Japanese automakers have always done thier homework. The first Lexus LS and Infiniti M were basically copies of the Buick/Oldsmobile formula - Comfortable large cars with nice interiors and decent performance. The 2011 Toyota Avalon is another one of those cars that is basically American in concept but Japanese in execution. And now Toyota has really hit its stride with this latest Avalon. The somewhat generic look has been snazzed up a little and a new grille, headlights and tailights give the car a more distinct look. Same goes for the interior - the dash has been reworked and it no longer looks like just a really fancy Camry.
But nothing can convey the true heart of this most American of Toyotas like a quick drive. Spend 10 minutes behind the wheel and you can instantly feel the precision. Everything is smooth, steering, acceleration, ride quality and even the brakes - it's as if every moving part has been sprayed with WD-40 then wrapped with silk. The super smooth engine is the same 3.5L V6 from last year's Avalon and it's good for 268 hp.
Still, the 2011 Toyota Avalon is far from perfect. Even in top of the line Limited trim, the faux wood is less than convincing and Toyota's policy of blocking virtually every navigation function once the car is in motion is frustrating.
But as a large sedan, the Avalon is worth its weight in legroom. The interior is very spacious and rear seat accomdations are business class in terms of comfort - rear vents, tons of legroom, a reclining seatback and rear sunshade make riding in the back seat a fairly plush experience. Total price for the Limited with the $1,450 navigation package which includes Bluetooth, JBL Synthesis audio, subwoofer and iPod connection is about $37,000. Try taking that price to your local BMW dealer - you'll be lucky to get a used 3-Series. I'd rather have the bigger, more comfy car and leave the firm and expensive BMW to those who still insist on reading out of touch car magazines - you know, the ones that come in the mail with info you already read months ago.
For Car Concerns Radio - Brian Moody
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