1997 Toyota Avalon Review
Price Estimate: $418 - $633

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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Toyota reliability, powerful V-6 engine, fit and finish
Cons
- Snoozeville, but still more enticing than, say, a Buick LeSabre
What’s new
More power, more torque and added standard features make the Avalon one of the most appealing full-size sedans
For sale nearby
7 listings
- 192,096 miles
- 2 accidents, 2 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 18 City / 28 Hwy MPG
- Auto House Motors (555 mi away)
Close
Located in Downers Grove, IL
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (18 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 4T1BF12B2VU207416
Stock: 207416
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 05-17-2025- 115,137 miles
- Rebuilt vehicle reported, 3 owners, personal use only
- 18 City / 28 Hwy MPG
- Auto Villa (1,140 mi away)
Close
Located in Danville, VA
Automatic ac power windows locks tilt cruise sunroof power driver seat
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Issue reported
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (18 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 4T1BF12B6VU184772
Stock: 184772
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 10-10-2023
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. But see, this wasn't enough for Toyota, so this year they bumped power and torque output and gave the XL standard antilock brakes. How 'bout working some of this type of magic on other Toyotas like the Tercel, Corolla, and Celica, huh guys?
Other news for 1997 includes a radio antenna embedded in the rear window and freshly styled alloy wheels. Exterior mirrors are now heated, glass is of the high solar energy absorbing type, and when you punch the remote keyless entry fob, the Avalon "visually confirms" that it received the message, according to Toyota press materials.
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.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota
$177/mo for Avalon XLS
Avalon XLS
vs
$164/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Toyota Avalon Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
257,233 miles and going strong
4.88 out of 5 starskas76051, 03/14/2010
1997 Toyota Avalon XL 4dr Sedan
Bought this car when it had 85,409 miles on it. Have replaced struts, brakes, tires, keep the oil and all fluids changed according to Toyota specs/timings. This has been a great car, so much so I just gave it to my youngest daughter for college and I went out and found another great 97 Avalon XL with leather and sunroof. These cars will go the miracle mile if you do everything on a … regular schedule, this is especially true of the timing belt--don't push past the 90K mile interval.
Avalon for the win!
5 out of 5 starsMatt, 07/22/2016
1997 Toyota Avalon XLS 4dr Sedan
I bought my '97 avalon 7 years ago for a whopping $800 with 150k mi. on it. The previous owner had used synthetic oil since he purchased it new and I followed his his advice. It currently has 255k on the odometer. It has zero leaks, zero throttle delay and pulls as hard as it did as the day I bought it. Now the Avalon may not look like much. And it's not that fast off the line. But … from 50 to 80 it will surprise you. Since I live near the beach in florida the paint has taken a beating. However, In 7 years, aside from the regular tires, oil and belts, I've replaced the radiator, water pump and alternator. All together I've spent maybe $1000 on non preventative maintenance. The engine and transmission could be classified as military grade they're so solid.
Over 200K
4.5 out of 5 starsMiddletown Md, 06/26/2009
1997 Toyota Avalon XLS 4dr Sedan
I bought this car with 30K miles and now have 220K on it. I also had a steering column leak on this car and my '98 Sienna... dealers wanted to replace column I used a steering fluid with a sealer and never had a problem since. Interior noise is a problem and plastic interior trim pieces coming loose... but those are mostly cosmetic. I will give this car to my son for college and keep for … a few more years.
Best full-size
4.13 out of 5 starsClay, 03/14/2002
1997 Toyota Avalon XL 4dr Sedan
This model is known to have power steering and front end rattle problems, but if you can get past that, it's a great car to own. Rear seat is quite roomy for adults. This car gets you full-sized car features with the quality of a Japanese made car. The 200 HP 3.3l engine has plenty of power. The rear suspension is a bit flat with a full load, though.
1997 Avalon Highlights
XL
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $177/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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