The 2005 Toyota Avalon (Avalon Ship)

The 2005 Toyota Avalon or the 'Avalon ship' as it is often called in Nigeria is a 3rd generation full size sedan of the Avalon series. It was redesigned to be bigger, more powerful and especially roomier than its predecessor.

Looking bigger inside and outside, the Avalon's new physique was the handiwork of Toyota's Calty Design Research in California, in a bid to lure younger buyers and still maintain its faithful middle aged customers. 

Under the hood also, comes a big 3.5 litre V6 Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence) engine churning out a healthy 280 horsepower and 260 pound of torque running on a five-speed automatic that has a selectable manumatic feature compared to its predecessor’s 210 horsepower 3.0 litre V6. All these combined and a fuel tank size of 70 litres, the 2005 Avalon is reported to do 0 – 100km/h in 6.7 seconds. In spite of the engine size, it is known to have a reputation for good fuel economy, doing 9 kilometers per litre (22 MpG) city and 13 kilometers per litre (31 MpG)  highway.

The 2005 Avalon comes in XL, Touring, XLS and The Limited editions. The Standard XL features include a power driver's seat; 16-inch wheels; dual-zone climate control; power windows, locks and mirrors; steering-wheel-mounted stereo and climate buttons; cruise control; and keyless entry while the Touring models adds a 17-inch alloy wheels, leather seating surfaces, xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights, fog lamps and a rear spoiler. 

The XLS buyers get a standard power moonroof, an in-dash six-CD changer, heated outside mirrors, HomeLink buttons and a security system. While the top-level Limited editions adds a JBL stereo, front heated and ventilated seats, power seat-cushion-length adjustment for the driver's seat, rain-sensing wipers and a power rear sunshade as standard equipment, a navigation system all inside a posh Lexus-like interior. It also includes a Smart Key system that unlocks the doors when the key fob is in close proximity and allows the engine to be fired up at the push of a button.

The very attractive interior of the 2005 Avalon expresses Toyota’s attention to detail even though the Avalon interior designer seemed to have been fascinated with covers because the stereo, the cup holders and the centre storage area can all be concealed with covers, but these covers gives the cabin a clean appearance when all of them are shut. 

The roomy interior means that five occupants of a wide range of body size can sit inside comfortably with enough leg room especially at the back where the centre floor hump found in most sedans is absent, allowing passengers to roam their feet as they please. What distinguishes the 2005 Avalon from much of the competition is its reclining rear seatbacks. Pull a lever in the cushion of either outboard seat, and its backrest will recline up to 10 degrees.

In terms of Safety, the 2005 Avalon comes standard with anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, dual front airbags, front row side torso airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, and a driver's knee airbag and electronic stability control is also available.

Owning the 2005 Avalon will guarantee you a spacious and luxurious experience on the road with a powerful yet economic and quiet engine makes it easy to drive.

Hey, this is my personal review so feel free to share your own thoughts and experience about this car especially if you own one or have driven one.