"My heater doesn't come on when I start my car"
My Toyota Avalon, 2011-- My heater doesn't come on when I start my car. I have to shut down the Avalon and restart car to get the heater to work.
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2011 Toyota Avalon Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Although Toyota claims to have spiced up the 2011 Toyota Avalon (unveiled at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show), reviewers agree it has seasoned with a light hand. The new model sees some refreshing, though conservative, changes, enhancing the 2010 with only a hint of additional flavor so as not to alienate the palate of premium large sedan consumers.
Although the Avalon is a Toyota, the company clearly broadcasts its American connections, emphasizing the fact that the 2011 Avalon was redesigned at Calty Design Research in California and assembled at its Georgetown, Kentucky, plant. Previously available in XL, XLS, and Limited trims, the 2011 has been “simplified” to only two trims: Base and Limited. Both trims retain the 2010 powertrain, with a 24-valve, 3.5-liter dual-overhead cam V6 paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel-drive vehicle offers Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence to optimize the engine’s power and efficiency with 268 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. Toyota estimates that the 2011 Avalon gets 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway (23 mpg combined), letting Toyota brag about mileage equal to or better than any V6 in the Avalon’s class. The Avalon features a MacPherson strut front suspension, independent strut rear suspension, stabilizer bars, and offset coil springs at all four corners to smooth out the ride.
Toyota highlights several new exterior features for the 2011 Avalon, including a wider, burlier grille, additional chrome, restyled rocker panels, and sideview mirrors that integrate the turn signals. Foglights appear in the front bumper, and new halogen (Base) or high intensity discharge (Limited) headlamps use light pipes for a distinctive appearance at night. Reshaped taillights now encompass turn signals as well as stop and reverse lights, and sport LED light pipes. Toyota also claims that the new streamlined taillight shape reduces rear turbulence and lowers the coefficient of drag. Dual rear exhaust pipes now appear through trapezoidal cutouts in the bumper (similar to the front foglights). In addition, the Limited trim has redesigned wheels (10-spoke with mirror finish), and both trims add three new color choices (Zephyr Blue Metallic, Cypress Pearl, and Sizzling Crimson Mica).
The 2011 Avalon includes an interior redesigned for comfort and technology. Still seating five, this year’s Avalon offers more space with unique reclining rear seats and more comfort with larger, restructured rear headrests offering more support. New technology accompanies the 2011 Avalon as well. Standard equipment in both trims now includes Bluetooth technology for hands-free phone and streaming audio, XM satellite radio, a USB and 1/8-inch auxiliary connection for portable music listening, and a backup camera (Toyota boasts that the Avalon is the first in its segment to make this a standard feature). The optional DVD navigation system has been revamped to increase ease-of-use with new displays and easier search and address input. Displays for road icons and points of interest have been redesigned, and the keyboard is now arranged like a computer. The redesigned instrument panel displays Optitron gauges using white illumination and white pointers. The steering wheel integrates switches for phone, climate, and audio control. And perhaps most important, the 2011 Avalon features a redesigned accelerator pedal with a brake override system.
The base Avalon comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels and projector-beam halogen headlights, foglights, LED taillights, and power heated outside mirrors with driver-side autodimming features and integrated turn signals, as well as a power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade. Inside, the Base offers leather seats with an eight-way-adjustable power driver’s seat and four-way-adjustable power passenger seat. Passenger comfort increases with dual-zone climate control with air filtration. The tilt/telescopic steering wheel integrates audio and climate controls. Storage in the trunk measures 14.4 cubic feet and is accessible from the interior via a 60/40 split in the reclining rear seats. Standard technology for the Base includes power locks and windows, cruise control, remote keyless entry, auto-dimming rearview mirror with integrated backup camera, and the HomeLink Universal Transceiver (which allows for the activation of up to three different remote controls from one unit mounted on the Avalon’s visor). The trim rocks a nine-speaker AM/FM CD player with MP3 capability, XM radio, auxiliary audio jack, USB port for iPod connection, and Bluetooth technology.
The Limited trim adds a ten-spoke design with a mirrored finish to the 17-inch alloy wheels, high intensity discharge (HID) headlights that use a metal halide, rather than halogen, bulb for longer life and better illumination. Side mirrors now include puddle lamps to illuminate the ground around the car, which now has chrome outside door handles and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The inside of the Limited adds wood-grain-style details. Leather seats are heated and ventilated (an option for the Base), with an eight-way-adjustable passenger seat (again an option for the Base trim) and power driver’s seat cushion that extends for added comfort. The Limited’s standard technology includes the Smart Key System, which uses sensors to unlock and start the car automatically, and enhances the stereo – now a JBL Synthesis 660-watt, twelve-speaker stereo (an option for the Base). A power rear sunshade automatically retracts when the driver shifts into reverse. Both the Base and Limited Avalon also have an optional voice-activated DVD navigation system.
For those concerned about Toyota’s recent safety issues, the 2011 Avalon includes a redesigned accelerator pedal and brake override system. Both trims come standard with the Toyota Star Safety System, equipped with seven airbags (including one at the driver’s knee), vehicle stability control (which resists skids during a loss of traction), antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution (improving vehicle stability and braking distance when braking conditions are not extreme enough to trigger the antilock brakes), brake assist (which determines whether a driver is attempting an emergency stop and then applies extra brake pressure to maximize the ABS brakes), and TRAC traction control (which helps to maintain traction and control when starting or stopping in slippery conditions). Finally, a direct tire pressure monitor system provides low tire pressure alerts.
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2011 Toyota Avalon
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Fednel D
Jan 15, 2024
The best car ever built
Love the itJan 15, 2024
by Luke A
Dec 26, 2023
Pros-Lexus in disguise. Quiet, powerful, comfortable, safe, reliable. Fuel efficient for size. Great value for price. Simple construction. Understated. The king of toyota.
Cons- rare. Back seats wont fold down for trunk cargo. Shiney dashboard reflects light. Dec 26, 2023
by Anonymous
Oct 09, 2023
The car is unbelievable with its features, cleanness, and mileage. It is luxury per excellence.Oct 09, 2023
User rating:
by Fednel D
Jan 15, 2024
The best car ever built
Love the itJan 15, 2024
by Luke A
Dec 26, 2023
Pros-Lexus in disguise. Quiet, powerful, comfortable, safe, reliable. Fuel efficient for size. Great value for price. Simple construction. Understated. The king of toyota.
Cons- rare. Back seats wont fold down for trunk cargo. Shiney dashboard reflects light. Dec 26, 2023
by Anonymous
Oct 09, 2023
The car is unbelievable with its features, cleanness, and mileage. It is luxury per excellence.Oct 09, 2023
by Anonymous
Jan 26, 2023
In my opinion, a great search for a vehicle. All else I have to say is found it!Jan 26, 2023
by Jainesh P
Oct 21, 2022
Features are good. Well maintained and excellent value for money car.Oct 21, 2022
by Sharon T
Jul 02, 2022
I am totally in love with this vehicle. It has everything I wanted plus more. Toyotas are very well built and reliable vehicles, my last one was a RAV and I got 288,000 miles before the transmission went out. I look forward to many years and miles on this vehicle..
Jul 02, 2022
by Melanie E
Feb 06, 2022
Pretty good. My mother-in-law has a plain 2007 and its still in good condition Feb 06, 2022
by Tony J
Feb 02, 2022
Very nice looking car from what I could see Feb 02, 2022
by Carl A
Jan 09, 2022
miles per year, price and appearance were all above average.Jan 09, 2022
by William B
Dec 27, 2021
Plenty of room.
No road noise or excessive bumps.
Responsive handling Response Dec 27, 2021
by Patty A
Oct 14, 2021
The engine light was on . I couldnt see out of the rear window it because the tint was messed up.Oct 14, 2021
by Jocelyn S
May 06, 2021
This is a great car, it has all if the features. A smooth ride and easy handling. I would recommend it to another buyer for sure. May 06, 2021
by Debra L
Jan 18, 2021
This car has every feature I was looking for and many more. Drives smoothly with plenty of zip. Was a very good value and mileage is well below yearly average. Sits 5 comfortably with plenty of leg room and head space. Would compare with any higher end luxury car like Lexus.Jan 18, 2021
by BJ L
Dec 14, 2020
Ive driven an Avalon for 11 years and was looking to buy another one as passing mine to my daughter. Super riding dependable luxury car.Dec 14, 2020
by Carlo H
Oct 12, 2020
I think that this car great,sporty sleet and full of character.Oct 12, 2020
by David R
Sep 14, 2020
This car has great features for a 2011. The car has a good value and we are excited. For our personal use we dont think the car is missing anything we were looking for. Sep 14, 2020
by Helen P
May 27, 2015
great acceleration. quiet, smooth ride. beautiful car, both inside and out. love GPS and sound system. cannot beat the heated and cooling front seats. main complaint is less trunk space than previous Avalons owned. anyone owning this car will love it.May 27, 2015
by Red D
Nov 26, 2013
Not this car, but Toyota in my opinion has ruined the ride quality of 2012 Camry and 2013 Avalon, which used to be very smooth riding on rough and worn out roads. Now tuned more "Sporty", not what I want.Nov 26, 2013
by Anonymous
Feb 02, 2013
Great family car for long-legged family, as seats are comfortable with plenty of legroom front and back. Good gas mileage for 75 mi per day commute by highway. Handles well. Seats in back as well as front recline and are comfortable for long rides.Feb 02, 2013
by Anonymous
Jun 17, 2012
Interior & exterior like a new car. A car is strong and comfortable. I feel I am important person when I am driving it. This is a luxury car with a cheap price, Toyota is a perfect for a long commitment Jun 17, 2012
by Red D
May 08, 2012
Other than those few cons, what is not to like ?? The vast majority of Americans want a comfortable, safe, reliable and economical car to drive from point A to point B. Avalon exceeds all those needs !! Extreme room, tons of 268 hp, very quiet inside, awesome 12 speaker, subwoofer, 660W stereo, iPod streaming, economy up to 34 mpgs highway with careful driving. It smooths out the rough freeze/thaw northern roads very well. Limited has perforated heated AND cooled leather seats, power thigh length seat adjustment for long legs, partially reclinable rear seats, keyless entry and operation is really handy. Even a power rear sunshade. It's like a Lincoln class for $10k to $15k less, 300,ooo mile reliability and significantly better economy. Other than washed out stereo & HVAC displays and drab colors, what's not to like ?? It's the "Whole Package". I simply love it. For $5k to $6k more than Camry, there is NO comparison.
May 08, 2012
by Anonymous
Nov 22, 2011
11/2012 update
This car has been a wonderful car, aside from the very few personal issues. But it's now time to get the new 2013 Avalon.
This one will make an outstanding car for someone, and it will have very low mileage, and most of it will be highway miles.
It will have about 42,000 miles on it by the time I trade it in. The variable will be if I go with the cypress with almond interior or if I wait until the first of the year and get the nautical blue one?
Oh, the personal issues: the wipers are a pain because of the noise when wiping
The seats a bit uncomfortable on long rides ( but not as bid an issue if I get out and strength my legs more often). I have a bad habit of driving as many miles as possible before getting gas.
The satellite radio goes in and out a lot more then I'd like.
Damn that's not a bad list is it.
*Up-date:
After 1 year, I'm liking the car a lot more. Yes there are still a few things I'd like to see changed, but all-and-all, the car has been a dream to own, use, drive and enjoy.
The wipers continue to be an issue, and the dealer has been great trying to fix. They just installed another new set of wiper blades, and these are working MUCH better.
- MORE comfortable then any other car i it's class
- It's looks grow on you (and others as aI see a ton of these when traveling).
- Must be me, as everyone tells me the car is VERY quiet:)
Would I purchase another Toyota Avalon, 2011 - Yes! Will I be purchasing a 2013 Avalon,
unless it get bad reviews … hell yes.
Oh, and they don't have an option below for "Traveling Salesman" or I'd check that box off.
_________________
My 2008 (which I review back in October of 2008), was a fine car. Great, no, but fine just the same.
Now I had the chance to drive a 2011 Limited edition, and well, it was enough better that I now own it:)
Is this one great, nope, but it is a lot better.
Issues:
- Not as comfortable as I'd like on long drives
- Not a knock out beauty.
- A bit noisier than I'd like
- Wipers can be very noisy
- I few pieces of the finish / fit, isn't great, but I see it all the time, so I don't like it.
I'd like them to offer a few more colors in this model, or a bit light on a few. The red looks black in almost everything but bright sun light. The brown is better, but still a bit dark for my liken.
Now damn near everyone who rides in the car LOVES it! Back seats very spacious and comfortable. Plenty of room for putting things, should you not have anyone sitting in the back, and the trunk is full.
I really do like this car a lot (even as I complain about it), and if the 2013 deals with these issues, I'll be buying that one too.
Would I purchase this car again, and would I tell anyone to purchase one, hell yeah.
UPDATE:
Well it's been awhile since I've been here. How long, well I've purchased a 2013 Avalon, and TRADED it in for a 2012 Avalon. I'll post a review under the 2013 Avalon, then one under the 2012 Avalon.Nov 22, 2011
by Grace R
Jan 17, 2011
Driving this car is like floating on air. I love being able to talk on my cell phone hands free (blue tooth) , the heated and air conditioned seats are awesome and it is the total package. I love this car!!!!Jan 17, 2011
What users have asked
Reset rear window
I replaced my car battery and my rear windows doesn't go up or down but my front ones do, how can I reset my rear windows where I can control them from my driver side door
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what is the most comman problem for a check engine light to come on in a toyota avalon 2011?
my toyota avalon 2011 is in good condition but recently the check engine light came on......can you make any light of this?
330 views
Toyota Avalon Lmt 2011
How do you reset the whole system after a battery change? Many of my power features aren't working, like my rear windows, seat position set buttons, sun roof won't open or close automatically with one touch, windshield wiper timer feature and my rear speaker are barely putting anything out. May be more notworking, but that's what I know of.
66 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2011 Toyota Avalon?Compare this car
2011 Toyota Avalon Pricing
Original MSRP
$33,195 to $36,435Price range
$10,296 to $10,706Average price on CG
$10,296YoY price change
$10,688 to $10,296Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · 4 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: JBL · AM/FM radio · XM with NavTraffic satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 660 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.1 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: air conditioning · Storage: sunglasses holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: mulitlevel · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim type: aluminum alloy
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.1 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.2
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 24 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 15 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system w/voice activation · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: JBL · AM/FM radio · XM-ready satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 11 · 660 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.1 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: wood
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: air conditioning · Storage: cargo net · Sunshade: power rear window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim type: aluminum alloy
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.1 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.2
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 24 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 15 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system w/voice activation · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse