2019 Toyota Avalon
#361
Lexus Fanatic
The 1st gen Avalon maxed sales at 77,000+ units/year USA.
The 2nd gen Avalon had the record at 104k/yr.
The 3rd gen Avalon did almost as well with 95k/yr.
The 4th gen Avalon [which I thought was the most handsome] fell to a peak of only 70k+/yr - probably due to modern vertical space growth in the form of SUV/CUV's like Highlander etc.
The 2nd gen Avalon had the record at 104k/yr.
The 3rd gen Avalon did almost as well with 95k/yr.
The 4th gen Avalon [which I thought was the most handsome] fell to a peak of only 70k+/yr - probably due to modern vertical space growth in the form of SUV/CUV's like Highlander etc.
I agree the 1Gen Avalon was not as popular as its successors, partly because it was a new model to the U.S., was not well-advertised or marked at the time, and, of course, was in the shadow of the immensely-popular Camry. But (although this is subjective), I still maintain that its road-manners and, to an extent, build-quality, were better than its later versions. I found the 4Gen, especially, when it debuted in 2013, to be a major disappointment....though some improvements were made for the mid-cycle refresh in 2016.
#362
Lexus Fanatic
Almost everyone but you finds disappointment in the 13 Avalon. It is considered the top of the segment by most professional publications, ahead of the more modern and updated LaCrosse. I think it is considered on of the quietest cars you can find. Even quieter than a Buick LaCrosse and LS460 models.
Last edited by Toys4RJill; 01-24-18 at 07:46 AM.
#363
Lexus Fanatic
Almost everyone buy you finds disappointment in the 13 Avalon. It is considered the top of the segment by most professional publications, ahead of the more modern and updated LaCrosse. I think it is considered on of the quietest cars you can find. Even quieter than a Buick LaCrosse and LS460 models.
See for yourself..........
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/...ooths-the-ride
Revised 2016 Toyota Avalon Smoothens the Ride
Consumer-driven improvements go more than skin deep
By Jeff S. Bartlett
October 16, 2015With its 2013 redesign, the Toyota Avalon compromised its ride in an attempt to improve handling, sacrificing a coddling characteristic that defined this large, front-drive sedan. While trying to steer the Avalon toward a more youthful buyer, this decision alienated some traditional customers and jostled others. With the 2016 update, it is clear that Toyota learned its lesson the hard way and rectified the car with a significantly improved ride.
Toyota engineers explain that returning customers were critical of this dynamic shift. This audience is vital to the manufacturer, as the Avalon enjoys an exceptionally high 40 percent model loyalty rate. Those dedicated drivers weren’t alone in their criticism.
Consumer Reports states in our road test: “The redesigned 2013 Avalon has lost the supreme ride comfort and isolation that once set it apart from most other cars. Touring and Limited trims have a stiff, brittle ride that's completely out of character for an upscale car. Bumps and ruts strike through with pronounced impacts that can hit home hard.”
To address its divergent goals, Toyota has introduced a second suspension setup, giving Avalon buyers a choice of Comfort and Touring. The Comfort configuration was developed to preserve some of last year’s handling response while providing a more accommodating ride. The Comfort set-up will be on 75 percent of Avalons including the hybrid version. Unfortunately, existing customers won’t be able to just bolt on those changes.
To achieve the ride/handling balance on the Comfort suspension, engineers tweaked the stabilizer bars, shock valving, and springs. Driven in the real world, even with the 18-inch tires in the Avalon Limited we tried, the ride is now much more absorbent and body motions are slow and gentle, giving the car a much statelier feel. Handling remains responsive with a fairly prompt steering response and no excessive body lean.
In addition to the suspension tweaks, a freshened face is the most obvious exterior change for the 2016 Toyota Avalon, highlighted by a new grille, turn signals, LED taillights, and rear chrome trim. More appreciated are tweaks to interior chrome to reduce distracting reflections, improved seat comfort, and enhanced brake feel.
#364
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
not sure why we're discussing the 2013 or 2016 avalon when this is about the 2019 avalon.
#365
Lexus Fanatic
Hopefully the 2019 will be an improvement....although I don't know about that new grille. A lot of discussion, though, won't be possible on it until we actually see it and get a chance to sit in it and/or drive it. Until then, much will be speculation.
#366
Lexus Fanatic
Well, if nothing else, it shows, with previous versions, what the new 2019 has cut out for it. Hopefully the 2019 will be an improvement....although I don't know about that new grille. A lot of discussion, though, won't be possible on it until we actually see it and get a chance to sit in it and/or drive it. Until then, much will be speculation.
#367
Lexus Fanatic
Ask Toyota's stylists Mike... ask Toyota. Because they're the ones who think that people want big grills and sharp handling. This car is styled as a four door coupe. That's why it has a low swoopy roofline and all sorts of creases and folds. They're not interested in boring here, that's for sure. On a good note, it does have a number of features that make it sporty yet comfortable. AVS and 360 cam. But that darned ski ramp. It just sticks out like you're at the senior center bingo machine. Why?
Toyota is going lower on their new car designs. When you see it in public I think it works. The goal is to make the design stand out and offer something different than in the past. My guess is that cars will get lower in the future.
#368
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
going lower on sedans (especially premium and luxury ones) is a recipe for failure as fewer people want it to be challenging to get in and out of them.
#369
Lexus Fanatic
Make a bit of sense?
#370
They cant focus on people over 70. Trick will be to appeal to younger buyers, like new Camry is doing.
With Toyota and Lexus doubling down on style, it will be slightly less functional than their "designed by committee" designs but also a lot more stylish.
#371
There is a famous saying that the past determines the future. Or look into the past to see the future...
In a way, look at how E Class sells 50,000+ units/year, while CLS only sells 6,000+ units/year.
In the same way, look at how 5 Series sells 32,000+ units/year, while 6 Series sells only 3,000+ units/year.
Since 1984, the Camry has been getting taller and taller, generation after generation, with record sales of 470,000+ units/year two generations ago in 2007, and second best sales record of 429,000+ units/year last generation in 2015.
It will be interesting to see how the new non-boring lower riding 2018 Camries and Avalons sell in the near future.
I hope it's not another case of a "backflip" like the 2012-15's firm riding Avalon "softening" for 2015-18 period.
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Last edited by peteharvey; 01-24-18 at 12:22 PM.
#372
Urhm, should I point out that after Avalon faceliftt, sales nosedived? While that "hard one" sold really well? While we are at pointing out the sales stats.
#373
For example, the 2nd gen Avalons of 1999-04 had record sales, that declined year after year, and this is normal for all makes and all models.
2000 was record full year sales of 104,000+ units.
2001 83,000+.
2002 69,000+.
2003 50,000+.
2004 36,000+.
A decline in sales, with no major suspension changes whatsoever, but due to an ageing model.
I know you have a soft spot for Toyotas.
It will be interesting how the next gen Avalons sell...
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Last edited by peteharvey; 01-24-18 at 12:33 PM.
#374
Lexus Fanatic
Sales volumes will not increase. The overall car market is shrinking. The bigger question is whether Toyota can sell the Avalon for more money. More money more profit.
#375
They cant cater to 70+ crowd anymore, does not make any sense. Younger people want something stylish, not a box on wheels, it is change of generation, baby boomers that valued functionality are getting far and between.