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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  4 cyl Solara - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By wes - April 16 - 5:13 am

  Smooth, quiet cruiser. 30+ mpg on the highway. Plenty fast, great styling, ruined in 04 models. Paint chips badly on hood - must be airflow or the hood angle - noticed on others.

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  Definite Eye Catcher - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Bob - March 30 - 11:20 pm

  My SLE convertible is silver with the black top and when people see it coming they take a second look due to the styling. I have the navigation system along with the XM radio and the car is fun to drive around town and the open road. The car is quiet with the top up or down. I previoulsy owned a Sebring Limited convertible but it cant come close to the ride and over all performance of the SLE. Take a test drive and you will see how this car is the best convertible for the money.

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  This is the CAR to BUY! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Mary Johnsen - March 24 - 8:13 pm

  Once this car comes out with a fixed boot for the convertible top then I will trade up. Using the boot is a nuisance with taking it off and on when you want to secure the vehicle. In the meanwhile I plan on driving this vehicle for the next 7 years. Spacious, comfortable, stylish. Just a great vehicle and a real head turner. As with most larger convertibles, there is noticable body quiver going over bumps, but no big deal. Toyota reliability, excellent gas mileage, well into the 30s on the highway in a 225HP V6. I simply can not say enough positive things about this wonderful car. A great buy for the money.

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  My first convertible - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By thebug - March 24 - 11:56 am

  I purchased my Solara convertible, black with dark gray leather, 9/5/05. I didnt realize it, but nicely equiped and priced convertibles are hard to find. It was truly worth the wait. I looked at all the other available convertibles in this price range, and this one is by far the best. Just reached 1000 miles (mostly open top), and I have absolutely no complaints. The ride is smooth, quiet (for a convertible), and responsive. A true head turner, and many have stopped to talk and take a look. Some have mentioned the poor rear view, but its not an issue for me, my other cars have high rear ends also, so Ive become accustomed to side mirror driving. I really love this car.

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  I LOVE THIS FABULOUS CAR! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By 2005 Toyota Solara - March 13 - 3:36 am

  Although I also own a 1998 740IL BMW, I find myself driving my Toyota Camry SLE Convertible more than my BMW! Its fun to drive, I especially love the easy to use GPS, and the convertible top is so easy and quick to use. Its surprising solid.....and Im a European car snob. Before this Toyota, I had only owned BMWs. After owning this car, I plan on sticking with the Japanese cars from now on!

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  Solara Convertible - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By grogers - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Terrific vehicle - Lexus like build quality at a Toyota price. Havent driven the new Chrysler, but if want a convertible and need more than 2 seats, this baby is tough to beat!

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  Reliability and Performance - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By 6benzene6 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The body style of the car including the interior makes it a special addition to Toyotas fleet. Performance: very responsive both acceleration/deceleration. A true winner.

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  Love this car! - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By princess7093 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This was not my first choice for a car. I was set on a Passat or an Audi A4. On a trip to toyota for a friend I saw it and decided to test drive it. It is a great car! The ride is especially smooth and the acceleration is a lot of fun. I am not sorry that I got my Solara. Expect the always excellent quality typical of Toyotas.

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  We love our Solara SE - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Shu - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Its the best car we ever have and we like it so much. I believe its the best buy for the money.

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  Why I enjoy my Solara Convertible. - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By fostercrew - February 10 - 5:26 pm

  Very enjoyable car for the price.Weve had four seasons of fun.Seating for four adults in comfort.The Solara also has a very sure footed ride. Some convertible blind spots to be expected.But pound for pound Toyota got it right once again.This is my sixth Toyota product and yes I would buy this car again.