I think me and 84Cressida will agree that Avalon is first Toyota model in long time that was done with no regards to competition from Lexus... literally they had budget and here is the best they can offer.

 

No so, Toyota hit a home run with the current Camry. At the top for sales and profits, it just can't be beat right now.

The current Camry is everything Camry is about and the sales numbers reflect that. Everyone can talk all they want about the Accord or Altima, but let's not forget who is number one on the sales chart.

 

The last model Avalon introduced in 2005 was no regards to budget either. The 05 Avalon introduced the Lexus/Toyota family dual VVTi, it had such unheard of Toyota available features such as Xenon lamps, coolimg seats, radar cruise control, rainsense wipers, rear sunshade, auto up windows on both driver and passenger sides. Star safety features. Also, Lexus optitron was now available.

 

So u guys have access to the budget. Please post it

Lol

 

Avalon is Toyota's way of keeping some of the upmarket sales in the family if/when:

- Someone doesn't want to or can't justify the step into the Luxury car category, but still wants some of that. Kind of like Buick was to Cadillac

- Can't really afford an ES, but find the CT/IS too small

- Keep and edge over the competition that is bringing some upmarket models in their mainstream lines, without a dedicated "luxury sub-brand"

This is how Toyota will keep Huyndai and VW at bay.

 

Congratulations to them. There are still parts of it that need to be improved, like the ridiculous recycled paper headliner that is used in sub-compact cars and the cheap, thin carpet that wears quickly and is hard to vaccum. The rear door panels also don't have the same amount of padding on them as the front, and all the door panels lost the cloth on them on base models. They took two steps forward, and three steps back with the new one in the name of lowering the MSRP. If Honda and Nissan offer better interiors at the same price, there is NO excuse for Toyota to not.

 

The new Avalon is nice; I heard nothing but positive reviews and comments on it. Good job Toyota; now how about fixing the odd looking new Camry.

 

The styling is fine, its a best selling car. I rather like it.

 

my comment has nothing to do with equipment, but overall vehicle. 2006 Avalon looked old even back then.

I had 2006 Auris with HIDs, Smart Entry, autowipers/lights, etc, etc.

However there was nowhere as much attention paid overall to the complete vehicle like to this Avalon, or to CT200h for instance.

Avalon has nothing to be ashamed of compared to any car around.

 

Best selling doesn't always equal nice. The new Civic is the best selling compact in the US. But I think most of us can agreed that there are better looking cars in that segment.

 

The Camry has never been a stunner looker. Looks has never been a Camry priority. Function, low cost, reliability, and good MPG is why its the best sellar. The looks are a non issue.

 

Yes, the interior looks a little busy, and doesn't seem to flow well in the pictures, but it's an upgrade from the previous Avalon. And I bet it feels better in person, can't wait to see it.

Now this front-end is great, a much better grille. If they make this available for aftermarket, that would be sweet.

And for the record, the new Camry's rear lights are horrible, makes the whole rear end look unfinished.

Avalon looks better than the Camry, even though that front-end bottom grille is a little too much.

 

We were first talking about styling but ok. The XV40 and even the XV30 didn't look half bad in SE form. But this new one still looks odd in every trim level. It isn't an awful design. I just wish Toyota had used the JMD Camry here in the US instead. The new Camry had fallen behind in both the MPG and styling department.

 

So would you pay an extra $5k - 10k so that it is a JDM Camry?

 

What are you talking about? Extra $5k-$10k for what? Yes it is, its basically the same Camry that we get here but the Asian/European model has different headlights and taillights.