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 101 through 110 of 1,098.00-
Excellent eye catching car! - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
By blr1620 - March 12 - 8:43 pmI have owned my toyota solara sle since september of 2004. I love this car. Fun to drive. eye catcher, everyone asks to see inside of it. Lots of room in the main part of the car and lots of room in the trunk. The only maintenance issue I had was egr valve gaskets, cheap and easy fix. I drove the car from oregon to arizona straight there only stops for gas. No problems.
-
Best of the best - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By MikeLR - March 5 - 2:00 amAn absolute must have vehicle for the automobile enthusiast. With its superb handling, breathtaking design, and powerful engine, this is surely one of Toyotas best vehicles to date.
-
I am spoiled! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By Lairg - February 28 - 3:50 pmThis is the funnest car I have ever owned. Love the top down year round in Florida. It looks like money without being out of the average persons price range.
-
I was satisfied until yesterday........ - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
By Shauna - February 25 - 10:00 amI was the proud owner of a 2000 Solara until a 16 year old kid decided to run into the back of me and toss me into another car and another lane of traffic on yesterday. Despite it all, my Solara held up remarkably well according to the SC Highway Patrolman that investigated the accident. This was my dream car, the car that I searched the East Coast to find with all of the options I wanted (even alloy wheels), the color I wanted, it was Toyota Certified AND it was within my budget. I only had it for 4 months and now it is a faded memory....it was a really great car. Im sure Ill never find another one like her.....
-
Not a Shock, the average rating is a 9! - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
By yogi22 - February 25 - 10:00 amFigures the average rating would be a 9. If I was aked that is what I would say. Top Down a 10, Top up an 8. When its up you have to deal with convertible rattle (nothing when the radio is on). Down, it turns heads and performs well. This is NOT a Sports Car, so stop comparing it to Eclipse, Camaro and Stang. Compared to Cabrio and Sebring this car is the only choice. Toyota Service and Reliablity is priceless and what you pay more for it up front, you will get back when (and if) you trade it in.
-
Would buy again! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By Frank - February 25 - 9:43 amSoft ride, comfortable seats, fair gas mileage, not a road racer, great looking, not costly to run or own, the ladies love it with the top down, large trunk space, easy low cost upkeep, always starts, quiet as a convertible can be, 10 second top up or down, interior build quality is excellent.
-
Camry Solara Sport - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
By Torres - February 13 - 5:40 pmThe Solara V-6 is a very efficient vehicle providing approximate 36 miles per gallon. At this time, after replacing the air filter for a high flow filter I am getting about 400 miles per tank of fuel on the highway. Yes it is a 3.3 V-6! The vehicle has enough power for a mid size and is very comfortable for a two door, two adults fit on the rear seats without compromising comfort.
-
Fun Car At A Great Price - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By Adam - February 9 - 2:46 pmSo far this car has been great. I took it on a long trip from Florida to New York and it did great. The fuel economy averaged in the 30s and the ride was comfortable and smooth. Although it is only a 4-cylinder engine it has good power and pickup.
-
nice... - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
By idacosmo - February 7 - 2:00 amthe only thing i regret is why i didnt buy the trim with leather and rear spoiler..and why it is silver instead of black?? (they should make more black cars) my mistake..othrwise,a dream car for the money. dealrship was not helpful/professional at all,they failed my test.i will buy toyota again,but never from the same people.
-
Great Car! - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
By Solara Power - January 28 - 10:36 amIts an amazing car. Ive added a Magnaflow exhaust system, and my 5M V6 sounds amazing. Love the V6. Great passing power. Handles well in snow. Love the JBL! system. The throws are a little long, but it is overall very smooth. Only down side is turning radius and handling in extremely tight quarters.
