2011 Toyota Avalon Base
MSRP $32,595
Toyota’s claim to fame has been overdelivering in the standard sedan and crossover classes. Most of their vehicles in the under $25,000 range look and feel like vehicles in a higher class. So, what happens when Toyota makes a full size, higher-class vehicle?
The 2011 Toyota Avalon Base is the lower of two trim levels. It has plenty of luxury, and you can add most of the features of the higher trim level as upgrades to the Base. It has a 3.5 liter V6 engine that produces 268 horsepower. It has 17 inch alloy wheels and a 6-speed automatic transmission. It is rated at 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
It comes with tilt-telescope steering wheel, a power driver seat, leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, full power accessories, cruise control, 2-zone automatic climate control, wood trim, a sunroof, automatic headlights, foglights, heated mirrors, and a reclining rear seat. The sound system has 9 speakers, AM/FM radio, a 6-CD/MP3 changer, a USB/iPod port, and bluetooth.
The Avalon has the five essential safety features: stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, side front airbags, and side curtain airbags. It also has driver knee airbags and active front head restraints.
Conclusions and driver feedback:
This is pretty standard Toyota. You pay a few thousand more than for competitors, but you get even more in return. Anyone else would call this an entry-level luxury car. The interior is made of very nice materials and the dials and controls are both attractive and functional. When you climb into an Avalon, you feel like you are getting into a more expensive vehicle.
The Avalon is very spacious and roomy inside. The seats give plenty of support, adjust to your comfort, and the Avalon provides ample amounts of both headroom and legroom. It is really difficult to be uncomfortable in this car.
The Avalon drives more like a luxury car, too. The steering responds to input well, but there is the “luxury lag” due to the lush suspension, and there is a bit of body roll. It does have a nice turning radius, though, that gives a little extra maneuverability in traffic.
The ride is a luxury ride. It is exceedingly smooth. It doesn’t quite give the detachment from the road of a true luxury car, but the overall effect is one of luxury.
The acceleration is great, especially on the highway. The Avalon is one of “those” vehicles that accelerates quickly without feeling like you are going as fast as you are going. This car is very smooth for long trips, too. You will love this car if you often drive long distances.
There are two negatives with this car. The smaller one is that the rear seats don’t fold. The big negative is the price. It is around $5,000 more than other full size sedans.
The verdict: if you can afford the extra $5,000, the Avalon delivers that and then some.
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