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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Excellent Car - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
By itgetshotinaz - April 26 - 2:00 amThe Solara is the only car in our two adult, no children home. We use it for everything from trips to the Home Depot to a night on the town. The Solara is a great two door car; fun for road trips and comfortable for commuting. Trunk space is great, back seats are roomy, pass thru is a savior. For the price, I dont think there is a better coupe on the road.
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Its like heaven - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By GreyGoose9631 - April 23 - 1:43 pmIn one word, Awesome. This is by far the best car I have ever owned. This is my first Toyota, and unless things take a turn for the rest, I will definitely be back to buy another. I have just over 4k miles, so far no rattles or any complaints or problems. If there was one thing I could change, it would be the stereo. I cannot play MP3 formatted cds and I think the sound quality could be improved. I am hesitant about making any investments because I did lease this car, but it is still a thought. For the price, this is the perfect coupe.
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A Combination of Fun and Pratical - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
By Jdavis - April 16 - 10:00 amI have enjoyed this car every day I drive it. Several times a week I pat myself on the back for choosing this vehicle. It has room enough for adults, economical to operate, and is a car that should last for years. And yet, it is a blast to drive. I have had two minor items which needed to be repaired. The car is comfortable and solid. It has all the features I want. The wind and outside noise is low for a convertable, but is certainly more than hardtops. Most notable on interstate and around trucks. No regrets.
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Excellent Sporty Sedan - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By curve2left - April 3 - 2:00 amPower........good Looks........Like Lexus 300 + Handling ....excellent
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i luv solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By kev kev - April 3 - 2:00 ami bought a 99 solara se v6 and i loved it but i traded it in 2001 now i back with another solara and toyota really impress me with this solara SLE V6 nav and everything when i first got the car i drive 2 new york city and this car really have the power .thanks toyota.
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2004 solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By rlg50 - April 3 - 2:00 amThere really isnt anything that I dont like about the car. The only problem I have had is a paint chip on the hood of the car, didnt think that should have happened, but the winter weather takes its toll on cars. Dealership is great to deal with and the performance of the car is good. I love driving it!
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So Far Very Good - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
By bioedwards - April 2 - 10:00 amThe Solara and the dealer have been the best I have experienced in a long time. The car has had no problems and has performed as expected. The only thing that I could complain about is the quality of the paint and the interior carpet. Both seem to be the cheapest possible.
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A Joy to Drive - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By sdallenhou - March 29 - 4:53 amIve never enjoyed a vehicle as much as Ive enjoyed this one. The styling and layout are perfect, and the handling is smooth. The navigation system is more difficult to learn than I thought it would be. There are a couple of visibility problems. First, there is a wide blind spot with the roof up - good luck backing out of a parking space. Second, the top of the windshield hits just so that I cant see traffic lights if Im first in line. Other than those two flaws, this is the perfect vehicle. I drove a 2006 Solara I4 coupe for several months and replaced it with the SLE convertible and am thrilled that I did. Gas mileage isnt as good on the V6, but it is much more enjoyable!
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An Affordable Luxury Car - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
By Stefanie - March 27 - 10:00 amI love the Solara! When I was looking for cars, I stumbled across the "sporty Camry" and I was sold. What attracted me to the car was its sleek design, but Im constantly impressed by its handling. Its quick and surprisingly quiet. Until I can afford a Lexus or an Audi, this is definitely the car for me.
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Wow! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By Greg - March 11 - 1:33 pmMy first convertible, and I love it. Errands used to be a pain, now, I volunteer!!! Smooth, comfortable, stylish. I have never recieved so many compliments from people about having a great car! Makes driving fun.
