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 my Solara - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
By Florida Girl - August 4 - 9:20 pmHad a 2004 Solara and traded it in on a 2007 Camry SE 4 door in January of 2007. That was OK, but it was no Solara. In September, bought a 2008 Solara, Blue Streak Metallic and I absolutely adore this car. It is comfortable and gets great gas mileage. Wont be trading this in anytime soon.
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Best thing ever purchased - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By brittany - July 26 - 6:56 pmThis car is my first new car and it is a blast to drive. I love the smooth turn and the way the road floats beneath the car. I go everywhere in this car from quick errands to the night out with the girls.
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Solara - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By connie winter - July 24 - 5:16 amI love this convertible. It is fun to drive. Heads turn when they see it. Several people have said what a beautiful car. It is also a pretty, cosmic blue. It is a classy car to own and drive. I cant wait until the weather get warmer, so I can drive with the top down.
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NO DISAPPOINTMENTS HERE - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
By RETROMAN - July 21 - 2:00 amPROVEN OVER AND OVER AGAIN FOR RELIABILITY. THIS CAR IS IDEAL CAR FOR THE GET IN AND DRIVE TYPE PERSON. NO SO FLASHY AS WHEN YOU LEAVE IT AND COME BACK YOU WILL FIND FINGER PRINTS ALL OVER THE CAR OR THAT SOMEONE HAS STOLEN SOMETHING OFF IT CAUSE ITS NEAT, BUT A CAR THAT IF CLEAN EVERYONE NODS A NOD OF APPROVAL. ABSOLUTELY NO DISAPPOINTMENTS IN OWNERSHIP
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smiling bumper 2 bumper - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By hugo - July 21 - 2:00 ami bought it for the wife & found out quickly how much she loved it when she wouldnt even let me drive it to put gas in it. we had a 99 solara and thought we wouldnt be as crazy about another car like that one until the 04 stepped on the lot
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Most Happy - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
By Happy - July 1 - 10:50 pmJust bought this car and love it. Great comfort, handling and visual appeal.
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We Love Our Solara XLE - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
By Jack & Kathy - June 26 - 10:00 amWe have had the normal oil changes, have replaced the tires and brakes, maintenance is very low on this vehicle and the performance is that of the 944 Porche without all the problems. The car has 58,000 trouble free miles.
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I love my Solara! Desert Toyota too! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By Vegasbuyer - June 24 - 11:00 pmThis was, without a doubt, the most stress free vehicle purchase in my 30+ years of driving. While my wife and I are die-hard Toyota owners, 35 years ownership of 10 different Toyotas between us, we had our price range and the dealer we wanted. Get a Solara convertible with the 6-cylinder engine. This car handles like a dream and is great on the freeway and city streets. Its great on a cool evening in the mountains and when the sun heats up the Valley come June, the AC is unbeatable. Great pick-up off the line and terrific sight lines. I suggest your next car be a Solara convertible
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Love this car - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
By SweetCaroline - June 15 - 10:00 amThis car is awesome. It rides nice and turns great. People look at it and smile. It has great pick up on the highways for a 4 cyl. The only thing I dont like is the seat belts, but in a convertible, they have no choice. I can live with it. And it is roomy, the back seat is big enough for 2 people to sit in comfortably. Why did they stop making a convertible?
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THE BEST CONVERTIBLE ON THE MARKET - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By Laura - June 15 - 6:16 amThis is my second Solara convertible. There is none better on the market. I have two kids and wanted a fun car to have as an option to my suburban, but wanted my children to be comfortable in the back seat. Just about every other convertible on the market has such a small back seat that my kids would have to remove their legs to fit into it! The best part about the Solara is that it is a truly EXCELLENT automobile, not just great to look at. Ive had every great car you can own... Mercedes SL500, Jaguar XJ12, Porche 911, etc... This car is my FAVORITE of them all.
