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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Great Car - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
By RickH - February 11 - 7:56 amBought the SLE Convertible used with 40K miles. It has been a great car. I added aftermarket heated seats (about $350) and an XM commander radio with PIE adaptor (it plays using the CD button and not with FM modulator). Normal oil changes and maintenance - car runs great and is a blast to drive on sunny days, especially in the spring and fall. Mileage is about 24/gallon. Quiet ride with the top up.
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Like a Lexus - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
By Frank - February 10 - 6:56 amI have owned over 7 toyotas. This one is one of the best yet. It is a good looking, comfortable, fun car to drive. It resembles the Lexus SC 400 but much roomier. I have owned it since June (one of the first off the line). Ive got just over 3000 miles on it and have not been back to the dealer for a single problem, perfect from day one. I am very satisfied thus far and happy I purchased it.
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No complaints - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By Nevada Toyota Buyer - February 9 - 2:00 amWhat a well-designed car...safety and security are well thought out, windows and sunroof can be closed after the key is removed (up to 43 seconds later) and a satellite radio built in! Its a quiet, smooth riding car with a sporty look, not the boxy sedan of the four-door Camry. Service is minimal (120K spark plug change, oil changes recommended every 5,000 miles), fit and finish are outstanding, a great personal car. I am enjoying the driving experience as much as any car I have ever had.
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Great Car - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
By jrsat01 - February 7 - 7:53 pmI bought this as a cert used with 9000 miles... currently has over 260000 without "any" problems... normal wear and tear... tires, brakes, oil changes etc... still get around 28 mpg, can only say its no wonder Chrysler and GM are having problems... this car is quick, quiet and very dependable. This was/is a great car.
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One of the best - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By Michael Temkin - February 4 - 10:00 amThis is a terrific convertible for anyone who does not require "name" cars. As much fun as the BMW and Mercedes all of which I have owned .I owned a 2001 Toyota convertible which I traded in. This new model is 100% better & I liked the 2001 model. These are great cars at a fair price!
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Fantastic Car - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
By addiesue - February 2 - 11:41 amI bought my Solara in 2006 with 78,000 miles and it now has 242,000 miles on it. I have only replace the flex pipe on the exhuast,the driver side door window glide bar and the calipers on the front brakes total cost for parts so far is less than $500.00 it still runs great and get around 30-32 miles per gallon and burns no oil.I had a 1993 Lexus LS400 before I bought this car and it had 330,000 miles with no problems, so it also was a great also car.
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Solara SE Convertible - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By sazaman - January 30 - 10:00 amThis is a very good value for money, if you have to have a convertible. The interior is quiet with the top up. The optional sound system is not upto the mark. The car rattles moderately when hits rough roads or a pothole. Overall, a good convertible, probably the best value, can be used as a family sedan too. Luggage boot is adequate for most travels. For general day to day traveling, I liked my Honda Accord much much better. Even the acceleration of the 3.3L is not much better than a 4-cyl Accord. Road handling poorer than Accord 4-cyl. The cluth-less manual shift is good but even Kia has a better system.
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My convertible - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By R. Christianson - January 30 - 10:00 amMy review is stated in the following two items. I dont like the way the top folds. The boot is clumsy. One cannot see out the back clearly thanks to the headrests which I have been told do not remove.
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Awesome Solara - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By Rob Charland - January 27 - 4:36 pmI have just purchased this vehicle used and never would have thought that I would buy an imported vehicle! My last 20 cars were all "Big Three" manufactured and they had more than their share of problems. I have only heard good things about Toyotas so I figured I would buy one to see for myself. I intend to keep this vehicle for approx. 15 years and have been told by other Toyota owners and mechanics that it will go longer than 15 years if maintained properly!
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rulez - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
By akwalk - January 26 - 2:00 amVery well made, very comfortable, the quietest ride of any car ive ever owned. The engine is also quiet, and the interior is well-thought out.
