Avalon vs Camry

[knucker]

Hello all, I own a 2001 Camry, and I'm considering buying either a new Camry or a new Avalon. Could anyone tell me whether the Avalon has a noticeably smoother ride compared with the Camry? If the difference is minimal, I'd probably go with the Camry for the $ savings. But if it's noticeable, I'd take the softer ride for the sake of comfort (I have back problems).

[Tom in Tacoma]

I have often rented a Camry while on business trips - all the while my Avalon sat in the airport parking garage waiting. I enjoyed driving the Camry (it was my favorite compact rental). But before I could get my Avalon out of the garage and back onto the freeway I would have a smile on my face, amazed at how serene the Avalon is.

The Avalon is a quieter, smoother ride and (if you go for the Limited model) many more creature comforts, whistles and bells than the Camry. If that's what you're looking for - go Avalon.

There'll be a bunch more people that will tell you the same thing in a little while - stay tuned.

[avalon35]

Originally Posted by knucker

Hello all, I own a 2001 Camry, and I'm considering buying either a new Camry or a new Avalon. Could anyone tell me whether the Avalon has a noticeably smoother ride compared with the Camry? If the difference is minimal, I'd probably go with the Camry for the $ savings. But if it's noticeable, I'd take the softer ride for the sake of comfort (I have back problems).

My sister and I both recently went through this same debate. We drove many cars and it is a significant difference between the 2. We both wound up with Avalons. The Avalon is the poor mans Lexus (more than 1 person mentioned this too us and I now know why). Also my co-worker has had a 2006 Avalon (now with 134K miles) and buys camrys for his daughters while he and his wife drive the Avalon. Good luck with your purchase.

-Chad

[Minus (-)]

Go For The Avy....Smoother Ride,Nice Acceleration....Simply Thats The Big Boy Toy...I Had A Camry For A Loaner,Went Back And Demanded A Venza...Just Wasnt Enough Leg And Head Room For Me...You Can Shoot Craps In The Avalon

[Billiam]

I rode in a '11 Avy a few weeks ago. Comparing it to my friends '08 Camry....no contest....at least in terms of ride comfort and quietness. The Avy was in a different universe. The amount of room in the back was crazy as well.

[Mike Murrell]

Wife owns an '06 Avalon XL - her mom an '07 Camry.

No comparison.

Avalon is much quieter, smoother, etc.

Nothing wrong with the Camry - very reliable - just not the soft pillow the Avalon is.

[grandpapa]

Originally Posted by avalon35

... The Avalon is the poor mans Lexus ...
-Chad

Avalon is a wise man's Lexus

[HATEnFATE]

Even some salesman wonder why the Avy isn't on the lexus lots......

[II Kings 9:20]

I am planning on a '13 Avy and agree. I drove the '11 on 3 separate test drives for about for an hour and my brother's camry- they are not in the same league. The Avy is close to the LS460 which I was considering as a used '07 for the same money as an '11 Avy- the Lexus people say that there is no comaparison b/t the LS and Avy which amounts to the difference in weight and feel of RWD and FWD- both the Avy and LS are too smooth if there can be such a thing. The camry is not bad but can not be mentioned in the same conversation with the others- it is also IMO ugly with the painted grille and T badge dipping sown like a mole on a woman's lip.

[CTB727]

Originally Posted by HATEnFATE

Even some salesman wonder why the Avy isn't on the lexus lots......

Difference in interior/build quality between 2011 Avalon and a comparable Lexus. That's why.


Anyhow, between Camry and Avalon, go for the Avalon. Definitely a much nicer ride and more options.