1998 TOYOTA AVALON SETS THE STANDARD
FOR COMFORT AND QUALITY

When Toyota's Avalon debuted in 1994, it established an all-new class of car and set the standard for comfort, quality and refinement. Three years later, Avalon continues to lead the large car segment and for 1998 receives numberous interior enhancements, a more elegant look and extensive passive safety upgrades. Engineered and built exclusively in America, the Avalon is the best equipped, most spacious car sold by the Toyota Division. Available in either five- or six-passenger seating configurations, the Avalon is designed as a "move-up" vehicle for midsize sedan owners seeking a more spacious cabin and a higher level of refinement.

SAFETY FIRST - Buy The Avalon Here

Toyota engineers have taken the next step in side-impact protection with the inclusion of front seat side airbags. In cunjunction with the energy absorbing door structures, SRS side airbags are designed to help reduce the impact energy transmitted to the driver and front passenger in side collisions. Additional standard safety equipment includes front seat belt pre-tensioners and force limiters, standard three-point seat belts in all passenger positions, and rear doors equipped with child protector door locks.

BETTER BY DESIGN - Buy The Avalon Here

New jeweled multi-reflector headlights highlight the Avalon's revised grille. The headlights add a dramatic brilliance to the front-end appearance. Available on certain models, integrated fog lamps offer extra visibility in inclement weather. Avalon is updated with the extensive use of chrome trim. Located along the front and rear fascia, bodyside molding and license plate bezel, the chrome trim accents the Avalon's sleek lines. Avalon's rear styling also is enhanced with a revised trunk lid. Combining form with function, the new decklid is wider with a spoiler-like lip at the trailing edge. The new decklid was designed for easy loading and unloading and offers improved access to the Avalon's expansive trunk area. Highlighting the rear of the car are redesigned combination tail lamps that feature a new design and a special layered appearance.

COMFORT, CONVENIENCE AND SECURITY - Buy The Avalon Here

The Avalon is available in two trim-levels, XL and XLS. Standard equipment includes richly-upholstered front or bench-seats, full cut-pile carpeting with driver-side foot rest, cruise control, power windows and door locks (with anti-lockout feature), air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, dual cupholders, auto-off headlights, illuminated glove box, remote trunk and fuel door releases and a four-speaker Deluxe ETR/cassette sound system with rear on-glass antenna. Five-passenger bucket-seat models are accompanied by a center armrest and integral cupholders, and a console-mounted shift lever. The six-passenger layout features a power-operated 50/50 split-bench front seat with a redesigned fold down center armrest and column-mounted shifter. The XLS adds to the list of standard features and, for 1998, is available with leather-trimmed heated seats with memory. Equipped with two different drivers' settings, the Avalon's power seat memory feature offers added convenience for multi-driver families. XLS models also offer soft-touch ventilation controls, automatic air conditioning, a seven-speaker Premium ETR/CD sound unit, factory-installed anti-theft and keyless-entry system. Front maplights, with individual rear reading lights, variable intermittent windshield wipers, auto on/off headlights, outside temperature display, and leather-wrapped steering wheel is also included. The interior makes extensive use of new wood-grain trim on the dash, console and door panels. For increased vehicle theft protection, the Avalon can be equipped with a newly designed engine immobilizer system, which prevents the engine from starting unless the correct key is placed in the ignition. The new system uses a transponder in which a pre-programmed identification code is transmitted from a transponder chip to an antenna coil. When the key is inserted in the lock cylinder, the chip instructs the antenna coil to supply electromagnetic energy, enabling the key-chip to transmit a key-code signal. If the identification code is transmitted from the chip matches the code stored in the key computer memory, the transponder computer de-activates the immobilizer system, allowing the vehicle to start. All Avalon models receive updated audio faceplates and an expanded line-up of optional audio systems. Premium systems now include a subwoofer for a total of seven speakers.

POWER AND PERFORMANCE - Buy The Avalon Here

Under the hood, the Avalon is equipped with Toyota's four-cam, 24-valve V6 engine, producing 200 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of torque (California Emissions: 198 horsepower and 212 pound-feet of torque). The engine is linked to a four-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (4ECT-i). Steering is power assisted rack-and-pinion and brakes are four-wheel discs with standard ABS. Avalon owes its smooth ride and balanced handling to its long wheelbase, independent MacPherson strut front suspension and independent dual-link rear suspension. Gas-filled shock absorbers, front and rear stabilizer bars and anti-vibration cradle sub-frames help minimize noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). NVH characteristics are further refined through the use of asphalt resin sheeting on the floor, flush mounted side and front glass, one-piece windshield glass upper moldings, foamed urethane C- and D-pillars, low-profile rain gutters and exacting gaps between body panels. Full deep-pile carpeting, a noise-abating hood pad and a fully lined trunk also reduces noise and help maintain the Avalon's library-quiet cabin.

COLOR AND TRIM - Buy The Avalon Here

Avalon will be offered in nine exterior colors, four new for 1998. The elegant new colors-- Napa Burgundy Pearl, Golden Sand Metallic, Sable Pearl and Classic Green Pearl -- complement the Avalon's distinctive, graceful lines. Coordinated interiors in new Ivory, Quartz, and Black complete the package. Both XL and XLS interiors can be finished in a choice of high-density velour fabric or premium leather. Avalon is so well equipped that the option list is short. Options are limited to comfort and convenience features such as traction control, leather upholstery, upgraded sound systems and a sunroof.

LIMITED WARRANTY - Buy The Avalon Here

Toyota's 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle limited warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintanence items. Additional 60-month limited warranties cover powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion perforation with no mileage limitation. Toyota dealers have complete details on the limited warranty.

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