For 2008, the Toyota Avalon gets some styling updates, interior upgrades and, perhaps most significantly, a new six-speed automatic transmission. Yet its calling card hasn't changed significantly. The Avalon remains a very quiet, comfortable, five-seat sedan that's easy to drive and great to travel in.

The Avalon rides like a magic carpet, almost impervious to the worst roads you'll travel. Its delivers good acceleration and good mileage for such a roomy car. Its automatic transmission is quick shifting and decisive. It's pleasant to drive for just about any purpose, and it won't fail you if you happen to be in a hurry.

The interior is finished with quality materials and equipped with ergonomically functional controls. The front seats are roomy and comfortable, the back seat downright spacious. Empty-nesters will appreciate Avalon for its flexibility, and families for its manageable base price, which includes a good stereo with CD changer and most of the features anyone really needs.

Still, the Avalon stands out most for smoothness and quiet operation. The tranquility is a function of many things, including its underlying design, vibration mitigating features and good build quality. Whatever the reasons, the Avalon is smoother and quieter than many sedans that cost a lot more. It offers solace in a busy world, and it helps minimize the stress and aggravation that are increasingly by-products of commuting and running errands on our crowded streets and highways.

Avalon is equipped with the latest safety technology, including a full complement of front, side and head-protection airbags. It scores well in government and insurance-industry crash tests. It also offers important active safety features that help drivers avoid accidents in the first place. However, its Vehicle Stability Control skid-management system is an option rather than standard equipment, and we recommend adding it to the bottom line.