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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  Good value - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By DB - May 3 - 9:46 pm

  Have had for 4 years. Smooth, quiet, only replaced tires during this time. Dependable, and enjoyable to drive. Excellent sound system. Very reliable. Expect to have this car for many years to come.

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  Very Reliable Car - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By enrik - April 30 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 99 Solara for 5-1/2 years now and have not had a single problem with it. The only expenses have been for maintenance. My daily 40 mile commute to and from work is very comfortable and effortless in this car.

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  Reliability, Performance and Fun - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By shbhatia - April 24 - 7:36 am

  I bought this used 2000 Solara in 2004 with 24K miles on it. It has Potent V6 engine, Stick shift, leather interiors, sunroof... everything. I wanted to go for a BMW 330Ci but got this baby for less than half the price. I am extremely happy with the decision. This car is so comfortable that I can drive from Virginia to NY with minimum fatigue, a sports car can kill you for doing that. Its so reliable almost maintenance free. It very quiet to drive and pickup is unbelievable for a car of this size... it can fit 5 adults, 6+ comfortably... fuel economy is good, looks great. Not to forget the sound system that great too... In short there is nothing bad about this car that I can share....

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  Love my SLE Convertible - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By JLB - April 23 - 6:10 am

  I ordered my SLE convertible in June 2005, and it arrived in October 2005. I wanted the ground effects and the only way I could get it on an SLE was to order it from the factory. The car is great to drive and now that spring is almost here, Ill enjoy it even more. I get lots of compliments whenever I drive it. The exterior design is sexy, but not too over the top. Ive wanted a convertible for many years, and Im glad I waited to buy this one. For the price, quality, and reliability, you cant go wrong buying a Solara.

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  I love my car! - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Tonya - April 22 - 4:16 am

  I have been waiting to buy this car for two years and I am not disappointed at all. It is everything I hoped it would be. I love driving my new car!

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  Just try to pass me! - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By mi_trang_thui - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Wow! Ive finally found a car that I feel comfortable and relaxed in! I do more driving than the average person and most of it is in the city. Ive had Mazdas, VWs, Chryslers and several others. I very much appreciate the stability and comfort of my SLE. The leather is nice and the stereo is fun to crank. So far no mechanical problems and I have a feeling it will stay that way for some time.

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  Beauty, Safety and Function - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Ohio Silver - April 16 - 5:23 pm

  This Car drives like a dream

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  Will never buy a Toyota again - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Debby - April 16 - 11:46 am

  I wanted a convertible so badly and picked this one (my first Toyota). It has the worst pickup of any car I have ever driven. My VW Beetle was more powerful than this car. I am hesitant when on a ramp to get on a highway because the car fails the get up and go you need. My lease is over in two years and I cant wait!!! On the positive side, it is nice to drive with the top down on a nice day. Oh by the way, the rear window is very poor in terms of visibility so be careful when backing up.

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  Love at first sight - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By roni - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in March 2003. I love the way it looks, and drives. Great for highway driving.

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  Great car and having fun! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Alamo guy - April 11 - 8:30 am

  Just into my 3000 miles and I love the vehicle. Comfortable driving .... good acceleration and fun with the top down on a road trip. Plent of compliments from strangers and most are surprised by the price. Biggest problem is getting my daughters from behind the wheel.