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Comments
How about the Touring, where does that fit in?
I can't wait for this new Avalon to come out. I'm giddy with anticipation!
I hope you are all correct with the options for the new model year. However, it is best served in debate, about AWD as an option. I am not sure where you all AWD contributors are writing from, but I write you from Ft. Drum, NY 30 miles from the Canadian border. Our Avalon 02 is equipped for winter, without AWD, and it does quite well. Acutally, AWD would have some negative aspects that we would have to consider. Our Avalon, with optional Winter Tires on all wheels, PIAA FOG and Driving lights, a stone deflector for the snowplows coming the other way on rural routes, as well as changing the washer fluid sprayers(Camry model type has a fine wide spray instead of the older two or three jet models) enhance the safety of the vehicle. AWD, has negative apects such as 4-5 MPG less regardless of when you need it, and is deceptive in its ability to brake and corner the vehicle on pack snow and ice. AWD only enhances acceleration, straight line and cornering, in poor traction conditions, a poor trade off for some.
Winter drivers would do financial far better, by changing ALL tires to winter tires, putting more illuminating lighting on, and making sure all fluids, battery, etc. and in good working order. I have also found, the RainX winter washer fluid, SUPERIOR to any other on the market. It not only does not freeze in sub zero freezing temps, but the sheeting action from the Rain X product every time you spray it, helps with a decrease in icing under these adverse winter conditions.
None of this is the gospel. I drive alot up here in Northern New York and regularly contribute to this forum.
abfisch
What is AWD? I thought AWD was an acronym for "All Wheel Drive" and as far as I know the Avalon is a front-wheel-drive, not an all-wheel drive vehicle.
Speaking of all-wheel drive, have any of you driven the new Acura RL with SH-AWD? The car is awesome and Toyota should seriously think of offering it in the new Avalon.
Also, Toyota should offer a hybrid Avalon similar to what Honda has done with the Accord.
Even more important, for us, AWD means we can get up the driveway without any problems. My toyo sequoia makes it up the driveway everytime without a problem (when in 4wd), my front wheel drive maxima is another story - first shovel the snow, second take two or three attempts and hope you stop before you come out the other side of the garage.
If the avalon was offered with AWD, I'd buy it today. As it is, I'm not sure what we will do. The new car will be for my wife and she would like an AWD sedan. The suburus are ok, but kind of small and a bit rough. The RL is just not worth the extra 20k (versus an avalon - who knows what the new avalon will cost).
We are even thinking about buying american (gasp!) - the ford 500 - big, soft, and awd.
Also not wild about the little suvs- rav4/crv - can't get a rav4 with side air bags, both a little tight, noisy, and rough compared to a sedan.
On the plus side, our inability to find the "right" mix means i'm saving $...
I'm not sure that the new Avalon will really go against the Max - for much of the same reason - while the maxima is not as sporty as the g35, it still seems to be marketed as a sportier car.
The average age of an avalon buyer is 62 - avalon consumers are not buying the avalon b/c they want a sports car - they want a very nice, refined, dependable, roomy car. While toyo hopes, no doubt, to get a younger crowd - I doubt they will risk offending their core avalon consumer.
Interesting article (about avalon!):
http://wardsauto.com/ar/auto_toyota_says_next/
I was browsing the Japanese Toyota Site and ran across the attached pics of the MARK X. It bares a striking resemblance to the previous images that have been posted regarding the next Avalon. The front grill area appears a bit different and the interior is not as 'plush' as it could be, but maybe, just maybe, this is very near what the new/next Avalon may look like.
Regards -
M.J. McCloskey - 2K2 ES300 + 2K3 Sport Trac
Even more characteristic is the following reference: "The Mark X features an enhanced structure that better absorbs the impact if the vehicle strikes a pedestrian, and makes such an impact more survivable for the pedestrian." That's not Avalon -- we American drivers dont mind killing an occasional pedestrian, and we are more likely to pay premium for another airbag inside the vehicle, not for the one outside of it.
However, just like the new Avalon, Mark X is an attempt to attract younger buyers, so perhaps Toyota decided to kill two birds, so to speak, with a single stone: redesign once, sell everywhere.
Reference: http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/getarticle.pl5?nb20041110a2.h- tm
The most interesting fact that I got from news about Mark X is that there are baby boomers in Japan!
If that's the new Avalon, I hope they change the front end, because that Mark X's is just plain gross.
I always have thought Toyota got it right the first time, but as the owner of a 96 XLS, I might be a little biased!
I hope Toyota doesn't mess up this new Avalon, as I would like to have another Avalon in the future.
I wish Toyota would give up some info. I'm in the market come December and unless I can get to see if the next Avalon will peak my interest I'm going elsewhere.
Lucky for Toyo the highest car on my shopping list is the LS 430. Boy would I love to save the dough and get a nicely equipped and roomy Avalon.
But will it be gross looking?!?!?!?
This particular view gives the car a rather sporty demeanor - far moreso that the current Avalon. Whether this is the next Avalon or not, it's far more stylish and would have more appeal to younger buyers.
We only have about 10 weeks before we know what the REAL 05 Avalon looks like.
Regards -
M. J. McCloskey
I REALLY hope this is what the vehicle will look like, instead of that bulbous monstrosity that had been circulating, and even appeared in Car and Driver.
~alpha
*NOTE: The 2004 model year Avalon will continue to be sold until the launch of the 2005 model in February 2005.
The full article which speaks more about 2004 can be found here.
http://pressroom.toyota.com/photo_library/display_print.html?id=2- 005Avalon_r
Toyota PR is maddening. This car is coming out in February without so much as a hint of what is to come?
Building suspense? Protecting the 04 Avalon's sales? Nah. How about, boring me to tears!
Yuck.
Give us at least a shot of the new Avalon, even if it's covered in camoflage, we can at least figure out the car's general shape!
Just to make a couple of things clear. There will not be a AWD Avalon. The 2005 will go on sale in Feb. of '05.
I'd love to see it. Any dealers here?
Can't wait to see the Avalon in person, hopefully Toy turned it up a notch in design.
http://forums.autoweek.com/thread.jspa?forumID=31&threadID=10- 202
Some observations about the pictures:
It looks like there will be steering wheel controls for both audio and the climate control system (which is dual) like in the Prius.
Gauges look to be Optitron.
That blue screen like in the current XLS will be used again. It seems to have the displays for audio and climate control, and it is recessed into the dash like the current model. Interestingly, there is a large space in the front of the dash with a cover over it. Perhaps this is where the navigation will go versus the current setup.
There will be a gated shifter with that sport-shift feature.
Doug
http://www.tundrasolutions.com/dealers/vehicles/2005-Avalon/index- .htm
This may be the sleeper, especially for those who could care less for Nav & brand name and wants a quality car, with some size, for a reasonable price