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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  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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  07 Solara Convertible - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By 95flhtcu - September 26 - 10:10 am

  Overall this is a very good car. Acceleration is very good. the interior is Lexus like quality. With the top up, its almost like any sedan. there is some body shudder but only under unusual circumstances. The switch for the top is in a VERY bad place and isnt lighted. Same for the "all up" window switch. There is only one power outlet thats useful, the other is in the bottom of the console. rear window pillars are huge, making backing out of a parking spot an adventure. The trunk is actually useful.

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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.

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  Excellent Car - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By ardalan2003 - September 16 - 1:56 am

  I was in the market for a hybrid car. Toyota Camry seemed a good choice, but with long waiting list and more importantly poor acceleration, I changed my mind. As soon as I saw the 2007 Solara, I knew that I wanted this car. It is very stylish, powerful and comes with features that anyone would love. It is a very fun to drive car and you dont see too many of these cars around either. The price is certainly better than the other competitors. I love this car.

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  Love my YoYo - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By YoYo - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Within 1 year I bought a Chevrolet then an Oldsmobile and spent more time in the service department than driving. Decided to splurge and go for the Toyota. Almost four years later, Im still loving it. 43,000 miles later and never been in the shop except for regular maintenance. I leased the car, but decided to buy out the lease after 3 years. Will drive it until it cant go anymore and then plan on burying it in my yard with a marker "Best Car Ever Made".

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  In love! - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Yvette - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased a 99, 18,000 mile 1 owner loaded beauty and never want to stop driving it!! This car FLOATS ON AIR! It cant get any better. It handles corners like my little sports car but is sooo smooooth and so fun to drive. Watch your speed because it is deceiving how fast your going. When I sit inside my car I feel Im wrapped in luxury with no clutter, just elegant modern class. The Large sun,moon roof is quiet when open. The back seat comfortably fit my over 200lb 6 ft. son and husband. Unreal for this size car. I love everything about this car. Just keep making the Solara better so I can keep buying one!

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  Shiney new Black head turner - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Cynthia M. - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Too new to know about reliability, but the styling, the quiet drive is wonderful so far. A real head-turner w/the top down.

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  Good performance for a V4 - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By S.C. - September 2 - 5:53 am

  So far, I have driven it for 7000+ miles and am still very happy with it. It surprises me how fast and stable a V4 auto can do on the road. The body structure seems much stronger than all other japanese cars that we owned. I dont think I could get a car better than this one at the same price.

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  Buy It! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Jim - August 24 - 10:16 pm

  Ive had 2 Maximas before the Sport Solara and this Solara is so much better than the Maximas. This is a great design. The black sport, V6 and sun roof is and awesome ride an really gets noticed. Its amazing that Toyota doesnt market these cars more... a great looking and performing ride for about $10,000+ less. This vehicle is a Lexus... Best vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  A great car for me! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By clh42980 - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I just brought home my 05 SE Sport Coupe (V6), I have researched so many cars on edmunds.com before making my selection. I am a eclipse gal (had 4), still have a 00 eclipse gt BUT the inside is so very tiny on it. I was looking for something a bit more spacious, even looked at the Lexus is300, but decided to go with the Solara b/c its front wheel drive. This car is still very stylish like my eclipse, but a bit more upscale. I have so much more room! There is a bad blind spot when changing lanes in the 00eclipses, but I can see clearly in the solara! Also, the inside is not cramped. I can have more room (w/the sportronic gearshifter too), with still a 2 door car. Def a good choice for me.