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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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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Many annoying defects - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
By CBB - June 27 - 4:36 pmI have had a significant number of problems with my Solara (none involving the engine, thankfully), including significant rattling in the dashboard (6 repairs, and counting), rattling/loose passenger window, whistling of the door seals at highway speeds, defective tire pressure indicator, defective rocker (retracting) mechanism in sunroof, defective driving lights, etc. Very shocking, given Toyotas reputation for reliability.
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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.
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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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Over all break even - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
By nufdude - June 1 - 10:00 amOver all break even.. Has good performance but in occassions the power lacks.. (v6-200hp engine). Fuel mileage is low comparatively.. stylish look so breaks even..
