2004 Toyota Avalon XLS review from North America

The 2004 Toyota Avalon is a car that was designed for North America specifically for North Americans. Here is why...

Performance: The car has a 3.0L 210 hp engine. It can accelerate rather fast while its nothing compared to the latest 2006 Avalon which has a 269 hp power plant this one with its 210 hp should be sufficient in overtaking most cars slowing you down.

Handling: The steering wheel on this car is very light, this is particularly bad for someone who prefers a heavier steering wheel and unfortunately there's no way to adjust it. If you like a car that requires little effort to turn, the Avalon does very well. If you like me and prefers heavier steering you may find yourself turning a bit more than you thought you did. If you live in any area where snow and ice are a major issue, the VSC (vertical skid control) play a major role in making sure you do not lose control. This device however does not mean you can drive as you please during those conditions. All it does is allow you to control the car in a manageable manner so you do not skid.

Exterior: This car was very conservatively designed. Its real problem is that it doesn't seem to stand out in the crowd except to Camry owners. Since it was based off a Camry many will just see it as a larger Camry something this car is not supposed to be. Unlike the Camry it has a more American look, the smiling grille is something you can easily find on many American cars, Japanese grilles usually are more straight. This car doesn't grab as much attention as other cars do, this can be good or bad depending what person you are.

Interior: Toyota has done an excellent job in making the interior. Its luxurious, bright and cheerful. You can easily tell it was well built, there are no giant gaps like those found on other cars. The seats are very comfortable. Your given a lot of room, this car was built for even tall Americans so no matter your size you should feel comfortable. When driving, the Avalon is very quiet for such a large car going at regular speed giving you that sense of peace and quiet. It has a few nifty features. A fan is given to the back seats for either heat or A/C. A digital screen that displays things like your direction, time, temperature, fuel economy.

Reliability: This is a very reliable car, it gets from point A to point B with no problems. Toyota shatters the image that Americans can't build cars because this is an American built Toyota, no one outside of North America except Australia have an Avalon.

Overall: This is a perfectly excellent car for those who prefer to elevate their status above the normal Camry owner yet do not wish to go towards the prices of a Lexus or lack a Lexus dealership near them. Yet despite all this, I still prefer driving my older 1986 Toyota Cressida, which was more built for a tiny Asian guy like me.