2003 Toyota Avalon XLS

The Avalon is Toyota's full-size sedan, the one you cross-shop with the Buick LeSabre and Ford Crown Victoria when you want a roomy, comfortable cruiser. The ride is soft and absorbent, the kind that soaks up bumps without fuss, and the front seats are genuinely comfortable for long trips. Inside, the cabin is spacious and quiet, with a big back seat that fits three adults comfortably and a trunk that swallows luggage easily. Owners report that these cars are very reliable, though some mention the engine bay is cramped and the rear seat doesn't fold down for extra cargo. Leather upholstery and a power driver's seat set the XLS apart from the base Avalon, while the top-of-the-line model adds a moonroof and JBL audio. The 3.0L V6 makes 210 horsepower and pairs with a four-speed automatic, delivering smooth, quiet acceleration that suits the car's relaxed character. The XLS can be ordered with a factory-installed cassette player, which was a popular option for keeping your tape collection alive.