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 its_mepat - December 25 - 2:00 amIve only had this car for a little over a month but its awesome. Its so quiet and rides smoother than anything Ive ever owned, and Ive owned some pretty nice cars. It has plenty of room for my husband and I and If we want to take a couple of grandkids along we can. I have not found anything against this car at this time.
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Not as good as expected - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
By S A Holt - December 24 - 2:00 amAfter five Camaros and reading Toyotas reviews, I decided to get one. The Toyota was more expensive, but I thought I would keep it longer due to reliabily claims. I really like overall look and handling of the car, but my experience has been less than great. The car has been in the shop more than my Camaro. I have had the Emissions Canister, Service Computer, Sun Visor, door panel and light in glove box replaced and I still have a rattle. This Toyota has had more rattles. The ride is very rough for a car this size (worse than Camaro). I can feel every bump in the road. I like the car, but I dont know if I would ever purchase one again.
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Love the gorgeous red color! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By RedDevil - December 2 - 2:00 amJust came out of a Lexus IS300. I was thinking of getting the Honda Accord coupe until I saw a picture of the Solara in a car magazine. When I saw it in person, I just had to get one, especially in the amazing red color! It looks like the SC430 from the back but is much more roomy and a lot less expensive. I think that it is the most comfortable car Ive ever had. I love it!
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New Solara No V6 Necessary - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By flfoxy - November 26 - 2:00 amWell, Toyota does it again. The new Solara is a wonderful new car. I opted out of my brothers GM Retiree Discount to buy one. The new 4 cylinder is excellent as perfforms better than the 04 8.8 V6 in the Impala I was trying and on at least 25% less gas. Realizing it is a new model there may be a few quirks down the road but so far so great. Now have 500 miles on it from original 12. First tank of gas came in at 28.1 mpg overall. What else can I say.
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Traded in the new model Acura TL - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By McGraw - November 24 - 9:40 pmI love the Toyota Solara convertible. I traded in my 2004 (new model) Acura TL for this car. Too many TLs on the road and was always hitting bottom and used premium gas. The Solara looks great, rides great and uses regular gas and also gets compliments. The trunk fits 3 golf bags and 2 suitcases. The Solara also has a pocket in the armrest of the door where my Blackberry fits perfectly unlike the TL. Love this Solara and would strongly recommend it.
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Hopelessly helpless in a Toyota Solara - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
By Barbb - November 22 - 10:00 amI had this car since 6/2003 and started bring for repair service 7/2003. It has been serviced at Gateway Toyota, of Toms River, NJ 13 times in the last year. Anything that could go wrong, did, from tires already needing to be replaced, to most recent the catalytic converter falling off. My car currently has 22,000+ in mileage and I have a lawyer to claim lemon law. After all this Toyota wanted me to go thru mediation with a company they chose. Both Gateway Dealership and Toyota have been absolute helpless and actually made me feel like I was losing my mind. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!!!!!!
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Great Car! - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
By Kbest01 - November 19 - 10:00 amThis is a great car! The interior is comfortable, nice leather, Fast, good stock jbl speakers, sun roof good, ac works great, What happened to the keyless Trunk pop? Only looking to sell to get a 2002 left over 0 finance.
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I love my car - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By Happy driver - November 15 - 4:33 pmI always needed a car that I was able to have my very tall kids fit in to. Up until a couple of years ago. They are now grown and on their way. Although they are still able to sit in back if they need to. This is my dream car. It has been so much fun driving it, both in the winter and the summer. Living in Wisconsin, even those 60 degree days, we take advantage of the convertible (with the seat heated on of course)! I actually have 3 other freinds that also have purchased the same car, different colors and we all absolutely love it. The performance is great and I feel safe no matter where I am driving.
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Almost a Lexus - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By mk86 - November 15 - 10:00 amIf youre tempted by a Lexus but dont care to spend the extra 10-12K, try the Solara. Dont let the "Camry" moniker fool you. The Solaras look makes it appear far different from the Camry, and the fit, finish and performance are as smooth, quiet and luxurious as upscale nameplates asking half again as much.
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Awsome Car! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By Maggie May - November 15 - 10:00 amI love this car! It is my first car and it is so cool! It is really nice to drive and looks great! Everyone loves it too and I get all kinds of compliments! I would highly recomend it!
