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:
Showing 341 through 350 of 1,098.00-
Review - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By jp10 - February 1 - 2:00 amThis car has nice features and it is fun to drive. I would suggest it to anyone looking for a new car. The backseat has plenty of room. The trunk is also roomy.
-
Toyota Solara Convertible - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By Linda - January 27 - 1:46 amGreat car... super gas mileage... fun to drive... very comfortable car for four people... can get two sets of golf clubs plus luggage in the trunk for beach weekend.
-
Awesome for the Money - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By G.C. Sekaran - January 26 - 12:16 pmThis is a great car for the money. It is spacious and and the leather seats are comfortable. The 6 Disc CD system is great. Im very happy with it. I dont know why people are complaining about the looks? Im glad I chose this over the cramped 2 seat roadsters. I can go long distance without having to sacrifice luggage.
-
GREAT CAR - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By ARRA - January 25 - 2:00 amEXCELLENT CAR FUN TO DRIVE EXCELLENT MOTOR VERY FAST CAR. GREAT LOOKIN CAR WILL GET UO AND GO.
-
Green 99 SLE - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
By 99SLE - January 21 - 10:00 amI spent the first two years explaining I wasnt driving a Lexus (SC) to friends who insisted it reminded them of one. This car excels at highway driving. I seem to take a lot of 3-5 hour interstate trips, and this is the best car Ive ever driven for them. Only regret: I drive it too much.
-
Solara Boy - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
By vyker - January 18 - 10:00 amI had a Nissan Xterra before, and at the time needed a 4x4 vehicle. After moving though the ride was stale. I decided to upgrade to the Solara Coupe. Most solid Coupe I have owned so far (previous Camaro and a Monte Carlo). I probably paid too much for the car, but I have no complaints driving everyday.
-
Great Convertible - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
By Solara Driver - December 27 - 4:50 pmI hunted high and low for a red one. I finally found it and I love it. This car gets lots of looks. It is comfortable, peppy and looks great. Plus it has real, usable back seat for my kids or adults. It has a back as big my Accord or even bigger.
-
A great looking car! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
By Stephen - December 21 - 5:23 pmThis car has everything someone who needs space, but wants a sporty look, could want. Assume it is a great car, except for the following: 1.What really bugs me is that the transmission balks on re-acceleration after slowing down to about 6 m.p.h. (say you are slowing for a traffic light and it turns green just before you get there.) It jerks forward when you apply the gas in this situation. There is no way to avoid this without slowing traffic behind you while you gingerly nurse the gas pedal. 2. Forget trying to back out of a driveway with confidence. The beautiful lines that we love to look at from the outside hamper the visibilty from the inside - back and sides.
-
My Solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By sdb1rd - December 19 - 1:53 pmMy Solara really surprised me the first time I had to rapidly accelerate. It took my breath away and the handling is by far one of the best cars I have ever driven. The comfort zone is remarkable. My friends thought it was a small car until we compared it to a Chevy Impala. Toyota hit a home run with this car. The exterior is beautiful with the rakish looking healight assembly and the grill. It is just a flat out fun car to drive or just ride in.
-
My Solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By sdb1rd - December 19 - 1:20 pmMy Solara really surprised me the first time I had to rapidly accelerate. It took my breath away and the handling is by far one of the best cars I have ever driven. The comfort zone is remarkable. My friends thought it was a small car until we compared it to a Chevy Impala. Toyota hit a home run with this car. The exterior is beautiful with the rakish looking healight assembly and the grill. It is just a flat out fun car to drive or just ride in.
