2012 Toyota Avalon
The Toyota Avalon doesnt get much attention from car enthusiasts or from first-time buyers, but its the kind of car that Toyota does very well. Its a no-fuss, no-brainer driving experience with lots of room and near-luxury equipment, geared at a big group of drivers that care more about comfort than performance--especially older drivers. A stretched Camry, when you get right down to it, the California-designed, Kentucky-built Avalon has some well-executed details in an overall look thats quite conservative. Longer than the Camry, with a slightly less assertive grille than its new-for-2012 cousin, the Avalons broad shoulders and crisped-up sheetmetal are an improvement over the last-generation model. The big Toyotas generic taillamps are dressed up with a C-shaped frame of LED lights. The interiors themed around an elegant dual-cowl dash, with the second cowl arcs atop climate and radio controls. In all, and despite some teensy radio buttons and plainly artificial woodgrain, the Avalon looks a little more extravagant than its station in life. The cushy Avalon performs well in a straight line, but cornering isnt really what it had in mind. A 3.5-liter V-6 produces 268 horsepower--and its a little louder here than before. Power streams to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission, and acceleration is brisk for such a big sedan. This Toyota has decent on-center steering feel, light to the touch, but attentive enough for the needs of drivers just interested in a safe trip. The suspension is tuned very softly, with lots of body roll and underdamped responses. The cabin is very large, but to understand what the Avalon is all about, youll need to leave the flat, wide front bucket seats and slip into the back seat, where the Avalon does a convincing impression of a town car. Theres so much head and leg room, surrounded by upscale trimmings, that even with the front seats pushed to the back of their tracks, an adult can cross their leg over knee. The rear seats can recline a couple of inches for long-trip comfort, and theres a small window to access the vast trunk. The Avalons an IIHS Top Safety Pick, and along with the usual airbags (and a driver knee airbag) and stability control, it has an available rearview camera and standard Bluetooth. Other standard features include steering-wheel controls; XM; and a USB port. The ritzy Limited version gets ventilated front seats; a power passenger front seat; and keyless entry with pushbutton start.
