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 161 through 170 of 1,098.00-
A Great Sporty Car - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
By Boston - April 8 - 2:30 amMy third Solara (had 4cyl and SLE). The V6 5spd is the best! Much more power(200hp) than 4 cyl and much more fun to drive than SLE. Not a sports car, but has a real sporty feel. If you really enjoy the driving experience, you must get the SE V6 5spd! Very quick acceleration, silky smooth and quiet, but responsive and sporty handling. Fine overall quality of workmanship (virtually trouble free). Great bet for the mid-lifer who didnt quite make it to that sports car.
-
Nice Car - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
By Solaraisgreat - April 8 - 2:00 amI bought this car certified after 48000. Still feels brand new. Design of car is appealing and earns a lot of compliments. The interior has a hint of Lexus in it, which makes it comfortable and inviting. I did have one problem with a rattle in the front of the car, which did not affect the performance, but was kind of annoying. Acceleration and power in the V6 is GREAT, but handling and power does not feel as sporty as the design suggests. However, the steering is VERY tight and responsive. Overall GREAT CAR!
-
The Best Car I Have Had Yet - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
By Love my car - March 29 - 10:00 amUsually it takes me a few weeks to get used to a new car. I felt completely comfortable with my Solara on the test drive.I dont even like to borrow cars because I am nervous, this just felt right. I still love it six months later. My husband wanted me to get a Toyota for about 20 years, I finally did and will never go back.
-
A Lexus Convertible for a Toyota Price - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By mcvg - March 23 - 6:43 amIm very pleased with my Solara. This is a very quiet car with the top up and tons of fun with the top down. The JBL Stereo is outstanding and provides great sound even with the top down on the interstate. I have had the car in for one warranty repair to fix a small rattle, but a very painless experience. I like all the little gadgets on this car, though the fuel mileage estimator usually posts about 3 mpg too high. Overall a wonderful car and great for weekend trips!
-
BEST 4 PASSENGER CONVERTIBLE - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
By realtor steve - March 23 - 2:00 amWe drove every convertible from $55k on down. Decided we wanted a 4 passenger car. This car is the best:lots of fun to drive, maybe not a real sports car but plenty fast and zippy. In fact it was faster off the line than either the Saab or Volvo convertibles. It was the most comfortable riding of all of them. I dont put a lot of mileage on, but I enjoy this car every day.
-
Sweet Car - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By Gene - March 22 - 3:53 pmI drive long distances and this car gets fantastic gas mileage, is comfortable, quiet, and fun to drive. I have the 2.4L and was surprised with the power. It gets 30-32mpg on the highway consistently. We love the ride quality and comfort. It gets lots of compliments wherever we go.
-
Hot Fun in the Summertime - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By Daddy cool - March 22 - 7:26 amAn outstanding overall vehicle. Superb ride, comfort and performance. Luxurious yet sporty. Room for 4 adults, luggage and golf bags. Convertible top operates flawlessly and is quiet when up. Put it down and its hot fun in the summertime.
-
Love It!!! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By rlmblm21 - March 13 - 4:30 amIve had this car for 2 months now and have enjoyed every minute in it. So fun to drive and people actually stop me in parking lots to tell me how great the car looks and to ask me what kind of car it is. (Mine is the blue one with black top, charcoal grey interior.) Amazing handling; hugs the road, but engine doesnt make a sound.
-
its fun to drive again - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By steveschell - March 6 - 10:00 amafter 5 accords and 3 cadillac eldorados and sevilles its fun to drive again.... this is the best $30,0000 convertible on the road... the only problem is the poor design of the cover for the top when it is open.... the cover has blown off 3 times so far while driving so i had to take a piece of wire to wire it on so it doesnt come off when driving.... but its a greatttttttt car and the most fun car to drive (besides my cadillace allante convertible) i have ever driven.... all i can say is i bet the guys that bought a $80,000 lexus 4 seat convertible and then see this same design car for $30,000 are pissed... lol.. i would be !!!
-
My Solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By CntryChesneyFan - March 6 - 10:00 amI just bought my Toyota Solara on Saturday and I have to say this is the best decision I have ever made. Been getting plenty of compliments about my little red sports car ;) Awesome car, Im glad the dealership still had this one
