The Avalon represents Toyota's full size flagship passenger car and was designed specifically for the North American marketplace. Long admired as a reliable full size sedan, the 2008 model sports a powerful V6 engine, impressive safety ratings and handling is very responsive for its category. In addition to an already admirable list of standard features, the interior is roomy and elegantly designed to suit the most discriminating automotive sedan buyers.

The most recent model year is available as an XL, Touring, XLS or Limited model. The base model XL comes standard with 16 inch alloy wheels, dual zone climate control system, tilt steering wheel, reclining rear seats and a premium stereo system with in dash CD changer and MP3 jack. The Touring model is a performance model with sport tuned suspension, 17" wheels and leather upholstery. The XLS features a sunroof, heated outside mirrors, auto dimming driver side and rearview mirrors, power driver and front passenger seats, leather upholstery and interior wood grain trim. The Limited is the top of the line and comes standard with keyless ignition, power rear sunshade, heated and cooled leather seats, an upgraded JBL sound system and a Bluetooth technology package. Most features found on the upscale models are available as options for the lower models and a satellite radio and navigation system are also optional depending upon trim level selected.

All models share the same six speed automatic transmission and 3.5 liter V6 engine that delivers 268 horsepower. Gas mileage is typical for a larger car; with the average miles per gallon rated at approximately 19 in the city and 28 on the highway. Safety features include anti-lock brakes and a full array of airbags including a driver's side knee airbag.

The 2008 Toyota Avalon, with its refined interior and classy looking exterior, performs well with very little road noise. In fact, for a full size luxury sedan this one is very well balanced and overall impressive.