New Avalon a “Lexus” for the masses

Avalon, which first launched in 1995, has always suffered from an identity problem as a move-up car from the Camry to a dressed-up Camry. The comparison as Toyota's "Buick", Avalon came with a bench seat, soft ride suspension and an average buyer age of 66. Given that aging baby boomers are healthier and wealthier, Toyota is quite content with the mature age and profile of the Avalon buyer.

However, sales have fallen steadily and Toyota sold just 36,460 Avalons last year. Now, 10 years after its introduction an all-new larger, roomier and more luxurious Avalon with distinctive style and improved performance has arrived in dealer showrooms.

The most American of any Toyota ever, the 2005 Avalon was designed in Newport Beach, Calif., engineered at the Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., and is built in Georgetown, Ky. The Avalon was "developed by Americans, for Americans," says Ernest Bastien, vice president of Toyota's vehicle operations group.

For 2005 Avalon has been expanded from two to four trim levels. The base XL ($26,350), the most affordable model, is well equipped and comes standard with AM/FM/cassette/CD stereo with nine speakers, dual-zone automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, power locks and windows and cloth seats. The Touring model ($28,600) adds leather seating, larger wheels and tires, a firmer suspension and high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlamps.

The XLS model ($30,800) adds a power sunroof, power passenger seat, heated mirrors, Homelink universal transceiver and aluminum door scuff plates. I drove the top of the line Limited model ($33,540) that adds a 360-watt JBL Synthesis audio system with 12 speakers, a power rear sunshade, unique 17-inch alloy wheels, rain sensing windshield wipers and a driver and passenger seat heater and fan.

Safety equipment is plentiful, with standard dual front, side and side-curtain airbags, as well as a driver's knee air bag, anti-lock brakes and brake assist, which steps in when you fully apply the brake pedal in a panic stop. My Limited model had the optional (and highly recommended) vehicle stability control and traction control systems, which help prevent the vehicle from spinning out of control on icy or slippery road conditions. There are no crash test results for the new Avalon as of this writing.

The overall appearance of the new Avalon is very Lexus-like. Avalon is now wider and longer than the previous generation. Up front is the familiar Toyota grille with chrome horizontal bars. All models except the standard XL have a lower valence with fog lamps. From the rear, large tail lamps, dual exhaust and a sculpted trunk similar in appearance to the new Acura RL and BMW define Avalon. Turn signals are integrated into outside rearview mirrors with "puddle lamps" that illuminate the ground alongside the driver's door.

Inside, the Avalon cabin is larger and elegant with a sense of everything upscale with premium materials, fit and finish. My Limited model featured an ample amount beautiful light colored wood on the steering wheel, shift knob, center console, dash and door panels. All operating instruments and audio controls are located behind two retracting lids and are thankfully easy to use, avoiding the unnecessary complexity that seems to be a trend in upscale luxury sedans. Thanks to an incredible amount of consumer focus-group input, Toyota got it right. BMW, Acura and Audi can take a lesson here.

While Avalon is no longer offered with a bench seat up front, it still seats five adults with ease and comfort. Rear legroom has been increased and is particularly comfortable, with seat backs that can be manually reclined up to 10 degrees for passenger comfort.

Front seats in the Limited are as comfortable as any Lexus I've driven. They are power adjustable with memory functions, and heat for cool Arizona winters and are air-conditioned for hot summers. Even the steering column adjusts to seven different positions, which allowed this too-tall driver to drive in comfort.

All Avalon's' come with just one engine: Toyota's new 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6. That's 70 more horsepower than last year's Avalon. The engine is so smooth and quiet it's nearly impossible to detect when running.

The Limited is started by a smart key that you need only have in your purse or pocket. When approaching the car with the smart key in your possession, you can unlock all four doors by simply touching the door handle. Once inside, put your foot on the brake and touch the start button on the dash. No key to insert or twist. The engine is mated to an electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission that continually adjusts to driving style and engine conditions.

Toyota went to great lengths to assure that senior buyers will ride in comfort and near-isolation quietness. This is one relaxing car to drive. You can almost feel the blood pressure drop, it's so easy and comfortable to drive. Yet it handles with ease and control, with enough power to accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in 6.6 seconds while achieving an estimated fuel economy of 22 miles per gallon in the city and 31 on the highway.

Avalon can be had with a few options including a Dynamic Laser Cruise Control system that detects slower vehicles in front of you and automatically decreases speed accordingly. Toyota offers a navigation system and a remote engine starter that allows drivers to start the engine from a distance by pressing a button on the key fob. For safety purposes, the engine will automatically shut off when a door is opened and to prevent vehicle theft.

If you're in the market for a smooth, relaxing, roomy car to haul a trunk load of golf clubs or gear or to just visit the grandkids in style, Avalon is the perfect car. It has style, presence and was perfectly designed for its intended market, the graying baby boomers.

Initial demand for the Avalon should be high with little or no price discounting from dealers. It's a terrific car, but you may want to wait a few months until the initial demand cools to get a better price. Now if it only had a senior citizen discount.

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