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Lexus joins the prestigious ranks as makers of the finest luxury sedans traveling our modern Highways. The flagship of the Lexus fleet is the all-new 2005 Lexus LS 430 bowing to rave reviews from automotive journalists and consumers alike. Yet for all of the praise that the Lexus receives one might also consider the less glamorous sister, the 2005 Toyota Avalon Limited. This flagship Toyota bears a remarkable resemblance to the Lexus in all but one important aspect - price. At almost half the price of the Lexus, I found the Toyota Avalon to be an exceptional value in a full size sedan. Side by side the Toyota and Avalon could pass for twins except for the additional jewelry and technology adorning the Lexus. The 2005 Toyota Avalon is available in four distinct packages starting with the entry level XL priced below $27,000. I drove both the Touring model and the top of the line Limited but dealers tell me the real value is the XLS with a base MSRP of only $30,800. This is a big comfortable car. While the sporty Touring model was a satisfying ride this vehicle will never be considered a drivers sport sedan. The Toyota Avalon is for drivers secure in their age and station in life. It will never be for the guy who needs a family car but still wants a sports car. Therefore both the XLS and Limited offer the features expected on a vehicle of this style. The 3.5 Liter DOHC 24-Valve Dual VVT-I V6 produces a very satisfying 280 horsepower at 6,200 RPM and 260 lb. ft. of torque at 4,700 RPM. These numbers offer more than enough power for this 3,600-pound sedan. I always had power to spare and the five speed automatic transmission could be controlled manually for extra response. It should be noted here that the Lexus offers a larger 4.3 V6 engine and a six-speed rather than five-speed automatic transmission for the extra thirty grand. Exterior styling is modern but certainly not trend setting. Four slat horizontal grill and large headlights modules give a substantial appearance. Sweeping rooflines accentuate the short rear deck appearance. Yet nothing about the styling will set the 2005 Toyota Avalon apart from other fine sedans. My first impression of the interior was how large the space appeared. Sweeping lines and hinged covers provide a smooth continuous surface. As a mater of personal preference, I don't like the metallic flip up covers. They serve little purpose, provide a measure of aggravation and may be just one more thing to break in the future. Perforated leather seats are exceptional with individual heating and ventilated cooling elements. The back seat is most impressive with individual recliners on my test vehicle. Rear seat space was enormous, appearing much larger than published dimensions. With the electric rear sunshade, rear seat passengers can imagine chauffer driven comfort. The 2005 Toyota Avalon Limited that I drove came with the Smart Key system and push button start. Just leave the key fob in your pocket or purse; your Toyota Avalon will know it's you. Voice-activated GPS navigation system is better than average but expect radical improvements in future automotive telemetric systems. I never did fall in love with the dynamic laser cruise control. It seemed more sensitive and restrictive than other systems but it is designed to keep you safe. Air bags were everywhere. Front dual stage, seat mounted side air bags, front and rear curtain bags were joined by even a drivers knee airbag. This attention to safety has to be one of the Avalon's best features. I found little difference in the sport-tuned suspension of the Touring model and the luxury ride of the Limited. Both provided good control in curves and high speed highway ramps. The Lexus may have an air ride suspension but the Toyota certainly performed and felt very luxurious. The near luxury full size sedan market is very competitive with new products heating up the race as drivers reconsider their need for full size sport utility vehicles. With gasoline prices escalating, the 22 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway ratings make this sedan a viable alternative to a gas guzzling sport utility vehicle. Expect legendary Toyota quality with room to play in the 2005 Toyota Avalon. Unless you seek the status of a Lexus and cutting edge technology features of the LS 430 this is a very good alternative at almost half price.
2005 Toyota Avalon Limited Front Wheel Drive Full Size Sedan 3.5 V-6 DOHC 24 Valve Dual VVT-I
Base MSRP $33,540
22/31 MPG Additional Web only Information and Resources For Additional Reviews: |
©2005 - Stan Risener