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:
Showing 1031 through 1040 of 1,098.00-
My Solara, the little red Ferrari - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
By Joeg243 - July 11 - 10:00 amThis is my second Solara. My first was a 99 w/ 4cyl and stick(very rare find) in white diamond pearl with cloth oak interior. My 03 is an SLE/v-6 in red flame met. w/ ivory leather and every option available.The V-6 is quick and you would think you were riding in a Lexus if you didnt know that its a Toyota. I also have an "03 Tundra SR5 Access Cab.
-
MAKES AN OLD MAN FEEL DECADES YOUNGER! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By Richard Thies - July 5 - 10:00 amOwning a Solara SLE is like driving a dream car! This is so close to having a Lexus, you can taste it. It was love at first sight, & its great having one of the first ones in Omaha. I used to draw cars as a teenager, so can appreciate the curvaceous lines of this sculptural work of art. The interior is glamorous, sleek, and invitingly perfect! Driving the automatic with the upshifting/downshifting capabilities is just so much fun, especially in city stop & go traffic. It makes me feel like a kid again! I LOVE THIS CAR!!!
-
I love my car - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
By jill - June 22 - 8:33 amI have owned my Solara for 8 yrs. Never had major problems with it. It just hit 100,000 miles and still love my car. People find it hard to believe that the car is 8 yrs old. Recently bought a 2010 Camry sedan. Usually, I get the new car and my husband drives the old car. Since I still love my car, I did not want to give my Solara up, so my husband is driving the new car.
-
Fun to Drive - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
By Paul - June 16 - 9:33 pmIve owned the 2002 Toyota Solara Convertable for 3 years now, and I still enjoy driving it, particularly around town, somewhat less so on the highway (especially with the top down, when wind noise can be tiring). For a convertible, you probably cant do better in this price range. I note a few rattles at high speeds, and lately the brakes "shimmy" when slowing from highway speeds, but Ive had no mechanical trouble with this car-- just change the oil, rotate the tires, typical wonderful Toyota reliability.
-
Love my Solara.... - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By Brian P - June 11 - 4:20 amI love this car...the styling is what caught my eye,but after driving it,the ride is just incredible...I can also say is without a doubt the quietest car in terms of filtering out exterior noise that I have ever driven.I also love the highway mpg..right now at 31 mpg...
-
comfortable - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
By Doris - June 9 - 2:00 amI just love it. The seats are so comfortable. It is fun to drive
-
My Second Solara Convertible - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By Marty - June 8 - 3:00 pmI recently went to pick up my wifes new 2005 RAV-5 and while I was there I happened to ask what they had in new Solara Convertibles. I was only a little over 2 years into my 4 year lease on the one I had but the 2006 was such a beautiful and well equipped car I couldnt help myself. We have had MANY Toyotas since 1993 and the only repair was a catylic converter one one. My 2003 Solara was a truly nice car but this one is so much more comfortable, better handling, powerful, and high in creature comforts I had to have it. I LOVE it. It is fun to drive, handles great from 25 to 95 mph, and I cannot believe all the unsolicited compliments I get with it - especially with the top down. Marty
-
Beautiful - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By Big Daddy T - June 7 - 10:00 amI have baught new cars every 2-4 years for the last 32 years. This is hands down the best investment I ever made. Do not buy this car enless you love being noticed. It really brings the looks and comments.
-
It saved us - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
By cyberplaid - June 3 - 2:00 amThe sad story is that I no longer have this car. Totaled. It good news is that it saved our lives. Unbelievable construction/quiet/responsive/roomy and can take a 60 mph rear end hit. Felt only like a bumper car hit us in the back. Im replacing the 2002 with a 2003!!!
-
Fun4life - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
By Nichole - May 28 - 10:40 pmI purchased this car in lieu of the 4 dr Camry, its so much sportier. Great handling. The trunk is HUGE for a coupe so Ive got lots of room for shopping bags. The turning radius is awesome and it just glides over bumps in the road. The V6 has lots of power for get up and go. A must for Atlanta traffic!
