2007 Toyota Avalon

kitner25

Has anyone traded a SUV for an Avalon and not happy with their choice. I currently have a 04 Ford Explorer and I hate the gas mileage. I drove the Avalon today and I'm very impressed with it. If we purchase the Avalon, it will be our primary family car for traveling. I'm hoping that someone who travels often can give me some idea how the Avalon does on long trips. We will going to Florida from Pennsylvania this summer. Thanks

dandydon2

If your idea of travel is enjoying a high level of comfort and quiet, in quite luxurious surroundings with lots of interior space, while getting 30+ mpg on regular gas, Avalon is for you. Only negative I can think of is a somewhat limited amount of trunk space. Like the kids say, "It's a sweet ride."

Dandydon

fin

We are retired and travel the SE extensively by Avalon. Currently on our third since 1999 and have owned one of each generation. The current model is by far the best if you look at everything. The main drawback is the trunk. It seems to get smaller each time the body changes. And the seats are not as good in the new version as they were in the '03. But the back seat is a living room and you get 30+ mpg on the road at 75 mph. The ride is both quiet and smooth with plenty of power to pass on the backroads.

If the car is big enough, you can't go wrong. If you need the storage of an SUV, ok, stick with it. Measure the actual storage space in the SUV and compare.

northwestohio1

We have traveled back and forth to Florida with our 2006 Avalon and usually enjoy 30+ mpg on the Interstates at 75+ mph. Avalon is high on comfort and quiet as well as driving ease. But, trunk space is limited. We are seriously thinking of opting for a 2008 Highlander just to get more space for travel. Might add a Yakima roof rack and carrier to the Avalon just to see how it functions. Not an inexpensive trial though at about $600 for the system. If you can live with the limited trunk space the Avalon is really a great road car.

tedtnj

Today, I sent this message to Toyota.
I have a new 2007 Toyota Avalon.

As I am new to the vehicle and the vehicle is new to me, I am still fumbling for the correct switch, knob, etc.

This morning, Tuesday, while driving at about 10 Mph, I needed to raise the rear window sunshade. I reached down to the left and around the steering wheel and activated a switch. Instead of the rear sunshade switch, I inadvertently activated the trunk release and then the gas tank door release.

Both the trunk opened and the gas tank door opened while the vehicle was in motion (the transmission was in drive of course).

To me this is a major safety hazard, not to mention an annoyance.

Are these switches functioning properly, that is are they designed to permit activation when the vehicle is in gear?

Other vehicles that I have owned or rented lock these mechanisms from opening the trunk lid release when the vehicle is not in neutral or park.

Should my 2007 Toyota Avalon operate in the same safe manner as I indicate for other vehicles e.g.; lock out the switches unless the vehicle is in park or neutral?
= = = = = = =
The response from Toyota is:
We apologize for your dissatisfaction with the operation of the trunk opener switch and fuel filler door opener switch.

Please note: Toyota does not currently market a "lock out" feature for the trunk opener switch and fuel filler door opener switch for the 2007 Avalon.
= = = = = = =
Does anyone have any ideas to create a lock out?

Thanks

gknoerzer

Yes we did.....we traded our 2000 Ford Explorer for the Toyota Avalon......we enjoy the replacement. The trunk handled the recent trip with a lawn mower and our luggage. We are very satisfied with the ride and handling. We don't miss the truck frame of the Explorer and the rougher ride. Enjoy.

kitner25

Glad to hear it. We decided to get an Avalon and will pick up our Indigo XLS on Friday. Our Toyota dealership offers a wax or sealant on the paint that has a guarantee for five years, I'm wondering has anyone had a similar product put on your car and did it work. I'm thinking about getting the interior treated for stains also.(seats and carpet) Thanks in advance.

oldguy70

I've never heard of an auto lockout for trunk/gas cap. That's not to say there isn't something out there like that.
But wouldn't it just make more sense to learn and then know where the proper switches are?
Seems to me you're asking for someone else to take responsibility for your failure to know how to operate these things.

tjc78

There is a switch in the glove compartment to lock out the trunk button if you so desire. It isn't dependent on vehicle motion, it disables it completely.

tedtnj

My Dodge Intrepid, my Dodge Caravan and virtually every rental car (about fifty) in the last eighteen months, automatically disabled the rear trunk lid or rear cargo door once the transmission was shifted into drive or reverse. This is just plain common sense.

What is so difficult for Toyota to prevent an accident, e.g.: the rear window is totally obscured and the contents of the trunk can be disgorged on the highway?

Reaching for a switch (manual effort), I don’t think so not at the prices Toyota charges.

As for shifting responsibility, I don’t think so either.

In this case to save maybe two dollars Toyota has created a safety issue and a highway hazard.

havalongavalon

You made some good obsservations. The four doors are locked once the car is in gear, so why not the trunk, too?

I also agree that the location of the trunk and gas tank lid switches is unfortunate and incovenient. We had discussion on this about two years ago in the Avalon 2005+ forum. It seems that even minor changes such as switch locations often don't happen until the next new model comes out (every 5 or 6 years) with Toyotas.

oldguy70

As for shifting responsibility, I don’t think so either.

Well, maybe I spoke too soon on the 'responsibility' aspect.
It's not the driver's fault the switch is inconveniently located, I'll admit that.
But it seems to me that if most folks mistakenly opened the trunk once, they sure wouldn't repeat it a second time--especially if they felt so strongly it was a safety hazard.
We all have to accept some responsibilty for our actions, especially where safety is involved.
This issue still seems to me like blaming the gunmaker when you pull the trigger, knowing all the while the thing is going to fire!
This whole thing is really trivial IMO. The idea that an open trunk lid will obscure rear vision on the highway is pretty speculative.
At speeds beyond 15 MPH the airlow over the lid overcomes spring pressure anyway, so at best the lid will only be slightly open and won't obscure anything.

tjc78

The switches are located in an obscure spot only accessible to the driver. Why would they need to be disabled? They all have a distinct feel (one has a bump the other doesn't) and very hard to hit by mistake. I cannot believe this is an issue. OTOH if the switch was say, in the middle of the dash or right next to the headlight switch I could see the need for disabling it.

havalongavalon

The switches are located in an obscure spot I agree.

They all have a distinct feel (one has a bump the other doesn't) and very hard to hit by mistake. I disagree. Have you tried to activate them while wearing gloves?

Ergonomically, this switch placement is terrible. They are too close together and almost invisible. There is plenty of room elsewhere to relocate them. And they could be bigger, and illuminated, like the switches in the center of the dash.

tjc78

I never wear gloves, but I guess that would make them hard to distinguish by feel. Otherwise, I think they are in a good spot because they are something that you don't use everytime you drive the car. You can also reach right through the open door or window to activate the switch. Just my .02, it's all personal preference, for example, I think the power ports in the car are both placed poorly.

havalongavalon

Agreed, the location is OK and makes these switches reachable through the open door or window, but they are hard to see mainly because they are facing downward. I'd keep them in the same place but partly recessed and tilted so they face upward; and make them larger, placed farther apart, and illuminated.

amc697

Which switch has the bump?

tjc78

The switch for the trunk has a little bump on it, the gas door button does not.

tedtnj

Is there an aftermarket “color” rear view camera system that attaches to the 2007 Toyota Avalon NAV system so that the image can appear on the NAV LCD screen?

Can this be installed easily by an owner?

Can the Lexus 350 camera system be installed in a Toyota Avalon?

abfisch

Northwestohio:

This is my take, no intended offense to anyone. I used to use roofrack systems when I was younger. Now that I am an older person, I see things a little different. As far as I know, the Avalon (new model) can trail up to 1000lbs. I remember when I first noticed the new Avalons while in Canada, and the older couple looked like they were trailing a very small cute trailer with a hitch attached probably to the Canadian Maritines. I thought to myself, I should live that long and be so lucky. Nice car, that 2000 too. I purchased one in 2002 and have used a hitch regularly. i have 92K on the car.

Roofracks, are cumbersome, decrease gas mileage by at least 3 MPG, and worse make the car's handling characteristics markedly different, especially in cornering and emergency braking. While trailing in not without it own cautions, I would consider a small enlcosed trailer with a hitch.

Just a thought.

abfisch

a1s1a1

Does 2007 Avalon come with illuminated steering wheel mounted controls ( volume for radio, etc ) are the controls for garage door opener illuminated ? I tried the toyota.com site and asked the salesman at our local Toyota Dealership but couldn't get the answer. 'appreciate your input. Thanks in advance

imtan8

Here is a cool interactive link I found on the Avalon.
http://mynewavalon.com/iGuide_Avalon.htm

fin

On the steering wheel, yes, in the sense that they have a green glow to them. They are not bright and the reflected light from the dash makes them hard to see. But the radio controls have different shapes and if you use your finger often enough the shape and position of the buttons will make the light unnecessary. (Older Honda's had a much better radio fingertip control setup with no lights needed.) The heat/ac buttons are easier to use.

There is no meaningful illumination on the rearview mirror so anything up there must be seen with reflected light or the courtesy inside lights. Or used by touch.

While these things are less than perfect they are not significant in the overall package unless night vision is problem. Hope this helps........

jess70

Cars.com says about the 2007 model that "dealers can install a towing package that allows the Avalon to tow up to 1,000 pounds."

My dealer's service dept told me today before I read the item above that no tow kit is available for 2007 Avalons.

Does anyone know about this?

Jess70

tedtnj

Toyota Avalon 2007 Limited

NAV system is primitive. I would have purchased an aftermarket device and then had an auto shop install an aftermarket NAV that provides more functions at the same or lesser price.

Rear trunk and gasoline hatch open when vehicle is in motion, as there is no lock out once the transmission is engaged (unlike most other vehicles.)

Trunk has no convenient place to tie down anything.

The rear seats do not fold down as the stiffener struts block a clear passage from the trunk except for a small item.

One must press a button to obtain outside air temperature.

The power train has an anomaly that the vehicle surges on some but not all downshifts which is a safety hazard, requires additional brake pressure, wastes fuel and can lead to premature brake failure.

Rear view camera not available. Dealer refused to recommend someone or to do it themselves at the dealership as the dealer asserted it would void the warranty.

Auxiliary input to entertainment system would be useful.
:confuse:

nimimi

They must have made some pretty drastic changes from '06 to '07. My Limited always displays outside air temperature unless the whole display panel is turned off.

algee

My 06 limited does not show it unless a button is pushed. I have NAV

osker

I just installed a backup camera and interface on my 2007 avalon. I used the budget version from AV-ELECTRONIC, Plug and play, $250.00 and a license plate frame camera from XO VISION HTC31X $89.00 . It connect to the dvd player in the trunk. Comes on when you put it in reverse. Works grate.

blackdog4

My 2007 LTD always displays the temp. However I chose not to have the NAV. Perhaps this is the difference.

There is a TSB for early 2007s regarding the Engine Control Module (ECM). I had it reflashed by the dealer last week and it has made a considerable improvement in how the engine and transmission behave. You may want to check with your dealer to see if your car is elgible. (based on your VIN)

Over all, I am very happy with my car.

vdrapkin

Why do I need an interface module (AV-ELECTRONIC? Could you please provide some more details about the backup camera setup?

osker

The LCD screen uses a Red, Green, Blue signal to display a picture. Backup cameras put out a standard video signal. The interfaces converts the video to a RGB signal for the display. Also the interface switches the off the NAV output and connect the backup camera signal to the display when the car is put in reverse.

jrjhm

Thanks for the heads up. I mentioned it to my dealer and they performed that procedure on my Avalon. I feel it has improved my cars performance. Thanks again.

blackdog4

Glad it helped.

cubfan4evr

Are there any significant changes to the 2008 Avalon. None of the dealers I have talked to has any information.

pat

We're talking about that here: 2008 Avalon.

hope34000

I was told the the 07 avalon limited had a design flaw in the interior driverside door panel with its simulated wood panel that covers the window and door lock buttons. on mine the cover in the rear corners do not sit flush as the other three doors do in fact it has a small gap at both corners almost as if the leather part of the door has a lump. I am in arbitration currently with my car on this and other probelms sense i have has this car (only 1 month) and the two other avalon limited i have seen also have this. I do not have time to go to every other dealership to find out it this is in fact a design flaw. can any one tell me of there car and if it has this problem? I really need it before the next two weeks. help anyone

hope34000

I have had nothing but problems with my 07 avalon limited and have even gon into arbitration with toyota, you stated that you wrote to the president of toyota in japan can you please email me this address i despartly need help in fighting toyota with the lemon that i bought less than a month old and continus problems that they are trying to justify but cant. please email me at hope34000@aol.com with any help you can give me i go to arbitration in less then two weeks, thank you in advance for any help you could give me
cindy

tootall55

Bought my 07 Limited in August of 06. Just ran out to check my door panel when I read your post. Mine looks fine. Good luck with your arbitration.

9119911

What kind of problem are you having with your 07 Avalon?

Cj

avytouring

Hello All,

I'm a newer owner of a 2007 Avalon Touring... now have 2500 miles on it and the darned seatbelt reminder chimes are killing me... is there an easy way to override or disconnect? I live a bit in the country so just going down the driveway to the mailbox without a belt on is enough to drive you crazy!

jlsexton

Congratulations, I have an 06, so far it's been great. As far as the chimes, yes they can be annoying, especially when one has a wife who take 2 minutes to lock in the seatbelt and by that time they've reached full crescendo. Go back in the posts, this has been previously discussed and answered although I personally do not understand the purpose even with the clatter they make. To me it's buckle up stupid but as previously stated I have a nephew who didn't, I bet he trade that decision so as to be able to walk or use his arms.............Personally my Starion which actually said , fasten you seatbelt was much better.

mackabee

Easiest way is to buckle up! Statistics show that most accidents happen 4 miles from home. In that case I would move!
Mackabee

4439

Take a look at post 7359 and 7360 to disconnect the chime. I originally disconnected the chime when I bought my car in 2005. This year I had the Transmission TSB performed. My seatbelt chime was reset and now I can not silence it again. Good luck.

tjc78

From what I have heard on '07s and up Toyota took out the back door procedure of disabling the chime. I guess if I buy another Toyota I will be jumping the sensors in the belt buckles. I don't feel that anyone or car manufacturer should tell me to wear a belt. It is a personal choice. Just be thankful Yotas chime isn't as bad as Ford's "beltminder".

mackabee

It's your choice to wear a belt or not. However, if you get in a frontal collision those airbags come out with such force that they can kill you. The belt is there to hold you and minimize the impact with the bag or the steering wheel. It's your choice.
Mack

9119911

If you enter the state of Georgia, you will notice posted along side the highway, "CLICK IT OR TICKET". Ga decided the cost to the taxpayer for public services, including health care for those that don't click it made it their business....few have complained.

Cheers
Cj

jlsexton

My nephew was 18, stupid and a passenger, teenagers are all going to live forever, well he is alive, 38 and a quadraplegic. No baseball, no basketball, no walking, NO SEX for the past 20 years. And to be quite frank the state has an absolute right to TELL you to wear your belt, driving, contrary to peoples opinion is a privilege, not a right, read our constitution, nothing in there about driving cars. So please lose the attitude especially around children as they pick up everything, especially the bad things.

tjc78

I am very vocal about the whole seat belt thing... so I guess I should keep my mouth shut... but I just can't. For every story of a seatbelt saving a life there is one to the contrary. I have a family member who lived ONLY because he was thrown from the vehicle. Other than that I have received tickets for not wearing mine. In Jersey its a primary offense and the cops can pull you over for that only. Its sad that in the affluent community I work in the officers sit in the middle of the road and pull people over between 12 - 2 when all the businesses let out for lunch. Now you tell me they are doing it because they care???? Please...

mackabee

My wife was the victim of a four car pileup back in 2000. A young navy guy fell asleep at the wheel and rear end her at 45 mph. The force was so great that she hit the car in front of her and the car in front of that person hit the car in front of them. The airbag deployed and knocked her out for a few minutes. When she came to, she was able to unbuckle herself and open the door to the people that were trying to get her out of the car. When I arrived at the scene I was amazed my wife had survived the accident. She had a dislocated shoulder and some burns to her face from the airbag. She's a very petite woman and if it wouldn't have been for that airbag she would not be alive today.
Mack

lnt

Cindy, Here are the people and addresses I wrote to..-
Mr. Yuki Funo, Chairman & CEO
Toyota Motor North America
19001 South Western Ave., PO Box 2991
Torrance, Ca. 90509-2991

Katsuaki Watanabe, President
Mitsuo Kinoshita, Excutive Vice President
Toyota Motor Corporation
1Toyota Cho Toyota City
Aichi Prefecture 471-8571
Japan Mo 00000
81-565-28-2121

Good Luck. I received a phone call from a man named David who was the assistant to President of Toyota Corp.