Toyota Announces Prices for 2003 Avalon Full-Size Sedan

TORRANCE, Calif., June 10 -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. released manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the 2003 Avalon full-size sedan, which arrives at dealer showrooms June 11.

The 2003 Avalon offers greater value thanks to numerous styling and convenience enhancements at attractive pricing. Exterior refinements include an all-new grille with chrome-plated horizontal bars and surround, a redesigned front bumper with new fog lamps and a widened air intake that provides a more stable and sophisticated appearance. An added look of elegance is achieved with new combination tail lamps with stacked red and clear lenses and a redesigned chrome garnish. On the Avalon XL grade, 16-inch alloy wheels are now available on all luxury packages, while a new five-spoke 16-inch alloy wheel design is available on all XLS option packages.

Avalon interior refinements include a new layered meter gauge background on all grades, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with wood-grain accents as standard equipment on the premium XLS grade. Additionally, perforated leather-trim interior is now available on the base XL grade. All Avalon now receive standard multi-stage front air bags and Child Restraint System rear seat lower anchor and tether anchor brackets.

Many advanced technological features are added to the 2003 Avalon including a standard air filtration system on the XL grade, standard rain-sensing windshield wipers and driver-side electrochromic auto-dimming outside mirror on the XLS. The XLS also offers a remote control DVD navigation system.

The 2003 Avalon offers improved value through luxury package discounts ranging from $1,200 to $1,500. All luxury packages include:

Remote keyless entry 16-inch alloy wheels power leather-trimmed seats leather steering wheel and shift knob JBL audio system Avalon's tremendous value is further reflected in its base pricing for 2003. The base MSRP for all Avalon grades remains unchanged from last year, with prices ranging from $25,845 for the XL grade with bucket seats to $30,405 for the XLS grade with bucket seats.

Avalon is manufactured exclusively at Toyota's Georgetown, Ky. production facility.