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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  Beautiful car! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By lamarb - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a beautiful car, outstanding quality, beautiful interior, and quiet as a kitten. The JBL sound system is superb. It handles beautifully and is a blast to drive. Many have asked if it were a Lexus. All things considered, its the best car I have ever owned.

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  its good - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jjgne - October 14 - 10:00 am

  its very nice car and also fun to drive.

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  Love this car - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By edukder - October 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is GREAT. I love the way it feels and it can rock & roll if you need it to. The problems of the 2001 have all been worked out and this little honey is a real eye turner. I wouldt change for anything.

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  SLE Solara - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Earl - October 12 - 1:33 am

  Quietest convertible that I have ever owned. Very low wind noise with the top up. Motor is very quiet, have to watch the tach sometimes to see if it is running. Top goes up and down easily.

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  A few things to consider - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Alatha - October 11 - 10:00 am

  In Toyotas infinite wisdom, they have preprogrammed the maintenance light to come on and stay ON at certain mileage points. You must have it reset by your dealership despite the fact you may have just changed the oil. I only have 5,000 miles on this car and changed the oil at 3,000 miles. It feels very manipulative.

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  love it!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By rumbon - October 11 - 10:00 am

  I love my four wheels motorcycle, because thats how i feel my new convertible. Very nice ride, sleek, pimping look, specially when the top is down, looks way "different from any other convertible, roomy, the only con I can tell about it is the blind sptots are really blind, cant see a thing in the bck when backing up.

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  Best Convertible on the Planet! - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Robert Bronk - October 5 - 6:16 pm

  In white frost this is a real head turner - it really is a Lexus 430 with a Toyota badge. The styling makes a statement - this is one very striking car to drive. With the top down and the boot cover on it draws observers and great comments. The top does have a blind spot and the boot fills the trunk but I can live with those inconveniences. The interior is roomy, all controls are of quality and this is clearly one very premium car. Performance is excellent, the engine is quiet, and the transmission is really seamless. Mileage is 25 MPG - not bad for luxury. What a wonderful ride!

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  best used car! - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By john - October 2 - 12:20 am

  just bought a used 01 w/ 42k miles for $10k- good deal on a loaded v6se. When smogged, the tech said the motor on these are great. Looked at a new 05 model- cant see losing $10K in depreciation in 3 years though. So I found a nice used one that will now not depreciate. Love the int styling and handling. engine is so smooth you dont know its running unless you look at the tach.

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  Get your own - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Jim - September 26 - 3:13 pm

  I have 1100 miles on my new Solara and it is a dream to drive. Handles like a luxury car and performs likes a sports car. It is elegant, and has beautiful lines. I especially like the controls on the steering wheel, you never have to take your eyes off of the road. Makes the 140 mile daily commute pretty easy, lots of great comments on looks.

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  My First Toyota - Quality Built Car - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Perfectly Built - September 23 - 3:16 am

  First the workmanship of this car is perfect.The telescopic steering wheel, the quality stereo system, heated seat, quiet smooth ride, easy operated convertible top to the stylish body makes this a perfect quality car. You cannot even hear this car running.