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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Best car Ive ever owned - 8yrs+ - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
By Chris in Charlotte - October 3 - 4:46 pmIm on the verge of potentially trading in my dark green/tan leather 99 SLE w/ 157k. I do not want to get rid of it, but a 3 yr old and a newborn make a coupe impractical. Said simply, aside from some suspension issues, a valve cover gasket, and the backlight on the JVC stero going out, the car has been flawless and still looks fantastic. I get comments everywhere. Two recent ones were from the husband/owner of my sons daycare, who wanted to take a spin, because he always wanted a Solara and never got one ("Its a Lexus with a Toyota badge" - his conclusion), and several less car savvy people who just cant believe its 11 years old.
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Very satisfied - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By Bretton - October 2 - 4:53 amWhen I first got the car I instantly realized all the things I didnt like about it...minimal head room, seat belt is hard to reach and it is very hard to see where the bumper is when backing up. After driving it for a while though I have realized that those things dont really matter once you get used to it and it is a REALLY FUN CAR TO DRIVE! Its like a full sized sporty sedan. Highly recommend it.
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So Pleased - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By Fran - September 27 - 11:03 amI have been in love with this car since the day I purchased it. After researching and test driving various makes and models, my choice was absolutely clear when I decided to purchase my Solara. This car provides style, elegance and a list of very useful and upscale features at a price that was almost unbelievable. It provides an very smooth and comfortable ride and the interior is surprisingly roomy.
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A Lot of Car for the money - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By pbcole - September 24 - 5:53 pmTalk about Quite & Smooth-this car drives like it cost twice as much.hard to beat this one.
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Best Toyota I Ever Owned - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
By Phantom - September 20 - 10:00 amFrom the minute I test drove one I wanted it. It handles great, and dont let anyone tell you a four cylinder engine doesnt perform. 135 horses is more than adequate for this car even with the air on, plus you get the benefit of great gas mileage. Ill put 100,000 miles on no problem. This is my 5th Toyota, and there will definitely be a 6th.
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Now I have 3 Camrys - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By chris_s_2010 - September 20 - 2:51 amVehicle: 2006 V6 SLE coupe Purchased Aug 2013 with 166K km (103K miles). I already have a 2010 Camry Hybrid (and a 2000 Camry CE) so I bought this as a newer "second" car given that the 2000 is getting a bit old. I was looking for something a bit sportier but still reliable and this seemed to be the best choice. Quite comfortable, nice looking car, good power (with the V6), high-end features (in the SLE). For a 7 year old car, it still looks quite stylish. Has a good reliability record so it should last for many years. Body in good shape: doesnt show its age.
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love my car - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
By blondesetter - September 13 - 2:00 amThis is the most comfortable vehicle that I have ever owned. Even my 3 children like this vehicle. They say they have more room in the back seat then my other 4 door sedans. The folding rear seat makes all the difference. I love the sleak lines of my car. The only thing that disappoints me is the current trade in value. Not that I want ot trade, but I work in the industry and see what trade in is. Somewhere along the way someone forgot the true value of this vehicle!
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Best of the reasonable priced cars - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
By jeepers - September 9 - 6:16 pmGot an electric blue with all goodies. Have had convertibles for 40 plus years. This is the best all around car I have had. Why are they stopping making it??
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Bad Blind Spot & Sound, No trunk release - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
By Thang Nguyen - September 6 - 2:06 pmDont take me bad, I really like the car for both performance and exterior design. However, blind spot is really big problem, you should buy extra blind spot mirror. Dont trust advertised JBL sound system, I give a 6 on 10 scale. No trunk release inside the car, very inconvenient. Also, you cant read the sound system face plate when there is sunny because of the weird angle.
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Excellent - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
By daku - September 2 - 10:00 amVery good blend of sportiness,comfort
