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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  Former Mustang Driver - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By ex-Mustang driver - September 13 - 10:50 am

  The Toyota Solara is an exceptionally fun car to drive. With over 30 years of experience driving only standard transmission vehicles, I love the clutchless transmission which gives me the capability of shifting on winding roads or when I want quicker acceleration.

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  Comfortable Convertible - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Former Bmwer owner - September 12 - 8:40 pm

  This is a very comfortable convertible and can actually hold two people in the back seat! The car has enough power for most situations. The trunk is great (roomy) for a convertible. Needs automatic seat adjustment, larger rear window, and a better navigation system. The navigation system will tell you to turn once you are past the turn!

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  I purchased it and I love it - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Rena - September 10 - 9:40 pm

  I just bought this car, and Im totally happy with it. Comfortable, very nice interior. I just have one thing is the commuter, its not like what I expected from a Toyota, I expected more miles/gal. Other than that... its awesome.

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  Lotta car for the money, very satisfied! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By bigarngfan - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Very happy with car, but disappointed to find minor fit and finish issue with rear bumper. Dealer is fixing. Even so, this car is all about quality. Not as strong as 01 Maxima SE I traded, but still plenty of power and the SLE is quicker off the line. Transmission shifting is smooth. Interior is plenty roomy. Rear seats awkward to access & wouldnt want to use on a daily basis, but are spacious. Huge trunk, even larger than the Maxima. Ride is "luxurious", but car still keeps a sporty feel. Feels like it was built to cruise at 80 mph. SLE is a great compromise between power and comfort with 24 mpg around town on regular gas.

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  I love this car - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By YesMaam - August 30 - 10:50 pm

  I wouldnt be selling it, if I didnt receive a free vehicle from my company. This car is so fun to drive, I just love it. And, you wouldnt believe the looks I get in it! I feel very safe in this car and it handles very well.

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  total toyota - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Wendy - August 30 - 3:30 pm

  I have wanted a convertable since I was in grade school and have recently found myself living in the ideal state to drive one. I looked around for a vehicle with 4 seats (a requirement of mine) that lost none of the sporty good looks and driving fun. This car is it. It turns heads everywhere and it hugs the road like a dream. I have never had so much fun driving! I have owned many cars, both new and old, and this is far and away the best. Well worth the wait. I would highly recommend this car to anyone, although I love the fact that I do not see it everywhere I go, unlike the Sebring convertable.

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  My Toy as my wife calls it. - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Downhill97 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the v6 and Im glad that I did. The pick up is great when your trying to get into traffic or passing on the parkway. Im still getting more than 20MPH and over 23mph on the highway. I love the new disign and the way she handles. Its like a sports car with plenty of room within. I couldnt be happier.

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  Happy to own a Solara - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Lisa - August 27 - 7:50 pm

  Have had great fun with this car - Owned a Toyola Celica convertible for 10+ years. When I decided it was time for a new vehicle (my old Toyota is doing great and a friend bought it from me) I looked at cars $25K more expensive. In the end, I decided the Solara had just the right mix of good looks, fun and reliability at the right price. I have been very happy with it, and have people regularly stop to tell me what a nice looking car it is....I couldnt be happier.

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  Love this car - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By bgardn3 - August 26 - 8:10 pm

  Just the looks of this Solara coupe sold me on the car. It also did not hurt that it got 9s and above from used car owner reviews. It looks great standing still and the 4 cylinder sips gas. I averaged 33 on the highway driving it home from Florida. Roomy back seat for a coupe. We love it and hope it lasts a good long time. It is roomier than the Accord or the Altima and that is another reason we picked it. Too bad they are no longer in production.

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  Convertible Solara - Great buy! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Winchers - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I had been searching for a convertible for the last two years. After much research, the Solara became the best for my money. Fantastic looking car, great fuel economy, rides smooth, and I just love it! You can compare this car with many of the more costly ones, and you will find that you can spend the money for this fabulous car, and think you are in the Lexus. It was a hard car to find, and people will stop me just to ask what kind of car it is. It is a head turner, and yet you can feel assured you didnt get gouged for riding such beautiful car. I purchased the Artic Frost.