2000 Toyota Avalon

By Bob Storck

The 2000 redesign has targeted noise, vibration and harshness with attention to engine, chassis and body sources of problems. The restyling has been modest, in line with Toyota practice for their sedans.

The Avalon is more than a Camry with an extra-roomy rear seat. With the mid-sized segment growing, the company uses the Avalon as a premium move-up vehicle. Avalon is built on a stretched Camry platform yet has a large interior volume, greater than most cars with a smaller shadow. Since it is only an inch wider than the Camry, the center persons can be pinched unless they are children. It is important to use the center belt since there is no airbag in that position.

The Avalon is built at TMM plant in Georgetown, KY. The uprated V6 engine delivers 210 hp, 10 hp greater than before due to the addition of variable valve timing. Many people feel that it handles better than the Camry.

The car is so well equipped that the only options are ABS, a sunroof, leather power bucket seats, anti-theft systems, alloy wheels, and upgraded radios. ABS and climate controls are standard on XLS versions.

For a complete review, read: 2000 Toyota Avalon XLS by Ron Drysdale, and 2000 Toyota Avalon Moves Into Traditional American Full-Sized Car Market by Bob Storck