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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  Just replace the brakes and its perfect - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Sugarfixx28 - May 27 - 10:20 pm

  I lovingly call my Solara MILAGROS because its a miracle that I was able to get this car. This is by far the best car I have ever driven! At first I was shooting for an AUDI, but when I came across my Solara, wow was I surprised! With the exception of shaky brakes, its perfect! I even turn heads where ever I go (Milagros is Periwinkle). Its a luxury sports coupe, handles the road beautifully, especially the turns! The sound system is spectacular (trust me, Im an Audio Engineer, I know what Im talking about!) The 6 disc CD player is such a great bonus, the trunk is huge, and theres lots of leg room in the back, more than any other coupe Ive driven. I love it!!!

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  1999 SLE V6 - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By MARK - May 24 - 10:00 am

  EXCELLENT RIDE FOR MONEY! I WOULD CONSIDER THIS CAR A POOR MANS LEXUS..HA HA!!! RESPONSIVE V6, GOOD TO EXCELLENT STEERING. GREAT COMFORT... LASTELY--BEST LOOKING COUPE IN CLASS BY FAR!

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  Great first car - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By senioritis - May 22 - 4:00 am

  Had the car for about two weeks now. Im 17 years old and am satisfied with this car. I wish I had gotten the v6, but the 4-cylinder engine has proven to be more economical, getting a lot of miles to the gallon. Wish that it came with 17 inch rims like the SLE models. But other than that, its a great car.

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  Super Solara SLE Convertible - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jayare - May 15 - 5:13 pm

  Great: interior appointments, ease of top operation, air conditioning, styling is awesome, sat radio, riding comfort, acceleration, quietness, rear seat space/comfort, trunk space, running lights, steering wheel audio controls, brakes, price, Toyota reliability and quality control, half the price of a Lexus coupe yet looks a lot like one, VSC a great safety add Good: fuel economy, cup storage Not so good: rear visibility through small window and large rear pillars make for obscure parking (suggest a back-up camera as original equipment); cant use an automated car wash; no side panel protection - easy to pick up dings Overall: outstandingly fun to drive and own

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  Toyota Solara Convertible SLE V6 - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Sylvia Gallina - May 14 - 2:36 am

  This car handles like a sport car. Very stable and hugs the curves like a dream on the mountain roads. Also, the ability to shift from automatic to manual is great both going up and down hills.

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  99 Solara - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By kmarie - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Love it! Fun to drive. Lots of get up and go and feel safe in it.

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  Just what we were waiting for! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Bryant McCrary - May 8 - 10:13 pm

  We love everything about our Solara convertible except that the visibility of cars to your right is terrible, even dangerous.

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  Comfy, not sporty - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Michael Betcher - May 8 - 5:56 pm

  Fast enough, good-handling enough for the occasional spirited flog, but this car makes me want to drive slowly and enjoy the open-air experience rather than rush to get somewhere. The cockpit is very calm with the top down, and even more so if the front windows are up. I believe the cabin is even more quiet than my wifes Maxima when the top is up, perhaps a function of the sound-deadening quality of the fabric top. Definitely a smooth and stylish cruiser, with all the practical amenities of an everyday driver. It makes a routine drive enjoyable, and what more can you ask?

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  Frosty Dream - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Curley - May 6 - 10:00 am

  The Solara is a dream to drive. Smooth, peppy, and chics dig it. I love the plethora of features that one might not expect to find in a car with the Solara’s price.

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  Sport Convertible - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Toyota Loyal - May 5 - 3:10 pm

  This is my 2nd Solara and I love it! The vehicle is not a "sports" car, not good for those who want the (unnecessary) acceleration and zip of other sport cars. This is more of a cruising/touring vehicle. Feels like a hot knife through butter on the road, velvety ride, smooth handling. Handles very luxuriously and the sport trim adds a little more pizzaz with the interior carbon trim (as opposed to woodgrain), sport pedals and ground effect. Very quiet on the road, top up or down. Bluetooth is impressive even with the top down on the interstate - conversations are easy.