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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  Initial Excelleration - Poor & - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Coupe - March 23 - 10:06 am

  Over all I would give my Solara SE V6 a low grade because of its very much like a turbo engine. A friend of mine is a Toyota mechanic and he explained why there is so much excelleration delay similiar to a turbo engine. For this review, Im only referring to low speed performance. At highway speeds it is more than adequate. I think it is unsafe, because when you need instant excelleration, its just not there. I have owned a manual turbo engine car before and it was very responsive from low end to high end speeds. Would I buy another Solara? NO! Another problem I found is that the brakes are to spungy. I dont get that positive feedback from the brake pedal.

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  vibration and squeeking within the body - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By lorna lane - January 12 - 10:00 am

  there has been consistent vibration and squeeking which has become much worse during the year in the body of the auto ... nothing to do with usual noises of a convertible roof... at pr esent having no cooperation with Toyota which is surprising as we have had their vehicles previously with no problem.. naturally we are very disappointed with this vehicle.

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  Solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By solara - April 23 - 2:33 pm

  Had an Avalon and now Solara, Avalon better overall better body construction and overall comfort. Would recommend Avalon over Solara. Doors are too heavy for the hinges and are hard to open. Gas mileage about 25 mpg without air running. Car extremely quiet when running at idle.

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  Mediocre Review - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By bsb1 - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Lot of fun to show off and drive with the top down! Have had several quality issues including: paint peeling off the rear!, gear shift module (plastic component broke), alignment issues. All within the first 5000 miles! Cowl shake still noticeable. Stereo system is OK, although not remarkable (it is no Bose). Definately performs like a mid- level family sedan rather than a sports car. Would love to see the same size and styling with a sportier suspension system, and by all means, a manual transmission! Averaging 21mpg in the city and 27mpg on the highway. Sheet metal "feel" is the worst of any car I have owned.

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  Toyota Faulters - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Grant Waulters - June 10 - 10:00 am

  Car pulls to the left despite rotations and alignment. The 2.4L 4 coupled to 4spd automatic often is unsatisfactory when trying to get to speed from low speed cruising. Engine warning lights go on for no reason and stay on. This does not equate to lengendary Toyota quality. Standard radio and CD are garbage Seat is too high for over 6 foot male. Ride can be a tad harsh. Not a car Id recommend at the price. Breaks are average and often grab when car is cold.

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  not impressed - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By zippo - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Rode in one that of friend owns. Can you say rattles? Actually considered buying one and Im satisfied I didnt. The ride and mileage wasnt very impressive either.

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  Bad Experiences - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By mee304 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I purchased one in the artic frost pearl white, very nice looking car. I took it home 80 miles from the dealership. There was excessive wind noise from the drivers side top and about half way home the check engine light came on. The car had 5 miles on it when I took it. I called the dealership and the following day I had to bring it back. They ran the diagnostic and discovered a problem with the engine, transmission and two other things. The noise from the top was because of a defect in the top designed that Toyota was already aware of but decided to put it out anywa

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  Design Flaws in my Toyota Convertible - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Nancy Yanes Hoffman - August 9 - 10:00 am

  1.NO TAPE DECK! Tape deck removed and replaced with useless map guide. 2. Passenger front seat is not electric. 3. Neither trunk nor passenger door can be opened with a KEY. Can only be opened from INSIDE the car. 4. Huge pillowed blocks bar rear-view visibility. Even with cushions removed, rear bar hinders visibility. 5. Only one electronic key given at purchase. 6. Coffee holders not firm and secure. Coffee always spills over. 7. Clock not brightly back-lit and poorly placed. You cant read the time from the drivers seat. 8. Virtually no room between front and back seats, which make the back seat useless. 9. CD only plays one CD at a time.

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  Solara Conv Poor Quality - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Dr. Joseph Lanfresch - June 25 - 12:40 pm

  The car looks great but with the top up and the fixed rear headrests its impossible to see out the rear window. The fit and finish of the body has panel and paint flaws where the plastic meets the metal,which the dealer refused to repair. The Conv top stitching was coming apart by the rear window, again no dealer help. The seat belts do not retract and the rear belts flap in the wind with the top down. The car has no side guard protection so you accumulate parking dings on the doors. The front slope of the car does not allow you to see the distance to the car in front when parking or entering a garage. The cover for the Conv top requires two people to install. Very disappointed

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  Nice handling, suspension, annoying soun - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By pooch - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Compared to its nearest competitor (Sebring Limited) this convertible is worth the extra cash. 200hp engine provides powerful and smooth acceleration, handling is great, and it glides comfortably over rough road. Biggest complaint: you better like bass because the stereo will pound it out and you cant turn it down. Its very uncomfortable to me to listen to the radio, it gives me headaches. At low volumes all you can hear are low frequency pounding vibrations. As much as I like the car I wont be able to keep it.