Avalon troubles put dent in Toyota quality

Universally recognized as the leader in reliability and build quality, Toyota is taking a hit to that reputation due to a new model that is "plagued with problems." The 2006 Avalon is causing a lot of owners grief, according to columnist Mark Rechtin. "There have been significant throttle control and transmission hesitation issues," says Avalon owner Alan Seider, 45, a computer consultant from Roswell, Ga. "I've isolated 15 different rattles in the body work." Seider is far from alone, says Rechtin. "Internet chat rooms are littered with complaints from Toyota loyalists about the redesigned Avalon, which went on sale in February 2005."