2008 Toyota Avalon Review: A Little Pricier Than the Competition, and Worth it

The 2008 Toyota Avalon is on the short list for best full-size sedan released in its model year. With one of the most spacious and luxurious cabins in its class, a muscly V6 under the hood, and industry-leading reliability, it’s worth the price, starting in the low $7,000 range.

Is the 2008 Toyota Avalon a Good Used Car?

• Overall Rating 9/10 – Maybe the best full-size sedan released in 2008.
• Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – It would be a perfect score but the trunk space comes up a bit short for a full-size sedan, and the suspension is maybe too soft.
• Reliability 9/10 – The only reason it doesn’t get a ten in this category is because it’s used, so you have to account for the previous owner’s driving and maintenance habits.
• Safety 8/10 – Though dated by modern standards, the Avalon’s safety tech was pretty good for 2008, and crash test scores are excellent.
• Gas Mileage 8/10 – 19/28 miles to the gallon sounds decent for 2008, but when you feel how powerful the V6 engine is, you’ll wonder how they managed to make it so efficient.
• Value 8/10 – The 2008 Avalon is priced fairly. It’s not the bargain of the century at seven to nine thousand bucks, but if any 2008 model sedan is worth that much money, it’s the Avalon.

What Do Critics Say About the 2008 Toyota Avalon?

Consumer Reports liked the 2008 Avalon’s comfy interior, especially the reclining rear seat and the high-end trim materials. They note the intuitive controls and soft suspension, but suggest that the shocks could have been a little firmer, leaning a little too hard on sharp turns.

Kelley Blue Book noted the spacious back seats, with its “tunnel-less flat foor design,” as a major plus. They report that the car offers a Lexus-grade trim at a Toyota price. Their only real complaints about the car: No bench seat option up front, and young drivers might find the Avalon a bit too old fashioned in its styling.

Edmunds added to the consensus that the Avalon is one of the most comfortable, spacious cars in its class. They liked the efficient V6 engine, the high-end trim materials, and the excellent crash test scores. They note that, while cheaper than a Lexus, it’s still pricier than most in its class, and the car is a bit bland to look at..

What Common Problems Does the 2008 Toyota Avalon Have?

The 2008 Toyota Avalon has generated 347 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This isn’t exactly a lot, but it’s a bit high for a Toyota. This owes primarily to an issue with exploding high beam lights, with exterior lighting complaints accounting for 208 reports total.

There are a few complaints on file of accelerator pedals getting stuck in the open position, leaving the RPMs increasing after the driver takes their foot off the gas. A pair of recalls were issued for the matter in 2009 and 2010. Complaints have been scarce since then, with the most recent being registered in 2016.

A handful of structural complaints point to issues like roof leaks and loose door gaskets.

The 2008 Toyota Avalon has been recalled 6 times in total, which is within the median for a vehicle of this age.

How Long Will the 2008 Toyota Avalon Last?

The Toyota Avalon should last at least 250,000 miles with adequate maintenance. You can keep it going after that, but expensive repairs become more common past the quarter million mile mark. Toyotas are among the longest lasting cars on the market, and the Avalon is no exception.

Repairpal esitmate an annual maintenance cost of around $415, with new shocks and struts accounting for the most expensive common repairs, starting at around $628. New airbag control modules aren’t far behind, at $607.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology in the 2008 Avalon is good for the model year. Standard equipment includes a CD/MP3 player with a 6-disc CD changer, and that can be upgraded to include Bluetooth connectivity and a premium 12 speaker JBL Synthesis setup.

It’s the same story with the safety tech: It’s good for the model year. Anti-lock brakes come standard, and you’ve got occupant sensing airbags. It may be dated compared to a 2023 model Toyota, but it’s pretty good for 2008.

Is the 2008 Toyota Avalon a Good Value?

The 2008 Toyota Avalon is priced fairly. An entry-level XL typically lists at around $7,245, while a high-end Limited might go for about $9,051. These numbers are both at the higher end of the fair market range, so if you know how to haggle, you should be able to shave a thousand bucks or so off the sticker price.

There are better deals to be had, but, if any 2008 sedan is worth seven grand, it’s the Toyota Avalon. The Blue Book lists these models with around 150,000 miles on the odometer, so you’re likely getting another 100,000 miles out of the car before it’s ready for the scrapyard.

What are the Different Models of the 2008 Toyota Avalon?

The 2008 Toyota Avalon is offered in four trim levels, from the base XL to the high-end Limited.

With the entry-level XL you’re getting:

• Remote keyless entry
• Dual zone automatic air conditioning
• Cloth seating
• CD/MP3 player with 6-disc CD changer and LCD monitor

Next up is the Touring, adding:

• Leather seating
• Leather wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio and climate controls
• Fog lights

The mid-range XLS adds:

• Heated mirrors
• Tilting/sliding sunroof

Finally, in the top-of-the-line Limited you add:

• Heated front seats
• Rain sensing windshield wipers
• Bluetooth connectivity and 12 JBL Synthesis speakers

What Engines Come In the 2008 Toyota Avalon?

• Whatever your trim, whatever your options, the 2008 Avalon packs a 3.5L V6 engine delivering 268 horsepower and 248 lb.-ft. of torque at an average fuel economy of 19/28 miles to the gallon, city/highway. This is paired to a 6-speed automatic in front wheel drive, and it hits 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds.

What Colors Does the 2008 Toyota Avalon Come In?

How Comfortable Is the 2008 Toyota Avalon?

A Toyota Avalon is maybe the most comfortable car in its size class at this price. You’ve got a generous 56 inches of hip room in the back, with reclining seats, interior trim materials are first class from top to bottom, and there’s enough floor space you could almost breakdance on it.

The only notable concern here is that the suspension is so soft that it may feel a little wobbly if you’re taking this car on winding mountain roads or hitting corners at full speed. But, if you drive it nice and easy, it rides nice and easy.

How Much Storage Space Does the 2008 Toyota Avalon Have?

The 2008 Toyota Avalon packs 14 cubic feet of cargo in the trunk. This is pretty much on-par for a mid-size sedan, but… the Avalon is a full-size. It comes up about five cubic feet short of a typical four door in this category, packing five medium suitcases.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

2008 was the fourth model year for the Toyota Avalon’s 3rd Generation, launching in 2005 and retiring in 2012.

2006: The third-gen relaunch saw the Avalon receiving a larger chassis and the new “tunnel-less” design for class-leading legroom in the back seat.

2007: Standard tire pressure monitors and optional navigation systems were new for 2007.

2008: A midcycle refresh year. The Avalon swapped the 5-speed automatic out for a 6-speed, and the brakes and headlights were updated.

2009: Toyota did away with the Touring trim level in 2009.

2010: Toyota expanded the exterior color list with a pleasant Sandy Beach Metallic, but there were no substantial changes beyond that.

How Does the 2008 Toyota Avalon Compare to the Competition?

The 2008 Toyota Avalon costs a little more than competing sedans like the Ford Taurus and the Nissan Maxima, but it makes up the difference with low repair and refueling costs, and a long-lasting powertrain.

An entry-level Maxima typically sells in the $5,500 range in the Blue Book, nearly two grand cheaper than a comparable Avalon. But it comes up a couple MPGs short of the Avalon, it’s not nearly as comfortable, and it won’t last nearly as long.

Same deal with the Taurus, which lists for around $5,000, but averages 15/22 miles to the gallon, and will start to show its age at around 200,000 miles.

This isn’t to say the Taurus and the Maxima aren’t excellent choices if you’re after a 2008 sedan. But the Toyota, while being more expensive, delivers considerably more luxury and longevity than you’ll get from almost any other car in this price range.

Do Owners Recommend the 2008 Toyota Avalon?