2002 Toyota Avalon CSX review from Australia and New Zealand

Absolutely nothing.

I bought this car off the company I work for, which owned it since brand new. So I know the history of this vehicle, and that absolutely nothing at all has gone wrong with it since brand new.

It's probably one of the most comfortable cars I have ever driven, certainly the most comfortable I've ever owned. The ride quality, and NVH levels are really good, with no apparent rattles or squeaks yet.

Performance, for a 1500kg car with only a 3.0 engine, is actually pretty good, but being a traditional Falcon and even a Commodore buyer, I really notice the lack of bottom end torque. But midrange and top end performance is more inspiring; here is an engine that actually likes to rev. Flat out it will keep up with a Falcon or Commodore (actually I found out it's a whisker faster) of the same age.

A/C performance is very good, even in tropical North QLD on the hottest day, it has no trouble dissipating built up cabin heat.

Despite the really soft suspension, somehow it manages to contain body roll much better than it has a right to, though a quick change in direction results in ever present understeer. Steer it smoothly though, and it will take corners much quicker than you might at first expect.

Boring styling aimed at retiring Americans is hard to look past, especially for a young'un like me, (haha) but it hides a surprisingly capable and extremely well built, refined and reliable car.