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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Near perfect, needs a few more items - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By Dave Rodham - July 19 - 9:13 amEasy driver. Lots of people comforts. I feel safe with airbags everywhere. Stereo should have 100 more watts or my hearing is shot. Wife says her seat has no power controls. My next car will have pass seat controls for wife. Few minor offensive features. Quality is unmatched. Long trips are a breeze. Trunk is sizable but needs dividers. All around good car and our dogs like it as well.
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Sleek & Sexy Solara - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By Trae1204 - July 11 - 5:06 amThis is my first Toyota, and I DO love it! I must say, it wasnt my first choice, but after driving it, and really looking at it, I fell in love. (And it does resemble a Lexus.) I too, get constant looks and remarks from strangers about "what a sharp looking car that is!" Its awesome on gas, I feel safe, and its reliable. (Im a sales rep, so this is all SOOO important.) Only complaints I have are similar to others-not so quick when accelerating, rain drips off doors when you open them, car is long in front so its difficult to judge distance parking etc, and I have a major problem with glare off dash onto windshield when driving in sun. Other than that, Im addicted!! (Want the convert!)
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The Best of Both Worlds - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
By Dale V - July 9 - 9:53 pmI have put about 3,000 miles on so far and they have all been fun miles. It rides like a luxury sedan but handles like a sports car.As sporty as this car is though, it is not a small car. It is extremely comfortable up front, has a very fuctional rear seat that two adults can fit in easily and comfortably and a very adequate trunk for a convertible, as large as many sedans of this class. These were all high on my "needs" list. It is quieter than I expected a rag top inside. It has very good acceleration and passing speed and the trans shifts flawlessly and effortlessly. I would recommend this automobile highly to anyone looking for the "topless experience" without sacraficing comfort
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2006 solara convertible - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By S. Swift - July 5 - 9:23 amThis car has the most interior room of any convertible on the road. We are both very tall and we dont look OVER the windshield. It handles like a dream and my gas mileage is great. I am getting 29.9 average city and hiway combo.
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The Red Dream - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By JAC - June 28 - 9:30 amThis car is truly fun to drive, rides quiet and so smooth. I bought it as a second car, but am having trouble leaving it in the garage. Its design and look attract everyone but when they have a chance to ride in it that sells it that much more...and even though its a convertible it surprisingly quiet with a nice sound system.
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Great Year for Camry Solara! - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
By Solara Luver - June 22 - 11:13 pmI bought this vehicle new for less than $20K. Its a four cylinder automatic with alloy wheels and a few bells and whistles. Nice looking car even after all these years. I now have 155,000 miles on the clock without ANY major repairs! My goal when buying this Solara was 200,000 miles, now Im thinking 250,000 will be easy. I have been sold on Honda and Toyotas for about twenty years. Their reliability, fuel efficency and design simply bury the competition. If you follow the scheduled maintenance you will not be unhappy. My next car will definitely be a Solara. Maybe the convertible!
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Lovin it - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By Terrie246 - June 11 - 10:00 amI bought the new convertable a couple of weeks ago and I am in love!! The style is wonderful and since my last auto was a Xterra SUV my gas bill is wonderful now!!!!!! It is fun to drive, everyone stops to ask questions about it and being at the beach I am having a blast with the top down... 37 and a convertable (mid-life crisis??)
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Beautiful Addition - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By lance - June 7 - 3:26 amThis is a beautiful sporty vehicle that handles like a pricy sports car. Way fun to drive... turns heads. Roomy and very quiet.
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Excellent Car~ - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By muzz - May 30 - 10:00 amNothin to say but so good!
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Perfect - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By lammy - May 15 - 2:56 pmThe Solara is extremely comfortable, very roomy, it rides very smoothly, and has a very classy look. What more could you want?
