Ok, so it won’t win any styling awards. But the second-generation, redesigned, Toyota Avalon may be the only full-size family sedan for the 2000 model year boasting numerous major improvements.

The new Avalon sports a much sleeker look, plus, it’s slightly larger, roomier and has more power. This car is so refined, smooth and quiet it could pass for something from Toyota’s Lexus division. In fact, I’ve seen it referred to as a “bargain Lexus” which I thought wasn’t really too far off the mark. The good part is it costs significantly less than a Lexus.

The base XL model stickers at $25,195, with front bucket seats and $26,015 with a front bench seat. The upscale XLS model goes for $29,755 with buckets and $29,655 with the bench. This is actually more car for the money than the Lexus ES 300 which is smaller and more expensive.

Standard on the well-equipped XL are air conditioning, cruise control, anti-lock brakes and power windows and locks. The XLS package comes with power front seats, automatic temperature control, remote keyless entry, alloy wheels, theft-deterrent system, a 7-speaker premium sound system and some additional wood trim.

Major options include a power sunroof ($910), but there are actually eight option packages to choose from — priced from $330 to $2,590 — that offer everything from a leather interior to a premium sound system with a 6-disc in-dash CD changer.

While full-size domestic cars are generally longer and wider, the Avalon’s smart interior packaging provides ample comfort for four tall adults to stretch out, while its trimmer exterior makes it easier to maneuver and park.

But the new Avalon is slightly higher and wider. Both seats were raised and the rear seat moved back to for more room and easier entry and exit.

Interior-wise, this car is also much quieter than previous models, with that annoying road noise gone. This is accomplished by using thicker side glass and improved door sealing as well as an increased windshield rake to reduce wind noise. Also, the dash has been moved forward affording the driver a better view of the easy to understand instrumentation. There’s a new dual climate control system as well.

A pass-through door behind the large rear seat armrest opens to accommodate long items such as skis, and the armrest cleverly houses dual foldout cupholders. The dual front cupholders have a slick pop-out design.

The Avalon’s low-effort power steering is well suited to its suspension, which has been slightly recalibrated and delivers a ride that’s smooth and comfortable, yet not spongy. That stability is aided by a new Vehicle Skid Control system for the XLS, (an $850 option) which uses traction control and a brake assist feature. The driver can safely push this car fairly hard if need be.

Among other improvements in the front wheel drive Avalon are the fact the number of horses hitting the highway via the 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve aluminum V6 is up by 10 to 210 — and torque is improved due to variable valve timing and better breathing.

Applause: The smooth powerplant so quiet at idle that you have to check the tach to make sure it’s still running, while 0-60 is about an eight second experience. The 4-speed automatic shifts up and down seamlessly and promptly. Gas mileage is estimated at a respectable 21 city and 29 highway.

Whines: While touted as a 6-passenger car with the front bench, I wouldn’t want to be the middle passenger. There’s not much legroom up front and the center of the rear seat is too stiff for comfort on anything but short trips.

Bottom Line: This car was first introduced for the 1995 model year and was based on the midsize Camry. At the time, I wondered why Toyota even bothered. Thanks to the popularity of the SUV, the full-size sedan market was shrinking rapidly, and generally populated with older buyers who tend to buy American.

But Toyota is a company that looks farther down the road than most other automakers. When the Avalon debuted, it was well received among the many aging baby boomers just coming into the market for a larger, softer car with a respected nameplate — and those who have owned Toyotas usually have fierce brand loyalty.
The made-in-America, vastly improved Avalon is the perfect car for these people — and their numbers are growing.