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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Awesome Car - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By Toots - June 14 - 4:23 pmThis car rides beautiful. The comfort is super. Its very quiet, cant hear it running. The stereo system rocks. What a fun car to drive and when I have the top down and the boot in, its spectacular! I love the car and would highly recommend it.
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So far so good - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
By MZT - June 13 - 7:26 amI have owned the Solara now since Oct. 2003 and have to say that is proving very reliable and generally a pleasure to drive. Still has a nice "tight" ride with a very quiet cabin. Its the only car Ive owned that has not developed a rattle or buzz of any kind. The engine doesnt feel or sound like a 4 cyl. but has lots of pick up and excellent gas mileage.
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Like a Lexus, only less out the pocket! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By Happy SE Sport owner - June 9 - 1:20 pmI have this car for a week...Love it! Very powerful with the V6 and the sequential shift is amazing. When I test drove this car I thought I was in a Lexus. I test drove the IS 300 and the ride/acceleration is no different.
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I love my Toyota! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By mabteach - May 28 - 10:00 amI compared all the convertibles in the $22000 to $45000 catagory. I found the Toyota Solara Camry Convertible SE to be the best value for the money. The car has very low noise for a convertible with the top up, great fuel economy, plenty of power and it handles great on wet roads and curves. The car is not easily found. Very few Toyota dealerships have them in stock. There are so few of them on the road, when people see it, they dont know what it is. So far, I love my Solara!
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Most Underated of All Convertibles - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By Steve - May 24 - 9:46 pmOutstanding quality, nice ride, seats 4, looks great. This convertible is a bargain compared to others out there and it comes with the typical Toyota reliability. May not be the most stylish on the outside, but this is a great automobile.
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Beautiful, Classy & Fun - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By Audrey - May 24 - 2:06 pmI just purchased a 2006 SE V6 3.3L Solara the other day after comparing many vehicles. This car by far is the best out there for the money. I paid $17,500 w/15k on it. The engine is powerful and I am averaging 26 mpg in the city 31 mpg on the freeway. The car is just stunning inside and out. I chose Arctic Frost White w/light tan interior (only offered on SE Model, that is why I chose the SE and not Sport or SLE). Everyone comments on how beautiful and classy the car is. You cant beat Toyotas reputation for quality and reliablity, all while getting a very stylish, sporty looking car. Nothing out there can compete on price.
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2003 sle-v6 - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
By rfa - May 23 - 10:00 amThis is the 2nd solara slev6 ive owned (2001+2003).The only reason I traded the 01 was to get the heated front seats. For the money its an exceptional value.Across the US from coast to coast with never a problem and an average of 28 highway/23 city mpg. No maintainance issues.Do regular service and it runs like a Swiss watch.Quality is on a par with my friends Lexus ES300,handling is actually not that much below another friends BMW,at half the price. I will probably buy another
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Dont be afraid to dream - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By Barb - May 18 - 12:53 pmI bought this car on my 50th birthday. I was looking for a convertible which would go in the snow, have enough trunk room to carry my families groceries, have more than two people in the car and make me feel like a kid again. This car has it all. One summer day with the top down and the fantastic factory stereo turned up to a favorite song of the 70s, I felt like a 16 yr old in my dads car. I dont think any other car could give me that. The only complaint, if it is one, is that on cold days going over some bumps the window glass seems to creak until it gets warm. The car looks like a more expensive and exotic model without the price tag. A hybrid model would have been perfect.
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Camry Solara - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
By Rosa Colello - May 15 - 3:16 amI really have fun driving my Solara. It drives smoothly and is very comfortable. All of the added equipment is user friendly. For a soft top it is quiet on the highway.
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Exceptional ride - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By CHUCK AF1996 - May 3 - 12:10 pmQuiet ride with top up. Comfort is so superior to the Sebring convertible I owned before. Exceptional convertible for the money and quality.
