I just traded a 97 Avalon XLS for an 03 XLS. Has anyone else found more wind noise than in the earlier models before style change? And, do you find the handling not as sure and precise. I have Michelin tires that came with it, and thinking maybe that is the problem. Any comments?

I just traded a 97 Avalon XLS for an 03 XLS. Has anyone else found more wind noise than in the earlier models before style change? And, do you find the handling not as sure and precise. I have Michelin tires that came with it, and thinking maybe that is the problem. Any comments?


Handling took a backseat to "ride and comfort" in the 2000+ models, in addition to that damn suspension that literally glides the car making it just about effortless to drive, Toyota put narrower wheels on the car further more sacrificing performance with the stock wheels, although the tires are good. They are for touring, get a set of Dunlops, which well greatly improve your handling for the Avalon.

Wind noise, i noticed it too and I think (imho) it has something to do with the shape of the car to why there is more wind noise. Again Toyota sacrifices an relativly good aero-dynamic design that they had in the previous models for something that is bigger and boxer, therefor adding more wind noise.

There is a TSB for Avalons 2000 and newer regarding the wind noise. They have redesigned the door seals. They're bigger and fatter.