1999 Toyota Avalon Review
1999 Toyota Avalon Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- It's Toyota's version of a Buick LeSabre but with front-wheel drive, improved fuel efficiency, and better build quality.
Cons
- A lack of interior room and out-of-date styling.
What’s new
After a body makeover and safety improvements (side airbags) last year, the Avalon heads into '99 with only minor updates. Daytime running lights with auto-off color-keyed foglamp covers and dual heated color-keyed power mirrors are new this year. A new three-in-one ETR/cassette/CD sound system is optional on the XL model and Lunar Mist Metallic replaces Golden Sand Metallic.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1999 Toyota Avalon XLS 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$194/mo for Avalon XLS
Avalon XLS
vs
$181/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 introductions of 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 car to compete with GM front-drivers, like the LeSabre and Bonneville, in acceleration. Handling is on par with the Bonneville SSE, and braking is outstanding.
Inside, the Avalon is noticeably narrower 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. The styling is generic, with oversize headlights and a narrow grille imparting an out-of-balance appearance to the front end. Of course, if this car is truly trying to compete with domestic sedans, this styling is right on the money.Overall, the Avalon impresses us as an excellent alternative to aging and aesthetically impaired offerings from GM and Ford. Chrysler's new Concorde sedan is a better value, but the guaranteed quality of the Toyota is probably worth the extra couple grand.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1999 Toyota Avalon.
5 star(80%)
4 star(18%)
3 star(2%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
44 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.13 out of 5 stars
Forever friend
mmars, 09/05/2011
1999 Toyota Avalon XLS 4dr Sedan
I bought my 1999 Toyota Avalon Platinum XLS in 2006.
It had 99000 miles on it and this did not cause me alarm since I have had a Toyota Camry before.
My Toyota Avalon now has 187,000 miles on it and is still running strong!
I have had to put routine maintenence items, such as brakes, battery, tires, but other than that it is running like the day I bought it.
I am looking at trading it … off for something newer, not because I need to, just maybe wanting something newer.
Trouble I am having is when I test drive other vehicles I am comparing it to my Avalon, so far all the "competitors" have lost. Gas mileage is still 24/28 hwy.
Excellent choice and great car!
4.75 out of 5 stars
Roomy Toyota Sedan
BigGuy, 02/08/2009
1999 Toyota Avalon XL 4dr Sedan
I'm 6'7", needed lots of head and leg room, and got it the Avalon. It has all the get up and go I ever needed. Now that it's broken in at 140,000 miles, it gets 30 mpg on the highway; what a nice surprise. Maintenance costs have been half of our other vehicle, a 2003 Chrysler T&C.
5 out of 5 stars
In love with this car
Duane, 02/14/2016
1999 Toyota Avalon XLS 4dr Sedan
I bought my 99 Avalon XLS for $800 with 214,000 miles and put about 15,000 on it in a year and I love it. I have only replaced the front strut mounts (common issue) and front sway bar links and bushings (parts are $48 all together) amongst regular maintenance items. The interior is all leather (door panels and all) and I always keep it clean because it's so good looking clean. It has a … soft ride at all speeds, handles incredibly well for having such a soft ride, accelerates pretty strong (1MZFE V6 non-VVT) and the trans is also strong, still shifting like new at 232,000 miles. For entertainment it has the 7 speaker Harman-Motive system. 2 tweeters, 4 mids and 1 8" package tray mounted woofer and I believe all that is also on a factory amp. I upgraded all that with a JVC touch screen, Cerwin-Vega tweeters (I added two in the back), JBL mids, Audio Pipe crossovers, and a Power Acoustik 15" sub on 3200 watts. All easy to install and the car has well laid out audio placement. Cold AC and hot heat with great MPG. The only downside is you will get really attached to it and you won't be able to come up with a good reason to get a new car. Parts are plentiful and very affordable.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Simply the best
rowland, 01/11/2005
1999 Toyota Avalon XLS 4dr Sedan
Purchased new in 1999, this car has been totally reliable. Have over 100,000 miles and uses no oil and engine is quiet. Had to replace the front struts at 70,000 (a common problem with Avalons-$600). Repaced front brake pads at 80,000, rear still good. Amazing. Easy to drive, quiet, roomy, and lots of power. Make sure you replace the timing belt at 90000 and car should run well for a … long time. This is our fourth Toyota and one of the best.
1999 Avalon Highlights
XL
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 22 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 RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- 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 – OriginalAcceptable
- 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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