great in snow for a front-wheel-drive, but that is probably due to the tires. Original eqpt. tires (Bridgestone Potenza RE92) leave something to be desired.

If you want a roomy, reliable, classy family-sized sedan, you can't go wrong with this car. We've had it almost four years and no problems to speak of. We don't buy new cars very often, and we keep them a long time. We think we made a wise choice in the Avalon.

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Honda and Nissan do not make a comparable car to the Avalon. US makes cannot touch Toyota's reliability record and quality reputation. There is no car which compares to the Avalon in this price range.