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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  Elegant - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Monday - November 1 - 7:10 pm

  Ive grown out of raucus rides, so this is a very quiet change. It might just be the perfect daily driver. Maybe not the fastest, but no other coupe in its range can match its overall elegance,. That goes double for the "base" SE. Nice surprise: the Four-cylinder with the 5-speed Automatic is not unlike a smooth, small 6 in the mid-range (once the Variable Timing gets going), and Im getting 32 MPG so far to boot (according to the well-placed mileage guage). The dedicated manual sequential shift mode (all 5 speeds) even makes you feel like Shumacher (Ralf, if not Michael), complete with the numerical display in the dash. Im older, but not TOO old, and this fits the bill almost exactly

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  Great Car - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By lmollstl - October 31 - 4:20 am

  I have owned this car since new and the only thing I have done to it besides change oil is to install new front brakes and battery. I have also replaced the tires twice. This is the first import I have owned and cannot believe the quality and reliability of it. No other car owned even comes close.

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  Mid Life Crisis Averted - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Michele J. - October 25 - 10:20 pm

  For years Ive wanted a convertible. This is my 3rd Toyota.This is a great car and fun to drive. The only problem I have had is the convertible top. It seems to catch on the right rear side often. This causes the "lip" behind the back seat to tear. Other than that, no problems.

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  Fabulous - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Debbyr - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Great Toyota and loads of fun. Love this car

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  crb-mom new solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By russellville - October 16 - 10:00 am

  We just this past week took delivery of this vehicle. Thus far, we feel we will gain incredible enjoyment fromt this unit. So far, so good and we feel this will not away.

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  Fun To Drive! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By FabGirl - October 15 - 3:20 am

  I love my navigation. I will NEVER EVER get another car without it. Im NOT a fan of the two doors. Its too hard to get in and out of the back seat. Its a smooth ride but the seal on the windows needs to be better. I had to take it in twice because of whistleing. The leather seats are already cracking as well. I also hate the tires. I had 2 sets put on already because they wear so quickly and at 150/tire, thats crazy. Other then that this is a nice car!

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  Pleasure Trip - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By anonymous909 - October 13 - 11:06 am

  Wow!! A mid-size convertible under $30K with the reliability and power of a high-end Toyota Camry, packed to hilt with extras....not to mention the best and biggest power moonroof available anywhere. Move over Avalon this is by far the best car Toyota makes. I test drove this thing and had to have it. They dont seem to sell these w/o the upgraded package so be prepared not to penny-pinch. Got mine for $29,999 with everything it can possibly come with.

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  UNBELIEVABLE - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By dbackroyal - October 13 - 12:11 am

  My best friend refused to buy American cars and always bought Toyotas, Nissans and Hondas. I laughed at him until I got stuck with a LEMON American GM car. I bought two Toyotas both 2004 models and they are flawless perfect vehicles. I keep them maintained religiously and they have never let me down. This Solara is mine and I am absolutely in love with this car. I am 62 and have never had such a reliable vehicle. You couldnt pry it from mt cold dead hands (unless you gave me a new one)

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  third conv. owned - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By mr moish - October 12 - 10:03 pm

  had car 30 days, found no prob. so far.i picked white and have found it looks clean all the time.i would like to know, why my inside review mirror cannot be taken off dim feature.this is a 2006 model and mirror in manual is not same ,help me if u know any reason???

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  Best car I ever had. - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Solara - October 12 - 2:53 pm

  A great car over all. I have had no problems with any thing. Good Pick-up and go. Great on fuel, I am getting about 32mpg on highway and 29mpg on city. Unlucky, I had a crash in it already however it has been repaired and it drives like nothing happened. Great car! I am looking for another one for my wife...just in a different color. All thumbs up!