1997 Toyota Avalon XL review from North America

(1) My car has defective factory-installed upper strut mounts, which Toyota acknowledged via a technical service bulletin. Thus, when I drive over rough road, the upper strut mounts sounds like a part falling off my car.

Toyota refused to replace the upper strut mounts, since my car had more than 36,000 miles and I did not report the noise while my car was under the original 36,000 mile warranty.

The fact that I purchased a 6-year or 100,000 mile extended warranty was deemed irrelevant, since Toyota did not regard the noise problem as being safety-related mechanical issue.

(2) The extended warranty, however, has been useful as the rack and pinion steering failed at 50,000 miles as well as the starter at 94,000.

(3) I also replaced the front struts at 50,000, of course at my expense, but at Toyota's suggestion.

(4) At 40,000 miles my dashboard developed a rattle, which is probably likely related to the premature failure of the struts and rack and pinion.

(5) The original tires (including the spare) didn't last beyond 44,000 miles (including 2 highway flats). I replaced the original tires with Michelin X-One tires, which still have a lot of meat to them at 65,000 miles.

(6) My car produces a lot of white smoke at ignition and at drive.

(7) During winter, the car windows develop a lot of moisture when the heat is on; The only way to resolve this issue is to open windows slightly.

(8) The paint chips, especially on the hood.

The cabin is comfortable and the ride is smooth.

The car is underpowered, especially when there is more than one passenger.