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What are the differences that one can notice and feel between the early (2005-2006) and the later (2010+) 3rd generation Avalon? Are the 2010+ more reliable that the earlier years of this generation?
Did the early years of this generations have bugs or quirks that got fixed later on?
What are the differences that one can notice and feel between the early (2005-2006) and the later (2010+) 3rd generation Avalon? Are the 2010+ more reliable that the earlier years of this generation?
In general, from the earliest models to the latest ones, more wood-tone trim was used inside, body sheet metal thinned out noticeably, interior materials and hardware got lighter-weight in feel, and rooflines got more sport-oriented, resulting in tighter rear headroom and entry/exit. First-generation models had a traditional American-type bench front seat and column-shifter as an option, but that later disappeared. The latest versions show a sharp drop in ride comfort and much more stiffness over bumps.....something that it was criticized for, and that the next-generation model will address in all but the Touring versions.
Reliability, though, in general, was not affected much. Avalons, being Camry derivatives, were usually reliable.....assuming the oil was kept changed on the 3.0 V6 models (which I address below)
Did the early years of this generations have bugs or quirks that got fixed later on?
Yes. The main issue with early Avalons (as with all Toyota/Lexus products with this engine) was the tendency of the 3.0L V6 to sludge up, gel, and sometimes fail if owners got a little careless on oil-change intervals. This engine, because of narrow oil-passageways and a couple of other factors, was not forgiving of much oil-neglect. Many of these engines were damaged or ruined, and there was even a class-action suit on it, though I am of the opinion that if owners don't change the oil when it's supposed to be done, then it's on them, not the manufacturer.
In general, from the earliest models to the latest ones, more wood-tone trim was used inside, body sheet metal thinned out noticeably, interior materials and hardware got lighter-weight in feel, and rooflines got more sport-oriented, resulting in tighter rear headroom and entry/exit. First-generation models had a traditional American-type bench front seat and column-shifter as an option, but that later disappeared. The latest versions show a sharp drop in ride comfort and much more stiffness over bumps.....something that it was criticized for, and that the next-generation model will address in all but the Touring versions.
Reliability, though, in general, was not affected much. Avalons, being Camry derivatives, were usually reliable.....assuming the oil was kept changed on the 3.0 V6 models (which I address below)
Yes. The main issue with early Avalons (as with all Toyota/Lexus products with this engine) was the tendency of the 3.0L V6 to sludge up, gel, and sometimes fail if owners got a little careless on oil-change intervals. This engine, because of narrow oil-passageways and a couple of other factors, was not forgiving of much oil-neglect. Many of these engines were damaged or ruined, and there was even a class-action suit on it, though I am of the opinion that if owners don't change the oil when it's supposed to be done, then it's on them, not the manufacturer.
Thank you for your comprehensive review. It seems like the issues with the 3.0L V6 can be avoided by buying a 2005 and newer model year Avalon that has the 3.5L V6. Exterior looks wise, it appears that the 2005-2012 Avalons are the virtually the same, but I wonder if the later years like 2010-2012 are better than the earlier years of that generation, in that some bugs were worked out.
2010-2012 were refreshed again with new bumpers, lights and taillights with "light pipes" as Toyota's literature calls it. The interior was also updated with the screen and radio headunit combined as one unit (similar to modern Toyotas) instead of being separate. The silicone backlit buttons for the climate control were replaced with regular plastic buttons.
The refreshed 2010-2012 interior also seemed to be done with better materials. The 2005-2009 interior had a lot of thin plastic and that (IMO) cheesy-looking silver-paint.
04-15-15, 12:10 AM
2005-2012 Toyota Avalons
