Topic: 2011 Toyota Avalon XLS; Day 1

[Autos_Editor]

This week James steps behind the wheel of a vehicle that really doesn't fit his demographic very well, but even with his short time with the 2011 Toyota Avalon he already feels as though he may actually like this highway cruiser.
http://www.canadiandriver.com/2010/08/31/day-by-day-review-2011-toyota-avalon-xls.htm

[lol]

If you really want to buy a $50K car with lot's of recalls....just buy a lexus. Why do they even build this car....for the unique styling....lol?!   

[inco]

I like this car a lot and if it was a car I was after, it looks like something to take a closer look at. On the surface there is a lot of car for the money and keeping it simple with the options package is a great idea.

[dragonflyjack]

  Bloated AND Bland....B & B... Why live?   dragonfly

[dutch]

BOO! Hopefully that scared you enought to stay awake Wing!!

[Jaeger]

While making no pretense at being a sports sedan, it does have more under-the-hood credibility than some poseurs that come to mind.  I'm not really into soft, luxy highway cruisers, but if I were, this would be high on the list.  And if I had to drive to Florida, I'd most willingly take the keys to this thing.

Jaeger

[ovr50]

Agree with Jaeger - I had one of these as a rental last Dec in Arizona for 12 days. It was a fine hiway cruiser, comfortable, powerful enough and solid as a rock. It is not a sports sedan but makes no pretense of being one. At just over $40K, it is good value.

Plus it's invisible - I went thru more than one Arizona Patrol radar traps (speed cameras) at over the limit, but no ticket ever showed up in the mail......

[Vanstar]

I spent two weeks touring the southern USA in an Avalon in June of this year. I cannot think of a better car to do it in. It ate up miles and was very comfortable. The seats were very comfortable and the cruise control and a/c were both first rate. Over a 4000 mile trip it averaged 31 miles per US gallon. Nothing went wrong, was out of place or was unusual.

In a congested city like Vancouver, an Avalon would not be good choice but for long highway trips, it was perfect.

[diceman]

Gross . I can't think of anything I would rather not be seen in.

[diceman]

You can get a top of the line Lacrosse   for that much money and it's a much nicer car and a lot easier on the eyes.

[rrocket]

You can get a top of the line Lacrosse   for that much money and it's a much nicer car and a lot easier on the eyes.

Top of the line Lacrosse with DVD Navi (like Jame's tester) is $2,000+ MORE.

[Jaeger]

I agree that the Lacrosse is better looking.  But for the life of me, I can't see what's so barf-inspiring about the Avalon.  A bit boring? Yes.  Gross?  C'mon.

Jaeger

[Ice]

I don't mind the Avalon... for a long time I thought it was kind of superfluous in the Toyota lineup when the Camry is already so big.  But the Avalon is definitely a bit of a different car...especially given the very uncomplicated nature of the trims (just one).

Maybe James can give his perspective on Avalon versus high end Camry buyer?

[rrocket]

I don't mind the Avalon... for a long time I thought it was kind of superfluous in the Toyota lineup when the Camry is already so big.  But the Avalon is definitely a bit of a different car...especially given the very uncomplicated nature of the trims (just one).

Maybe James can give his perspective on Avalon versus high end Camry buyer?

The back seat on the Avalon is HUUUGE.  How big?  Even more room than the extended wheelbase LS460!!

I think there's like 41" of legroom or something crazy....

[Sir Osis of Liver]

While making no pretense at being a sports sedan, it does have more under-the-hood credibility than some poseurs that come to mind.  I
Jaeger

Handling is not spectacular and just in looking at the Avalon, items such as long overhangs and a long wheelbase are obvious signs that this isn’t a sporty car, but it performs adequately. Bumps and potholes in the road are not just soaked up but swallowed whole as the Avalon wallows over them with ease.

 It’s a modern and, I assume, reliable replacement for the aging and no longer available Lincoln Town Car and the perfect car to hit the highway towards Montreal in for a Labour Day weekend wedding.

So a big, floaty car, that's quick in a straight line is more "credible" to you. 

Don't forget the cardigan and slippers, it's getting on to Fall now you know!

[Jaeger]

While making no pretense at being a sports sedan, it does have more under-the-hood credibility than some poseurs that come to mind.  I
Jaeger

Handling is not spectacular and just in looking at the Avalon, items such as long overhangs and a long wheelbase are obvious signs that this isn’t a sporty car, but it performs adequately. Bumps and potholes in the road are not just soaked up but swallowed whole as the Avalon wallows over them with ease.

 It’s a modern and, I assume, reliable replacement for the aging and no longer available Lincoln Town Car and the perfect car to hit the highway towards Montreal in for a Labour Day weekend wedding.

So a big, floaty car, that's quick in a straight line is more "credible" to you. 

Don't forget the cardigan and slippers, it's getting on to Fall now you know!

I said it had more under-the-hood credibility.  Perhaps I should have specified, for the terminally dim, that I was referring to the engine -  not to the vehicle overall.  I also said it isn't pretending to be a sports sedan - unlike some underpowered slugs that come immediately to mind.  I also said it isn't for me - so I won't be elbowing you out of the way at the big cardigan sale.

By the way, did you have any comment on the car itself, or are you merely continuing to obsess over my posts?

Jaeger

[Jaeger]

I don't mind the Avalon... for a long time I thought it was kind of superfluous in the Toyota lineup when the Camry is already so big.  But the Avalon is definitely a bit of a different car...especially given the very uncomplicated nature of the trims (just one).

Maybe James can give his perspective on Avalon versus high end Camry buyer?

The back seat on the Avalon is HUUUGE.  How big?  Even more room than the extended wheelbase LS460!!

I think there's like 41" of legroom or something crazy....

That's some serious stretch-out room.  Maybe these should come with an optional chauffeur?

Jaeger

[safristi]

I don't mind the Avalon... for a long time I thought it was kind of superfluous in the Toyota lineup when the Camry is already so big.  But the Avalon is definitely a bit of a different car...especially given the very uncomplicated nature of the trims (just one).

Maybe James can give his perspective on Avalon versus high end Camry buyer?

The back seat on the Avalon is HUUUGE.  How big?  Even more room than the extended wheelbase LS460!!

I think there's like 41" of legroom or something crazy....

.......................


        ..lets call it the .........MILFALON...................Rrocket ya olde goat......

[Sir Osis of Liver]

While making no pretense at being a sports sedan, it does have more under-the-hood credibility than some poseurs that come to mind.  I
Jaeger

Handling is not spectacular and just in looking at the Avalon, items such as long overhangs and a long wheelbase are obvious signs that this isn’t a sporty car, but it performs adequately. Bumps and potholes in the road are not just soaked up but swallowed whole as the Avalon wallows over them with ease.

 It’s a modern and, I assume, reliable replacement for the aging and no longer available Lincoln Town Car and the perfect car to hit the highway towards Montreal in for a Labour Day weekend wedding.

So a big, floaty car, that's quick in a straight line is more "credible" to you. 

Don't forget the cardigan and slippers, it's getting on to Fall now you know!

I said it had more under-the-hood credibility.  Perhaps I should have specified, for the terminally dim, that I was referring to the engine -  not to the vehicle overall.  I also said it isn't pretending to be a sports sedan - unlike some underpowered slugs that come immediately to mind.  I also said it isn't for me - so I won't be elbowing you out of the way at the big cardigan sale.

By the way, did you have any comment on the car itself, or are you merely continuing to obsess over my posts?

Jaeger

Hey, you're all about straight line speed and don't care about handling. That's fine, I don't understand it, but whatever floats your boat.

Boy, self-centered much?

[Jaeger]

Hey, you're all about straight line speed and don't care about handling. That's fine, I don't understand it, but whatever floats your boat.

Boy, self-centered much?

Yet another post about me that has little or nothing to do with the subject matter of the thread.  Obsess much?

And as for not caring about handling... you need to read more carefully.

Jaeger