That really pisses me off. That thing is quicker, more fuel efficient, more space and so on?

 

We all have out tastes and opinions (even passion). If every car matched the competion we'd all be driving VW Bugs, Ladas or some people's car.

That said, I find the Avalon is not as sporting as the TL. Whatever numbers the mags are publishing, I will go by what I feel in my ass when I drive it. The Avalon is very impressive car. I like it. I like that my brother owns one and that I own a TL. I like the fact that the Avalon feels as good as the GS300 in the family (and for a LOT less $$$). I like the fact that the Avalon (and the GS) have a few buzzes and rattles . I would love to replace Dad's Camry with a new Avalon. But I still prefer my TL. My brother prefers to drive my TL (which is why I get to drive the Avalon so much - but the wife said 'NO' to the TL). My g/f regrets she spent 16K more on the new GS which we both agree (1st time ever!) the TL is a MUCH better value.

That ALL said. I find better milege with the TL in MY driving of the 2 cars. I find MY driving feels faster, more sporting in my TL over the Avalon. The TL eggs you on, the Avalon says sit back and relax. I love the TLs voice command & Navi system much more than the Avalons.

BUT when we all go out for dinner, I cross my legs in the back seat of the Avalon, admire the limo like ride & and think how much fun it will be to drive my TL home afterwards.

 

I know I will be racing an avalon one day and find out how badly I get beaten... or not because other driver didn't know how to use semi-auto shifter whatever toyota calls it.

 

Well you can see if you can beat the 3.5 altima as well. The 2003 test claimed a 0-60 time of 5.9 seconds and I am sure it has gotten a bump in power since...

 

Honestly I get ~10-12MPG in my G35 in mostly city (30% highway) driving. It's a real issue for a V6 to be this poor on fuel consumption/economy.

My TL is 16-20 with the same mix, but jumps to 30-32 on long highway trips.

-josh

 

Man, you must be driving hard cuz I owned a G35sedan and I always get around 21 mpg with around 30-40% in the city.

 

2004 SSM 5AT
I averaged 26 mpg last fill up with mixed driving. This was on the MID and confirmed to be 25.8 with calculations based on gas. This was 50/50 93 octane /87 octane.

I filled up this morning (same mix) and set the cruise on 60. MID showed 37 MPG on the freeway. Dropped to 32 mpg once I got off the freeway and went through lights etc.