2009 Toyota Avalon

Overall, however, critics find few flaws with the Toyota Avalon. Its reclining backseat doesn't fold, but testers say the trunk still provides plenty of room. Its crash-test scores are superb; the Avalon is a Top Safety Pick at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and it gets excellent scores in government tests as well. The Avalon's fuel economy is far better than most full-size sedans'. At 23 mpg combined (19 city/28 highway), the Toyota Avalon delivers only a couple of mpg less than the best midsize sedans.

The Toyota Avalon is costlier than smaller family sedans; for many families, experts say a reliable midsize sedan like the Honda Accord (*est. $20,905 to $28,955) or Hyundai Sonata (*est. $18,700 to $26,550) will provide plenty of room and a high-quality interior for thousands less. The Avalon also costs more than most full-size family sedans, but reviews say none can match the Avalon's fuel economy or overall quality.

Only one engine/transmission combo is offered in the Toyota Avalon: A 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic that perform capably in tests. Sources say the Avalon comes loaded with standard features, even on the base Avalon XL trim (*est. $27,845): cruise control, a trip computer, jam-protect power windows, a six-CD satellite-capable stereo and remote illuminated entry with a panic function are a sampling of what's included. Options include a HomeLink transceiver that can operate your house's garage door, lights and security system.

The step-up Toyota Avalon XLS (*est. $32,145) adds more luxury touches, such as leather seats, steering wheel and shifter, plus more options such as heated seats, memory mirrors and driver's seat, and a voice-activated navigation system. The top-level Toyota Avalon Limited (*est. $35,185) makes several of the XLS's options standard and adds more advanced standard features (such as ventilated front seats) and options (such as laser cruise control).

All of this helps make the Toyota Avalon's resale value the best in its class, Kelley Blue Book reports. The Avalon has also been one of the most reliable cars in recent years, according to owner surveys. It is protected by a three-year/36,000 mile basic warranty.

Consumer Reports exhaustively tests the Toyota Avalon and ranks it against other large sedans. Tests at ConsumerGuide.com are almost as comprehensive, but editors there rank the Avalon against a class average rather than specific rivals. Single-car reviews at Edmunds.com, MotherProof.com and Kelley Blue Book are thorough, but any comparisons with other cars are drawn only briefly. Crash-test data at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and IIHS are objective and easy to understand, as usual. Nonprofit site GreenerCars.org compares the Avalon's environmental friendliness with other large cars'. J.D. Power and Associates provides dependability ratings, based on owner surveys.