1996 Toyota Avalon Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The Toyota Avalon had only been on the market a year by the 1996 model year, and consequently did not see any significant changes. The Toyota Avalon is known for its spacious interior and has Toyota’s typically conservative styling.
The 1996 Toyota Avalon comes in two trim levels, the XL and the more luxurious XLS. Both trims come standard with a 3.0-liter, 192 horsepower V6 engine. The XL is nicely equipped, including an AM/FM/cassette sound system and cruise control. The XLS includes a few more niceties, like an upgraded sound system, alloy wheels, and a theft-deterrent system. The XLS also comes with option of front bucket seats or a three-passenger bench seat. Fuel efficiency is 20/28 mpg.
The 1996 Avalon is popular among drivers for its roomy interior, excellent handling, and high-end appointments. Owners say it is a pleasure to drive and feels like a much more expensive car. Many drivers complain about excessive wind noise, and that the cup holders are too small for 20-ounce bottles.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1996 Toyota Avalon
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Anonymous
Sep 09, 2022
Great car honestly old but feels new !!! Don’t hate on old cars!Sep 09, 2022
by Anonymous
May 26, 2014
I had a friend who retired and was moving to Hawaii. He didn't want to pay to have it shipped, since it was an older car (91,000 miles), He made me a great deal on it and I retired my Acura Legend and changed it out with the Avalon as my daily driver. It didn't have the heated seats or nearly as many of the premium features I had become accustomed to. I felt as if I had taken a few steps down initially. But after owning this car for quite a while now, I now know that my initial feelings towards this car were unfair and unjust. It ran strong when I bought it and it runs just as strong today with 220,000 miles on it. The air conditioning is amazing and I've never had any work done to it. It will freeze us out and that's in Texas Summers too. The cars ride has always been a smooth one and as long as I keep it's oil regularly serviced, it just goes and goes and goes. I had no intentions of ever keeping it this long, but it drives like a much newer vehicle. In fact, during this extended life, it's allowed me to save enough to pay cash for my next vehicle. At one point soon I'm going to have to get rid of the Avalon and I'll truly miss this car. It's such a good car still, that I hope I can find another owner who maybe cant afford a newer car that can appreciate it as I have.May 26, 2014
by Anonymous
Oct 21, 2013
Dependable, reliable, descent looking 17 yr. old vehicle. Toyota was spot on with this build. Got it with 255,xxx and 2 yrs. later @ 281,xxx and $2200 in maintenance for suspension parts, my $$ has been well spent for a $1000 buy. All original except aftermarket sound system with sub. Every luxury feature works. Impressed. Love my Avy!!!!Oct 21, 2013
User rating:
by Anonymous
Sep 09, 2022
Great car honestly old but feels new !!! Don’t hate on old cars!Sep 09, 2022
by Anonymous
May 26, 2014
I had a friend who retired and was moving to Hawaii. He didn't want to pay to have it shipped, since it was an older car (91,000 miles), He made me a great deal on it and I retired my Acura Legend and changed it out with the Avalon as my daily driver. It didn't have the heated seats or nearly as many of the premium features I had become accustomed to. I felt as if I had taken a few steps down initially. But after owning this car for quite a while now, I now know that my initial feelings towards this car were unfair and unjust. It ran strong when I bought it and it runs just as strong today with 220,000 miles on it. The air conditioning is amazing and I've never had any work done to it. It will freeze us out and that's in Texas Summers too. The cars ride has always been a smooth one and as long as I keep it's oil regularly serviced, it just goes and goes and goes. I had no intentions of ever keeping it this long, but it drives like a much newer vehicle. In fact, during this extended life, it's allowed me to save enough to pay cash for my next vehicle. At one point soon I'm going to have to get rid of the Avalon and I'll truly miss this car. It's such a good car still, that I hope I can find another owner who maybe cant afford a newer car that can appreciate it as I have.May 26, 2014
by Anonymous
Oct 21, 2013
Dependable, reliable, descent looking 17 yr. old vehicle. Toyota was spot on with this build. Got it with 255,xxx and 2 yrs. later @ 281,xxx and $2200 in maintenance for suspension parts, my $$ has been well spent for a $1000 buy. All original except aftermarket sound system with sub. Every luxury feature works. Impressed. Love my Avy!!!!Oct 21, 2013
by Trevor R
Feb 14, 2013
If you can get your hands on one of these buy it. Great car that will handle 200,000 miles with ease and grace. I will stick with an Avalon for as long as possible. I just can't say enough about this car.Feb 14, 2013
by Anonymous
Aug 24, 2012
I had this car for over a year so far and put 30,000 hard earned miles on it. It was my first car that I bought myself for 1,000 with the struts shot, and speakers blown with 180,000 miles on it. It is STILL running today, and I wouldn't be afraid to take a road trip in it, and I mean I went EVERYWHERE in it. Plus it has won a few little street races. I love this car Aug 24, 2012
by Anonymous
Jul 25, 2012
I really enjoy the space and the sun roof, it's a very smooth and quiet ride. The sound is great and the body will take a hard beating if needed. Though it's know for the vavle cover going bad and the rear struts it'll still run well, I've bought mine used with both bad and i've been driving it like that with no problems. Jul 25, 2012
by Michael G
Dec 02, 2009
not a car for sport type driving, but awesome for us regular people!
microfiber interior with a bench seat... AWESOME.
SO SPACIOUS! you could live out of it!
driving quality smooth and flawless
about 20mpg but an 18.5 gallon tank
cv boots go easily unfortunately.
get it in white. ya dont have to wash it. : PDec 02, 2009
by Anonymous
Nov 27, 2009
Best car ever to travel in. A solid performer. I have never loved to drive a car as much as this one. We have the "rare" front bench seat and love it. I am sold on Toyota (this is my third) and just recently bought a 2000 Avalon (since it is hard to go back to the Camry once you have experienced an Avalon),Nov 27, 2009
by Eric K
Jun 22, 2009
For the first generation Avalon it sure is a goodie. The car is
well constructed, where reliability, quality of ride, and
performance are phenomonal for the value. With 225
thousand miles, the car performs top notch. Acceration is
pretty good, huge car, great on fuel usage, and looks solid.Jun 22, 2009
by Scott W
May 15, 2009
This has been a great car! I especially enjoy the comfort. The back seat has great room and is very comfortable. Toyota really did a great job with this one. It's for sale, though! Bought a Toyota Tacoma and I will be selling the good ole' Avalon!May 15, 2009
by Anonymous
Jun 15, 2008
I bought this vehicle used in 97 and it is the best car I ever owned and I am 75 years old.Jun 15, 2008
by Anonymous
May 09, 2008
Just bought the car today. Too early for a review.May 09, 2008
by Anonymous
Feb 18, 2007
Only complaint is the noisy interior.
I'm told this was a windshield design problem that Toyota fixed since 1996.
Definitely will consider a newer model when shopping again.Feb 18, 2007
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1996 Toyota Avalon Pricing
Original MSRP
$23,838 to $27,868Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent