In the fall of 1995 your local Toyota dealer was changed forever. The debut of the Toyota Avalon was introduced in a class all its own. After the descent of the Toyota Cressida the Camry was introduced, then the Avalon. It was a precise representation of highest level of class and comfort. It proved to be the most advanced and stylish sedan to come out of the manufacturer.

The Avalon is built exclusively at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant in Georgetown, Kentucky. It was first designed to better meet the needs and demands of the American market. Toyota left most of the design portion of the manufacturing to the Toyota Technical Centers located in Michigan, Arizona, and California.

The Avalon was similar to the Toyota Camry right down to the engine. It sported a version of the 3.0 liter, 24 valve, all-aluminum V6 engine, yet it offered more horsepower than the Camry. When compared to the Camry’s fuel economy, the Avalon scored par for the course.

The Avalon remained virtually unchanged through 1997. The first minor change emerged in the 1998 model. Toyota introduced a chrome front and rear fascia trim, as well as, bodyside molding and license plate bezel. Changes were made front to back with a revised grille and a trunk lid with a spoiler-like design. The interior got just as much of a facelift. Side air bags became standard along with pretensioner seatbelts.

In 2000 the Avalon unveiled a second-generation model that proved to be a much roomier version than the previous, not to mention the technical and power improvements. The Avalon was a vehicle of firsts for Toyota. It is the first Toyota vehicle to be engineered under the collaboration of a Japanese and American engineer.

Today the Avalon has held true to its class and sophistication roots while meeting the ever changing needs of the American car owner.

Time to buy a car?  It can be difficult trying to find the right vehicle when the time comes.  With the economy and fluctuating gas prices making things a little tough these days, Toyota has a brought a few solutions to the table.  Two of their solutions are the Prius Hybrid and the Camry Hybrid.  These vehicles are very affordable.  In fact, their price will shock you.

The Prius has changed the meaning of Hybrid completely.  In the past, the word hybrid meant great gas savings in a not so good looking vehicle.  The 2010 Toyota Prius is a super attractive looking vehicle with even better gas savings than ever before.  The exterior design of the 2010 Prius is not just for looks though; there is a reason for it:  aerodynamics.  The smooth sloping front and back end that has gained most of the attention from the press actually cuts the wind easier.  So when you take to the highway on a windy day, the uncomfortable jerky ride that you’re so used to experiencing is over.

So what does this aerodynamic design and the application of the latest hybrid technology provide for gas mileage? 48 mpg in the city and 51 on the highway.  I know what you’re thinking; this vehicle must be credulously priced then.  Nope. The average price is between $22,000 and $27,000.

Do you like a quiet comfortable ride?  Of course you do.  The Camry gives you even more.  Now you can have all that and a save money while getting to the destination.  The Toyota Camry was redesigned in 2008 to increase the room for the driver and each passenger, allowing a more comfortable ride.  With the roominess being a big hit with buyers, Toyota kept it in their design for 2009 and 2010.  With just a few cosmetic improvements in each of the successive years, the Camry now looks better than ever.  What about the gas mileage? In this amazing looking vehicle, Toyota has applied hybrid technology to make your wallet comfortable.  So how much can you expect to save? Quite a bit.  The Camry Hybrid gets 33/34 mpg city/highway.  It must be expensive then? Nope. The average price is $25,500.

Now that you have decided on a Hybrid, head down to the number one Toyota Dealership in St. Louis, Spirit Toyota and test drive a new or used Toyota today.  You won’t be disappointed.