I own a ’08 Limited since last September, and I use octane 87. But I have to admit that using a higher octane may improve slightly the horsepower output because of the 10.8 compression ratio of the 2GR-FE engine. Engines requiring octane 87 usually have a compression ratio below 10, which is more than fine for the high volatile gas 87. As someone else pointed out earlier, higher octane gas ain’t better than lower octane; the fact is, 87 gas is more powerful than any other higher octane. What gives you the extra push in BMWs, Mercede’s, Audi’s, etc is these engine’s high compression ratio, and to accommodate and control that much compression, one need to “tame” the gasoline behavior a little bit by, shall we say, raising the octane (which is just the procedure of adding a whole bunch of chemicals to retard the gasoline tendency to explode under compression).
My ’08 Limited also has a GPS and I’ve heard a lot of complaints about the system software (the map) and hardware (control panel and LCD). Having a touch screen LCD should be considered a minus, since over time, you’ll notice all kind of scratches on the LCD and you’d wonder how these things got in there. The GPS manual is not that very user friendly and it does not tell you everything, but I find the system as a whole pretty good. When it comes to its resolution (vehicle location on the map) is damn excellent; I’d say is within a few feet at worst. In route management, the software is pretty good. A lot of people don’t know this, but the GPS on the Avalon uses two tracking systems that constantly communicate with each other to provide you with the best options automatically: the first is the satellite signals (four satellites are required to spot your location on the screen) and their related peripherals on the car; the second is a gyro sensor on the car and its peripherals (on the car as well). What this means is that your car can guide you even if it does not receive any satellite signal, and loosing satellite signal is an everyday thing. The damn car has what is called “Autonomous Navigation” that relies on the on-board gyro sensor and the map software. Have you notice that when you go under a bypass or tunnel or the likes you don’t loose the “signal” or route guidance and yet still see your car mark on the screen? Even if the satellite signal were blocked forever, your nice Avalon would always guides you. I bet you no Tom-Tom or Garmin Nuvi does that little dirty trick.
I blame Toyota for not providing its customers with all the in’s and out’s of its navigation system. This would certainly alleviate much of the confusion and bad rap surrounding this otherwise wonderful piece of engineering. Just a word of caution: for those with GPS: changing your tire/wheel diameter will greatly affect the accuracy on your GPS. Even having the improper tire pressure many affect accuracy depending on how long you remain under guidance.
I own a ’08 Limited since last September, and I use octane 87. But I have to admit that using a higher octane may improve slightly the horsepower output because of the 10.8 compression ratio of the 2GR-FE engine. Engines requiring octane 87 usually have a compression ratio below 10, which is more than fine for the high volatile gas 87. As someone else pointed out earlier, higher octane gas ain’t better than lower octane; the fact is, 87 gas is more powerful than any other higher octane. What gives you the extra push in BMWs, Mercede’s, Audi’s, etc is these engine’s high compression ratio, and to accommodate and control that much compression, one need to “tame” the gasoline behavior a little bit by, shall we say, raising the octane (which is just the procedure of adding a whole bunch of chemicals to retard the gasoline tendency to explode under compression).
My ’08 Limited also has a GPS and I’ve heard a lot of complaints about the system software (the map) and hardware (control panel and LCD). Having a touch screen LCD should be considered a minus, since over time, you’ll notice all kind of scratches on the LCD and you’d wonder how these things got in there. The GPS manual is not that very user friendly and it does not tell you everything, but I find the system as a whole pretty good. When it comes to its resolution (vehicle location on the map) is damn excellent; I’d say is within a few feet at worst. In route management, the software is pretty good. A lot of people don’t know this, but the GPS on the Avalon uses two tracking systems that constantly communicate with each other to provide you with the best options automatically: the first is the satellite signals (four satellites are required to spot your location on the screen) and their related peripherals on the car; the second is a gyro sensor on the car and its peripherals (on the car as well). What this means is that your car can guide you even if it does not receive any satellite signal, and loosing satellite signal is an everyday thing. The damn car has what is called “Autonomous Navigation” that relies on the on-board gyro sensor and the map software. Have you notice that when you go under a bypass or tunnel or the likes you don’t loose the “signal” or route guidance and yet still see your car mark on the screen? Even if the satellite signal were blocked forever, your nice Avalon would always guides you. I bet you no Tom-Tom or Garmin Nuvi does that little dirty trick.
I blame Toyota for not providing its customers with all the in’s and out’s of its navigation system. This would certainly alleviate much of the confusion and bad rap surrounding this otherwise wonderful piece of engineering. Just a word of caution: for those with GPS: changing your tire/wheel diameter will greatly affect the accuracy on your GPS. Even having the improper tire pressure many affect accuracy depending on how long you remain under guidance.
Amaury García
'08 Limited
Wonderful piece of engineering are we on the same page when we talk about the 07/08 Avalon My experience is Avalon outdated from Navigation period and well useless.You talk about the on-board gyro sensor like that is a huge selling point My Pioneer Z1 has a 3d hybrid sensor combining an extra g force sensor,the 3d hybrid sensor constantly detects height differentials to compensate for location errors which is a lot better vs Anything Toyota has provided at present.
To you statement on this "you’ll notice all kind of scratches on the LCD and you’d wonder how these things got in there" well there is an answer for that it's called an LCD Screen saver and I have that on My Navigation system it's similar to my Pda Cell phone and protects it's finish so problem solved there.
If you want an honest answer I feel Toyota Avalon Navigation system is pretty week .My Hdd pioneer Z1 (hard drive unit) in my Tundra Sound's better then Jbl and offer's touch screen with advanced Voice rec Technology for easy Music access (stored On Hdd).
I blame Toyota for charging a mint for crap people don't intend to use and utilize from Lame technology and design researched . Toyota really Ned's a better system when you can buy a Camry that has a far better navi system then your Premium sedan does It doesn't make any since. I can't wait till Toyota replaces the Avalon soon just a year or so away ..
Erik
Last edited by Tundrav8yamaha; 01-25-2008 at 08:12 PM.
Looks like the Avalon replacement will be a wagon. Vensa (or something like that) was introduced at NAIAS, with plans to build it at Georgetown KY. It's a big crossover with no third row, based on the Camry platform just like the Avalon. Georgetown has flexibility to add a new model, but I'll bet the expected sales numbers on a car like that will push the Avalon right out of existence.
Looks like the Avalon replacement will be a wagon. Vensa (or something like that) was introduced at NAIAS, with plans to build it at Georgetown KY. It's a big crossover with no third row, based on the Camry platform just like the Avalon. Georgetown has flexibility to add a new model, but I'll bet the expected sales numbers on a car like that will push the Avalon right out of existence.
you might mean this yea it's coming late 2008 as a 2009 model
Could you give me the ABCs of the Pioneer 3d hybrid sensor and the extra g force sensor? Why are the extra sensors required for guidance? Could you give me the algorithm of their interaction with the GPS? The only ONE gyro sensor on the Avalon takes care of any deviation incurred by the vehicle (specially in sharp turns).
Back in time, say in the times of the Titanic, gyroscope and "True North" compasses were everything required to get you from point A to point B across the Atlantic, and the margin of errors were just within feet (read FEET). Same basic idea applies to "Autonomous Navigation" systems now-and-day.
Looks like the Avalon replacement will be a wagon. Vensa (or something like that) was introduced at NAIAS, with plans to build it at Georgetown KY. It's a big crossover with no third row, based on the Camry platform just like the Avalon. Georgetown has flexibility to add a new model, but I'll bet the expected sales numbers on a car like that will push the Avalon right out of existence.
I doubt they will be replacing the Avalon with a wagon anytime soon. The Avalon in my opinion will be pushed higher in price point and features than Lexus ES territory and lower than entry level LS next time around. 2010 will be the redesign year. No way will they kill the Avalon name and model. The Vezna really is a Camry wagon as it comes with the 2.7i4 and 3.5 v6.
__________________
2003 Salsa Red Pearl
Last edited by pagemaster; 01-30-2008 at 01:53 AM.
Hwy guys I am a recurring Toyota Addict I have the Avalon '06 and wanting to put ground effects on it (still looking) Touring package suspension firm enough to feel teh road (don't like that big boat feeling with mushy suspension), loving every mile of it. also my osn is still driving the sson to be dead Corolla 1993 with 240,000 miles I drove for a god many years but .. still ticking . . ..
Love the avalon nimble, gas sipping not drinking and comfort isnide are unreal.
highly recommended.
Re: 2008 Avalon opinion
My experience is Avalon outdated from Navigation period and well useless
.You talk about the on-board gyro sensor like that is a huge selling point My Pioneer Z1 has a 3d hybrid sensor combining an extra g force sensor,the 3d hybrid sensor constantly detects height differentials to compensate for location errors which is a lot better vs Anything Toyota has provided at present.
Re: 2008 Avalon opinion
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