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:
Showing 21 through 30 of 1,098.00-
Good car overall - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
By Johnboy - August 15 - 10:00 amVery easy to use convertible top. Great handling and responsive tight feel on the road. Feels like a Lexus. Ok, not quite, but darn good. Protective cover that sits on back of convertible sometimes flies off at higher speeds and can be dangerous if you dont pay attention to it. One of its only flaws.
-
great car for a great price - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By mluu510 - August 9 - 1:50 pmi got mine for $18.1k plus tax/etc. i love it so far. although, i think my radio atenna is malfunctioning. i love the seats! theyre very confortable and sporty. the 07 model is definitely better. they have nice upgrades like HID headlights, LED tailights and mp3 player but i got the 06 model at a big discount.
-
Balanced, quality package - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
By Nipsy - August 1 - 1:56 amThis car is a pleasure. Handling & performance are good and comfort is outstanding. Stable on the road, adequate mileage. For my money, it is the best balance of quality, price, performance, and comfort.
-
Wish for better gas mileage - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By Belle Jones - July 31 - 3:20 pmThe Solara is a great Camry. Comfortable, good visual fields available. Only one complaint; II cant read the time, temperature outside, etc. on the upper dash. The displays are "hooded" and there is no back light. In the South, we have lots of sunny days so the numbers appear "shadowed" and therefore, not legible. My car is actually a 2004 model but I couldnt change the year model when I filled in the fields. The Solara is my favorite car ...of my lifetime!
-
My therapy - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
By Htees - July 4 - 7:43 amMy Solara conv. has been the perfect crisis vehicle for a family guy that wants to cruise, enjoy the fresh air, and still have the ability to take company along. The design draws compliments, the performance is adequate, and the comfort is outstanding. It could use a little more structural support and better suspension components, but other than that no real complaints. The top has proven VERY reliable and sound for a seven year old cloth top, and I have only treated it(water proofing)and had it retightened twice for minimal cost. So far reliability has been outstanding and I just turned 90,000.
-
Nice Car - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By zachj7 - June 23 - 3:42 pmI really like this car. It looks really nice from the outside and looks good on the inside. The fuel economy is nice. It turns eyes. It is very reliable. The only thing I am not cray about is that it feels like you are driving a bus sometimes. They should have tightened up the steering. It really drives like a grandpa lexus and I knew that going into it. I had an audi before this and nothing compares to the audis AWD, however the solara does pretty well in the snow. Overall, very solid car that looks really good.
-
Pick something else - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By jill - June 14 - 10:06 pmThis car is decent but with all of the blind spots its not reliable for someone who is short like me. Plus the seats go out too far. I have only had the car a year and Im already looking at trading it in. Its not for me. I hope some else has better luck.
-
Good vehicle - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By ppp - May 30 - 7:16 pmPros: My 2004 still turns heads on occassion, excellent interior, big trunk, good road manners, average 33 Mpg on the highway with conservative driving. Have had a left drift problem (spring seat displaced, dealer fixed) and replaced a tie rod. The original Bridgestone tires were trash, only lasted 25,000 miles. We have used our Solara very hard, excellently engineered and easy to live with. Not a sports car, but a sporty car.
-
Solara convertible shakiy and shudders - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By rep - April 23 - 10:00 amReview by Cleveland Plain Dealer auto editor says the car is "less than mediocre" because the car shudders and shakes over the slightest road bumps as does the steering wheel. Poor rear visibility with top up due to large non- adjustable rear seat head rests and blind spot from side of top. Would like auto lock and unlock latches for top as in BMW 3 series. Would like automatic boot for top as in Audi Cabriolet even if it would cost some more. Would like option of body side moldings as on 2003 model. Seat belts dont move easily when tethered in belt hoder which also unlatches.
-
Great car for the last 10 years - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
By Josie - April 16 - 7:53 pmWe bought the car new and drove it for a good 10 years. The only reason we decided to let it go is were now working on our second baby and unfortunately a 2 door car will no longer fit in with our expanded family. Considering for how long weve had it we were thankful to only have to deal with routine maintenance and a few minor problems (the O2 sensor had to be replaced, the passenger viser mirror broke off after 5 years, and occasionally the driver side window motor will stick if the weather is very humid.) But the engine has been impeccable, and I joked with my husband on several occasions we should just keep the car for another 14 years so it can be our childs first car when hes 16.
