The 1996 Toyota Avalon marks the debut of the Avalon lineup. High on comfort, this sedan caters to the full-size segment with a spacious interior and a smooth ride. Under the hood, a 192-hp, 3.0-liter V6 engine works in tandem with a 4-speed automatic transmission, delivering power to the front wheels. Two trims are available, namely the XL and the more upscale XLS. Each model comes with dual front airbags and antilock brakes, amongst other standard safety features. The 1996 Avalon, with its generous helpings of luxury, played a crucial role in defining Toyota's brand image in the US as a producer of not just economy cars, but also more premium, high-quality vehicles.