Review: Toyota XX10 Avalon (2000-05)

Review: Toyota XX10.I Avalon (2000-01)

Overview

Released in July 2000, the Toyota XX10 Mark I (XX10.I) Avalon was a large, front-wheel drive sedan that was powered by a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine; four-speed automatic transmissions were standard across the range. The XX10 Avalon was originally produced in Georgetown, Kentucky, from 1994 to 1999 and was itself based on a stretched XV10 Camry platform. In 1999, however, Toyota transferred the tooling for the Avalon to Altona, Australia, and the Avalon’s body was revised for greater torsional rigidity than the US-built vehicle.

Initially, the Australian Avalon range consisted of the entry-level Conquest, CSX, VXi and range-topping Grande; in 2001, the range was expanded with Sorrento and Sports editions of the Conquest and CSX respectively.

1MZ-FE engine

The 1MZ-FE V6 petrol engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, sequential multi-point fuel injection, molybdenum-coated cast-aluminium pistons, double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), four valves per cylinder, bucket tappets, an acoustic-controlled induction system, twin-sensor knock control, direct ignition and a compression ratio of 10.5:1.

The 1MZ-FE engine was mated to Toyota’s A451E autoamtic transmission which had a fuel-saving lock-up function for the third and fouth (overdrive) gears.

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to the XV20 Camry which it was sold alongside, the XX10 Avalon was 100 mm longer (at 4870 mm), 15 mm wider (1795 mm), 25 mm taller (1445 mm) and had a 50 mm longer wheelbase (2720 mm). The Avalon had independent suspension front and rear with MacPherson struts, coil springs, hydraulic shock absorbers and a stabiliser bar with ball-joint linkage.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Toyota Avalon Conquest included dual front airbags and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. The Avalon CSX, VXi and Grande were further equipped with ABS and front side airbags.

Brakes

The Toyota XX10 Avalon had 275 mm by 28 mm vented front brake discs. While the Avalon initially had 291 mm by 9 mm solid rear discs, these rear replaced by 286 mm by 10 mm solid rear discs for the XX10.III Avalon in October 2003.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , a 2001 Avalon Conquest received a three star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 17.75. In the offset test, there was a moderate risk of chest and lower leg injury for the driver. In the side impact test, there was a high risk of life-threatening chest injury for the driver.

Features: Conquest, CSX, VXi and Grande

Standard features for the entry-level Toyota Avalon Conquest included a four speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, driver’s seat height and lumbar adjustment, speed alert, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, power antenna, an eight-function trip computer and immobiliser.

Beyond this, the Avalon CSX added a six speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, cruise control, front and rear map lights and front passenger seat lumbar adjustment.

The Avalon VXi was further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels, a power adjustable driver’s seat, climate control air conditioning, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, remote boot release, woodgrain interior trim and an integrated alarm system.

Finally, the range-topping Avalon Grande was distinguished by its unique alloy wheels, seven speaker sound system with a six-disc in-dash CD player, leather seats, power adjustable front seats, front fog lamps, a power tilt and slide moonroof, automatic headlights and a power adjustable tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel.

2001 Avalon CSX Sports

In April 2001, the Avalon CSX model was offered in a limited-run Sports edition. Compared to the standard CSX, the CSX Sports featured 16-inch ‘Arista’ alloy wheels, a black mesh grille and rear spoiler.

Avalon Sorrento

In August 2001, the limited-run Avalon Sorrento model was released. Based on the Conquest, the Avalon Sorrento was further equipped with ABS, 15-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning and cruise control.

Related links

• Press Kit: Toyota XX10 Avalon (May 2000)
• Press Release: Toyota XX10 Avalon CSX Sports (April 2001)
• Press Release: Toyota XX10 Avalon Sorrento (August 2001)
• Press Release: Toyota XX10 Avalon Sorrento (February 2002)

Review: Toyota XX10.II Avalon (2001-03)

Overview

Released in October 2001, the XX10 Mark II (XX10.II) Avalon introduced additional standard features. Furthermore, high solar energy-absorbing glass and new audio units – with larger buttons and displays – were fitted as standard across the range.

Features: Conquest, CSX, VXi and Grande

Compared to their XX10.I predecessors, the Avalon Conquest was fitted with a CD player and ‘Spectra’ seat trim, while the CSX added 15-inch alloy wheels, ‘Riviera’ seat trim and body-coloured door handles and side protection mouldings.

Beyond this, the Avalon VXi was fitted with 16-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels with 205/60H R16 tyres; the VXi was also offered in a ‘Limited’ edition which added leather seats and a power moonroof.

The Avalon Grande was further equipped with 16-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, a DVD-based satellite navigation system with touch screen, a new audio system with a separate amplifier and boot-mounted six-disc CD changer and a four-spoke wood/leather steering wheel.

2002 and 2003 Avalon Sorrento

The limited-run Sorrento variant was also offered for the XX10.II Avalon. Still based on the Conquest, the Avalon Sorrento was further equipped with ABS, 15-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning and cruise control.

2002 and 2003 Avalon Advantage

In August 2002, a limited-run Avalon Advantage variant was introduced. Compared to the Conquest, the Advantage added 15-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning and cruise control.

In July 2003, the Avalon Advantage returned as a permanent variant within the Avalon range. Standard features included 15-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with a single CD player, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and ‘Riviera’ seat trim. Visually, the Advantage could be identified by its ‘high grade’ radiator grille, body-coloured door mirrors, door handles and side protection mouldings.

Related links

• Press Release: Toyota XX10 Avalon (October 2001)
• Press Release: Dual-fuel (LPG compatible) kit for Camry and Avalon (April 2003)
• Press Release: Toyota XX10 Avalon Advantage (July 2003)

Review: Toyota XX10.III Avalon (2003-05)

Overview

Released in October 2003, the XX10 Mark III (XX10.III) Avalon introduced a revised range, consisting of the entry-level GXi, mid-range VXi and range-topping Grande. Greater refinement was also achieved through softer front suspension upper support bushes and lighter control arm bushes (for greater bump absorption), body isolation improvements and a fluid-filled rear engine mount. A new locally-developed power steering system was also introduced.

Visually, the XX10.III Avalon could be identified by its new front mask, bonnet, grille, bumpers, head and tail-lights (including polycarbonate clear lens headlights), front bumper, side protection mouldings, boot lid and in-glass radio antenna; the GXi was also fitted with 15-inch alloy wheels. Inside, there were new audio systems, interior trim and instrument graphics.

Safety equipment

Compared to its XX10.II predecessor, standard safety equipment for the XX10.III Avalon was improved with ABS fitted as standard across the range (previously omitted from the entry-level Conquest).

Brakes

The XX10.III Avalon was fitted with a new braking system for improved brake feel and brake pad life. As part of the update, 286 mm by 10 mm solid rear brake discs were introduced (previously 291 mm by 9 mm).

Features: GXi, VXi and Grande

Standard features were also extended to include air conditioning, cruise control and a 12 volt power outlet in the centre console. Standard features for the Avalon VXi and Grande, however, were unchanged.

Related links

• Press Kit: Toyota XX10 Avalon (October 2003)
• Wikipedia.org: Toyota XX10 Avalon