Overview & Reviews
Introduced as sportier siblings to the mainstay midsize Camry sedan, the Toyota Camry Solara coupe and convertible quietly enjoyed a reputation for being reliable, well built and pleasantly styled, if not excitingly so. For most family sedans, such qualities are certainly considered desirable, but when it comes to coupes and convertibles, we think that a little fun and pizzazz should figure in as well. The Camry Solara never offered much in terms of excitement, but that didn't prevent it from being a popular choice for a midsize two-door.
For both generations of the Solara, rear-seat room was generous and safety ratings and feature content were impressive. Smooth four-cylinder or V6 power resided under the hood, and overall the Toyota Camry Solara was reasonably priced and offered great value considering all that it delivered.
If you're looking for a sport-oriented coupe or convertible, the Toyota Camry Solara isn't going to be your best choice. And the most recent Camry Solara convertible's traditional fabric top can be seen as a bit dowdy given that many competing models from the same time period offer retractable hardtop designs. But if you treasure overall quality, value and comfort, there are few coupes or convertibles that put it all together as well as the Camry Solara.
Most Recent Toyota Camry Solara
The most recent Toyota Camry Solara was the second-generation model and was sold from 2004-'08. It was based on the 2002-'06 Camry sedan and was available as a midsize coupe or convertible in SE, SE Sport and SLE trim levels.
The standard engine on the Camry Solara coupe was a 2.4-liter four-cylinder rated at 157 horsepower and 158 pound-feet of torque, mated to either a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic (four-speed prior to '06). Optional on coupes and standard on convertibles was a 3.3-liter V6 rated at 210 horses and 220 lb-ft of torque. Prior to 2007, horsepower ratings will appear to be greater; however, this was due to a change in the way horsepower is measured rather than an actual output change. No manual transmission was available with this smooth engine, but the automatic was a modern five-speed with a manual-shift gate for those who like to select their own gears. On the road, the Toyota Camry Solara's suspension tuning delivered a comfortable ride. The added stiffness of the SE Sport model gave it enough capability to provide some fun through corners while still maintaining the civilized ride quality of the other models.
The base SE was decently equipped with most modern convenience features, while the Sport version added a firmer suspension, 17-inch wheels, an exterior body kit, xenon HID headlights and unique interior trim. The top-drawer SLE provided a few extra luxury-oriented standard features. Major options included stability control and a navigation system (which was upgraded for '07).
The Solara's front seats offer plenty of room for even the tallest drivers, but the rear seats are still best reserved for short trips. While Solara coupes can seat three passengers snugly in back, the Camry Solara convertible can accommodate just two. The Solara convertible's standard power top could be raised and lowered in just 10 seconds, and it stowed neatly under a tonneau cover that matched the color of the interior.
Past Toyota Camry Solara Models
The Camry Solara originally debuted for 1999 and was produced through 2003. Mechanically, it was related to the 1997-2001 Camry sedan. Toyota hoped its new two-door would appeal to consumers who wanted the style of a sporty car but the room and comfort of a larger, more practical vehicle. In the first year, only the coupe was sold, but Toyota added the convertible version for model-year 2000.
For this Camry Solara's run, Toyota offered the familiar SE or SLE trim levels. Initially, Toyota offered either a 2.2-liter, 135-hp four-cylinder engine or a 3.0-liter, 192-hp V6. Either engine could be had with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. For 2002, Toyota introduced a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 157 hp. Revised front and rear styling was also introduced that year. For 2003 and beyond, Toyota discontinued the manual transmission option for the V6.
At the time, we commented favorably about the Toyota Camry Solara's roomy cabin and smooth engines. Downsides included a lack of driving or styling excitement and the absence of some higher-end features, such as stability control and a navigation system.
User Reviews:
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Fun Car - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
By Bob - April 15 - 2:16 amI had my choices narrowed down to a Camry XLE four cylinder and the six cylinder Solara Sport. The dealer was offering them both at the same price and I was leaning towards the Camry in my head and the Solara in my heart. I could not go wrong either way. Ive had the Solara for a month LOVE it! The ride and handling are great and I really like the looks both inside and out. The power is great, but I also dont mind the DC rush hours when it is stop and go. I will recommend the car to anybody who asks.
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2008 Solara Sport Convertible - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
By Steve in Rockville - April 12 - 9:46 amI did quite a bit of research and drove a number of convertibles before buying the Solara. All convertibles have "blind spots"... It is the nature of the car. I selected the Solara Sport convertible based on expected dependability (as per Consumer Reports, Edmunds, and Kelly Blue Book). I am not a "leather interior fan" and I liked the look/feel of the sport package fabric. The car has decent pick-up and provides acceptable MPG (I am getting about 24 combined so far, but I have less than 1,000 miles on the car, so I am hoping/expecting some improvement).
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Love it! - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
By mister_chunko - April 12 - 7:33 amHave owned for one month. Love the car. There are blind spots, however. The interior is luxurious and spacious. The trunk is huge!! The layout of the interior is very nice and easy to use. I love the bluetooth and the built in garage opener. The car is sporty and fun to drive. Ive had many compliments on it.
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My third Toyota is the best ever! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By Elizabeth - April 11 - 8:16 amLove this car! Beautiful to the eye, inside and out and smooth ride. Easy handling. Nicely appointed interior. I enjoy all the extras as I spend alot of time on the road. One negative is a blind spot to cars approaching from the rear.All in all this is a Great Car!
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Spend Less Get More! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By polished prince - April 10 - 2:00 amBottom line, 04 Solara is the best sporty coupe for the money. It beats out Maxima, Accord, Mazda 6, and Chrysler 300M and 300C to come. The design has a flowing continuity from front to rear no other car can match. The interior is as impeccable as the lunar mist finish is flawless. The drive is tight in curves and as quiet and smooth as many much larger luxury cars. Although not a race car, by any means, this vehicle with the Lexus 6 and a gated shifter can still widen some eyes. The people spending more on Lexus and Infinity are not doing so and getting better cars than this -- but dont tell them this!
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Quality - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By jimmm - April 10 - 2:00 amThis vehicle drives like a luxery sedan. It does not have the responsiveness or "Oomph" of a sports vehicle, but if you are aware of this and not opposed to that fact, then this is a real quality ride.
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My first (but not last) Convertible - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
By ec - April 2 - 10:30 amIm 55 yrs old and this is my first ever convertible! So much fun, I dont know why it took me so long. I may have a park assist (back up alarm) added on to mine. There is somewhat of a blind spot.
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One of the Best Convertable cars around - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By mzna - March 31 - 10:00 amthe only down side i must say is that the price on it, and Toyota quality and relaibility is undoubtable. The best feature is the console for absolutly wonderful.
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Great Car - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
By Great Car - March 15 - 7:23 amI bought this car used and to this day I dont have a bad any thing. It is a great car from day one. I bought with 72k now have 139k still running strong. I would recommend this car to anyone looking into buying a solar.
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MY REVIEW - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
By EDLER - March 13 - 12:10 pmI have owned and driven this vehicle for more then three years without any problem other than ordinary maintainance.
