Used 2003 Toyota Avalon Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Reliable where it counts and nowhere else
Casey, 08/20/2015
2003 Toyota Avalon XLS 4dr Sedan w/Bench Seats (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
15 of 24 people found this review helpful
Overall, I really like my '03 Avalon, but there are some quirks that do need to be stated. The subwoofer in the rear is very low quality. I was already not a fan of the sound system that this car came with but after 2 weeks of owning it, I decided to max out the the volume to see how it handled and ended up blowing the subwoofer. Turns out that this is a very common problem for all Toyotas that have this JBL system in it. They dry rot in the sun and weekend very quickly. When this happens, I would recommend just buying a 50 watt sub that's 4 ohms and 8" in diameter because the stock sub cost around $280 online and a complete ripoff. They're hard to fine but do exist. Another very common problem is that the windshield wiper motor will go out unexpectedly. You will know when it happens because it won't take the wiper back down to the "park" position when you turn them off. I just got a quote from my local dealer and it will cost $487 to fix that. Finally, trying to maintain this car in your driveway is a pain. It's nearly impossible to get to the oil filter with just a floor jack. Oil changes for me cost around $40 to have my local shop do it. This is a great car for someone that prefers to take it to a shop whenever something needs done. If you would rather maintain it yourself, I'd look at something else.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Love this car
SLK, 04/11/2004
2003 Toyota Avalon XLS 4dr Sedan w/Bucket Seats (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
We test drove this vehicle and fell in love with it. Didn't even bother with two other models with which we were comparing. The ride was smooth and noise free....two things that were on our list of 'wants.' Almost a year later and we still think it's a great piece of machinery!
2003 Toyota Avalon for sale near you
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2nd Avalon
Stargazerm31, 10/02/2002
2003 Toyota Avalon XLS 4dr Sedan w/Bucket Seats (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is my second Avalon (1997 XL) version and I loved it. I decided on this car because I love the luxury ride in my 190 minute round trip commute. I didn't want or need the sports car performance, but wanted a good powerful car with a soft ride. The leather seats are large and comfortable. The seat heaters are a must for Indiana weather and work great. The stereo is great with the in-dash 6-cd changer. Backseat will hold two large adults without challenge and 3 adults can ride well in the backseat. The trunk is very large, but some might miss the lack of a fold down back seat. There is a ski opening to the trunk from the backseats but that is all.
Luxury in an affordable package
Jimbo1, 04/12/2003
2003 Toyota Avalon XLS 4dr Sedan w/Bucket Seats (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The Avalon is not going to win any styling awards or be confused with a sport sedan, but with that said, the Avalon has no other weaknesses. If you want to feel your surrounded in luxury and want a comfortable ride that even the best luxury car will be pressed to match. The Avalon is your car. The car is extremely quiet and with the upgraded sound system, it's almost like sitting in theater. Toyota reliability and workmanship in a glove leather package.
Best Value in the new car market
tankfrank, 07/07/2002
2003 Toyota Avalon XLS 4dr Sedan w/Bucket Seats (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Quiet, roomy, well built, reliable, a solid performer. My first Japanese Designed car and I love it. No more GM cars for me.
3rd Avalon
clifz, 11/15/2002
2003 Toyota Avalon XLS 4dr Sedan w/Bucket Seats (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Like this car for its ride reliability,good looks,safety features. Forward vision obstructed by pillars for someone who must drive with the seat far back.(like me).Great power,pickup. Wish they would eliminate that "style" sheet-metal crease that runs the length of the body. It's exactly the same height as the food market rolling baskets. Makes for a $400 dent removal. Really have no serious negative remarks. Of course, it's a bit pricey. Also, see they eliminated the secondary sun visor. If I wasn't impressed by this car, it wouldn't be my third in a row.
Best car ever
Polo, 09/06/2003
2003 Toyota Avalon XL 4dr Sedan w/Bucket Seats (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Best Car I have ever owned, 7-8k less than Lexus es300 but just as good. I would definitely recommend this vehicle.
Loving my 4 door Avalon XLS Sedan!!
Jo Ann Kimber, 07/20/2003
2003 Toyota Avalon XLS 4dr Sedan w/Bucket Seats (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
We just bought our second Toyota Avalon XLS & really like it. It's got a beautiful interior with wood trim on console, & steering wheel has a rich look with both leather & wood. The bucket seats are comfortable (we chose leather) & seat a larger person with ease. It has excellent handling which makes it a fun car to drive. Our 2001 Toyota Avalon didn't get the mileage that Toyota suggested we would, but I think that's because I use my air- conditioner year round, daily. We also know that Toyota has an excellent resale value. Love my new Toyota Avalon!!
Great Comfort and Power
GoVols, 09/06/2003
2003 Toyota Avalon XL 4dr Sedan w/Bench Seats (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car has great acceleration speed and provides superb comfort. I considered the Camry; however, the comfort level of the Avalon is leaps and bounds above it. There is an abundance of leg room in the rear passenger seats. Good handling ability. Large trunk. Fuel mileage in city driving rarely exceeds 21 mpg.
My first Avalon
jlh, 10/22/2002
2003 Toyota Avalon XL 4dr Sedan w/Bucket Seats (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Just purchased my Avalon 9 days ago. Probably too early to give the car a rating but so far it's better than I expected. The comfort, the quiet ride, and the responsive engine are wonderful. My last car was a 1990 Volvo 240DL and I have to say there is no comparison. I love the car and hope to make as good a review after a few months of driving.