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By Jim MatejaChicago Tribune
March 20, 2005
The 2005 Toyota Avalon. How's that for keeping sales in the family? Avalon replaced Cressida for the 1995 model year, a new offering done on the cheap because it was derived from the Camry platform. Avalon was billed as a full-size sedan that gave midsize Camry owners a car to move up to so they wouldn't shop a rival. While Avalon was a bit bigger than Camry, it wasn't a full-size sedan, more like a midsize plus. And there was little to rave about. Cabin room was tight, styling was bland to the point of being invisible, the V-6 was underpowered and the suspension system was so soft the car floated so much you could get seasick on the way to work. As a result, Avalon catered to the geriatric set. The average age of buyers reached and held at 66, and Toyota ran the risk that owners would die before making the 36th monthly payment or would buy a Buick. Avalon proved Toyota wasn't immune to making mistakes, but Toyota proves with the third-generation for 2005 that it has a knack of righting its wrongs. Domestic automakers grab the whips and head for the design department; Toyota grabs the notepads and heads out to interview Avalon buyers to learn what they want. The '05 Avalon addresses past problems - except for styling, which has improved but is still short of winning any fashion awards. Avalon is now built on a larger platform shared with no other Toyota. Wheelbase has been increased about 4 inches and overall length about 6 inches for a more secure road stance and thus improved ride and handling. The cabin is now about an inch wider and higher to give occupants room to stretch, though the large center console between driver and front passenger still robs what could have been even more thigh and arm room. But in back, the limo-like leg, head and arm room puts some large luxury cars to shame. Those who developed the snug rear cabin in the Cadillac STS sedan should check out Avalon. You could wear snowshoes and still not strike the backs of those front seats. And the rear seat backs recline for more relaxed long-distance travel. The designer who thought moving instrumentation from in front of the driver to the middle of the dash on the previous Avalon woke up and put it back where it belongs. Responding to another gripe, that Avalon was less than fleet of foot, the 3-liter V-6 rated at 210 horsepower and 220 foot-pounds of torque has been replaced by a new V-6 rated at 280 h.p. and 260 foot-pounds of torque. Avalon jogged down the road with the 3-liter, it sprints with the 3.5-liter. It responds much more quickly and smoothly to pedal input yet the mileage rating went up, to 22 m.p.g. city/31 m.p.g. highway from 21/29 with the old 3-liter. It helps, of course, that the 3.5 comes with a new 5-speed automatic, while the 3-liter was saddled with a 4-speed automatic. Avalon had been offered in XL and XLS versions. For '05, Touring and Limited editions have been added. Touring is aimed at attracting more performance-oriented and younger buyers. It comes with a sports-tuned suspension and 17-inch radial tires for optimum handling and precise response to steering input. Limited gives consumers a sedan with more luxury content and gives Toyota one with more profit potential. We tested the XLS, which like the Touring edition, has the 17-inch radials. But the treads on the XLS are designed more for smooth ride than pinpoint handling. However, the XLS is still very agile, darting effortlessly into and out of the passing lane. Response to pedal pressure is quick, steering effortless, ride smooth and handling sure-footed without excessive lean when swinging onto the merger ramp. Toyota has created a new car and a new image. Folks buy Toyotas for reliable, dependable transportation. With Avalon, they can get spirit in the mix. Avalon's upgrade means Toyota is going to have to step it up a notch with the ES330, the entry-level sedan in its luxury Lexus lineup. Toyota insiders will only say not to rule out the ES sharing the Avalon platform—as well as the 280-h.p. V-6. Avalon also earns notice for the host of goodies offered, though they aren't pioneering technology. Vehicle stability control with traction control, which Cadillac introduced, is available in the XLS in a $1,090 option package that includes heated seats. Why team stability control with heated seats? To be able to charge $1,090, of course. Stability control is optional at $650 on the Limited, where heated seats are standard. Another neat option is Dynamic Laser Cruise Control, offered only on the Limited at $600. It's a system similar to the one offered in the Cadillac XLR roadster that detects slower vehicles ahead and reduces your speed to avoid contact. Another option is remote vehicle start, a system available from the aftermarket and recently added at the factory by General Motors. Remote start runs $499, but requires adding a factory installed security system at $220 on the XLS. A voice-activated navigation system is another XLS packaged option, running $2,540 and including an audio upgrade. Navi is a stand-alone $1,900 option in the Limited. The XLS tested starts at $30,800, or about $5,000 more than the top-of-the-line Camry XLE at $25,555. Have to think more than a few Camry owners will find a way to justify the added $5,000 expense after checking out Avalon. Standard equipment includes front- and side air bags as well as side-curtain air bags and a driver's side knee bag; four-wheel anti-lock brakes; power moonroof; power and heated outside mirrors; leather seats with power on the driver's side; AM/FM radio with cassette and CD player; tilt and telescoping steering wheel; climate control with air filtration; power locks and windows; and cruise control. All-wheel-drive isn't offered, partly because of cost, but mostly because owners haven't asked for it. Toyota sold 36,460 Avalons in 2004, but expects to sell 85,000 of the new model - and lower the average buyer age to 60 from 66. Both expectations should easily be met. While GM coined the term "gotta have car," Avalon defines it. - - - TEST DRIVE 2005 Toyota Avalon XLS Wheelbase: 111 inches Length: 197.2 inches Engine: 3.5-liter, 280-h.p., 24-valve V-6 Transmission: 5-speed automatic Fuel economy: 22 m.p.g. city/31 m.p.g. highway Base price: $30,800 Price as tested: $34,629. Includes $2,540 for voice-activated DVD navigation system and JBL AM/FM six-disc in-dash CD changer with 12 speakers; $1,090 for vehicle stability control with traction control and brake assist and heated front seats; and $199 for carpeted floor/trunk mats. Add $540 for freight. Pluses: Stylish redesign and larger dimensions. A really potent V-6 that still delivers great mileage. Excellent cabin room and comfort. Loaded with standard equipment, from power moonroof to side-curtain air bags, and great list of options, from stability control to laser cruise control to remote engine start. Minuses: Hefty price for stability control with traction control. An all-wheel-drive version would be welcome for the Snow Belt. Read Jim Mateja Sunday in Transportation and Wednesday and Friday in Business. Hear him on WBBM Newsradio 780 at 6:22 p.m. Wednesdays and 11:22 a.m. Sundays. jmateja@tribune.com
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