Japanese vs. American assembled

[Jerry Layton]

I now have a 99 Avalon that was mfg in Japan....Now I am told they are made in Kentucky....Are no Avalons or Camrys imported assembled anymore?

[Leighcm]

I now have a 99 Avalon that was mfg in Japan....Now I am told they are made in Kentucky....Are no Avalons or Camrys imported assembled anymore?

You have a Japanese-made Avalon? Where did you get it? The Avalon was built only for the US market in the US...never anywhere else. What character does your VIN start with? If it starts with a "J", your car was built in Japan; if it starts with a "4", your car was built in Kentucky.

Camrys for the US market are mostly made in the US...they've been built in the US for about 20 years. You can sometimes find a Japanese built model, usually V6 models. Just check the VIN to know for sure. The same rule on the VIN applies to all Toyotas: if it starts with a "J", it was built in Japan; if it starts with a number, it was built in North America.

A little Avalon history:

**NOTE: All chronology dates are model year, unless noted otherwise. CY refers to "Calendar Year."**

AVALON Series Chronology

1995 - Introduced as top-of-line replacement for Cressida.

1995 - Named "Best Buy in the Luxury Car Segment," Consumer's Digest

1997 - Receives new alloy wheel design, additional options.

1997 - Among "Best Buys," Consumer's Digest

1998 - Facelifted front and rear fascia, addition of side airbags.

1998 - Among "Best Buys," Consumer's Digest

1998 - "Best Overall Value in Large Class," IntelliChoice, Inc. Complete Car Cost Guide

1999 - "Best Overall Value in Large Class," IntelliChoice, Inc. Complete Car Cost Guide

1999 - "Top Three Vehicles in APEAL, Premium Midsize," J.D. Power

2000 - Second generation Avalon introduced

2000 - Rated "Best of 2000" by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy

2000 - "Best Buy," Consumer's Digest

2000 - "Best Large Car Value," IntelliChoice

2000 - Among Consumer Guide's Recommended Large Cars

2001 - EPA rated "Most Fuel Efficient"

2001 - Consumer Reports names Avalon "Best Large Sedan"

2001 - AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Score (VSS) award for Premium Mid-Size Car

2001 - Womanmotorist.com's Reader's Choice Awards – First Place for Full-Size Sedan

2001 - Among Consumer Guide's Recommended Large Cars

2002 - AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Score (VSS) award for Luxury/Large Car

2002 - Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) names Avalon "Best Pick."

2002 - Intellichoice Best Overall Value Large Class

2002 - Womanmotorist.com Reader's Choice Awards – First Place for Full-Size Sedan

2002 - Among Consumer Guide's Recommended Large Cars

2003 - Minor changes to exterior front grille and taillamps, new standard features.

2003 - Among Consumer Guide's Recommended Large Cars

2004 - "Women's Automotive Satisfaction" for Full-Size Cars, Good Housekeeping

2004 - "Best Bet," The Car Book 2004

2004 - Consumer Reports "Most Satisfying" – Family/Large Sedans, April 2005

2004 - Among Consumer Guide's Best Buy Large Cars

2005 - Third generation Avalon introduced, designed by Calty

2006 - Among Consumer Guide's 2006 Best Buy Large Cars

2006 - "Best Value in America" for Large Cars, Vincentric

2006 – IntelliChoice Motorist's Choice Award - Large Class

2007 – AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award (VSA) in Large Car Category

2008 – Avalon receives new six-speed transmission, revised braking system along with updated exterior and interior.

When the Cressida was dropped from the Toyota lineup in 1991, the Camry XLE V6 took its place as Toyota's flagship sedan. When the Avalon debuted in fall 1995 it took over the mantle of flagship, and it introduced an all-new class of car for Toyota, representing the next level of quality, comfort and refinement. Avalon was the most sophisticated, spacious and best-equipped sedan ever offered by the manufacturer.

Built exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing (TMM) in Georgetown, Ky., Avalon was produced with the needs and desires of the American public in mind. Much of the design of both the interior and exterior was performed by the Toyota Technical Centers (TTC) in Michigan, Arizona and California.

Avalon was powered by a version of the 3.0L, 24-valve all-aluminum V6 engine that was in the Camry. With its 192-horsepower engine (more than the Camry due to different intake and exhaust plumbing), four-speed automatic transmission and superior aerodynamics, Avalon's fuel economy was on par with Camry.

All Avalons were equipped with standard dual airbags and offered ABS as an option.

The 1997 Avalon continued on essentially unchanged, but revised intake and exhaust plumbing resulted in a horsepower increase to 200, up seven. ABS became standard on all models, while traction control became available for the first time.

For 1998, Avalon saw its first minor change with the introduction of chrome front and rear fascia trim, bodyside molding and license-plate bezel. The grille was revised and multi-reflector headlights provided better illumination. The trunk lid incorporated a spoiler-like design, and the jeweled taillights were also new. On the inside, side airbags were made standard, as were pretensioner seatbelts with force-limiters. Optionally available were heated seats with two-position memory. The chassis also underwent extensive reinforcement, resulting in less torsional flex, lower NVH and improved crash-worthiness.

For 2000, Avalon entered its second-generation roomier, more powerful and more technically advanced than its predecessor.

The Avalon has always been a vehicle of firsts for Toyota. It was the first Toyota vehicle built exclusively in America. It was the first true joint venture between Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) of Japan and Toyota Technical Center (TTC) of America. And, it was the first Toyota product to be classified as a domestic vehicle according to CAFE standards. Now the all-new Avalon is the first Toyota vehicle with both a Japanese and an American chief engineer. Furthermore, the all-new Avalon styling was designed at Toyota California design studio in Newport Beach, Calif.

The 2000 Avalon was powered by an improved 3.0L V6 engine with Variable Valve Timing - intelligent (VVT-i) that generated more horsepower and torque, higher fuel efficiency and lower emissions. The engine produced 210 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 220 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. Estimated city/highway fuel economy was 21/29 mpg.

All Avalons featured dual front- and side-airbag systems as standard equipment and offer vehicle skid control, traction control and Brake assist as options.

For the next two model years (2001 and 2002) Avalon carried over unchanged with the exception of a new color, Stratosphere Mica in 2002.

The Avalon entered the 2003 model year with minor changes to the exterior and upgrades to the interior. It featured a new grille, wider lower air intake with a new design for fog lamps, and revised tail lamp configuration. The XLS was upgraded with numerous standard features including driver's side electrochromic mirror, leather-wrapped steering wheel with wood grain-style trim, available remote controlled DVD navigation system, rain-sensing windshield wipers and new 16-inch alloy wheels. The XL grade featured a newly designed multi-information display and perforated leather trim is available.

The Avalon carried over unchanged for the 2004 model year, with the exception of Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). VSC became available as an option on XL models.

For 2005, the all-new third-generation Avalon was completely redesigned to feature improved performance and a more luxurious interior. The Avalon went from final styling approval to production in a mere 18 months, the quickest development time of any North American-produced Toyota.

A sleek grille with chrome accented horizontal bars and character lines defined a more contemporary Avalon profile. From the rear, large tail lamps and an elegantly sculptured trunk defined the Avalon. In addition, dual rear exhaust outlets offered a sporty touch to the vehicle's larger dimensions, which derived from a four-inch longer wheelbase and a one-inch longer width.

The Avalon received an all-new 3.5L, 24-valve VVT-i V6 engine that produced 280 horsepower and 260 lb-ft torque. With this engine, Toyota introduced a unique roller rocker concave cam profile that provided faster opening and later closing of the valves which was a key contribution to Avalon's power increase. Estimated EPA fuel economy ratings were 22 city/31 highway.

The Avalon brought several firsts to the Toyota lineup, including side mirrors featuring memory, integrated LED turn signal and puddle lamp on the Limited grade. Toyota's first low-profile wiper blade was uniquely developed for the Avalon. The one-piece blade assembly contributed to the reduction of frozen blades. In addition, a Remote Engine Starter was made available on all Avalon grades equipped with the factory alarm system as a port-or dealer-installed option.

Interior features of the 2005 Avalon included a seven-way adjustable steering column, sliding armrest, rear flat floor and reclining rear seats.

Front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags and a driver's knee airbag became standard safety features on the 2005 Avalon.

A new Touring grade was also introduced that featured a more firmly tuned suspension, higher coil spring rates, fog lamps, rear lip spoiler, graphite finish wheels and a leather-trimmed charcoal interior.

New features for Limited models included the Smart Key System, power driver's seat cushion length adjuster and driver and front passenger seat heater and fan.

For the 2006 model year, VSC became optional for XL and Touring models. Heated front seats also became options for Touring grade.

For 2007, the Touring trim level offers an optional navigation system, and all models gain a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

For 2008, the Avalon receives a number of changes and upgrades. Outside, a new front bumper, grille and headlamps, and smoked tail lamps; new 17-inch six-spoke wheels are found on the Touring and XLS grades; and the outside handles are chrome. In the interior, the XLS and Limited grades get a new, rich dark wood grain and chrome trip. On all grades, the multi-information display is updated and the audio systems include a standard AM/FM/six-disc CD changer and a standard mini-jack for MP3 players. With the JBL audio upgrade, Bluetooth is also available.

Further accenting the interior is a new leather shift knob, chrome accents on center heating, ventilating and air conditioning and a standard coin holder. XLS and Limited grades get available eight-way power front passenger seat and an available front passenger power lumber adjustment. The XL grade gets an available four-way power front passenger seat with leather trim.

Mechanical upgrades for the 2008 model year include a new six-speed automatic transmission, a new braking system that includes 16-inch front discs and aluminum rear calipers; a standard in-key remote and engine-start (RKE); and rear sun-shade function on Limited.

What does it mean?

Avalon: Named for an island paradise from Celtic mythology. Portrays images of comfort, spaciousness and sophistication.

Where is it built?

All Avalons are built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Georgetown, Ky.

[Jack R. Bosch]

I have a 2000 Toyota Avalon  XL.  Has 210 HP. with 176k miles. Beautiful condition.  Can I put in a 2005  3.5 L 280 HP engine?  Would it require tranny upgrade.  Thanks Jack Bosch.  Gig Harbor, WA