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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  I was satisfied until yesterday........ - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Shauna - February 25 - 10:00 am

  I was the proud owner of a 2000 Solara until a 16 year old kid decided to run into the back of me and toss me into another car and another lane of traffic on yesterday. Despite it all, my Solara held up remarkably well according to the SC Highway Patrolman that investigated the accident. This was my dream car, the car that I searched the East Coast to find with all of the options I wanted (even alloy wheels), the color I wanted, it was Toyota Certified AND it was within my budget. I only had it for 4 months and now it is a faded memory....it was a really great car. Im sure Ill never find another one like her.....

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  Would buy again! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Frank - February 25 - 9:43 am

  Soft ride, comfortable seats, fair gas mileage, not a road racer, great looking, not costly to run or own, the ladies love it with the top down, large trunk space, easy low cost upkeep, always starts, quiet as a convertible can be, 10 second top up or down, interior build quality is excellent.

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  grand slam - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By james sportsman - November 22 - 10:00 am

  this car exceeds my 2001 solara far and away, iwish it got better gas milage but i hardly ever get out of LA CA.I GOT THE CAR IN SEPT OF 2003 AND ONLY HAVE 3000 MILES ON IT

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  mrtopsride - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By shawn ducreay - November 14 - 1:16 pm

  First of all, owning the new bodystyle solara has been a quite big difference than the other mid-size cars Im typically use to. Its built stronger and rides much better than other cars in its price range, but the horsepower needs much improvements for its price. The car is beautiful once you add the right rims to it, but otherwise boring looking without them. The car furthermore caters to an older (30-40) traditional type driver verses a younger more enthusiatic sports tuned driver. On a whole, the car is very nice to drive and has a lot of room to offer for a family of five to fit comfortably without any cramping in the back.

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  Absolute Elegance - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By ksanmart - October 23 - 5:13 am

  Car is luxurious both inside and out. Ride is very smooth and cushiony. Back seats are full sized and comfortable for passengers. Styling is beautiful and car has been extremely reliable so far. Automatic convertible room is a snap to open and close. Convertible boot (cover) is stylish although tedious to install. Gas mileage is good for such a large car - about 23 mpg average when doing city and highway driving combined. Acceleration is smooth and pick-up is more than adequate.

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  Great car with persistent problems - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Paseo was Best - October 17 - 10:00 am

  This car was purchased as an upgrade to a well loved and much abused Toyota Paseo in December 2003. For the first 4 months it was a dream car. Lots of pep, Lexus-like interior, and an attention grabbing exterior. But then the problems started. So far the traction control system has failed twice, the sun roof has recently stopped working properly, and a component in the rear suspension has come loose and is rattling around like a ping pong ball. This is definitely not the quality I expect from Toyota!

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  great car- bad vision out of rear - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By barry friedman - October 11 - 10:00 am

  Beautiful, nice handling, plenty of power except for pea headed power hungry males( I am a male). Rear view through mirrors is absolutely miserable- and head restraints are supposedly not removable. Would call the car a lemon design because of the latter. Not safe. The insurance institutes will figure that out quickly. The company has not responded to my rquests for info on changing the rear seats.

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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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  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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  07 Solara Convertible - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By 07Solara - August 18 - 5:56 am

  Overall, this is a nice car. Traded a 06 C230 Benz for it. MUCH better car. This ragtop is quieter, smoother and more powerful. Was amazed at how quiet it is with the roof up. My old sebring was never that quiet. It has the fit and finish of a Lexus.