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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Solid and smooth - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By Judson Souers - August 17 - 10:50 amThis is a stylish, well built and all around great value for the money. I have driven this car for a year and have had zero problems.
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One Unsatisfied Customer - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By Patrick Le - August 11 - 2:00 amLearning that the new Solara was a new model and built in America kind of worried me.I said to myself what could go wrong?Its a Toyota and its new. I bought mine at Toyota North Hollywood and after 400 miles on it, there was a problem with the cars allignment.I took it back to the dealer and it took them the whole day to find out that its "toe" went out.Whatever that means.I had to take it back next day early in the morning to have them disassembled the car and fix whatever the problem they stated. The service manager even stated that its a first year model and one should expect problems.
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unreliable - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
By upset - August 8 - 2:00 amSince owning my 99 Solara I have had numerous mechanical problems. I had to replace the engine in October 01and starter motor in March 02. This car sure hasnt met my expectations of Toyota quality.
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Happy owner - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By Bruce - August 7 - 2:30 amThe Solara is everything I hoped for. It has a smooth ride with great acceleration and handling. The interior is very comfortable and the sound system is fantastic.
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Wrinkled ragtop - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
By pjb - July 28 - 10:00 amMuch quieter and smoother riding than my Sebring Conv., but the wrinkles next to the back window and next to the side windows are ugly and embarrassing. The wind noise with the top up is inexcusable. Its a good car but with an amaturish convertible top.
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Fun Car to Drive - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By JLB - July 25 - 10:00 amWonderful car! First converticvle since a Fiat Spyder nearly 10 years ago ... this one "feels" solid and muscular. Also glad to have Toyota quality and reputation. Drove it off lot not knowing mileage and have been EXTREMELY happy with > 30 mpg. Would buy this car again and wish I had done so sooner!
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Good Car - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
By Gary - July 23 - 9:33 pmJust purchased with lots of miles. Car was a 1 owner with lots of TLC. Only complaints so far is the gas pedal sticks, and vibration in the steering wheel when applying the brakes. Overall very nice ride.
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Jeffs review - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By fertdawg - July 19 - 10:00 amThis car looks great on the outside as well as the insdie but the performance is sub-par. Pick up is sluggish compared to other v-6s in the market. The transmittion also has its own problems as it tends to rush into third gear, abd the driver gets the feeling of anticipation as the transmittion down shifts. While slowing down at a red light, and it turns green, pressing on the accelerater will make the transmittion jump awkardly. After market parts are hard to get. For example, to get a aftermarket head unit you would have to get a new kit for that section of the dashboard, becuase the current dash board theme is samll.
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Ridcockulous ride! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By Dingleberry - July 19 - 10:00 amthis car is so hot everywhere i go people stare. of course mines souped up but nonetheless its hot and it gets the attention it rightfully deserves
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Runnemede - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
By H. Lyle Jones - July 17 - 2:00 amI have really enjoyed the response. It is very manuverable in traffic. I switched from a full size Cadillac to the Toyota Solara and from day one I have been very pleased. I do not miss the Cadillac.
