In a Niche of Its Own

Toyota simply ignored critics and sold Avalons—by the hundreds of thousands—during the past decade. With perfect timing as Avalon sales slipped to 36,400 for 2004, Toyota introduced an entirely new Avalon for 2005, and it’s far more than simply a longer, softer Camry. It even rides on a new platform, which in a role reversal may find its way under the next Camry.

A more chiseled look and roomier interior set Avalon apart, as does more muscular performance from a new 3.5-liter V6 engine. Distilled from the 4.0-liter V6 built for SUVs, the 3.5 has 280 horsepower—an increase of seventy over the 2004’s 3.3-liter V6. The top Limited model is new, and the Touring model is sportier, with bigger wheels, better grip, exterior trim features, a more austere interior, and the best reason for having the manual shift gate on the five-speed automatic.

Adding sportiness has not changed Toyota’s vow to remain loyal to its aging core of buyers, even while expanding its appeal. Avalon’s success verifies Toyota’s claim that many people whose lifestyle merits moving upscale don’t want their cars to signal it, and prefer that their prestige car wear a Toyota badge rather than a Lexus logo. Toyota says the Avalon is built by Americans for Americans—designed in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and built in Georgetown, Kentucky. Sales are projected to reach 85,000 in 2005, despite a late start.

The body is 5.3 inches longer than the 2004, enlarging Avalon’s already spacious interior. Retaining front-wheel-drive is a cause for celebration for Minnesota buyers who appreciate its inherent winter traction advantages, and it also helps six-footers sit in near-limousine roominess in the rear, where the floor is completely flat, with no rear-drive shaft hump to hurdle or straddle.

Technology is evident everywhere, starting with, well . . . starting. A sequence on the Limited’s “smart key” activates remote start, another great feature for Minnesota winters. It runs for ten minutes then shuts down, or shuts itself down if the door is unlocked or opened. Once inside, if you have the key, you don’t need to use it (it’s sensed). Simply step on the break and push the “start” button. The windshield is made of sound-deadening glass, and the wipers are rain-sensing, starting and moving faster depending on rain and vehicle speed. Laser cruise control maintains speed and the interval behind the car ahead. Seats are heated or cooled by circulating interior air through the seat cushions and backrests. Adjustable seat cushions extend to support long-legged occupants. Back seats recline twenty-five to thirty-five degrees, and for rear-passenger siestas, there’s a power-operated rear-window shade.

The optional navigation system recognizes 5 million points of interest and is operated either by a joystick or voice command. Say, “Italian restaurant,” and all of them in the vicinity pop up on the screen. I’m eager to test it in the Twin Cities. My favorite new restaurant is fairly obscure, over by the University of Minnesota campus, so I’ll try to fool the device by saying, “Restaurant with the best gyros, scallops, borscht, and desserts,” and see if “Kafé 421” comes up. Chances are the thing will probably say, “You already know it’s in Dinkytown, three doors down from Al’s Breakfast. And while you’re there, try the hamburgers!”

Nothing about the Avalon would surprise me. Toyota built a niche car for which there was no niche, then waited patiently while it carved its own. The new Avalon can only reap the rewards.

John Gilbert writes car reviews on his website, jwgilbert.com, and talks new cars with Charlie Boone every Saturday on WCCO AM–830.