2011 Toyota Avalon debuted at the Chicago Auto Show

Make no bones about it: Toyota is reeling from a multi-million vehicle recall over potential and actual acceleration concerns caused by sticking gas pedals.  The Toyota display at the Chicago Auto Show was conspicuously hushed, as many show-goers instead opted to be wowed by the Big Three and other automakers.  The concern that this avoidance will carry over to local dealerships can be felt from the Gurnee dealership to the Los Angeles dealership, from the Boston used cars dealer to the Round Lake used cars dealer. 

But as Toyota executives are appearing before the U.S. House of Representatives Oversight and Government Reform Committee to apologize to the public and own up to these failures, it is clear the Japanese automaker is working hard to both repair its vehicles and its image.  Perhaps, then, something that went unnoticed at the Chicago Auto Show, and could be a solid start to the healing process for both the company and car buyers, was the debut of the 2011 Avalon. 

This full-size sedan, launched in 1995 and has been a past award-winner from Consumer’s Digest and J.D. Power and Associates.  The exterior, interior, and standard equipment have all been upgraded for the 2011 model, which we’ll get to in a minute, but honestly, let’s admit the safety features are first and foremost on the minds of most, if not all, potential car buyers and thus, take a look at those first.

The 2011 Avalon has a redesigned accelerator pedal assembly and, further, a brake override system, as well as 7 airbags, including driver’s side, curtain, and knee.  In addition to these features, the Avalon comes with Toyota’s unique Star Safety System, which is a 5 component system that includes an anti-locking braking system and electronic brake force distribution.

Feel better?  Okay, now on to the fun stuff.  The 2011 Avalon features a bold head-on design with a wider, more pronounced grill, and its headlamps have been sharpened down for a sleeker appearance.  On the inside, there are reclining rear seats, a power rear sunshade, and steering wheel controls for audio and temperature.  And although the Avalon might have been associated with an older driver in the past, there are both a USB and 1/8-inch auxiliary connectors for portable music players, those staples of the younger generation. 

As for the engine, the Powertrain equipment has not changed: still a 3.5 liter V6 engine with 268 hp.  The 2011 Avalon does, however, have an improved fuel economy rating by 1 MPG for the city/highway, which is now at 20/29.  There is plenty more to say about the 2011 Avalon, which will be available this spring, but maybe now would be a good opportunity for those consumers who were waiting to see how Toyota would respond to take this time to get reacquainted with their local Gurnee dealership and see firsthand how Toyota is doing.