1996 Toyota Avalon Review
1996 Toyota Avalon Review
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Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1996 Toyota Avalon XL 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$194/mo for Avalon XL
Avalon XL
vs
$176/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
With the Avalon, Toyota takes on a traditionally Detroit-dominated section of the marketplace: the full-size sedan. The last assault Toyota made on a domestic market was in 1993, when the T100 pickup was introduced as an alternative to big trucks from Ford, GM and Dodge. The 1994 Dodge Ram and the lack of a V8 in the Toyota conspired to keep sales to a minimum. We think the company has learned something from its experience with the T100.
For instance, the Avalon's V6 is a powerful motor, allowing the Avalon to keep up with GM front-drivers like the LeSabre and Bonneville in acceleration, and besting the V8-powered Crown Victoria in the race to 60 mph. Handling is on par with the Bonneville SSE, and braking is outstanding.
Inside, the Avalon is noticeably more narrow than the domestic competition, but six will fit in a pinch when equipped with the optional bench seat. The rear seat is exceptionally comfortable, offering more leg and foot room than bigger sedans, with good support and a high seating position.
Front seats are comfy as well, and face an ergonomically designed dashboard that places everything right where you expect to find it. This car reeks of quality construction and materials inside and out. The styling is generic, with oversize headlights and a narrow grille imparting an out-of-balance appearance to the front end.
Overall, the Avalon impresses us as an excellent alternative to aging, and aesthetically impaired, offerings from GM and Ford. Chrysler's LH-Series sedans are a better value, but the guaranteed quality of the Toyota is probably worth the extra couple grand. One car you ought to look at before you buy the Avalon is the Chevy Impala SS. It will make you feel like a kid again, and is far more stimulating to look at than this Toyota.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1996 Toyota Avalon.
5 star(84%)
4 star(16%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
57 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
This thing just won't die
Ryan, 10/22/2015
1996 Toyota Avalon XLS 4dr Sedan
My dad bought it new in 96 and has driven it around town 80-90% of the time. Over the past 19 years he's only had to replace the components that typically fail in these first generation Avalons: the valve cover gaskets (at 150,000 miles) and now a new rack and pinion assembly (at 180,000 miles).
For its age and considering that the vast majority of the miles have been hard "city" miles … the car drives exceptionally well, accelerates smoothly (the 3.0 is VERY torquey), and shifts effortlessly. The seats are incredibly comfortable and roomy and I am often complimented on how well it still rides 19 years later. Also, the build quality is fantastic; interior materials are of very high quality, road noise is kept to a minimum, and there are NO noises generated from inside the car.
Even after losing oil pressure twice (at 145,000 miles and 175,000) the engine still runs like new, you just can't kill these Avalons. I fully intend to replace the timing belt and water pump for the second time soon and drive it for many years to come. Gas mileage is superb, I average around 20 in town and routinely in the low 30s on road trips at around 70 MPH.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Exceptionally Reliable Car
honesty_1, 08/29/2011
1996 Toyota Avalon XL 4dr Sedan
My 1996 Toyota Avalon was a gift to me in 2002.
The car at that time had approximately 60,000 miles.
This car has been so reliable that I am still driving it shy of a decade later.
I currently have over 307,000 miles and counting.
I have had to do a bit of work on the engine (valve gasket covers etc) when the mileage reached around 280,000, but it's running on the same transmission. I … liked this car so much until I had shipped from Mississippi to Washington State with 300,000 miles because I trusted its reliability.
It hasn't let me down, but it may be in its last years.
Can't complain with over 307,000 miles.
4.63 out of 5 stars
My first car!
tineshaa, 06/20/2012
1996 Toyota Avalon XL 4dr Sedan
When I was a sophomore in high school I saved up $2200 and bought this car. When I bought it the dealership told me that the struts needed replaced. I had the car for 3 years. In that time, I replaced the struts, bushings, sway bar, had two brake jobs and bought 3 used tires to replace the ones it had. I pay for any luxuries in my life (this was a luxury to me) so I always bought the … cheapest parts/labor. This may be why I kept having to get work done. I'm now a college sophomore, and 3 weeks ago while drive from school to home (120 miles- 3hrs), I ran off the highway and rolled the car. My car looked horrible but it kept me safe. I came out with one little scratch. Everyone was amazed at it
5 out of 5 stars
confident,reliability in my toyota avalon.
ronzo, 10/04/2015
1996 Toyota Avalon XLS 4dr Sedan
by,by. American cars. had my share, started whith a corona,then the Cressida,s now the Avalon, all performed great for me ,my Avalon I have now just reached 235.kl and still feels strong ,of course I do the regular maintenance, just bought a 96 whith 127.)000.kl.on it .im looking forward to good reliable transportation,whith this one .love this modle xls.
1996 Avalon Highlights
XL
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $194/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalMarginal
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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