1995 Toyota Avalon Consumer Discussions

Toyota Avalon Timing Belt Questions

• How to know if your Avalon has an interference engine

  Written by: dana9marie on Jan 26, 2012 11:05:47 PM

  I just did a bunch of research and found the following regarding Toyota Avalons: The 3.0 V6 with VVTi is interference whereas the standard 3.0 V6 without VVTi is NOT interference. Source: http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/154-1st-generation-1995-1999/357910-avalon-v6-- interference-engine.html VVTi was introduced in 1999 on the 2nd Generation Avalons. But the 1st Generation Avalons were still made and sold in 1999 and they did not have VVTi. So if your car is 1999, like mine, find ... Read More

'95 Toyota Avalon won't start and the battery drains

• '95 Toyota Avalon won't start and the battery drains

  Written by: gwerner1 on Jan 26, 2012 1:08:19 PM

  I bought a used 1995 Toyota Avalon about 4 months ago, with 150,000 miles on it. My brother is a mechanic, he took a look said it ran great. 2 weeks later, the battery died while I was at work. Nothing was left on, or running to drain it. We would recharge it, and the next day the car wouldn't start again. Took it to a mechanic, he replaced the alternator ... Read More

Toyota Avalon Fuel and Fuel System Questions

• Re: Premium Fuel [fin]

  Written by: thefireball451 on Nov 13, 2011 1:26:14 PM

  Incorrect: http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/1995-to-1999-toyota-avalon-6.htm States that premium fuel is required for the 1999 I have used in in the car since I owned it and have NEVER had a issue now it has 180K and sill runs like new. Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation Except for more body lean and understeer on twisting roads, an Avalon drives much like the Toyota Camry. Although the Avalon's suspension is firmer, it still absorbs most bumps. Even ... Read More

2011 Toyota Avalon

• Re: MPG [nvbanker]

  Written by: nan48 on Feb 2, 2011 5:55:28 PM

  I with you on the steering. Nevada banker! I was surprised by such a difference. I don't mind and it is easier than my 03 Mazda Protege. Perhaps that's not apples and apples though. I agree the steering should remain effortless, like the good old Toyota's. My old Corolla (1995 model) could be steered with one figure. The 2000 Avalon could be steered the same way. On another note I forgot ... Read More

Toyota Halts Sales of Popular Models - Accelerator Stuck Problem Recall

• Re: . [anythngbutgm]

  Written by: gilseidman on Mar 5, 2010 6:37:50 PM

  I am the original owner of a 1995 Toyota Avalon with 156,000 miles and never had a recall. I did replace 2 timing belts, one set of spark plugs, one set of front brake pads, a battery, a fan belt and a front axle that was probably my fault by driving into a hole in the rode. That car is fifteen years old, has been garaged and looks and runs like ... Read More

2011 Toyota Avalon

• 2011 Avalon launching at Chicago Auto Show?

  Written by: mffan310 on Jan 18, 2010 11:37:43 AM

  USA Today reported prior to the Detroit Auto Show that Toyota is launching a new version of an existing Toyota at the Chicago Auto Show as part of Toyota's product strategy. Toyota plans 10 vehicle launches over next year Quote from article: "At the Chicago Auto Show, the company will introduce a refreshed version an existing product -- yes, Toyota is being that coy." Why so secretive? We here know, and ... Read More

Toyota Avalon Radiator/Cooling System Questions

• Re: 1995 Toyota Avalon XLS keeps losing water. [Mr_Shiftright]

  Written by: wwest on Jan 17, 2010 7:35:14 PM

  "..windshield would be full of condensation.." That only requires past use, yesterday, of the A/C for dehumidifcation, no heater leak necessary.

• Re: 1995 Toyota Avalon XLS keeps losing water. [wwest]

  Written by: fin on Jan 17, 2010 5:52:56 PM

  There is another antifreeze, propylene glycol, that is not as dangerous to people and pets. It works to 50 below also if mixed properly. No ideas on whether it is used in all cars, or Avalons, or if it smells better or not at all.

• Re: 1995 Toyota Avalon XLS keeps losing water. [wwest]

  Written by: Mr_Shiftright on Jan 17, 2010 11:28:07 AM

  You may be right but even so, if you had a substantial heater core leak your windshield would be full of condensation as soon as you hit the defroster. In that case the coolant would be pretty much in your face.

• Re: 1995 Toyota Avalon XLS keeps losing water. [Mr_Shiftright]

  Written by: wwest on Jan 17, 2010 11:12:36 AM

  Maybe I'm getting too old and my sense of smell is failing but it seems to me that these newer coolants do not smell nearly as strong as those of yesteryear. Ethylene Glycol no longer being used..?

• Re: 1995 Toyota Avalon XLS keeps losing water. [holmandouglas]

  Written by: Mr_Shiftright on Jan 15, 2010 7:43:02 AM

  If it were the heater core and you were losing THAT much coolant, the interior of the car would have a horrendous stink to it. The only sure way to get at this is have the shop pressurize the cooling system with a hand pump(or buy the tool yourself). The best way would be to pressurize it and then lift the car and see what's dripping. If you see no external ... Read More

• 1995 Toyota Avalon XLS keeps losing water.

  Written by: holmandouglas on Jan 14, 2010 5:49:01 PM

  My avalon just keeps losing water. It rarely get's hot, although when I first got it it used to. although it was few and far between. I had a stroke a few years ago and I'm alright now except rh arm and leg don't cooperate. I just drive the car locally except on the rare occasion, last time it mysteriously was running real rough. The thermostat was showing that it was ... Read More

Toyota Avalon (Prior to 2005) Transmission Questions

• 1995 Avalon Transmission Leak

  Written by: niko_lane85 on Dec 29, 2009 6:51:15 PM

  I have a 1995 Toyota Avalon with a leaking transmission. My car is in really good condition, but does have 203k miles on it. She runs well, and has been really well taken care of, but that pesky tranny leak is getting to be an issue. I keep adding fluid and adding a sealer to it to keep it from leaking but it still loses about 2 quarts every 6 weeks ... Read More

2010 Toyota Avalon

• Re: Avalon Replacement? [rpfingsten]

  Written by: geo123 on Nov 7, 2008 12:12:24 PM

  I got the same reaction at my local dealership. However, if the past is any indication, the 2009 model should be the last year for this generation of the Toyota Avalon. The first generation was from 1995 through 1999, the second generation from 2000 through 2004, and now the third generation from 2005 through 2009. I believe we will see something new for the fourth generation in 2010. I am wondering ... Read More

Toyota Avalon Tires and Wheels

• Re: Expected Battery Life? [rpfingsten]

  Written by: gilseidman on Sep 30, 2008 10:57:23 AM

  On my 1995 Toyota Avalon, the original battery lasted almost 8 years. I replaced it with a Sears Diehard Gold battery that is still in use. If you do buy a non- Toyota battery, measure the size of the battery clamp on holder and make sure the dimensions of your new battery is the same size and will fit exactly in the clamp holder. There is a cold size battery used ... Read More

Toyota Avalon 2008-2010

• Dead Battery

  Written by: redmazda3 on Aug 12, 2008 6:54:13 AM

  My parents purchased on 08 Avalon XL in April. They do not drive very much and only now have 1,700 miles on it. Twice during this period, the battery has died. They replaced the first one saying it had a dead cell. After the second time, they have said everything checks out normal, that they are no driving it enough. They drove it a good bit on Tuesday and only a ... Read More

2010 Toyota Avalon

• Features I'd want for the 4th Generation Avalon

  Written by: george5 on Jun 27, 2008 11:29:13 PM

  The Avalon needs to bring back the front BENCH SEAT. They had these in the first and second generation, but not the current 3rd. It is quite nice and different to have a bench seat in the front - making it feel more spacious and open. Secondly, I'd like to see Park Assist Sensors to help with parking and/or a back-up camera standard. These are great safety features, and as to ... Read More

Toyota Avalon 2004 and earlier

• 1995 toyota avalon rear door

  Written by: louiskbui on May 7, 2008 3:13:37 PM

  I am unable to open my back door on the 1995 toyota avalon. How do I fix this issue?

Toyota Avalon 2005-2007

• Re: sporadic starting problem, 1995 Toyota Avalon, electrical, starter [

  Written by: tormejazz on Mar 11, 2008 3:24:14 PM

  Thanks for the comment and advice. If it works, it's definitely better than $350.+/- for NEW starter.

• Re: sporadic starting problem, 1995 Toyota Avalon, electrical, starter [tormejazz]

  Written by: wwest on Mar 11, 2008 9:22:46 AM

  No "click" will generally mean that the starter solenoid isn't even engaging and that would indicate an open circuit at that level. Next time try "jiggling" the shifter back and forth a bit or even moving it to neutral where the starter circuit should also engage.

• Re: sporadic starting problem, 1995 Toyota Avalon, electrical, starter [mackabee]

  Written by: tormejazz on Mar 10, 2008 2:56:30 PM

  Just over 185K. I encountered a similar problem with an 89 Camry. A backyard mechanic installed a by-pass wire with a clip, which could be connected (grounded) to the starter when the problem occurred. It worked, but with the additional comp. electronics on this one, I'm afraid to try it.

• Re: sporadic starting problem, 1995 Toyota Avalon, electrical, starter [tormejazz]

  Written by: mackabee on Mar 10, 2008 2:48:31 PM

  Probably a bad starter or alternator. How many miles on the car? If not one of those two it could be the distributor. Although with a bad distributor it will still crank the starter. Mack

• sporadic starting problem, 1995 Toyota Avalon, electrical, starter

  Written by: tormejazz on Mar 10, 2008 2:30:30 PM

  We are experiencing sporadic difficulty with starting car, and it appears to be electrical. Every so often, after running the engine for a few miles/minutes, and then shutting down, the starter will not crank, and there is no sound/click. Nothing. After letting the engine cool down, it generally will start with no problem. By the way, there is no indication of overheating. Any suggestions?

Toyota Avalon 2008-2010

• Re: Toyota Engines [ppatterson]

  Written by: gilseidman on Feb 7, 2008 6:22:49 PM

  I just purchased a 2008 Avalon Limited and there is no mention of replacing a timng belt in the service manual, which goes up to 120,000 miles. I would assume this car has a timing chain since my 1995 Avalon recommends changing the belt every 60,000 miles.

Toyota Avalon Navigation System

• Re: Where does the DVD go? [inferno_gogo]

  Written by: gmorken on Dec 16, 2007 4:50:18 PM

  The other response you got for your question is correct. Its in the trunk and the eject button is covered up but a small piece of plastic that you slide over to expose the eject button. For any others wondering about the upgrade process, I just upgraded to the latest maps on our 2006 Avalon Limited. I waited 2 years before forking over the $250 (list price) for these newer maps... ... Read More

Toyota Avalon 2005-2007

• Toyota Thoughts....

  Written by: fin on Aug 20, 2007 7:49:30 PM

  One of the problems here is that Toyota has been so good for so long that any problem, however small, takes on major dimensions. We are all happy with Toyota's success and love the cars. And we are all very sad when Toyota makes a transmission that has problems, puts in cheaper interiors, omits things others given away by others in lesser priced models, etc. We are all seeking near Lexus ... Read More

Mainstream Large Sedans Comparison

• Re: Limited price ..........so what? [captain2]

  Written by: allmet33 on Mar 9, 2007 9:27:28 AM

  Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh...but the Avalon has the advantage of brand recognition as it's been around for quite a while now...since 1995. Having established that model for the past 12 years is definitely an advantage. It's just that Toyota kept it as a boring piece of machinery until the most recent edition.

Toyota Avalon Climate Control Questions

• Re: 96 avalon Any ideas what type of refrigerant [deepan]

  Written by: fin on Jun 9, 2006 7:05:29 AM

  deepan: R-12 Freon production was discontinued in the US in 1995. Cars sold in 1995 or after generally use R-134 of some type. Look on the compressor or other AC parts for a label that shows what the system uses. Or call a Toyota dealer. Freon (made by DuPont chemicals) contained chlorine that was determined to be harmful. R-134 is more friendly to the air around us.

Toyota Avalon 2005-2007

• 1995 Toyota Avalon Transmission

  Written by: wayne0 on Apr 22, 2006 10:46:15 AM

  I have a 1995 Toyota Avalon. The transmission will work going forward, but not reverse, it also shifts fine, but it also goes forward in neutral. Do I need a new transmission or can it be repaired. Thanks, Wayne

Real world gas mileage for sedans

• Re: . [drmperalta]

  Written by: mmatt on Jan 12, 2006 6:08:07 AM

  2001 Toyota Siena: 3L v6 Auto 88k miles 24mpg straight hwy trip/ 20 is average 1997 Ford F150 4.2L V6 Auto 125k miles loaded work truck 14mpg avg almost 20mpg hwy. 1995 BMW K1100LT 1100cc 5spd cycle 78K miles 38-42mpg avg with city/hwy mix. 1995 Toyota Avalon 3L v6 Auto 200k (yes 2 hundred thousand) 33mpg mostly highway 1993 Honda Accord EX 4cyl Auto 165k miles 24mpg avg 1993 Honda Cicic ... Read More

Toyota Avalon 2005-2007

• Trying to decide

  Written by: twin4 on Dec 2, 2005 4:02:17 PM

  I currently drive an 02 Acura TL. I don't particulary like the new body style of the TL. So I thought I would test an Avalon. I have driven Toyotas but not for about 10 years. I have driven Acuras since 1995. I love the Acura and the way it handles. The traction control system is wonderful and I have not had any problems in either ice or snow. My Acura ... Read More

• RE: 2006 Avalon (Gladiator 99).... [priggly]

  Written by: gladiator99 on Jul 9, 2005 10:33:06 AM

  Hi Priggly! Thanks for the information. I did the comparison on Canadian Vs US pricing earlier and found out the same savings. Although I didn't know if we would be subject to additional duties etc. I know we have to pay the PST and GST when we register the vehicle in Canada. I just liked some of the options on the Limited model that we couldn't get in Canada. I would ... Read More

• Re: What a beautiful Mom's day gift!! [paul_p]

  Written by: canefire on May 8, 2005 7:30:21 PM

  Right on Paul!! Ain't it neat!! My 1995 Avalon, 143K miles, although 1st production year, has stayed calm and been a gem - no elec or powertrain problems at all, just normal changeout stuff. My baby girl was 7 in a car seat, when we purchased and now she's driving it almost daily. Toyota is king in the reliability department. We should enjoy our Avalon's for a while - maybe a ... Read More

• What a beautiful Mom's day gift!!

  Written by: canefire on May 8, 2005 12:09:12 AM

  After 2 months, our XLS Blizzard Pearl was finally delivered to us today - just in time for "she who must be obeyed" mothers day and 20th anniversary gift (2 birds with one stone ain't too bad!! - I'm gonna get lucky tonite!!). And she's a beaut - the car I mean. We are totally in awe. Our 1995 XLS is still a winner, but fast forward 10 years later, for ... Read More

Toyota Avalon Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• 2003 Avalon, 30,000 miles, smog problems

  Written by: dllfo on Apr 18, 2005 11:39:40 AM

  First, we love our Avalon and all the other Toyotas we have owned. The MSRP on mine was 36,927 and we paid 32,058 plus doc fees ($45); Sales tax, license fees, etc. Final cost was $34, 848.98. It is paid off now. My question for the group is your smog equipment. Around Jan 1, 2005 my check engine soon light came on. I called Folsom Lake Toyota (where I bought it ... Read More

Toyota Avalon 2005-2007

• Re: A 'BUMMER' from Toyota [clipper1]

  Written by: pmcb48 on Mar 23, 2005 10:34:55 AM

  Oh well. I bought my 95 Maxima SE (the first year of a re-design) in May 1995; typically the 1996 models would have come out 4-5 months later. 10 years later that doesn't seem like such a big deal as I get ready to trade it in; even if I don't keep my new (not yet received) Avalon more than 5 years, the effect of that short model year will lessen ... Read More

• Re: teereeves [mcardle]

  Written by: teereeves on Feb 15, 2005 6:12:45 AM

  Hi mcardle, you are not sounding like a jerk, you're just being curious. I currently own a 1995 Avalon, I said a couple of years ago, that for my next car, I want a Tire Pressure Monitoring System and Bluetooth Handsfree communication, for me, those are very important safety items, and for the new Avalon to be a flagship, it should have those at least as options, if those are being ... Read More

Toyota Avalon (Prior to 2005) Transmission Questions

• Re: Huge repairs needed [mules001]

  Written by: bbart on Feb 10, 2005 6:00:19 PM

  Mukes001,   I don't believe your experience is necessarily unique. I purchased a 1995 with 99k...knew about the rack and pinion power steering leak, but it isn't leaking too badly yet, so I'm just monitoring the fluid level. If your daughter's car needs a power steering pump, and you don't want to shell out the $250 for the part, you might find an industrious (non-dealer) mechanic who can rebuild it. Mine ... Read More

Toyota Avalon 2005-2007

• Re: Plenty of respect [mcardle]

  Written by: i_luv_toyota on Jan 12, 2005 3:45:54 PM

  Actually, the first Avalon debuted in 1994 as a 1995 model.   That's right, 10 years of Avalon!

Toyota Avalon 2004 and earlier

• Re: More Comments on Above/2005 Avalon [abfisch]

  Written by: rattlecage on Sep 5, 2004 12:29:27 PM

  Im all squared away. I went with what the Japanese seem to do so good, appliance autos. In my case, I got the refrigerator lol, the Honda Element. I drove the 4 cylinder Nissan Altima, and while it was fast, its dashboard seemed to stress style over function. Performance was nice though, very sweet sounding motor. Yes I know the 3.5 in that car is quite exhilirating. I would still consider ... Read More

Toyota Avalon 2005-2007

• Re: Nomad56 [sbell4 #259]

  Written by: teereeves on Jun 4, 2004 5:54:00 AM

  sbell4, like alpha01 said, you are fine. Some people need a magnifying glass to see the clues. What you said, validates what a couple of Toyota dealership owners have confirmed about the look of the next gen Avalon. The same Lexus styling cues(LS front/GS body) Toyota used on the original 1995 Avalon, it make since for Toyota to use similar Lexus/Crown Concept styling cues on the next gen Avalon.

Toyota Avalon 2004 and earlier

• Retired/SCCA/Avalon Modifications

  Written by: abfisch on Apr 19, 2004 12:03:53 PM

  Retired: When your Avalon gets old, and you get a little tired of its ride/handling characteristics as they will decrease with use/age here are a few things that I have personally done, that have made quite if not dramatic difference in the way the car behaves. Note that I drive to work through a very steep mountain pass and along the NYS thruway almost up to Canada at least once a ... Read More

Toyota Avalon 2005-2007

• 2004 Chicago Auto Show

  Written by: teereeves on Jan 23, 2004 5:04:12 PM

  This is my first time here at edmunds.com. I noticed a discussion of the new avalon body style. I currently drive a 1995 Avalon XLS. I'm patiently waiting to see what the 2005 Avalon will look like. That announcement may be coming to the Chicago Auto Show in February. Here is an excerpt from the 2004 Chicago Auto Show "The remainder of the morning will feature world introduction product reveals from ... Read More

Toyota Avalon 2004 and earlier

• 03 Avalon needs to get back on Quality Track too

  Written by: footie on Jun 14, 2002 3:31:18 AM

  Me, I'd just like to see Toyota get the Avalon and Camry back in 1st place in the JDPower Initial Quality ratings. Neither made the top 3 in their (same) category for the 1st time in many years. Additionally, the Georgetown factory didn't receive a manufacturing award for the 1st time since 1995. TMMK went from gold (2000) to silver (2001) to no award for 2002.

• 5 year / 3 year Cycle

  Written by: otis123 on May 17, 2002 10:14:56 AM

  Toyotas (and most Japanese cars) have a 5 year cycle, with a 4th year facelift. First Avalon came out in 1995, facelift in 4th year = 1998. The current Avalon started in 2000, so 2003 is the facelift year. The total redesign year will be 2005. So, expect a facelift arriving in time for your mother's lease expiration in September (see "Cliffy 1" - Post 1430). But, a 2000? with 10,000 ... Read More

• Help, my 95 Avalon

  Written by: gotothelight on May 13, 2002 2:08:15 PM

  Is leaking oil from the front end. My dealer say's it will cost $700.00 or more to replace both the front and rear seals. I have 97K on it and have had nothing but trouble, too many to list. I am the original owner and have regular oil changes performed. Does anyone know if this might be a case of engine sludge. I read somewhere (maybe here) that Toyota will do ... Read More

• 2001 Avalon XL-1 year Report

  Written by: mapper1 on Apr 10, 2002 12:05:03 PM

  I’ve now had my 2001 Avalon XL for just over 1 year now. I now have 13,569. miles on it. The following is my report on how it’s doing. Overall, everything is just the same as it was the first week that I had the car. It has not been back to the dealer for any warranty repairs. But that doesn’t mean it’s a great car that I’m really satisfied with. ... Read More

• Re: Fuel Injectors

  Written by: glenns1939 on Nov 2, 2001 1:37:09 PM

  Since your warranty had barely expired, and since this shouldn't have happened anyway with a car as good as the Avalon, go to your manual and look up the Toyota Customer Relations number and complain VERY GRACIOUSLY about how great a car the Avalon is BUT..... They often work with you when you don't yell and scream, but are persistent in insisting that a quality vehicle shouldn't have such a quality ... Read More

• Suspension Problem with 2000+ Avalon

  Written by: ffbell on May 29, 2001 10:40:13 PM

  I agree with ronell in post # 900. The 2000 Avalon's rear suspension does not isolate bumps as well as the '95-99 models. I test drove a 2000 XLS and 1999 XLS back to back in Oct. 1999. Over the same route, bumps were loud and jolting in the 2000 model relative to the 1999. The 2000 had 16" Michelin MXV4's. A rental 2001 XLS that I drove over 300 miles ... Read More

• Reply to Need Some advice from 1995 Avalon Owner

  Written by: millerjl on May 8, 2001 2:21:12 PM

  I have had a 95 since 19000 miles on the odometer and am mostly satisfied with the reliability. It now has 89000 on it. The biggest problem I have had was the loss of the airconditioner clutch at 75000 at a cost of $1400. There has also been some irritating "come and go" electrical problems (electronic lock on passenger side did not work for 8 months - fixed itself, warning light ... Read More

• Twice Avalon XLS owner

  Written by: buddabub on Feb 15, 2001 12:56:43 PM

  I am presently an owner of a 1998 Avalon, XLS purchased in 1998. Previously owned a 1995 XLS purchased in 1995. After driving the 1995 for 3 years, I probably should not have purchased another again in 1998. I have been a Toyota customer forever or so it seems that way to me. I starting out with the Camry LE purchased in 1995. This car was stolen, I felt so sad ... Read More