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Test drive: 2005 Toyota Avalon Touring

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Introduction and overview
2005 Toyota Avalon

2005 Toyota Avalon: The closet Lexus?

© Philip Powell

With this new model, Toyota has moved the Avalon into the premium sedan segment. It offers exceptional value by increasing equipment, adding style, and reducing the price, all at the same time. Quite a feat.

The new Avalon was created specifically for the North American market, developed jointly by Toyota's research and design center in California, and the Toyota USA technical center. It comes with a longer wheelbase than the previous model and a 3.5 liter, 280 hp V-6 mated to a 5-speed automatic.

Our Avalon Touring adds a tuned suspension, graphite-finish alloy wheels, high intensity discharge headlamps with automatic levelling, rear spoiler, faux-metallic interior trim, leather seating areas, and lists at $28,600. Total car warranty is 3 years, 36,000 miles, powertrain warranty is 5 years, 60,000 miles.

Check prices at Edmunds.

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