Skip to main content

2003 Toyota Avalon consumer reviews

$25,945–$26,765 MSRP range
side view of 2003 Avalon Toyota
(41 reviews)
100% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.9
  • Interior 4.7
  • Performance 4.8
  • Value 4.9
  • Exterior 4.4
  • Reliability 4.9
Explore the 2003 Toyota Avalon

I bought my 2003 Toyota Avalon XLS and I have been the

I bought my 2003 Toyota Avalon XLS and I have been the only owner. It is now 21 years old. I am so pleased with it. I don’t want any other kind of car but the Toyota Avalon XLS however they don’t make it anymore but I do recommend this to one of, the best cars that I have ever ever owned great car. I have 177,000 and it keeps on going. Since I’ve owned my Avalon I probably have not spent over $4000.00 in repairs.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Does recommend this car
2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Best Car I've Ever Owned

My 2003 Avalon XL (3.5l V6) drives like a dream. It’s the best vehicle I've ever owned. We’ve driven from new to 165,000 miles over the past 20 years into 2023. Hope to drive it another 10 years or more. Total Maintenance: Recommended oil changes, coolant flushes, and transmission fluid & filter changes, 1 scheduled water pump replacement, 2 O2 sensors, 3 batteries, 3 sets of tires, 1 tie rod end, 1 set of 4 shocks and springs , 2 x front and rear link stabilizers, several air filters for engine & cabin air. That's all folks

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Best Car Ever

I bought my Avalon new in 2003. I loved it from the momentI took the wheel. It is the best car I have ever had. With only 148,000 miles, I expect it to last me the rest of my driving life. I am 76.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
9 people out of 9 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

October 2003 Toyota Avalon VXi.

I have a October 2003 model Toyota Avalon that is a MKIII VXi that I've had since 2017. It's a great car to drive, very reliable, well serviced, have done over 300,000 km in her, I've driven her from the very bottom of Victoria Australia up to the Central Coast and back again. Fuel economy is 14.5 km per 100 km.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

She's still going!

I purchased this car new in 2003. It was taken to dealer for maintenance consistently. I've replaced the CV joints a few times(could be an issue with these cars). Transmission doesn't want to reverse sometimes. Overall I like the car and still driving it. It's has over 350,000 miles. Dealer wants my car for a new car. Nope!! I will continue to drive until something falls off. Straight talk!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

3rd owner, 250k and still going

Dad purchased off lease with 80k, he drove it to 200k and then sold it to me. (he bought another Avalon off lease) I have since put another 75k on it since 2014 and it is a joy to own. Looks pretty decent, something a bit more fancy than a corolla. I tend to be a bit rough on in and it has taken the abuse so far. Only minor repairs since I've had it; needed new brakes and a timing belt, and had alignment 3 times(definitely my fault lol) Still starts first time every time, and doesn't burn a drop of oil. The transmission does shake a lot when idling in drive. especially noticeable at stoplights or in heavy traffic. Drives smooth and quiet, floaty suspension soaks up the bumps. Decent power, and comfortable interior. Very roomy and the trunk is huge. Passthrough door is great and this little car has probably hauled more 2x4s, plywood, and cement than many trucks. Gas mileage is a bit lacking by today's standards, but it isnt today's car so I can't complain. best ive seen is 24mpg when I drove a few states over, but I average closer to 17mpg day to day. As far as cosmetic issues go, everything has held up extremely well. The only issues are the "chrome" trim is peeling, and a tiny rust patch in each rear quarter panel where salty mud from winter roads has been sitting. Overall an excellent daily driver, I plan on keeping this one around.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
21 people out of 22 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Bought Used in 06, Love it so much I still have it

The 2003 Avalon - Great car. This has been one of my all-time favorite vehicles. I think it had the best combination of size, engine, interior room, quiet, comfort, and handling. It's been such a great car that I really don't want to get rid of it, even after 14 years!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
10 people out of 10 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Most reliable car I have owned

This car is good condition. First I worried about it but now it is clear does not have any problems. Good condition up now I observed its muffler needs fixing.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
7 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

I absolutely loved this car

This car is more reliable then a lot of newer cars, mine had 223k miles and it still drove great, I actually drove it 450 miles to Ohio last month and then someone rear ended me, I even managed to drive it back home 450 miles but insurance ended up totaling it. This car is a very comfortable ride, and For me it had plenty of power and I already miss it. This was by far the most reliable car I’ve ever owned and I will most definitely buy another one in the future as a spare car.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

excellent handling and engine response

This car has it all. Power, handling, space front and rear and very large trunk. The instrumentation is easy to navigate. The seats are very comfortable.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No