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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All flash, no dash - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
By mysticwarrior - April 6 - 3:53 pmDont let the fact that the top goes down down fool you. Terrible JBL radio, lousy seats, lots of wind noise with the top up, busy HVAC controls, no stick, so so gas mileage, crappy center console is an elbow rest not an arm rest. Purchased this car for the wife cause she liked the way it looked with the top down, but after spending an hour driving it, she would rather drive her 10 year old jeep with 150,000 miles on it. This car may or not be reliable down the road, but its a lot to put up with just for the sake of reliability.
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Shouldve got the V6 - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By RossP - April 6 - 3:46 pmBeen a Toyo Man since 84. Bought this Solara as soon as it came out. Int/Ext styling sets this car apart. I just went to buy a new Camry for the wife and she said shell keep her Solara. Im 64" so the headroom is a litte tight w/the sunroof, so I have to recline the seat a little more than I want to which makes driving not as enjoyable. Great value for the money, handles well, the 4s nice but go for the V6. Even after 12K miles car rides like new, no rattles and very quiet.
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love my convertible - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By Dallasgal - April 1 - 11:26 pmThe car is so much fun. It has been a very dependable car. I was tboned in a bad wreck. I walked away without a scratch. The car is very solid. The service at my dealership is outstanding. The rear window is hard to see out of when looking for traffic. My right convertible side is hard to lock when putting the top up. But would I buy this car again? Yes
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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.
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to big for little women - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By shaunna - March 29 - 10:00 ami bought a 04 solar pearl i love the car its comfortable to drive its a real eye catcher driving down the road very good sound system and being 20 thats imporant
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Doesnt always start - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
By Zack - March 16 - 11:16 pmI bought my car in march and absolutely loved it. I noticed in august my passenger window didnt always stay rolled up and then my car wasnt always starting. It would eventually start but the dealership just made me feel as if i was crazy or somehow at fault. Unfortunatley, as is with most issues, not everything can be duplicated at the dealership and Ive had my car in the shop at least once a week since November. Its now a week before Christmas. Since my car is under warranty, I hope this issue is resolved before my warranty ends.
