The 2008 Toyota Avalon LTD is a larger, roomier, and more powerful sedan than Toyota's next-in-line, bestselling Camry. The Avalon's 3.5-liter V-6 provides 268 horsepower and 248 pounds-feet of torque, with a 5-speed automatic transmission that includes a manual-shift provision.
The Avalon is 8 inches longer than the Camry, with a wheelbase that is 1.7 inches longer, and 17 inch wheels. The model I drove was a visually appealing Desert Sand color with ivory touches. All Avalon LTD models feature an attractive grille with chrome-accented horizontal bars and fog lamps.
Standard equipment includes dual-zone climate control, a power driver's seat, and a cassette/CD stereo (replaced on the test model by a voice-activated DVD Navigation system). The Limited has heated seats with ventilation, rain-sensing wipers and keyless start. The ample windshield helps visibility, and the large, well-lit gauges are easy to read.
Special features included a power moon roof with sliding sunshade, rain-sensing windshield wipers, dual rear exhaust and outside memory mirrors. With all these elegant touches, the Avalon LTD has the look of a more expensive car. The test model had a suggested retail price of $34,000 with optional equipment including vehicle stability control and traction control with brake assist that brought the total to $38,094.
The Avalon is 8 inches longer than the Camry, with a wheelbase that is 1.7 inches longer, and 17 inch wheels. The model I drove was a visually appealing Desert Sand color with ivory touches. All Avalon LTD models feature an attractive grille with chrome-accented horizontal bars and fog lamps.
Standard equipment includes dual-zone climate control, a power driver's seat, and a cassette/CD stereo (replaced on the test model by a voice-activated DVD Navigation system). The Limited has heated seats with ventilation, rain-sensing wipers and keyless start. The ample windshield helps visibility, and the large, well-lit gauges are easy to read.
Special features included a power moon roof with sliding sunshade, rain-sensing windshield wipers, dual rear exhaust and outside memory mirrors. With all these elegant touches, the Avalon LTD has the look of a more expensive car. The test model had a suggested retail price of $34,000 with optional equipment including vehicle stability control and traction control with brake assist that brought the total to $38,094.
The four-door sedan seats five people comfortably, and rear seats have reclining seatbacks. There is plenty of legroom between front and rear seats, making it tougher on back seat drivers to give directions. The Avalon also has a smart key system, perforated leather-trimmed seats with power driver's memory seat, driver and front passenger heated and ventilated seats, rear reclining seats, a tilt steering wheel, and cruise control.
Safety features include side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, and even a driver's knee airbag—to borrow an insurance company's motto, you're in good hands with the Avalon.
The Avalon LTD 4-door sedan gets 22 miles to the gallon in town and 30 on the highway, for an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,530. This is a fine car to take on the road since it's easy to drive and has plenty of power to get you on and off the freeway. The Avalon offers a smooth—almost soothingly quiet—ride.
Jo Ann Holt is a car columnist and journalist based in Dallas, Texas, and a member of the Texas Auto Writers Association.
Safety features include side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, and even a driver's knee airbag—to borrow an insurance company's motto, you're in good hands with the Avalon.
The Avalon LTD 4-door sedan gets 22 miles to the gallon in town and 30 on the highway, for an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,530. This is a fine car to take on the road since it's easy to drive and has plenty of power to get you on and off the freeway. The Avalon offers a smooth—almost soothingly quiet—ride.
Jo Ann Holt is a car columnist and journalist based in Dallas, Texas, and a member of the Texas Auto Writers Association.
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