Fit And Finish Issues And NAV That Makes Apple Maps Look Good Mar Avalon Review

If you live in the Detroit area, you probably know that the Ferndale-Royal Oak neighborhood is an amusement park for foodies. From wings to cupcakes to fine dining, you can't swing a carryout bag without hitting a waiter primed to describe the daily specials. It'd be good if you knew that, because the * * 2013 Toyota Avalon's touted system for navigation and Internet connectivity drew a blank when I asked it to find nearby restaurants.

"There are no points of interest in this category near here," the nav system announced as I sat in the parking lot of One-Eyed Betty's. Web searches through the car's Bing and Open Table apps produced similar results. I could smell the signature Sweaty Betty Sausage and Peppers sizzling 50 feet away, but Toyota's Entune system couldn't find the place, or any of the other restaurants within a block.

 

PLAY - 2/21/2013 2:31:29 PM

+2 Boost

I read it. It didn't seem like a hack piece.

My two cents: why do we even need these ridiculous infotainment systems in cars? Print off some directions at home, or use your phone. A knob and a few buttons on the radio should work for entertainment. All of these complex electronics manufacturers are putting into cars are bizarre. They add far too much complexity to cars, raise prices, and cause more trouble than they are worth.

800over - 2/21/2013 11:46:50 AM

+5 Boost

This from the guy who didn't like the BRZ-FR-S.

Sciros - 2/21/2013 12:11:19 PM

0 Boost

This car looks hilarious. The front is trying so hard to be aggressive with those air intakes. The rest of the car looks like the most pedestrian boring thing in the world. It's like a fat guy wearing a batman mask. We know you're not batman, we can see the rest of you. Also, a 200hp version starting at $35.5k? What is that? Even with the V6 the car is underpowered with regards to its competitors which is why its fuel economy is marginally better. Though the Avalon was never a car for people who like cars, I suppose.

1CarSmart1 - 2/21/2013 1:18:24 PM

-3 Boost

It's better than any ameri-junk. At least it will start and not pollute.

trmckin - 2/21/2013 2:31:52 PM

+3 Boost

Really? According to Toyota's website, it's a petrol powered v6 268 HP and 21 city/31 hwy MPG. That's good mpg for a large sedan but it's still burning gas. FYI.. gas vehicles = pollution

SuperTurtlePlus - 2/21/2013 2:25:38 PM

+4 Boost

@1CarSmart1: I'm sorry, did Toyota go and invent a magic car that has a gasoline engine, yet somehow manages not to to release pollutants?

Must either be a gasoline engine that runs on unicorn tears, or nonsense.

"What is "amei-junk," other than a sign of your own ignorance, that is because most cars, be they American or otherwise, will start when the ignition key is turned, unless there's something wrong with them or they are out of fuel.

And the last time I checked, foreign cars, including Japanese, German, Italian, and Korean makes, were far from perfect.

trmckin - 2/21/2013 2:35:44 PM

+3 Boost

This guy has admitted that he doesn't even own a car so his thoughts on the topic of what is and isn't junk are based purely on speculation. After reading his comments though... I keep getting the urge to order a Ford Raptor and blast it down the highway at 100 mph for no reason what so ever.

lexworld - 2/21/2013 3:08:51 PM

+2 Boost

...And once again, what is this article suppose to slander or reveal? Maybe how stupid the Avalon looks? Or maybe how the Apple system is not compatible with Toyota's electronis? Or maybe somehow Toyota should just stop making the Avalon because no one is interested in this car because of? I have a better idea, let's check Toyota's overall reliability record, then check Avalon's record, its electronics and then check to see if Maybe an Apple system is somehow starting to fall apart when collaborated with and designed to co-exist with Japanese Engineered electronis...Give me a break!!

randy3023 - 2/21/2013 3:19:42 PM

+2 Boost

So the author has uncovered a "fit and finish" issue.... Why is there not a picture of it? Why do we get these generic pictures instead???

trmckin - 2/21/2013 4:24:40 PM

+1 Boost

click on the read article link and watch the video.

1CarSmart1 - 2/22/2013 6:39:16 AM

-1 Boost

It is very easy to see why I make these comments. It is true that a Toyota Avalon runs on gasoline and emits small amounts of pollutants. However, I am sure the pollutants are much less than those emitted by an american car which doesnt have the technology like Toyota does.

Second, the profits from selling a Avalon go to help Toyota develop new generations of cars liek the Prius. If you were to buy a Buick, the profits would only be spent on developing a big truck, or maybe more HORSEpower for the corovette.

So it is very logical what I say!

trmckin - 2/22/2013 1:05:15 PM

+2 Boost

Actually, no it isn't. There are plenty of manufacturers with the same tech employed as what is in the Avalon. As suggested to you several times before, do some research. Just because the Prius line makes Toyota look great from a total emissions perspective doesn't mean their other vehicles are head and shoulders above the competition. I've owned several toyotas over the years and its funny, they are the only brand I've owned that needed some work when they got older to pass state emissions. Also, our Expedition has better emission test results than our previous 4runner. Ponder that.