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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Love this car - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By aron - February 25 - 12:40 amIm a first time car buyer and bought the car with 160,000 miles yes 160,000 miles and when I drove it it felt like a new car and when I bought it in for in oil change the dealer asked if the car reached 50 thousand miles I love the car. It keeps its value if maintained
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Love it! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By keskkesh - February 24 - 9:28 pmIve had this car about a year now! I love it. Its very spacious, well made, has a luxious feel, and an awesome stero. I love the hard lines and sporty look. It runs smooth, light, and fast. Its truly a great car!
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Love this car - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By sue - February 21 - 3:56 pmI love this car - the only downside is the bumpy ride...not very smooth.....we have an Avalon also - and that ride is much nicer....But I love the convertible...so I take the "bumps"
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Top Down Excellence - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By CPisieczko - February 21 - 10:33 amIve had my Solara for a couple months now, and am happier with it every day. After shopping I was down to the Solara and a Mercedes 320. This was by far the better buy, as it has the quality and styling of any car on the market. The only drawback I have is the poor visibility in the rear when the top is up, but thats true with most convertibles. Ive had several Chrysler convertibles, and there is NO Comparison.
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Drivin a Dream! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By Phantom - February 15 - 10:00 amA much better design than my 1999 Solara. Bigger engine with a stiffer suspension. My 99, although it handled great was a littly spongy around corners. The new 04 really hugs the road. Its a real trip to drive, and the dark blue metalic paint and super styling really turn heads where ever I go. Luxury car quality at an affordable price.
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LOVE AT FIRST FLIGHT - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
By MetalMovinMutha - February 13 - 10:00 amI previously owned a 2001 Nissan Xterra and decided to trade it for the 2002 Solara after one incredible 30 minute test drive! This car is simply incredible... great acceleration, comfort, good gas mileage, classy styling, ample room (especially for a 2- door), and the handling is great. It hugs the road like a grizzly bear. One of the reviews I read here said it didnt handle well... oh contrare. I did a 15mph curve today doing 45mph...staying in my lane, no fishtailing, no tire squeal. This car makes you feel like youre in the cockpit of a luxury F16 fighter jet... the only thing its lacking is wings. SIMPLY MARVELOUS
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Love this car - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By LOVE THIS CAR - February 3 - 9:33 pmI recently bought the car with 85,000 km. Black with black interior. So far this has been my favorite car of all that Ive owned. I havent had it very long
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Tremendous Ride - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
By DVB - January 16 - 10:06 pmHad this car for 2 weeks. Nothing but fun. Bluetooth phone feature makes speaking on the phone safe while driving! GPS system gets me to unfamiliar addresses without getting lost; often right on the dime. Car looks, rides and handle great!!!
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I love this car!! - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
By Sherry2431 - January 12 - 2:00 amI bought a 2000 model Solara in January and have been driving it for 2 months. No problems so far. This is one of the best purchases Ive ever made.
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great car - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
By chatty - January 7 - 2:00 amI love this car! I have had 6 hondas and this is my first toyota. I like this car much better than any of the hondas I have owned. The ride quality is excellent...feels like you are floating on air. The interior design is beautiful...I love the the silky smooth leather seats. I get nothing but compiments on the car....especially after peolpe ride in it! I have the traction control which is working great in the current snow and ice conditions. I love the auto dimming rear view mirror and fully ajustable head rests (move forward and back). I never want to stop driving this car...very smooth.
