This is my 3rd Avalon. I purchased this 08 used because I traded in my 05 for an SUV back in 2010 and I missed the Avalon. If you like gadgets, you are going to like the Avalon. I like the LED turn signals in the mirrors, the puddle lamps, heated and cooled front seats (if you go on long trips in hot weather, you will be amazed what a difference it makes to have air circulation on your back). The back seat is enormous, so when we go places with friends, there is plenty of space for them to put their legs out even with the front seats all the way back. The back seats also recline a bit and the doors open very wide. The trunk is huge and even with all the space offered in this car, it still gets 23-30 mpg. I typically average about 22, but I also let it idle a lot (eating lunch in the car). The laser guided cruise control allows you to set a speed (in 5mph increments) and it will automatically slow you down if you come upon another vehicle going slower than you. It will maintain your distance and speed from the vehicle ahead of you until they are no longer an obstacle. The car will then speed back up to your preset. If you are interested in the laser guided cruise control, it is available in the 05-09, then in the 13 and newer models. You can identify the models with this option by the under-bumper grille. The car's right hand side near the fog light will look differently than the left. There will also be an extra button on the steering wheel under the “speak” button. If you happen to purchase an Avalon with the laser cruise, you can disable it and use the conventional cruise instead but pushing the cruse control lever forward for 1 second. The laser cruise does not stop the car. It will only slow you to about 27 mph and then will alert you that it is shutting off. Downsides are that it may slow you more than it needs to in merging traffic. This can be over ridden my lightly pressing on the gas, but it can be an annoyance. Also, it will not work if you have your wipers on ... about 3 swipes of the wipers and it shuts the system off. If you live in a snowy area, I would recommend that you purchase designated snow tires. It handles well in the snow with the appropriate tires, but acceleration and deceleration can be problematic with all-season tires.

The Avalon is a very complete full sized luxury vehicle - we where pleasantly surprised by the options available in the limited trim level as well as the fit and finish both inside and out. Tremendous value and investment! Highly recommend.

Performance - Amazing, matches well with lexus ES series, soft and smooth drive, a pleasure to handle it build quality - average, not so strong body, Appearance - Interiors are the best in class, spaciousness better than lexus, the rear seat is no less than a bed, classy dashboard with neat trims. Ownership costs - C'mon its a TOYOTA, however need 2 spend a lot of time n effort for upkeep of interiors.

This is our 5th Avalon. My wife drives a 2005 xls. this is "my" first CAR, having gotten rid of the van.... Great power, rides & handles great, but, to me, a little loud on the road noise. Excellent room and comfort for all seats but would like the driver's seat to raise a little higher for me. Prefer the older "red" color turn signals in the side mirrors in lieu of yellow. Still one of the best cars, if not the best for the money.